Construction Deaths Are on the Rise in New York

Construction workers work in a dangerous industry, risking their lives when safety precautions are not followed. In 2015, construction-related fatalities rose from 17 in 2011 to 25, according to a report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. OSHA found that safety inspections have actually fallen from 2,722 to 1,966 – a drop of about 27%. The Executive Director for the Occupational Safety and Health stated, “We really need to see and make sure that we have adequate inspections and adequate enforcement, because without that we’re going to see higher numbers of fatalities.”

Many of the deaths that occur in the New York workplace are falls, which actually account for 59% of all construction-related deaths from 2011 to 2015. Every two to three weeks, another construction worker dies. In 2 years’ time, 31 construction workers have died and it makes the city take a closer look at why these tragedies are happening. One of the main reasons is because construction employers are failing to follow safety guidelines. In some cases, when construction workers have been injured, they are unable to receive medical treatment or they are fired for their accident. This is why fall protection and following guidelines is extremely vital in the workplace.

Keeping Worker Safety in Mind

By keeping workers in mind, the rate of deaths in the workplace will fall. This takes the help of OSHA, many other workers’ organizations, and employers working together to make happen. Some of the best ways to protect workers in our modern times include licensing requirements, safety inspections, and more programs to implement training for workers that are deemed necessary. Only then can thousands of injuries and many deaths be prevented each year relating to some of the most common accidents – falls, electrocution, struck-by accidents, and caught-in-betweens.

If you have been injured in a New York construction accident and you are unsure of where to turn, give us a call today. We represent personal injury victims in both New York and New Jersey and will help you gain the compensation you deserve after you have suffered an injury. We are waiting to hear from you at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, where your case matters.