According to Citi Bike, there have been about 100 accidents involving the blue rental bikes, with about one quarter of them requiring a trip to an emergency room. In short, the bike share program has not boosted traffic fatality stats as once feared. And this remarkable safety record is not unique to New York City.

A piece in the Washington Post speculated that more bikes on the streets of Washington, D.C., might actually make streets safer and prevent bicycle accidents. The presence of bicycles forces motorists to drive more carefully.

Bicycle fatalities in New York have remained relatively constant in the past 20 years, with between twenty and thirty people each year dying as a result of bicycle accidents. However, injuries from bike accidents have declined, probably because more riders wear helmets. 

The good news about the shared bike program in New York City could change. Bicycle riders and drivers of motor vehicles could become more careless. Maintenance issues with Citi Bike could make the brental bikes less safe.  But for now, New York City is and increasingly bike-friendly place, one that is apparently safer than predicted. 

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Common Causes of Construction Accidents

There are countless unsafe practices and conditions that can lead to construction site accidents and injuries, but listed below are some of the most common:

• Lack of safety training for workers
• Failure to wear proper safety equipment (such as helmets and safety harnesses)
• Failure to create an accident prevention program
• Failure to enforce safety practices
• Failure to provide appropriate safety equipment
• Employers and site supervisors trying to meet timing deadlines and imposing unsafe conditions on workers to accomplish this
• Construction equipment malfunction or failure
• Improper maintenance of tools and materials
• Equipment design or manufacturing defects
• Equipment left on the ground instead of being stored correctly (creates a trip and fall hazard)
• Poor construction site management
• Insufficient construction planning
• Falling debris or dropped objects striking workers below
• Holes in flooring
• Trench cave in
• Improper scaffolding construction
• Accidental exposure to harmful chemicals
• Improper use of explosive devices

Although it is virtually impossible for any construction site to be completely free of health and safety risks due to the nature of the industry, employers have an obligation to follow safety regulations and reduce workplace hazards to the greatest extent possible. In some cases, safety rules are ignored in order to maximize profits, often with tragic results. Construction workers should be trained to recognize hazards, as well as how to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury before an accident occurs. One mistake can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, so safety should be the top priority on every job site.

Speak to a New York Construction Attorney Today!

If you or a family member is the victim of a serious construction accident, the attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP will investigate the causes of the accident and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. Fill out a case evaluation form for free legal advice from an experienced attorney.

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