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I work for a subcontractor, who is responsible for a safe work site?

I work for a subcontractor, who is responsible for a safe work site?

Construction sites are dangerous places. There are big machines, power tools, elevated workspaces holes and heavy loads. However, the biggest danger at a worksite may be the large number of contractors and subcontractors needed to complete a job.

A large construction project may require general contractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, glaziers, plasterers, masons, insulation installers, ironworkers, sheet metal workers, laborers, masons, painters, landscapers, and welders. Each contractor is responsible for certain tasks, but who is responsible for safety?

OSHA safety and health regulations apply to all contractors at a worksite and each of these contractors has a duty to help maintain overall site safety.

The controlling contractor is responsible for providing a safe work site for all workers, even subcontractors. But, subcontractors are responsible for doing their work safely without posing a hazard to others. This means that if a worker at a construction site is injured, there are several parties that may be found responsible for the injury. This may include:

  • The general contractor or construction manager responsible for day-to-day operations
  • The contractor or subcontractor who created the hazard
  • A contractor or subcontractor who was responsible for correcting the hazard

Workers’ compensation law prevents NJ and PA workers from suing an employer. However, it is possible to file a third-party lawsuit against anyone else who contributed to your injury. If you are injured while working at a construction site, call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our construction accident attorneys will investigate your injury at determine who is at fault and whether you have a third-party claim.