Construction Accidents in New York City. New York City is known as “the city that never sleeps,” which also holds true in New York’s construction industry. Construction, renovation, demolition and other projects are continuous and ongoing throughout the City. The workers employed on these job sites are routinely exposed to a broad array of dangers, and all too often they suffer grievous injuries as a result of negligence, hazardous conditions, inadequate safety devices, defective equipment and violations of laws and regulations, such as New York’s Labor Law and its Industrial Code.
According to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), in 2020 there were 484 construction-related accidents, 502 construction-related injuries, and 8 construction-related fatalities in the five boroughs (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island). The top three construction accident causes were fall accidents (46.15%), followed by “Other Construction Related” (43.59%), and material failure causing a fall (7.69%).
The Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents in NYC
Here is a list of the most causes of accidents and deaths on New York City construction sites.
- Falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs; and/or lack of fall protection
- Struck by falling / non-secure materials or debris
- Electrocution
- Trips and falls
- Injuries from building materials due to lack of protection (such as hard hats, eye protection, etc.,)
- Caught in or between objects
Violations or Negligence in the Workplace Can Cause Construction Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can be called by an employee to request an inspection if the worker suspects that violations or negligence is happening on the construction site. In 2020, OSHA reported that the top 10 most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites were:
- Fall Protection
- Hazard Communication
- Respiratory Protection
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
- Control of hazardous energy
- Powered Industrial Trucks
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements
- Eye and Face Protection
- Machinery and Machine Guarding
When a construction accident happens, the extent of injuries can range from mild to extensive to fatal. Navigating through a construction accident can be tricky because of the many people who may be involved – building owners, general contractors, construction companies, and third parties – and should be handled by expert construction accident lawyers.
Our New York City personal injury law firm has earned a national reputation of representing people injured in construction and workplace accidents. If you, or a loved one, has been involved in a construction accident, contact our attorneys to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options. Call (212) 618-6800 or contact us online.