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Construction has always been one of the most dangerous industries in the world due to the nature of the tasks it implies and the numerous health and safety risks that workers in the field are exposed to. From burns, cuts and traumatic brain injuries to falling objects, repetitive overuse stress injuries or electrocution, there are countless things that can happen on a construction site.
Unfortunately, despite the widespread adoption of technological innovations and increased investments in health and safety training and advanced protective equipment, construction continues to be one of the most hazardous sectors in the United States, with a high rate of accidents and injuries, many of which are fatal or have serious health and financial implications. According to Bruce H. Nagel, New Jersey construction accident lawyer and partner at the law firm Nagel Rice LLP, construction workers who experience injuries on-site often face financial burdens due to missed work and medical and rehabilitative costs, apart from the physical and phycological pain they’re experiencing.
Not only are injuries and accidents on construction sites a common occurrence all across the U.S., but recent data reveals that these events are at an all-time high in cities like New York and New Jersey, and the rates continue to increase. The Federal Bureau of Labor Vital Statistics reports that construction work ranks as the most dangerous occupation in New York, with 27% of all work-related deaths happening in this high-risk sector.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), in 2022, there were 22 construction site fatalities in NYC, the highest number registered by OHSA in a decade. In 2020, 17 construction workers lost their lives on-site in New Jersey. Both cities register a higher construction fatality rate than the national average.
There appear to be several factors that contribute to the staggering increase in work-related accidents and fatalities on construction sites in New York as compared to other states in the U.S. Speed seems to be the common denominator for construction projects in NYC and N.J., as both cities are known for their fast-developing rates. Builders often set ambitious deadlines and push their workforce to their limits to complete construction projects on time and keep up with the demand. This rush, especially notable in the post-pandemic period, causes many companies to cut corners, leaving workers exposed to all sorts of risks and hazards.
The migration of workers between construction sites also increases the risk of accidents, as laborers are forced to switch from one setting to another in a short time span and adjust to new working conditions and equipment constantly.
In addition, there’s a notable shortage of skilled professionals in the construction sector, meaning that the current workers have to deal with a heavy workload and a hectic schedule which exposes them to all sorts of hazards.
This stresses the importance of enhancing inspections and enforcement at both the city and federal levels in order to ensure better conditions for construction site workers and reduce the likelihood of on-site accidents as much as possible.
