A construction worker suffered minor injuries after collapsing at a construction site in Manhattan yesterday morning. The man was in a hard to reach area of a construction site located at 348 West 14th Street, downtown Manhattan. The accident occurred around 9:00 am. Because of concerns about the stability of the building, firefighters had to use a tower ladder to get access to the worker and to remove him from the location where he passed out. The worker was then transported to the hospital. So far, the exact causes of the accident are unknown. However above average temperatures may have been a factor. (read more in the NY Daily News)
Every summer in America, thousands of construction workers are becoming ill because of the heat. Some even die. Here are a few guidelines that employers should make sure to follow if they want to prevent their workers from getting ill when the temperature rises:
- New and temporary workers should always be closely monitored when starting to work during warm weather as they are the most affected by heat illnesses. Heat illnesses often occur during the first 3 days of work in the heat. One third of the fatal accidents related to heat occur on the first day of work in the heat.
- Make sure workers drink water every 15 to 20 minutes
- Provide a shady or air-conditioned rest area and encourage workers to use it regularly.
- Provide workers with protective equipment and protective clothes.
- Become familiar with heat related illnesses and make sure to recognize symptoms fast. Share your knowledge with your employees.
- Use the OSHA Heat Safety Tool App to calculate the Heat Index on your work site and take appropriate measures to protect workers.
- Make sure to have an emergency plan in case a worker suffers from a heat injury or heat stroke.
For more info on worker safety during the warm summer days read this recent OSHA blog
Picture of the location of the accident, courtesy of Google Map