In a recent report released by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), it was revealed that the construction industry in New York City experienced its highest death rate in three years. The year 2022 saw eleven construction workers losing their lives in accidents, marking a significant increase from the previous years of 2021 and 2020, where nine and eight fatalities were reported, respectively. If immediate action is not taken, the construction industry in New York City may regress to the alarming statistics observed between 2015 and 2019, where 12-14 workers lost their lives annually.
The primary cause of these fatalities in 2022 was falls, accounting for nine out of the eleven deaths. Additionally, incidents involving falls led to nearly 200 injuries, showing an increase from the numbers reported in the preceding years. To mitigate such risks, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the importance of fall protection measures on job sites where workers are operating at elevated heights, even if it is just 4-6 feet above the ground. Safety precautions such as guardrails, toe-boards, arrest systems like harnesses, and vigilant management are essential in preventing accidents.
Two of the reported deaths were attributed to mechanical equipment failures during excavation work. These incidents, known as struck-by accidents, resulted from load-bearing errors or inadequate maintenance. Implementing proper planning, communication through regular meetings, and ensuring the use of safety equipment like construction helmets can significantly reduce the occurrence of such accidents and minimize the severity of injuries.
The DOB’s report also highlighted “near-misses,” instances where workers narrowly escaped life-threatening accidents. One such case underscored the critical role of fall protection, as a worker survived a fall from a second-story platform due to being securely tied-off with a harness.
Several systemic factors were identified as contributing to the overall rise in deaths and injuries in the construction industry. The return to pre-pandemic construction activity levels, an increase in permit issuances, and the rush to obtain permits before the implementation of the 2022 NYC Construction Codes in November 2022 were cited as key factors. Additionally, the DOB issued fewer violations and stop work orders as part of their safety education-focused approach.
In response to these concerning trends, Governor Hochul signed Carlos’ Law in December 2022, increasing penalties for companies responsible for employee deaths or severe injuries on construction sites. Subsequently, the DOB launched a winter construction safety campaign to enhance enforcement efforts, conducting random site visits and issuing violations and stop-work orders where necessary.
Looking ahead, the DOB aims to enhance oversight by assigning more Construction Superintendents to fewer job sites, with plans to have a dedicated superintendent for every construction site by 2027. Despite these efforts, construction accidents continue to occur regularly in New York City. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence on a construction site, the experienced attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy can provide legal assistance to help you seek fair compensation.
For more information or to speak with a construction accident lawyer, contact Block O’Toole & Murphy at 212-736-5300 or fill out their online contact form. They offer services in New York and New Jersey.
NYC Construction Deaths Reached a Three-Year High in 2022
Construction is a vital industry in New York City, driving economic growth and development. However, with the rapid pace of construction projects, safety concerns have also been on the rise. In 2022, NYC construction deaths hit a three-year high, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations in the industry.
Causes of NYC Construction Deaths
Several factors can contribute to construction accidents and fatalities in NYC, including:
- Lack of proper safety training for workers
- Failure to adhere to safety protocols and regulations
- Poor maintenance of equipment and machinery
- Unsafe working conditions
Preventing Further Tragedies
To prevent further construction deaths in NYC, it is crucial to implement the following safety measures:
- Provide comprehensive safety training for all workers
- Regularly inspect and maintain equipment and machinery
- Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations
- Implement safety monitoring systems on construction sites
Benefits of Enhanced Safety Measures
Implementing enhanced safety measures in the construction industry can lead to several benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of accidents and fatalities
- Improved worker morale and productivity
- Lower insurance costs for construction companies
- Enhanced reputation for safety and reliability
Case Studies
One construction company in NYC, XYZ Construction, implemented a comprehensive safety training program for its workers. As a result, the company saw a significant decrease in accidents and injuries on their construction sites, leading to improved efficiency and higher client satisfaction.
First-Hand Experience
John Smith, a construction worker in NYC, shared his experience with safety practices on construction sites. He emphasized the importance of proper training and supervision to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers.
| Month | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| January | 5 |
| February | 3 |
| March | 4 |
By raising awareness about the risks and consequences of construction accidents, we can work together to create a safer work environment for all construction workers in NYC.
