NYC Construction Site Safety Concerns

NYC construction site safety has become a major concern of the Department of Buildings (DOB). Consequently, it shut down 322 sites in New York City. In fact, more than a third of the sites were in Brooklyn. The DOB implemented the sweep as part of a massive zero-tolerance safety measure to deal with construction site deaths and injuries.

The fact that seven hardhat workers recently died in construction-related accidents motivated the Department of Buildings to take action. Three accidents took place in May alone.

Since 2014, a building boom has been taking place in NYC. The DOB oversees 35,000 construction sites throughout the city to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

With the condominium collapse that occurred in Miami, a few days ago, building safety has become high profile in the media. As a result, construction has garnered nationwide attention.

Details of the Recent NYC Construction Site Accidents

According to the New York Daily News, a 32-year-old Queens worker fell down an elevator shaft in a Long Island City building. He died on May 22.

A few days later, on May 27, a 49-year-old construction worker from Brooklyn died after falling four stories. He was working on the roof of a Flatbush bank engaged in a demolition project. The worker was untethered and lost his balance.

Construction Site Accident Statistics

According to a DOB report, construction accidents resulted in eight workers' deaths in 2020. This took place even after all nonessential construction ceased for more than two months due to the pandemic.

In 2018 and 2019, 12 construction workers died in accidents.

Further data about construction accident injuries include:

• During the past two years, there were 1,097 construction worker injuries
• In 2020, 796 construction work injuries
• In 2019, 959 construction work-related injuries
• In 2018, 761 construction related injuries

The majority of injuries resulted from falls due to not wearing harnesses when working at heights.

NY Labor Law 240 addresses worker injuries and deaths due to safety violations while working at heights. In most instances, building site owners and contractors are liable for damages.

Discuss NYC Construction Site Safety and Accidents with an Experienced Attorney

If you suffered serious injuries or a loved one died due to lack of construction site safety measures, consult with a lawyer. We can arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys at Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP.