New York Work Injury Statistics

You’re probably aware that construction is one of the most dangerous industries out there, but you may not realize exactly how dangerous construction work can be. There is nothing, however, like official statistics to drive this point home. If you’ve been injured on the job site, you need the skilled legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney in NYC on your side.

National Statistics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shares all of the following statistics related to accidents on the job (including specifics related to construction work):

• In 2018, there were 5,250 fatalities on the job, which translates to an average of more than 14 deaths per day.
• In 2018, there were 4,779 work-related fatalities in the private sector, and more than 21 percent of these were in the construction industry. This means that more than one in five worker fatalities happened in construction.
• The fatal four of construction accidents, which were responsible for more than 58 percent of all fatal construction accidents in 2018, include (in descending order) falling, being struck by an object, being electrocuted, and being caught in between two unyielding objects.

These statistics leave little room for doubt – construction work is dangerous work.

NYC Statistics

The U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics forwards two important statistics for New York City itself, which include:

• In 2018, there were 73 work-related fatalities in NYC. In the past, this number has ranged from a low of 56 in both 2013 and 2016 to a high of 191 in 1993.
• The industry with the highest number of fatalities on the job in 2018 was the construction industry – with 10 fatal accidents – which amounts to 45 percent of total deaths on the job.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weighs In

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relays that fatal falls on construction sites remain the highest among all industries. Further, CDC weighs in with two important statistics of its own, including:

• In 2017, there were a total of 971 fatalities on construction sites across the nation, and 366 of them were caused by falls.
• From 2011 to 2015, almost two-thirds of fatal falls on construction sites were caused by falls from heights, such as from ladders, scaffolding, and roofs.

In response, several national entities have banded together to create a Stand-Down campaign that is aimed at providing contractors with the education and encouragement they need to help prevent deadly falls from heights.

Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced New York City Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you or someone you love has been injured (or worse) on the construction site, the dedicated workers’ comp attorneys at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman – proudly serving New York City for more than six decades – are committed to compiling your most robust claim in support of the compensation to which you are entitled and that you need to reach your fullest recovery. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 212-285-3300 for more information today.