Construction Site Fatalities Down, Injuries Up in New York City

Building construction-related fatalities in the five boroughs of New York City are at the lowest number in nearly a decade, with seven deaths in 2023 as compared to a high of 14 in 2019.

While fatalities are down, the annual safety report of the Department of Buildings also shows that the total number of building construction-related worksite injuries continues to rise for a third consecutive year.

The report, which is based on department-collected data, indicates that despite conducting more total inspections than ever, the city has issued fewer violations and stop work orders than the past several years, which the department sees as an indicator of increased compliance with safety codes by the construction industry.

“Our annual Construction Safety Report underscores the progress made in enhancing compliance and promoting worksite safety, while also serving as a potent reminder about the tragic consequences when corners are cut and safety regulations are ignored,” commented Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo.

Overall construction activity has remained in line with that of previous years. Initial demolition permits, which can serve as an indicator for future construction activity, decreased slightly by seven percent compared to 2022, but this figure remains higher than the two prior years.

The safety data from the 2023 report includes:

• Seven construction workers died in building construction-related incidents in 2023 – four fewer than 2022 and the lowest number of fatalities that have occurred citywide in nearly a decade.
• Worker falls continue to be the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries on construction sites.
• Worker injuries on building construction work sites are up for a third straight year, increasing by 25 percent compared to 2022.
• Coinciding with the increase in reported injuries, is an increase in injuries that are investigated and where no safety violations are found.
• The data show large increases in ladder falls, stair falls and tripping incidents.

Topics New York Training Development Construction