Injuries and Fatalities in the Construction Industry of New York
On average, construction can be a hazardous line of work, so imagine how much the risk factors increase when you are serving the public in New York City. Over the course of nearly a hundred years, workers have had to face a variety of dangerous situations ranging from ground traffic to terrifying heights along the temporary walkways of skyscrapers. As much as supervisors and bosses will work to implement rules to protect their bustling waves of workers, the fact of the matter is that gruesome accidents or, in the worst-case scenario, fatalities can sometimes plague people in this industry.
For today, let’s take a closer look at the risky business of New York construction workers.
Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that construction and manufacturing were two of the largest contributors to nonfatal accidents among the general workforce. According to the report, about 79,890 people sustained injuries during construction work, while 122,610 people in manufacturing suffered similar problems, leading to incidences of 134.8 and 99.0 per 10,000 workers, respectively.
What Causes Construction-Related Accidents in New York?
When you consider the different types of risks that plague construction sites on a daily basis, so many different items and situations can trigger deadly accidents occurring to members of this workforce. Everything from falling objects, poorly-maintained equipment, and improper protective gear can inflict a variety of injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to brain and spinal trauma. People who are exposed to different types of stimuli, like loud noises and violent vibrations from jackhammers, can also suffer from tinnitus (a sharp ringing in the ears) and tendon damage (long-term or permanent).
The Fatal Outcome of Construction
According to a report from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), traumatic injuries and fatalities among construction workers are unfortunately common. In 2017, an estimated i5,147 people (about 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers) died while working on construction sites. In other words, about 99 construction workers have died on the job per week, adding up to a tragic 14 fatalities every day.
Ultimately, OSHA has labeled the top triggers of construction worker deaths as the Fatal Four, which are listed in order of severity:
- Falling: 39.2% of deaths (381 out of 971 fatalities)
- Being struck by objects: 8.2% (80 out of 971 fatalities)
- Electrocution: 7.3% (71 out of 971 fatalities)
- Caught in equipment: 5.1% (50 out 971 fatalities)
Personal Injury Lawyer in Syracuse, New York
As you go about your daily business, life can take a dangerous turn when you suffer from a severe injury, particularly in your line of work. Maintenance and constructions are essential aspects of businesses around the world, but you must always be prepared for the worst if you work in a hazardous environment. However, if you have fallen victim to an accident that was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, then you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against a culprit.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
Here at Gattuso & Ciotoli, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of a wide variety of accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.