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New York Construction Accident Deaths Drop in 2009

By Katie Kelley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 06Feb2010 Word count: 403 Viewed: 797 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Construction fatalities dropped on New York construction sites, although the number of construction accidents and injuries were on the rise according to 2009 statistics released by the New York Buildings Department.

The dramatic decrease has been linked to the decline in the building boom that has characterized the New York City landscape for the last 10 years. The death rate decrease is the lowest rate in four years - only three deaths occurred in 2009 compared to 19 in 2008, an 85 percent drop, 12 in 2007 and 18 in 2006.

Many have credited the drop to an overhaul on safety procedures, including increased oversight and additional enforcement. Unfortunately, the number of reported construction accidents rose in 2009, despite the drop in number of new building permits. Reported injuries jumped from 246 from 178.

The New York Buildings Department credited the jump in the number of construction accidents and injuries to more accurate reports from contractors.

Two of the deaths were result of not using the required safety harness. Falls account for the greatest number of construction accident injuries, thus the need for a reliable and necessary safety harness. Additional injuries can be caused by trench collapses, exposure to toxic chemicals, overexertion, and injury due to defective equipment.

Because many construction-related deaths are due to the lack of proper use of safety restraints or due to contractor negligence, many of these preventable injuries or deaths have caused those affected to seek legal counsel from an experienced construction accident lawyer.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that the highest number of work-related fatalities occurred among construction workers due to construction site accidents. At least one out of every 10 construction workers will be involved in a construction injury of some sort each year. Although many minor accidents are not reported, more accurate reports nationwide have given officials a more accurate picture of the risks associated with construction sites.

The decrease in the number of deaths is promising; however the increase in injuries is cause for concern. Construction workers between the ages of 25 and 34 are most likely to be injured in a construction accident. Non-fatal accidents can include broken bones, burns and head injuries.

Although a worker may survive a construction accident, some accidents may be severe enough to prevent a worker from returning to work.

Both workers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining safety on the job site. Adhering to safety guidelines and regulations ensure the safety of all workers on a construction site.

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