Construction Accidents: Falls Remain Number One Cause

Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in the country and especially metropolitan cities like New York City. Workers risk their lives every day to build New York City. Construction fatalities account for more than 25% of all work related deaths in NYC, with an increasing trend in the past three years.

Falls continue to top the chart as the leading cause of deadly construction accidents in New York City. In most cases, fall fatalities are caused by the negligence or reckless actions of contractors and project owners. Most deadly construction site falls are preventable.

Department of Buildings’ “Zero Tolerance” Safety Sweeps

In response to a continuing increase in deadly construction accidents earlier this year, the Department of Buildings (DOB) mobilized teams of construction inspectors throughout the five boroughs in New York City to conduct “Zero Tolerance” safety sweeps of the city’s larger and complicated construction sites.

The safety sweeps consistently found that falls from hazardous conditions seem to be the leading cause in fatal construction site accidents. The goal of the inspections is to prevent these falls, and other risks at work sites in an attempt to provide more safety measures for workers.

During inspections, the inspectors specifically look to ensure:

• Permitted construction projects are in total compliance of their mandatory site safety plans
• On-site workers are provided with adequate safety harnesses where required by law
• Controlled zone at the construction sites are properly secured to prevent falls

The sweeps, which started on June 1, 2021, have already proven successful. The DOB has:

• Conducted “Zero Tolerance” safety inspections at more than 2,100 of New York City’s larger and more complex building construction sites
• Shut down 332 construction sites with Full and Partial Stop Work Order for hazardous and unsafe work conditions
• Issued more than 1,129 violations citing safety issues and failure to comply with pertinent safety code issues at construction work sites

Protecting the Rights of Injured Construction Workers

Construction sites can seriously injure or kill construction workers as well as innocent bystanders. These victims and their loved ones may have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.

At Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., we understand the consequences that construction site accidents have on the lives of victims and the lives of their loved ones. In fact, senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek grew up in the construction industry and has first-hand knowledge of the inherent dangers in this kind of work. Such experience allows us to aggressively fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.

We Can Help You If You Are Injured

When you are injured in a construction site accident, you need to hire an experienced New York construction injury attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C. have decades of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of the monetary compensation that you deserve.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York construction injury attorneys, please call 212-385-4410.