The Significant Risk of Injury in Cold Weather
Though the volume of outdoor construction goes down in New Jersey’s sub-freezing winter temperatures, it doesn’t stop. For those workers who stay on the job year-round, there are additional hazards posed by working on a construction site in the winter:
- Snow and ice—Falls from heights are the single most frequent cause of injury on residential and commercial construction sites, including falls from rooves, ladders, scaffolding, heavy equipment, and upper levels of construction. When there’s snow, ice, or freezing rain, workers may be particularly susceptible to falls, as traction becomes difficult.
- Motor vehicle accidents—Snow and ice can turn a construction site into a mud pit or skating pond, which can affect braking and make it difficult for large construction vehicles to get traction.
- Exposure injuries—The combination of wind and humidity can quickly turn near-freezing temperature to arctic blasts, driving down skin and body temperatures and putting workers at risk of frostbite or hypothermia (where your temperature falls below 95 degrees).
- Risks of electrocution—Snow and ice can bring power lines down and increase the risk of exposure to live wires or electrical current.
If you’re injured in a construction site accident in the winter in New Jersey, you have a right to seek benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation law. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court, if you can show that your injuries were caused in part or in whole by someone other than your employer or a coworker.
Contact the Law Office of Howard D. Popper
At the Law Offices of Howard D. Popper, we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after a construction site injury in snowy or icy conditions, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton. Currently, all our client communications are by phone, text message, and videoconference.
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