Black Market OSHA Safety Training Cards Put New York Construction Workers at Risk
The dangers faced by New York construction workers are staggering, with the death toll on the rise in recent years. In September, The New York Times reported that eight construction workers had died so far in 2017, and 12 workers died in 2016. But now the construction field faces a new level of peril that could potentially increase the death toll: counterfeit Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training cards.
In order to safeguard New York work sites, construction workers are required to take the 10-hour safety training program set forth by OSHA. The program covers the following areas that are absolutely crucial for construction workers:
- Fall Hazards in Construction
- Electrical Hazards in Construction
- Struck By Hazards in Construction
- Caught-In-Between Hazards in Construction
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Hazard Communication, Health Hazards, and Silica
- A two hour elective
Workers who cut corners put others as risk
The training typically costs anywhere from $140 to $300. However, some workers have found a way to bypass the course by purchasing fake cards indicating that they had graduated from the program. An undercover investigation conducted by NBC 4′ New York I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga revealed the shocking details of this black market commodity. For only $60, construction workers have been able to purchase a card with indistinguishable features from the authentic OSHA safety training card.
Construction site deaths linked to fake safety training cards recently caught the attention of Mark Peters, commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). In a statement, Peters said, “The fatalities were related to things that you would know to be careful of if you had proper safety training.”
Some workers cited loss of work time and pay as the primary reason for purchasing the fake cards. But in conjunction with the Manhattan Construction Task Force, the DOI and Manhattan district attorney’s office are urging workers to trade in their counterfeit cards for a waiver on the cost of the course. Peters stated, “We’ll give you the 10 hours of training. We’ll give it to you for free, and then you can have a legitimate card.”
The risks outweigh the benefits
The stakes are high for construction companies and their workers, and far too many workers – as well as bystanders – sustain injuries due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why it is important that all construction workers undergo the proper safety training as required by law. When it comes to construction work, safety should be the number one priority. Construction companies and workers who ignore crucial safety procedures should be held accountable.
Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP can help injured workers and their families. We proudly serve New York and will stop at nothing in the pursuit of justice. Call 866-840-6709 or visit us online and complete the free case consultation form.