Basic steps to take after a construction accident

Construction sites contribute to a significant amount of workplace injuries. Heavy machinery and the risk of falling make construction one of the most dangerous jobs in New York.

See below for basic information about what to do after a construction accident. Acting fast and having a proactive plan might save a life or improve the likelihood of a full recovery.

Call 911 for serious accidents

The first step is to call 911. If you cannot make the call, ask a coworker. Do not try to tough out the injury. Your health should be the priority, not finishing the workday. Sometimes, injuries do not become evident until later. You should always seek medical treatment for all blows to the head, back or neck, even if you do not feel any pain.

Report to your supervisor

Report the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible. According to New York State’s website, your employer cannot take retaliatory action against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim or reporting the accident. However, your employer has the right to fill your position for business reasons.

Report unsafe conditions

If unsafe conditions caused the accident, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) recommends you call 311 and report it. The DOB website says they will not ask about your immigration status.

Gather information

Document as much as you can from the scene. If you are too injured to take down information, ask a coworker to help. Take any pictures of unsafe conditions.

Construction accidents can be devastating. Do not delay medical treatment, even if you believe the injury was not serious.