Construction worker is the deadliest job in New York City. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction has more work-related deaths than any other occupation in New York City. According to city data, worker deaths are up 33% over the past 5 years, and injuries are up 221%. This is a tragic number, especially when so many accidents are avoidable.
Contributing Factors
Construction workers frequently find themselves working in dangerous conditions such as working in high places and with dangerous equipment. There are a number of contributing factors that can explain the increase in construction worker deaths and injuries, including:
- Deadline Pressure—most construction projects are on tight deadlines, and contractors and employers place pressure on their workers to complete work in a timely manner. This mounting pressure can lead to workers and companies cutting corners and failing to follow safety rules.
- Lack of Inspections—it is estimated that more than 25% of construction sites fail to comply with safety standards. New York City does not have enough inspectors to cover the thousands of construction sites throughout the city, and therefore safety issues persist
- Lack of Safety Training—workers are currently required to undergo only 10 hours of safety training before working. This training requirement will increase to 40 hours by 2020, but before then the amount of training provided is inadequate.
- Cost Cutting—construction companies are under pressure to complete projects under budget, and as a result, sometimes corners are cut to save money. In some cases, this can mean hiring cheaper, unskilled labor. This can be deadly for the workers on a site.
- Inadequate Fall Prevention—falls are the number one cause of death for construction workers. When companies fail to take adequate measures to prevent falls on work sites, the number of serious injuries increases.
- Crumbling Infrastructure—some construction projects take place around older buildings and structures. The age and instability of these buildings can compromise the safety of workers.
Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney
If you are a construction worker who has been injured in an accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured construction workers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.