With more than 7.6 million employees throughout America and nearly 300,000 in New York alone, the construction industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry is predicted to make a steady recovery as spending increases and projects are recommenced. One thing that remains unchanged, however, is the dangers that construction workers face.
The Latest Statistics on Construction Site Accidents
According to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 10.2 construction workers out of every 100,000 will sustain a fatal injury at work, making the construction sector one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Out of the 223 fatal workplace injuries recorded in New York State in 2019, 54 occurred within the construction industry, which highlights just how dangerous the sector can be.
While construction-related fatalities decreased as the industry ground to a halt in 2020, 41 construction workers lost their lives in New York State in 2020 and 13 of these incidents occurred within New York City.
As the sector continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19, employers are being urged to increase on-site safety according to OSHA’s regulations, in a bid to reduce the number of workers who suffer both fatal and non-fatal injuries.
How Many Workers Are Injured Each Year in Construction Accidents in New York City?
As well as being a leading cause of workplace fatalities, the construction industry also accounts for a significant number of workplace injuries. Pre-pandemic, 174,000 construction workers reported workplace injuries and illnesses in America in a single year, which means that 2.5 out of every 100,000 construction professionals sustained some form of harm. In New York City, the incidence rate of workplace injuries within the construction is slightly lower at 2.1 and falls just below the state average of 2.2.
With so many construction workers suffering injuries each year, the consequences of poor on-site safety protocols are evident. While the construction industry has always been recognized as a relatively dangerous sector, the opportunity to improve safety records and reduce risks should not be overlooked.
Get Legal Advice from an experienced NYC Construction Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a construction accident in New York, it’s important to seek legal advice and determine what your rights are. Depending on the exact cause of the incident, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation, or you may be able to make a claim against the person or company responsible.
As well as taking care of your physical and emotional well-being following a construction accident, it’s vital to recognize the impact that a workplace injury can have on your finances. If you’re unable to work for weeks or months while you recover, for example, you could be facing a lengthy period of time without any income. By working with a construction accident lawyer, however, you can ensure that you’re able to obtain the compensation you deserve following an incident on site.
Whether you’ve suffered a relatively minor injury or a life-changing accident, taking legal action can be the first step to rebuilding your life.
