Construction Accident Falls: Elevator Shaft Accidents

Working on all types of construction sites puts employees at risk for injuries, but when working in the area of an open elevator shaft, workers are at risk for additional injuries and causes of fatalities. Nearly 50% of all fatalities from elevator shaft accidents are a result of employees falling in; but other common causes of injury or death involve the elevator ocollapsing or are a result of handling equipment used to work on the elevators.

Common Construction Conditions Resulting in Elevator Shaft Accidents

• Unprotected elevator shafts of 6 feet or more - unprotected meaning there is no guardrails in place, no safety net system, and/or employees are not wearing a personal arrest system.
• Employees are not adequately trained on safety procedures for operating elevator equipment or avoiding construction accidents around elevator shafts.
• No emergency response plan in place.

　
Unsafe Work Environment on Construction Sites

If the contractor you work for, owner of the land you're working on or other employers are not providing you with a safe work environment and you get injured on the job, then you can file a workers' compensation claim. If you are involved in a construction accident fall from working on an elevator shaft, contact a NY construction accident attorney for assistance filing your claim.