New York City Construction Worker Deaths on the Rise

Can you guess what the deadliest job is in New York City? Police officer, subway workers, taxi drivers or sanitation workers?

Wrong! The jobs with the most fatalities and injuries in the City are construction jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Over the last five years, worksite fatalities have increased 33%. Incredibly, worksite injuries have ballooned an amazing 221% over that time period.

In the last month alone, three workers died on the job, including a man killed while working on a Manhattan scaffolding when debris from above fell on him.

Why Have Construction Fatalities Risen?

Some workers allege that contractors underbid jobs and then look to cut corners. One of the first economies they reach for is to hire cheap labor.

Deadline pressures may cause supervisors and workers to take risks that may be avoided with adequate time and the proper equipment.

According to the New York City Department of Buildings, there are about 45,000 active constructive sites in the city – and up to 25% of them are not in compliance with safety regulations. The Department confirmed that they have increased inspector shift lengths to be able to inspect 5,000 sites in a recent two-week period.

Adequate and Relevant Worker Training Is Essential

As part of the safety inspection, worker training cards are examined. Inspectors find counterfeit cards and employers are cited for those violations. When a site inspection exposes workers without proper training, the fine will be $5,000 for the property owner, the contractor and the employer.

New York City construction workers must have 10 hours of safety training. However, by 2020 that amount will rise to 40 hours.

Let Us Know If You Have Been Injured in a Construction Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.