Construction in New York City 鈥� The Big Apple聽鈥� is part of what ranks New York State as the 鈥渃onstruction capital鈥� of the world. Construction sites can be very dangerous putting safety standards enforcement at the highest priority. In fact, the New York State Legislature enacted special labor laws protecting construction workers against related work-site accidents; accidents that can happen suddenly and without any warning. These laws were put into place in attempt to prevent serious, and catastrophic accidents 鈥� thousands occur yearly 鈥� injuring and killing workers across New York State.

The New York鈥檚 strict labor laws are clear where liabilities rest. Safety violations fault is absolute, lying on general contractors 鈥� project owners 鈥� associated agents, site owners and property owners.聽New York City鈥檚 Department of Buildings聽keeps detailed data and publishes annual reports providing the number of, and types of accidents 鈥� excavation/soil work, material falls, mechanical construction equipment, scaffold/shed/fence/shoring installation, worker falls, other construction related incidents falling outside aforementioned categories.

Eighty-Foot Fall Kills Builder in New York City聽鈥� The builder had been working on the Midtown Hotel for about a year when he fell 80 feet from a scaffold to his death.

Building and crane collapses in聽New York City聽are unfortunately commonplace, and too often serious injuries or deaths occur. The headlines are horrific.

Horrific Common Construction Worker Headlines

鈥淥ur Workers Don鈥檛 Rest In Peace鈥�

Midtown Building Collapses 鈥� One Dead

Worker Trapped for Hours in NYC Building Collapse

Demolition Worker Killed and One Other Seriously Injured

One Dead, One Injured In Midtown Manhattan Internal Building Collapse

15 Story Crane Topples into Manhattan Street 鈥� One Killed and Three Injured

Worker Dies Falling Down New York Elevator Shaft

Carpenter鈥檚 Safety Gear Failure Cause 15-Foot Fall

Building Collapses During Demolition 鈥� NYC Construction Worker Killed

Not only are constructions workers exposed to worksite dangers, innocent by standers are not immune. Pedestrians are injured once a month, according to the Wall Street Journal鈥檚 analysis of the city Department of Buildings records.

Giant 10 lbs. Drill Bit Catapults 50 Feet Drives Through Double-Planed Thermal Window 鈥� Shards of Glass Cover Gym Member

On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 8:47 a.m. Robin Cocking, a member of the Asphalt Green Gym at 90^th聽Street and York Avenue was covered by glass shards when a 10 lbs. drill bit shot through the gym鈥檚 double-paned windows. Cocking, was treated for minor injuries and was shaken from the incident.

鈥淚 was working out on the fourth floor and I saw something coming through the window,鈥� Cocking said Wednesday afternoon. 鈥淚 thought if it is breaking the glass it has to be heavy and sharp but I don鈥檛 remember reacting. I just remember kneeling in a pool of broken glass.鈥�

Horrific Common Pedestrian Headlines

Plywood Flies Striking and Killing 37-year old Woman in West Village

TriBeCa Crane Collapses Killing Manhattan Man

NYC Crane Collapses Killing One, Seriously Injuring Two

Crane Collapses In Lower Manhattan onto Cars Killing One

Two People Killed in East Village Building Explosion

Building Front Collapses 鈥� Four Injured

Crane Drops 12-Ton Air Conditioning Unit 30 Stories 鈥� 10 People Injured

People assume, even expect construction workers to be injured from time to time, but the thought of innocent bystanders being injured or killed does not seem common. In a congested city, here construction and everyday lives of pedestrians cohabitate, both are subject to the unthinkable.

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Injuries attained from frequent construction accidents 鈥� scaffold falls, heavy equipment accidents, work back injuries, machinery amputations, forklift injuries, ladder accidents, crane accident and falling objects injuries 鈥� happen often.聽聽聽New York City construction accident attorneys, 91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates LLP are passionate advocates for people injured in construction accidents in the New York Metropolitan area. We have the experience to fight for our clients鈥� rights and are always prepared to obtain maximum compensation for you.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

The post Construction Accidents That Are Frequently Seen in New York City appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that鈥檚 used to provide support for materials and work crews as they construct, maintain, and repair buildings and other man-made materials. Scaffolds are most commonly used to gain access to high up areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

What are the hazards of scaffolding?

Various hazards are associated when working on scaffolding. More than half of all scaffolding accidents are fall-related. Why does this happen? Let鈥檚 take a look at the various hazards of scaffolding.

Electrocution

Because scaffolds tend to be elevated the chances of coming in contact with power lines are increased exponentially. Ideally, the distance should be at least 10 feet if the voltage in the wire is less than 50 kV (kilovolts). The distance should be more than 10 feet and 4 inches for every 1 kV over 50 kV.

Bad planking

Sometimes the construction of scaffolding is done poorly. As a result, unsecured or loose planking can cause a worker to slip and fall. Planks have also been known to break when overloaded with too much weight. It鈥檚 important that scaffolds be constructed of high-quality material and thoroughly inspected before use.

Workers should also use safety measures when working on scaffolding. For example, excessive or insufficient overhang will often be used by workers to get to hard to reach places. However, standing on a position that鈥檚 overhanging may cause the plank to tip upward and pitch the worker over the side of the scaffolding.

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Getting struck by falling debris

Working in a construction zone is fraught with danger. Tools, building materials, and general debris are often left lying about the work area for the sake of convenience. If left on scaffolding these items all constitute a significant danger for those working down below.

Guardrails are one of the most essential components of a scaffold. They not only provide an extra barrier of safety for workers, but they also help to prevent building materials, tools, and general debris from tipping over the side and hitting the people working below.

How can scaffolding accidents be prevented?

Scaffolding related聽accidents are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in construction sites. While there are various reasons why this happens, workers can lessen the chances of an accident occurring by taking the proper safety precautions.

Inspect scaffolding before use

Throughout the workday, scaffolding is often loaded down with heavy tools, work material, and people. Even if the weight is well within safety limits, you should always visually inspect scaffolding before every shift.

If you find a part of the scaffold that is dangerous or defective (such as a bad plank), you should immediately replace it before moving forward with the workday. Workers should also ensure that the scaffold is stable to protect themselves from falling.

Clear debris

One of the major dangers of working on scaffolding is falling debris.聽 All construction debris should be immediately cleared away to prevent a potential accident from occurring.

Stay organized

Workers are often loaded down with a wide variety of supplies, work tools, and equipment needed to complete their job. While these items are necessary workers should take extra care to stay neat and organized due to the limited space on scaffolds. Keeping scaffolding free of obstructions will reduce the chances of an accident occurring.

How can construction accidents be prevented?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that one out of every five workplace deaths is a construction worker. While construction holds more risks than other job

Hold crew meetings to discuss meetings on a regular basis

You should never take the safety standards of the workplace for granted. Holding frequent safety meetings will serve to keep workers focused and aware of potential dangers at all times.

Wear protective clothing and gear

To minimize accidents workers should wear the recommended gear and clothing to perform their jobs successfully and safely. For example, goggles, steel-toed boots, and hard hats are commonplace in many construction zones to help keep workers safe.

Workers should also dress appropriately for the weather 鈥� wide-brimmed hats will serve as protection from the sun during the summer while hooded sweatshirts under work vests will help to keep workers warm during the winter.

Exercise extra care around vehicles

Many construction accidents and fatalities often involve vehicles. Practicing skills such as backing up large vehicles, parking, and defensive driving should be practiced on a regular basis to minimize the potential of workplace accidents.

Follow OSHA guidelines to the letter

Sometimes employees and employers alike will ignore OSHA guidelines to complete a job faster. However, doing so will increase the likelihood of an accident occurring which can lead to injury or death. If you observe OSHA violations in the workplace, you should report it to the proper authorities as soon as you can to ensure the safety of all.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Labor

Construction Related Accident Reports

OSHA Common Stats

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Health and Safety

Construction Safety Courses

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The post Construction Site & Scaffolding Accidents appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

The聽construction worker killed on a Brooklyn job聽site last week shines a spotlight on the dangers of construction work, and rightly so. The construction industry accounts for more聽on-the-job deaths聽than any other industry in the United States. 聽In fact, each year about 900 construction workers die 鈥渋n the line of duty,鈥� compared with fewer than 100 firefighters and fewer than 50 police officers. New York City is no exception. The construction industry fatality rate in NYC is 10.9 per 100,000 full-time workers, compared with a 2.2 rate for New York City workers overall. No other industry had a rate in double digits.

Unsafe Working Conditions Lead to Construction Accidents

However, it鈥檚 no coincidence that the largest number of construction-related deaths (359, or 39.9% in 2014) occur as a result of falls, and construction-industry fall protection issues are the leading source of OSHA citations. In fact, two of the three most-cited violations are specific to the construction industry.聽 When construction accidents occur, our聽construction accident lawyers聽can help.

The number of fatalities resulting from construction accidents is unsettling on its own, but of course only a small fraction of construction injuries result in death. Nationwide, construction is one of a handful of industries in which more than 10,000 employees lose work days to work-related injuries each year.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Common Causes of Construction Injuries

In addition to the frequently cited fall protection and scaffolding violations mentioned above, many different types of construction injuries are possible. Some of the most common include:

• Violation of other construction site safety standards
• Foreman or co-worker carelessness
• Faulty equipment
• Electrocution
• Being struck by an object
• Being caught between equipment and structures
• Exposure or overexertion

Liability for Construction Injuries and Deaths

Every construction accident is different. However, in an industry plagued by injuries and accidental deaths and frequently cited for worker safety violations, most serious injuries and deaths occurring on construction sites could have been prevented.

New York State Scaffold Law

Because construction-industry falls are so common and so dangerous, the New York legislature has extended special protections to workers on most construction, demolition and repair sites in the state. This law imposes 鈥渁bsolute liability鈥� on the owner and general contractor when a worker falls.

Absolute liability means that the owner and contractor are legally responsible for the worker鈥檚 injuries whether or not they were actually negligent, and regardless of any contributory fault on the part of the worker.

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Help for People Injured in Construction Accidents

91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates LLP represents people who have sustained construction injuries, and the families of those who have lost their lives in construction accidents. Whether the injury occurred through the negligence of the property owner or contractor, as a result of faulty equipment, or was the result of a fall and thus triggers absolute liability, we can help.

We have won verdicts and negotiated settlements for many victims of construction accidents in the past, including:

• A $1.6 million jury verdict for a laborer who fell from a ladder and was unable to work for 6 months
• A $3.1 million verdict for a laborer who sustained a herniated disc in a fall from a ladder
• $1.3 million for a construction worker who fell through a hole in the scaffolding
• $2.25 million for a carpenter who fell from a ladder and sustained facial and knee fractures

If you鈥檝e been injured or lost a loved one in a construction accident, get the help you need to ensure a fair settlement or fight your case at trial.聽Contact us聽as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We鈥檒l do the work while you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back on your feet.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

The post Most NYC Construction Injuries are Avoidable appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries

If you, or someone you love, has been injured in a scaffold incident, our construction accident attorneys in New York City will help you stand up for your rights.

Our New York labor laws offer protection for construction workers. If an oversight of safety results in a scaffold fall or any other construction site injury, the construction site owner or general contractor can be held liable for the resulting injuries. Safety precautions that should be taken include:

• Safety netting
• Guardrails
• Harnesses
• Safely erected scaffolding
• Properly inspected scaffolding

Different Types of Scaffolding That Could Lead to Scaffold Falls and Injuries

1. Baker or Rolling Scaffolds

To safely operate rolling or baker scaffolds, workers must:

• Not ride rolling scaffolds
• Not attempt to move rolling platforms by pulling on structures or overhead pipes
• Ensure all equipment and material is removed from the platform or secured before the structure is moved
• Apply wheel locks or caster brakes when the platform is stationary

2. Tubular Steel Scaffolding

These scaffolds are far more durable than wooden scaffolding and need to be erected according to the manufacturer鈥檚 recommendations. That means that locking of the platform connections and proper seating is mandatory. Other requirements include:

• Firm footing for each upright
• If a metal plate is provided, it must be supplemented with planking to support loose material
• Lumber should be a minimum of two inches thick
• Footings need to be secured against movement by staking or recessing
• Uprights must be plumb
• If a scaffold is less than 75 feet high, the outside diameter of tubing must be at least 2 inches
• Toe boards should be nailed to platform planks or fastened to uprights with bolts
• Guard rails should be secured to uprights with connectors
• Guard rails must have tubing with a minimum of 11/2 inches on the outside diameter

3. Pole Scaffolds

These are known as heavy trades or light trades. Light trades are typically used by painters, carpenters, and any other trades that don鈥檛 use heavy material loads of the scaffolds. Heavy trades refer to stonemasons, bricklayers, steelworkers, and concrete workers.

Independent scaffolds differ from single pole structures. The latter is only supported on one side by uprights with one end of each ledger carried by the building actually under construction. The single pole scaffolds need to be cross-braced in each direction 鈥� at right angles to the building face and along the face at the building. This should be done at every third to fourth upright.

4. Wood Scaffolding

When working with wood scaffolding:

• All platforms, construction ramps, and scaffolding should be good quality
• There should not be loose or dead knot, splits, checks, knots in groups or any other defects that decrease the strength of the structure
• There should be a minimum of four nails per joint
• All loads should be taken into account, including workmen, the weight of the structure, and building materials
• Adequate footings like planks should be provided
• Cross-bracing should be provided for stability
• Stairs or permanent ladders should be provided
• Ladders should be secured against overturning or slipping
• Overhead protection should be made available if overhead work is being performed
• Guardrails should be provided
• Handrails should be provided

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Scaffolding Has to Be Regularly Inspected to Avoid Injuries and Accidents

Several rules have to be followed in order to maintain any of the above-mentioned scaffolds and keep them in a safe and operable condition. These include:

• Changes of any kind whatsoever may not be made to a scaffold without prior approval
• Excess materials may not be stockpiled on a scaffold at any time
• All platform structures have to be inspected at least on a daily basis by project managers, project engineers or any other person responsible as designated by a job superintendent
• The scaffold structures have to be protected from trucks and vehicles that risk coming into contact with them
• Scaffolds have to be cleared of debris every day. Never leave tools on platforms overnight
• Working platforms on the structures must be free of oil, ice, snow, and other slippery substances before they are used
• Notices regarding the utilization of the structures should be placed where they can be seen and observed

Have You Suffered a Scaffold Fall or Injury In New York?

If you or a loved one endured a scaffold fall or injury, a聽Staten Island construction accident lawyer聽can help. We have successfully handled a range of construction site accident suits and are equipped to help you seek fair compensation for every single loss you suffered.

Our team works tirelessly to prepare every case for trial so that the opposition realize that they need to deal fairly with our clients.

If you or someone you know require assistance seeking compensation for a scaffold incident in New York, contact our personal injury lawyers today. Get in touch聽online聽or via聽(212) 732-2929聽to book your free consultation with us.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

The post Construction Site & Scaffold Accidents Lawyers appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

Electrical injuries and electrocution deaths occur across a range of industries, including manufacturing, mining, utilities and even business and professional services. However, more than half of the workplace electrocution deaths each year occur in the construction industry. Construction workers most at risk for this type of fatal accident include:

• Electricians
• Laborers
• Foremen
• Power-line installers
• Roofers
• HVAC mechanics
• Painters
• Plumbers
• Carpenters

Most Common Causes of Construction Site Electrocution Fatalities

According to a report by the聽Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI)聽based on data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the vast majority of construction-site electrocutions occur as the result of one of the following:

• Contact with overhead power lines (44%)
• Contact with wiring, transformers or other electrical components (27%)
• Contact with the electrical current of a machine, tool, appliance or light fixture (17%)

Other less frequent causes of electrocution death on construction sites included contact with underground power lines and being struck by lightning.

There is some variation in the risk based on the sector of the construction industry. For example, electricians are most likely to be killed by direct contact with wiring or other electrical components, but laborers most often fall victim to contact with overhead power lines.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Negligence in Construction Worker Electrocution Cases

Regardless of the exact event that brought the construction worker in contact with the electrical current, there is a strong possibility that the accident and the worker鈥檚 injury or death were the result of negligence. Different types of negligence may underlie construction site electrocutions, including:

• Negligent design / faulty equipment
• Failure to properly maintain equipment
• Negligent operation by another employee

However, one of the most common, significant and inexcusable reasons that construction workers are killed by electricity is that workplace safety standards are ignored. For example, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) sets forth detailed standards for power line clearance. These standards vary depending on whether the lines are insulated and the voltage of the lines, but are designed to ensure that construction workers do not damage or make accidental contact with power lines, either directly or by touching the lines with equipment.

If you suffered an injury or lost someone you love in a construction accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from the liable party. Our聽Staten Island construction accident lawyers聽can help you seek recovery through a personal injury suit or wrongful death claim.

Talk to an Experienced聽Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction accident cases can be complex. There may be more than one potential defendant, and pursuing some claims may preclude others. The evidence required to prove negligence requires an understanding of industry standards and likely one or more expert witnesses. Working with an experienced law firm like 91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates LLP from the beginning can take the pressure off of you and your family, protect you against innocent mistakes that could harm or entirely derail your claim, and enhance your chances of receiving a fair settlement or verdict.

To discuss your construction injury or construction-related wrongful death case with an experienced personal injury attorney, just call us at聽(212) 732-2929聽or聽fill out our contact form聽to schedule a free consultation.

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The post Construction Site Electrocutions Often Involve Negligence appeared first on New York Personal Injury Lawyers.

There are many causes of construction accidents, and while some of them may seem obvious and are easy to see on a construction site, others may be less obvious. Below are the most common causes of construction injuries.

Falls:聽 This is one of the most common of all construction injuries. As a construction worker, it鈥檚 possible you may fall from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, cranes, and other various heights. You may be able to file a claim for Worker鈥檚 Compensation Benefits and, in some cases, a personal injury lawsuit against a general contractor, subcontractor, or property owner.

Equipment Accidents:

The heavy equipment used on many construction sites could cause you to be injured. A forklift may fail, a nail gun could misfire, or another piece of equipment could malfunction or be used improperly and unsafely by another worker. If it鈥檚 found the equipment that caused your construction injury was dangerous or unsafe, you should discuss your case with a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable in product liability law. Product liability laws are meant to protect you from defective and/or dangerous products.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Falling Objects:

Even if you are equipped with the proper safety equipment you could still receive serious injuries from a falling object. 聽You could suffer a variety of injuries that could include a traumatic brain injury or serious spinal cord injury. There are many moving parts on a construction site and accidents happen. A piece of equipment or tool could fall from just about anywhere causing you to be severely injured.

Motor Vehicles

Each year many construction workers are run over by big trucks that are backing out of a construction site or crushed between a vehicle and concrete wall. Most of these accidents could be avoided if the supervisor wasn鈥檛 neglecting or failing to control the construction site.

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Building or Trench Collapses

Sometimes when a building or trench is being built it may collapse. A building undergoing demolition or construction could collapse killing or severely injuring workers inside the building at the time. 聽Even if the reason for the accident can鈥檛 be positively determined, you may be able to receive monetary compensation without proving who was negligent and how they acted in a negligent manner.

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Heat Stroke, Repetitive Motion Injury and Other Over-exertion

Construction work requires hard physical labor, and if you鈥檙e a construction worker, you may suffer an injury due to overexertion that include:

1. Repetitive motion injury
2. Joint and muscle damage that is caused by overuse
3. Heat Stress: In the summer, working in the heat could lead to brain, kidney, and heart damages. In severe cases, it could lead to death.
4. Frostbite and/or Hypothermia: Working outside in cold temperatures could lead to frostbite or hypothermia causing you to lose fingers, toes, and even parts of your face, such as your nose.

Unsafe Lead Levels

Between 2002 and 2008 construction workers made up 16% of all elevated blood lead concentration cases in the United States. Unsafe lead levels are caused by construction sites and work practices that are unsafe and put you in danger.

Respiratory Diseases

Many construction workers contract pneumoconiosis. Legally, pneumoconiosis is caused by chronic dust disease of the lungs that arise due to your employment.聽 As a construction worker, you may be exposed to asbestos, Coal Worker鈥檚 Black Lung, and Silicosis. If you鈥檝e contracted one of these diseases due to your employment, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturers or suppliers of asbestos, silica, or another product that caused you to be injured.

Common Injuries Due to Construction Injuries:

The very nature of construction work makes it a dangerous profession. Some of the most common injuries you could suffer include:

Burn Injuries

Burns are one of the most common injuries that can occur on a construction site. On many sites, there can be explosions and fires. Additionally, being exposed to dangerous chemicals, exposed electrical wires, and leaky pipes can lead to a wide range of injuries that create the risk of a fire or explosion occurring.

Head Injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI鈥檚) are caused by trauma due to falling objects, tools that are improperly secured, and slip and falls.聽 As a construction worker, you could also suffer a head injury such as a cut, skull fracture, concussion, and others. Your hard hat may provide you with some protection, but brain injuries can cause your entire personality to change or strip you of your ability to do simple everyday tasks.

Spinal Injuries:

As a construction worker, you may suffer a spinal injury due to a fall off a ladder or scaffolding.聽 Spinal injuries could lead to loss of function, partial or full paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries.

Cuts and Lacerations:

Cuts and lacerations are the most common form of construction injury. They can be caused by tools that are improperly or poorly maintained, defective equipment, being exposed to sharp objects, broken glass, debris, or unsecured machinery. Even cuts that may not seem serious could become infected which could cause you serious injury if not treated properly.

Fractured or Broken Bones:

If machinery and other construction site tools aren鈥檛 properly secured, or you haven鈥檛 been properly trained to operate the equipment, you could suffer fractured or broken bones. Depending on how severe your break is, you could end up with a lifelong injury.

Loss of Limb(s):

Heavy objects and/or equipment injures construction workers every year. Various types of equipment could cause you to lose a limb, either as a result of the accident or due to necessary amputation to save your life.

Sensory Loss:

Eyesight and hearing are two of the senses it鈥檚 common for many construction workers to lose due to being subjected to constant loud noises or being exposed to chemicals that may be dangerous. Flying debris or the light from welding tools can have a negative impact on your eyesight. You should always wear the proper protective gear when on your construction site.

Stress Injuries:

Injuries caused by repetitive motions such as bending, lifting, and twisting can, over time, cause loss of function and life-altering implications.

Environmental Conditions:

As a construction worker, you could face working in high heat, or frigid cold temperatures. Frostbite and heatstroke are all common injuries that could lead to heart attack, hypothermia, or other injuries.

Call Our Workplace Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you were injured on a construction site, schedule a free consultation with a聽construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn. We handle work injuries, occupational illnesses, and fatal workplace accident cases throughout New York City.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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