Construction accidents occur with regularity in New York City and elsewhere. Slips and falls and exposure to harmful substances account for many incidents that result in death or serious injury.
A look at some recent numbers reveals some of the perils for construction workers.
Dangers in the private construction industry
According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in New York City the private construction sector recorded the highest number of fatalities of any sector in a recent report for 2020. Of 13 fatalities for that year, five came from the category of falls, slips and trips, The prior year, 29 deaths occurred in this sector.
All occupational deaths in New York City in 2020, the most recent report of completed data, totaled 59. Historically, this number falls in the low range, as occupational deaths in the city have ranged from as high as 191 to as low as 53. Nationwide, data showed 4,764 work fatalities, an 11 percent decrease from the previous year, and the lowest total since 2011.
Comparison between NYC and the nation
When compared with fatal injuries across the nation, New York City experienced more percentage of deaths from the following events: exposure to harmful substances and environments; violence and other injuries by persons or animals; and falls, slips and trips. The U.S. as a whole had a higher percentage of workplace fatalities in the categories of contact with objects or equipment and miscellaneous causes of death.
Statistics show that dangerous workplace incidents rise and fall. Labor statistics provide some clues as to the hazards workers face.
