New York City is famously known as “the city that never sleeps,” a sentiment that rings especially true in the local construction industry. From the towering heights of Manhattan to the expanding residential projects in Queens, construction, renovation, and demolition are continuous. However, this progress comes at a steep price. Workers on these sites are routinely exposed to a broad array of dangers, and all too often, they suffer grievous injuries due to negligence, hazardous conditions, and violations of New York’s Labor Law and Industrial Code.
The Reality of High-Rise Construction in NYC
When looking at the history of our skyline, people often wonder about the human cost of these iconic structures. For instance, how many people died building the Chrysler Building? Remarkably, official records show that no workers died during its construction, a feat attributed to strict safety oversight at the time. This contrasts with the broader question of how many people died building New York skyscrapers in general, where historical data suggests that during the early 20th century, the “law of averages” tragically expected one death for every floor built in some projects.
Current Statistics and Risks
According to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), in 2020 there were 484 construction-related accidents and 502 injuries in the five boroughs. Understanding what are the main causes of accidents in construction is vital for prevention. Data shows that fatal accidents in construction are most often the result of the “Fatal Four”: falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, and “caught-in/between” hazards. In NYC, fall accidents remain the leading cause of death at 46.15%.
5 of the Most Common Workplace Injuries in New York State
Construction workers are not the only ones at risk. Across the board, these are 5 of the most common workplace injuries in New York State:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often resulting from falls or being struck by debris.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Common in falls from heights or scaffolding collapses.
- Crush Injuries: Occurring when workers are caught between heavy machinery.
- Amputations and Lacerations: Often caused by defective power tools.
- Respiratory Illnesses: From inadequate protection against hazardous energy and dust.
The Most Common Construction Site Injuries in NYC and How to Prevent Them
Safety protocols are not suggestions—they are legal requirements. To reduce the most common construction site injuries in NYC and how to prevent them, contractors must:
- Prevent Falls: Use guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
- Ensure Proper Training: Education on ladder safety and scaffolding is mandatory.
- Maintain Equipment: Defective machinery must be tagged and removed immediately.
- Provide PPE: Hard hats, eye protection, and respirators must be readily available.
A tragic example of failing these protocols is a Queens construction injury due to lack of safety harness. In such cases, the New York Labor Law Section 240 (The Scaffold Law) provides strong protection for workers, holding owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related accidents.
Specialized Risks: Railroad and Transit Workers
Negligence isn’t limited to the construction site itself. We frequently see railroad worker on-the-job motor vehicle accidents in NY. These workers, often protected under FELA, may suffer injuries while being transported between job sites or while working near tracks where vehicular traffic is present. Whether it’s a collision with a commercial truck or a maintenance vehicle, these automobile accidents require specialized legal expertise.
Violations and OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the primary watchdog for site safety. In 2020, the top 10 most frequently cited standards included:
- Fall Protection & Training Requirements
- Scaffolding and Ladders
- Hazard Communication & Respiratory Protection
- Eye, Face, and Machinery Guarding
Why You Need Expert Legal Representation
Navigating a construction accident claim can be tricky due to the multiple parties involved—building owners, general contractors, and third-party equipment manufacturers.
Our New York City personal injury law firm has earned a national reputation for representing those injured in workplace accidents. If you or a loved one has been a victim of negligence, contact our attorneys to schedule a consultation.
Call (212) 618-6800 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.
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