How materials figure in construction accidents

In their May 17th SmartBrief for Civil Engineers ASCE referenced Structure magazine’s publication which indicated “each year, American construction workers sustain approximately two hundred thousand injuries that are serious enough to cost them at least one day of work. This number leads all fields of endeavor, representing almost ten percent of all workplace injuries. In examining these accidents and their frequency, most studies look to the mechanism of the occurrence, most prominently the fatal four: falls from heights, strikes from objects, being crushed between objects, and electrical shocks. Combined, these types of accidents cause six of every ten fatal construction workplace accidents. Less frequently considered are the materials involved in construction accidents…Perhaps most prominent among this category of objects is the most ubiquitous on any construction site: tools. Although not always considered in the category of “materials,” tools are involved in many construction accidents, especially when the term is used to encompass devices such as forklifts and man lifts. However, even setting those aside, as well as elevation devices such as ladders and scaffolds, construction equipment – ranging from hand tools, such as pipe wrenches, nail guns, and welding torches, to large, stationary equipment, such as table saws and pipe threaders – cause thousands of injuries each year”.

Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as an OSHA certified Forensic Engineering consultant, and as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has helped to facilitate discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety in both industry and construction. As a licensed Professional Engineer, State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and OSHA certified professional, Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to consult on site safety and incident investigation matters. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with business owners, operations managers, property managers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, and other related parties regarding site safety issues. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.

2022 NYC Construction Codes

On May 12th The NYC Department of Buildings Building News Update publication reported that “DOB issued a new Buildings Bulletin clarifying the applicability of the 2014 and 2022 Construction Codes for new buildings, alterations, and partial and full demolitions, including the applicable provisions of BC Chapter 33 (Safeguards During Construction or Demolition)…As per Local Law 126 of 2021, the 2022 NYC Construction Codes are scheduled to go into effect on November 7th, 2022”.

Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of ongoing building code, industry safety updates, and similar regulatory changes so that we can incorporate same into our designs and inform our clientele of such new regulations which might affect their properties and projects. Firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, maintains his certification as a NYS Code Enforcement Official to ensure same. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.