Regardless of their position or industry, all employees have the right to safe working conditions. Because construction sites present several unique hazards, reporting any neglect of safety guidelines is an important way to prevent serious injuries or death. Here are three ways you can notify authorities if you observe unsafe working conditions on a New York construction site.
Contact the Department of Buildings by Phone
Construction sites may present a variety of safety violations, including a lack of adequate fencing or netting, fallen debris, or debris that is in danger of falling. Safety violations increase the risk of construction accidents and can put workers at immediate risk of serious injury, so they should be reported as soon as possible. Both workers and members of the public can immediately report an unsafe construction site to the New York City Department of Buildings by calling 311.
Contact the Department of Buildings Online
Some construction site safety violations are less apparent but should nevertheless be reported. These include construction sites that perform work without a permit, without following approved plans, or on weekends or weekdays between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Workers and members of the public can report such violations to the New York City Department of Buildings online.
File a Report with OSHA
Construction site safety violations can also be reported to the federal government through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As a worker, you have the right to contact OSHA online or by mail to report violations and request workplace safety inspections. You can also immediately report emergency conditions by calling OSHA at 1-800-321-6742. If you include your name and contact information in your report, OSHA will not reveal your identity to your employer.
Construction site safety violations increase the chances of workplace accidents, serious injuries to workers and members of the public, and even wrongful death. Our team at Leav & Steinberg LLP has a proven record of results in cases of New York City construction accidents and labor law violations. To learn more or to request a free consultation, call us today at 212-766-5222.
