Prevent Construction Accidents During Hurricanes

Hurricane Irene's recent appearance in New York resulted in more attention to the idea of preventing construction accidents during a hurricane. If there isn't one already, construction companies should have a plan in place to deal with severe weather conditions, like a hurricane, to indicate exactly what needs to be done before and after the event to avoid construction accidents.

Before the Hurricane Arrives

As soon as the National Weather Service begins warning the area of a hurricane, work should stop on construction sites in the path of the hurricane so that preparation activities can begin. Building inspectors should visit each construction site to ensure all equipment, scaffolding, ladders and other items have been secured and all loose materials are properly put away, removed from the site, or tied down.

Roof vents, cooling units, and flashings should all be secured. Cranes should either be tied down or moved to a place where they can swing freely in the winds.

After the Hurricane is Over

Once it is safe to go outside again and the hurricane has passed, construction sites should then be checked thoroughly for any damages that could result in safety issues for construction workers returning to the job. Safety inspectors should come in and evaluate the site to ensure there are no hazardous conditions, and ensure all equipment is safe to operate before workers begin using them again to avoid equipment related construction accidents after a hurricane.

Damage and Construction Accidents Minimized


Taking proper precautions both before and after a hurricane will minimize injuries and damages on the construction site. Construction companies cannot ignore extreme weather because if someone is hurt or killed due to negligence, the victim or his or her family can then receive financial compensation for the construction accident with help from a NY construction accident lawyer.




Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

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