Construction Accidents, Firm News

Are NYC Construction Workers Safe On Jobsites? Depends on how you count!

A recent article in Engineering News-Record (ENR) sheds light on the complexities of assessing construction safety in New York, revealing differing perspectives on worker safety statistics. Our firm profoundly values the safety and well-being of construction workers, so this one hit pretty close to home—why are there discrepancies in how we keep these vital workers safe? Let’s dive in.

Conflicting Reports on NYC Construction Workers’ Fatalities

According to the ENR article, the New York City Department of Buildings reported a decrease in building construction-related fatalities, noting seven deaths in 2023, down from eleven in 2022. Sounds promising, but it’s not the whole truth.

Conversely, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) highlighted an increase, citing thirty construction worker fatalities in the city for 2023, up from twenty-four the previous year. This spins a whole new view on whether consties are getting safer. Why are these reports so different?

Why the Number of Fatalities Don’t Match

The discrepancy in construction accident statistics arises from differing methodologies: the Department of Buildings focuses only on building construction projects, while NYCOSH includes a broader range of construction-related activities.

This is a problem, particularly when these reports drive (or fail to drive) additional safety measures at worksites. If two major players in construction safety are using different definitions of a construction-related fatality, it becomes harder to ensure that the right protections are in place, which ultimately save workers’ lives.

A Step Toward Stronger NYC Construction Worker Protections

Despite the reporting confusion, steps are being taken to improve safety. One significant development is the implementation of Carlos’ Law in 2023, which increases penalties for corporate liability in worker deaths or serious injuries.

Our firm rejoiced alongside local workers and their families when Carlos’ Law finally passed, for it represents an important step toward holding companies accountable and enhancing worker protection. Still, it’s not enough–NYC construction workers need far more.

Protecting NYC Construction Workers’ Rights

For over sixty-five years, Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput has been dedicated to representing New York construction workers and advocating for their right to a safe working environment. We understand the profound impact an injury on a construction site can have on workers and their families—physically, emotionally, and financially. It can be devastating.

Holding those responsible accountable is not just about seeking justice for injured clients but also about giving workers a voice. It’s about setting a standard for safer working conditions and reducing the risk of future, preventable accidents. Proper reporting and accurate, industry-wide statistics are crucial in this effort. Understanding and analyzing these reports is key to fostering informed discussions and improving safety standards in the construction industry.

For a more detailed exploration of this topic, you can read the full ENR article here: https://www.enr.com/articles/60454-are-new-york-construction-workers-safer-depends-on-how-your-count.