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It is no secret that construction is a dangerous profession – but just how dangerous it is may still come as a surprise. Every year, New York City sees dozens of construction-related deaths, making it one of the industry’s most hazardous cities to work in.
How Many Deaths Occur Each Year in the Construction Industry?
Approximately 1,000 workers are killed in construction-related accidents each year across the country. In one recent year, for example, 1,008 construction workers suffered a fatal injury, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This startling statistic shows that construction is still one of the most dangerous industries in the United States.
New York City’s rate of fatal construction accidents is greater than the national average. While construction deaths account for an average of 21 percent of all worker deaths across the country, construction deaths accounted for 24 percent of worker deaths in New York, according to a report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH).
Trends in Construction-Related Deaths in NYC
The deadliest year for construction workers in New York City in at least a decade occurred in 2022, as 22 workers died while working on construction sites in the five boroughs. The second-most deadly year was 2015, with 20 recorded deaths in the city. This trend highlights the need to improve safety conditions on city construction sites and reduce the number of accidents that can lead to fatalities.
What Are the Leading Causes of Death in Construction Accidents?
Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and tragically, many die each year at work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of construction worker deaths are:
- Falls – Falls are the leading cause of construction worker fatalities, accounting for about 36 percent of such deaths. Workers are at particular risk when on ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or other heights.
- Struck by an Object – Being struck by objects such as tools, equipment, or debris accounts for around 15 percent of construction-related fatalities.
- Electrocution – Contact with electrical currents can lead to severe injury, accounting for 7 percent of construction worker deaths.
- Caught in or between objects – This includes being caught between machinery or equipment or crushed by falling objects or collapsing structures. It accounts for 5 percent of deaths.
- Exposure to hazardous environments – This includes fatalities caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and other inherently dangerous conditions in the workplace.
Who Could Be Liable for a Fatal Construction Accident in NYC?
Construction sites are notorious for their potential for accidents. If a loved one has died due to a construction accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit against those responsible for your family’s loss under Sections 240(1), 241(6), or 200 of the New York Labor Law. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties could include the building owner, contractor, subcontractors, or other parties responsible for safety on the construction site.
Contact Our NYC Construction Accident Lawyers Now
At The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., we are committed to helping families who have lost a loved one due to construction accidents in New York City. If someone you love was fatally injured in such an accident, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve for your loss.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our NYC construction accident lawyers.
