Insight

Wearing a Hard Hat Significantly Reduces Risk of Injury, Death on NYC Construction Sites

Construction Injury Prevention From Hard Hats
MM

Michele Mirman

December 9, 2019 08:00 AM

For the last century, hard hats have been a staple on construction sites across New York City. For good reason. Working in construction comes with a lot of risks. In fact, the construction industry is considered to be “one of the most dangerous occupations” a person can have.

That’s particularly true in New York City, where it seems like something on every corner is being renovated or built. In 2018, there were 761 reported construction accidents in NYC, 20 of which were fatal.

Why is it so dangerous to work on a construction site in New York? There are a lot of moving parts. There might be several laborers of various trades working on a site at one given time. That can create a safety nightmare, even when owners and general contractors take care to follow safety regulations and implement all necessary safety precautions.

Accidents can happen. A tool can slip out of someone’s hand as they’re working on elevated scaffolding. Materials can pile up and create a tripping hazard. Heavy machinery can malfunction.

There would probably be a lot more construction accident injuries if construction workers weren’t required to wear hard hats.

Nearly 10 Percent of Workplace Accidents Affect the Brain

Statistics show that traumatic brain injuries account for 9percent of all workplace accident injuries. One study found that, in the eight-year period spanning from 2003 to 2010, 2,210 construction workers were killed after suffering a brain injury on the job.

Traumatic brain injuries can happen when a construction worker suffers an open or closed head injury.

A closed head injury typically happens when workers suffer blunt-force trauma to the head. The force of impactperhaps from a fall or being struck by a falling objectcauses the brain to move around inside the skull. When the brain makes contact with the hard bone, it can get damaged or destroyed.

An open head injury occurs when the skull, that typically protects the brain, is fractured or pierced. This might happen if a construction worker takes a nail in the head or is struck by a sharp falling object. The object passes through the skull and causes direct damage to the brain.

Wearing a hard hat can significantly reduce the risk of suffering a head and/or brain injury. Hard hats have a simple design. There’s a hard outer shellusually made of plastic or fiberglassand an internal suspension system. The outer shell sits a few inches above the head.

When a construction worker is struck by a falling object, the object strikes the hard hat, rather than the skull. The suspension system allows the shell to move toward the head while simultaneously absorbing and deflecting the force of impact. A construction worker may still sustain a relatively minor head injury. However, the injury will generally be much less severe than it could’ve been had the worker not been wearing the safety gear.

Redesigning Hard Hats to Protect Workers From Fall-Related Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death on construction sites. Many fall-related deaths involve elevated falls. Traditional hard hats aren’t really designed to protect construction workers in these situations. However, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that’s changing.

G. Scott Earnest, of the NIOSH, explains that hard hats are being redesigned. These next-generation hard hats “are a lot more like a helmet a mountain climber might wear, or a hockey player, or a kid on a bicycle.”

Bullard, the first company to ever design and sell a hard hat, will soon begin to roll out its newest design. The new hard hat will feature foam padding and integrated chin straps. These new hard hats are “similar to helmets, but designed for industrial workers, and with their input.”

Bullard and safety officials hope that the new design will help to cut down on the number of fall-related construction accident deaths in New York and across the country. Soon, when a worker falls, their helmet might be able to better protect them from devastating brain injuries and other trauma that is often fatal.

Construction Workers, Families May Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Work-Related Injuries

Hard hats can save lives and minimize the injuries a worker might sustain in a construction site accident. However, even redesigned hard hats can’t guarantee that workers will never get hurt on the job. Fortunately, construction workers in NYC can file a claim to recover monetary benefits from their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.

These benefits are available regardless of who shares fault or responsibility for an accident. Injured workers can get much-needed compensation to cover medical bills and make up for lost wages while they’re out of work. In exchange for receiving relatively-prompt benefit payments, employers can generally avoid time-consuming and expensive lawsuits.

About the Author: Michele Mirman is an award-winning personal injury lawyer and founder of Mirman, Markovits & Landau, PC, a New York-based personal injury law firm. She has over 40 years of experience and has secured over $1 billion in awards and settlements for her clients.

Related Articles

Out of the Sky: What Construction Workers Can Do if Injured on the Job


by Justin Smulison

Construction zones with unsafe working conditions have long been the sites of injuries for workers. The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. fights for victims in New York City and Long Island.

Advice for Injured Construction Workers

Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Alabama? Failing to Yield the Right of Way


by Mitchel Lattof

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Shards of car glass on the street

How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident


by Craig D. Rosenbaum

Receiving medical attention after a car accident can be expensive. One personal injury lawyer details the steps to take when seeking medical attention after the accident.

Car Accident

A Potentially Precedent-Shifting Verdict


by Sean Stonefield

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving one of the highest pain-and-suffering awards in New York State history.

Benedict Morelli

Overcoming Obstacles


by Sean Stonefield

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy is on track for its most successful year.

Block O'Toole & Murphy

The Winning Edge


by Justin Smulison

In its 40th year, Frantz Law Group finalized history-making settlements for clients in California and nationally.

Frantz Law Group

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Police Brutality?


by Edson Legal and Grillo Law

Two Toronto firms, one focusing on police brutality and the other on personal injury, give advice on what are the next steps you should take if you find yourself the victim of police brutality or abuse.

What Can You Do If You Are a Victim of Police

Trial Law Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Daniel Sciano Best Lawyers 2020

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

Why Expert Help Is Essential After a Car Accident


by Ted Lorenz

An Attorney Can Help Investigate After an Accident

A Legal Expert Can Help After A Car Accident

Teamwork and Strategy


by Justin Smulison

In 2018, Block O'Toole & Murphy continued to secure multimillion-dollar results for injured victims and workers.

Block O'Toole & Murphy Gets Results

In the News: Georgia


by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Colorado lawyers and law firms.

In the News Georgia 2018

Your Fault or My Fault, It All Goes Through No-Fault


by Michael L. Taub

The No-Fault System, which helps victims receive payment for accident-related medical bills, does not always regard minor accidents on court dockets.

Man at steering wheel leaning forward grasping sore neck

IN PARTNERSHIP

Mastering the Art of Trial Practice


by John Fields

With its billion-dollar track record, Morelli Law Firm has earned a reputation as one of the country's most successful trial firms.

Morelli and team at table in office with windows

IN PARTNERSHIP

Salvi & Maher, LLP: Illinois and Wisconsin's Personal Injury Firm


by Justin Smulison

For more than 35 years, Salvi & Maher LLP has defended their clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin in various areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and trucking litigation.

Skyline of Chicago with green river and blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Emroch & Kilduff: Virginia's Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Attorneys


by Emroch & Kilduff

For over 40 years, the award-winning Virginia-based firm Emroch & Kilduff has worked to represent their personal injury clients in both state and federal courts.

Skyline with water and bridge on blue background

Trending Articles

The Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in New Zealand 2024 awards include an elite field of top lawyers and law firms.

Auckland, New Zealand Skyline at twilight

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Presenting The Best Lawyers in Singapore™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers offers the most prestigious awards for lawyers and law firms in Singapore for 2024.

Singapore skyline at night

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

We are proud to present the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers awards for Japan which include the top lawyers and law firms in the country.

Mt. Fuji in the background with fall leaves and structure in front

IN PARTNERSHIP

Paulson & Nace, PLLC: A Pioneer in Personal Injury Law


by Best Lawyers

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, Paulson & Nace, PLLC, a Washington D.C., Maryland and West Virginia-based personal injury firm, has always led with compassion first. Here are some key insights from the firm on how to go about filing a personal injury claim.

Group of lawyers meet around a conference table

Could Reign Supreme End with the Queen?


by Sara Collin

Canada is revisiting the notion of abolishing the monarchy after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, but many Canadians and lawmakers are questioning if Canada could, should and would follow through.

Teacup on saucer over image of Queen's eye

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from Australia.

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers proudly announces lawyers recognized in South Africa for 2023.

South African flag

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Germany™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from Germany.

Black, red and yellow stripes

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

Famous Songs Unprotected by Copyright Could Mean Royalties for Some


by Michael B. Fein

A guide to navigating copyright claims on famous songs.

Can I Sing "Happy Birthday" in Public?

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ is entering its 17th edition for 2023. We highlight the elite lawyers awarded this year.

Red map of Canada with white lines and dots