The Four Leading Causes of Death in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a vital part of New York City's continued growth and development. However, it's also one of the most hazardous industries for workers. Construction workers face a multitude of dangers every day, and tragically, these dangers can sometimes lead to serious injuries or even death.

As Hudson Valley construction accident lawyers serving NYC residents, we understand the challenges faced by construction workers in New York. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, we are here to help. In this article, we'll discuss the four leading causes of death in the construction industry in NYC, along with preventive measures to create a safer construction site.

1. Falls from Heights

Falls consistently rank as the leading cause of death in the construction industry, both nationally and in New York City. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, falls accounted for around 38% of all construction worker fatalities.

What Makes Falls So Dangerous in NYC Construction?

New York City's construction sites often involve working at significant heights due to the abundance of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. This increases the severity of potential falls and the likelihood of fatal injuries.

Additionally, the fast-paced nature of construction and the potential pressure to meet deadlines can lead workers to take shortcuts or neglect appropriate safety measures when working at heights.

How to Prevent Falls

There are steps that employers and workers can take to reduce the risk of falling on worksites.

• Use proper fall protection systems: Install and use guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).
• Install perimeter protection: Create a secure work zone by establishing a clear boundary around the work area to keep unauthorized people out and prevent accidents.
• Secure floor openings: Cover and securely fasten floor openings, clearly labeling them for visibility.
• Train on fall prevention: Train workers on how to identify and avoid fall hazards, as well as the proper use of fall protection equipment.
• Follow safe ladder and scaffold practices: Enforce safety protocols when working at heights.

When employers fail to implement appropriate safety measures for workers, they could be held liable for injuries that result from a fall due to their negligence.

2. Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents, which accounted for 8% of the major construction accidents in 2022, involve a worker being struck by an object, such as falling materials, equipment, or vehicles.

Three out of four struck-by deaths in construction occur due to heavy machinery like trucks and cranes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that one in three struck-by fatalities in construction involves falling objects.

Common Causes of Struck-By Accidents in NYC Construction

Construction sites have numerous moving parts and teams working simultaneously, making struck-by accidents unfortunately common.

• Falling objects: Tools, materials, and debris that are not properly secured can fall from scaffolding, roofs, or upper floors, striking workers below.
• Swinging objects: Loads that are not secured properly on cranes or other hoists can swing and strike workers.
• Moving equipment: Workers can be struck by forklifts, trucks, and other construction vehicles, especially in congested NYC job sites.

Struck-by accidents can result in severe injuries or death, making it vital that negligent employers be held responsible.

How to Prevent Being Struck by an Object

The most important way to stay safe around heavy and moving equipment is to avoid the crush zone. Never position yourself between moving equipment and fixed objects like walls or buildings. If something goes wrong, you could become trapped and seriously injured.

• Be seen, be safe: Wear high-visibility clothing whenever you're working near equipment or vehicles to help ensure operators see you and avoid accidental collisions.
• Secure loads: Ensure all tools, materials, and equipment are properly secured to prevent them from falling.
• Use flagmen: To direct traffic around moving equipment.
• Label hazard zones: Clearly mark hazard zones to warn workers of potential dangers.

These prevention methods can reduce workers’ risk, but they aren’t always enough. If you were injured in a struck-by accident, there is help available.

3. Electrocutions

Electrocution is a serious threat on a construction site due to the presence of exposed electrical wiring, power lines, and energized equipment. Electrical incidents accounted for 5% of the common causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry in 2022.

Electrical Hazards in NYC Construction

There are a myriad of ways in which a worker can be exposed to electrical shock, including:

• Overhead power lines: Working near overhead power lines poses a significant risk of electrocution.
• Faulty wiring: Older buildings undergoing renovation may have outdated or damaged electrical systems, increasing the risk of electrical hazards.
• Improper use of electrical equipment: Using damaged cords, power tools, or extension cords in wet conditions can lead to electrical shock.

Electrical shocks can lead to severe burns, nerve damage, and death. Proper training is essential for avoiding electrocutions.

How to Prevent Electrocutions

With the appropriate caution and foresight, electrical hazards can be minimized and avoided.

• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): Use GFCIs on all power tools to prevent shock hazards.
• De-energize equipment before maintenance: Always de-energize electrical equipment before performing any maintenance or repairs.
• Proper training: All workers should be trained on electrical safety hazards and how to work safely around electricity.

Understanding what makes an electrical hazard dangerous and how electricity can move between objects can help workers make safe choices on the job.

4. Caught-In/Between Accidents

Caught-in or between accidents occur when a worker becomes trapped or crushed by machinery, collapsing structures, or other objects. In 2022, this type made up 5% of the worst construction accidents. Trench collapses are a particularly dangerous example of this sort of accident.

Types of Caught-In/Between Accidents in NYC Construction

If safety precautions are not taken, caught-in/between accidents can be devastating for entire crews and their family members. Safety should be the first consideration when digging or working with dangerous machinery.

• Trench collapses: Improper trench shoring and sloping can lead to trench walls collapsing and burying workers.
• Cave-ins: Workers in tunnels or underground spaces can be crushed by cave-ins if proper shoring and support systems are not in place.
• Machine entanglement: Workers can become caught in machinery or equipment if safety guards are not properly used or malfunction.

Construction in NYC often involves deep excavations, making collapses and cave-ins a particularly notable risk.

How to Prevent Caught-In/Between Accidents

Always assume a trench or excavation needs a protective system, regardless of depth. Trenches deeper than five feet absolutely require them.

• Trench safety: Follow all OSHA trench safety standards, including proper shoring and sloping of trench walls.
• Safety guards: Ensure all machinery has proper safety guards in place.
• Proper training: Workers should be trained on the safe operation of machinery and equipment they will be using.

The construction industry has inherent risks for workers, but if precautions are taken, the danger can be reduced.

NYC Construction Safety: A Cause for Concern

According to a New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health (NYCOSH) 2022 report, construction deaths account for a larger proportion of worker deaths in New York compared to the national average: 22% in New York City and 24% in New York State, versus 21% nationally.

Additionally, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a troubling increase — a 33% rise in construction site deaths and a 221% increase in injuries compared to just five years ago.

This increase in deaths and injuries is even more alarming, considering that underreporting may be an issue. A 2017 law mandated reporting all construction site injuries and deaths, but enforcement seems lacking. Media reports suggest underreporting by both contractors and the Department of Buildings itself.

To help address the problem, NYC has added inspectors and increased penalties, but OSHA estimates one-third of construction accidents go unreported in city logs. Additionally, an estimated one-fourth of NYC's 45,000 construction sites may not be following safety regulations.

How Many Construction Workers Are Killed Each Year in NY?

As the above-mentioned NYCOSH report states, New York's construction industry employs a substantial workforce of approximately 362,200, but it comes with significant dangers. Between 2011 and 2020, construction-related accidents resulted in a staggering 351 construction worker deaths in New York State. Within the 2012-2022 period, there were an average of 50.5 construction fatalities per year.