New Report Exposes Deadly Risks for NYC Construction Workers

Every day, thousands of construction workers build New York’s skyline, but for too many, the job ends in tragedy. In 2023, construction accident deaths continued to rise, exposing deep failures in workplace safety. Behind every statistic is a worker who never made it home, a family devastated by loss, and a preventable tragedy that demands action.

The annual Deadly Skyline report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) shines a light on these issues, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the New York City Department of Buildings, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

How many construction workers are dying on the job?

Construction fatalities in New York continue to climb. In 2023, dozens of workers lost their lives, an increase from previous years. These deaths are not random accidents; they stem from failures in oversight, weak enforcement, and preventable safety violations.

Here are the leading causes of this increase in construction fatalities:

• OSHA inspections remain far below pre-pandemic levels, leaving many dangerous worksites unmonitored.
• The NYC Department of Buildings is understaffed, overburdened, and struggling to enforce safety rules.
• Many contractors cut corners to save time and money, often at the expense of worker safety.

Without stronger enforcement, negligent employers have little reason to change. Workers will continue to die unless penalties increase and inspections ramp up. Major enforcement failures include:

• Fines for safety violations are too low to deter reckless contractors.
• Repeat offenders often face no real consequences.
• Many unsafe worksites continue to operate without scrutiny.

What are the most common fatal construction accidents?

Year after year, the same hazards claim lives on construction sites. In 2023, the most common causes of death included:

Falls

Falls remain the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry. In 2023, a significant number of deaths resulted from workers falling from heights due to missing guardrails, faulty scaffolding, and a lack of personal fall protection.

Many of these deaths occurred at non-union job sites where proper safety measures were not in place. Employers often fail to provide harnesses, secure ladders, or maintain work surfaces. Falls are almost always preventable with proper training, equipment, and enforcement of safety regulations.

Equipment failures

Faulty or improperly maintained equipment has led to multiple fatalities on New York construction sites. Cranes, forklifts, and power tools require regular inspections and proper handling to avoid malfunctions that put workers in danger. In 2023, several workers died due to crane collapses and machinery malfunctions.

Employers must follow strict maintenance schedules and ensure that only trained workers operate heavy equipment. Unfortunately, cost-cutting measures often lead to inadequate training and overlooked safety checks, putting workers in harm’s way.

Electrocutions

Electrocution deaths occur when workers come into contact with exposed wiring, faulty grounding, or overhead power lines. Many construction workers suffer fatal shocks while handling electrical systems without proper safety gear or training.

In some cases, power sources are not properly shut off before work begins, creating deadly risks. Contractors and site managers must follow electrical safety protocols and ensure workers are aware of hidden dangers, yet too often, these precautions are ignored.

Struck-by incidents

Falling tools, unsecured materials, and moving vehicles have contributed to rising struck-by fatalities in the construction industry. Workers are often hit by falling debris from above, crushed by heavy loads, or struck by construction vehicles that lack proper warning systems.

These incidents could be prevented by securing materials, enforcing hard hat requirements, and ensuring that heavy equipment operators maintain clear sightlines. Despite existing safety protocols, negligence and poor planning frequently lead to fatal accidents.

Structural collapses

Construction sites require strict engineering oversight to prevent structural collapses, yet these accidents continue to claim lives. In 2023, trench collapses and unstable building frameworks led to several fatalities. When a trench caves in, workers are buried under tons of soil with no chance of escape.

Many incidents happen because contractors fail to use protective systems like trench boxes or shoring. Similarly, improper framework construction can cause entire buildings to collapse, which endangers everyone on-site. Structural integrity must be a top priority, but negligence often leads to deadly consequences.

What needs to change to protect New York construction workers?

New York must act now to stop construction fatalities. According to the report, the key solutions include:

• More OSHA and NYC Department of Buildings inspections. More inspectors mean more accountability for unsafe job sites.
• Stronger penalties for safety violations. Repeat offenders should face steeper fines and potential shutdowns.
• Expanded safety training. Require OSHA 30-hour training for all construction workers, with multilingual courses for migrant laborers.
• Better legal protections for workers. Strengthen New York’s Scaffold Law and protect undocumented workers from retaliation when they report unsafe conditions.
• Employer accountability. Companies with a history of safety violations should be publicly reported and barred from receiving new contracts.

What are my legal options if I was injured in a construction accident?

If you were injured on a New York construction site, you need a legal team that knows how to fight and win. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP have over 90 years of experience standing up for injured workers. We’ve seen how devastating falls from scaffolding, electrocutions, defective machinery, and other construction accidents are.

Workers’ compensation insurance companies often try to downplay injuries, but we won’t let them. Our experienced lawyers know New York’s scaffolding law, workers’ comp system, and third-party liability claims inside and out. If a negligent contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer contributed to your injury, we’ll aggressively pursue every avenue for the compensation you deserve. Your focus should be on healing while we handle the rest.

To get the legal help you need, contact us online or call for a free, confidential consultation. With multiple offices across New York City and beyond, we’re ready to fight for the justice you deserve.

“From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. They guided me step-by-step through the process, ensuring that every piece of paperwork was accurate and submitted on time. Their attention to detail and expertise in workers’ compensation law made a significant difference in my case..” – Anry S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐