Construction sites are some of the most hazardous places to work in New York. With the construction industry at an all-time high, more people are choosing to work in the field.
While the pay is good and the work is consistent, construction sites continue to be unsafe places where injuries are common.
Thousands of workers are injured or killed yearly while working on construction sites. They present numerous dangers, including falls, being struck by objects, and electrocution.
Construction Injury Statistics
According to figures from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in 10 construction workers is injured annually in the United States.
A total of 5,486 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2022, and 1,069 were in the construction industry. The four leading causes of fatal construction injuries, also known as the “Fatal Four,” are:
- Slips and falls
- Being struck by an object
- Caught in/between accidents
- Electrocution
Together, these four causes were responsible for 59.9% of construction worker deaths in 2019. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 198,100 non-fatal injuries and illnesses resulted in days away from work in the construction industry in the same year.
Slips and Falls
Falls are a leading cause of fatal construction injuries. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other high places. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection equipment for workers laboring at heights of six feet or more.
The risk of falls increases whenever an employer fails to provide construction workers with the right tools and safety gear. Even falling from a low height or slipping on a wet surface can result in catastrophic injuries.
Being Struck by Objects
Job sites are hazardous places where the hustle and bustle never stops. Given the nature of construction sites, workers can be struck by tools, equipment, and materials that fall from above at almost any time.
New York employers must provide hard hats and other protective gear to workers at risk of being struck by objects. Unfortunately, negligence often plays a significant role in these injuries, and the results can be fatal.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a leading cause of fatal construction injuries. Power lines, electrical equipment, and other sources of electricity can all potentially electrocute workers.
Employers must provide adequate training and protective gear to workers who routinely come into contact with electricity on the job, especially electricians who work with high-voltage materials on a daily basis.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Workers can become caught in or between heavy equipment, machinery, building materials, and other objects. Employers must ensure that workers are trained in safe work practices and aren’t being put in situations where they may become trapped in or between objects.
OSHA provides safety guidelines that address these accidents. As such, employers and third parties must always engage in safe practices.
Filing Claims and Lawsuits
If you become injured on the job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. New York employers must carry valid workers’ compensation insurance to cover on-the-job injuries.
In some cases, personal injury lawsuits against a third party, such as a manufacturer of faulty equipment or a negligent subcontractor, may be required. Personal injury lawsuits can help you recover damages for pain and suffering and additional compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Nassau Personal Injury Claims
Kohan Law Group represents injured construction workers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, on Long Island, as well as all boroughs of New York City. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
If you’ve been injured in a Long Island or New York City construction accident, call our office today to schedule a free consultation.