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Types of Construction Accidents

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous workplace hazards in the entire country, across any occupation. Data compiled by the National Safety Council shows that there were 5,199 fatalities and 467,950 injuries in the construction industry nation-wide from 2011 to 2016. Over that time, construction-related fatalities made up 18% of all on-the-job deaths. Compared to other job types, the construction industry had the third-highest fatal injury rate of any occupation in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Below is a list of the most common types of construction accidents in New York, including information on your legal options if you have been injured in one of these types of accidents:

From 2015 to 2016, there was a 3.59% increase in non-fatal injuries and a 5.76% increase in fatalities for construction workers nationwide. In fact, the number of construction workers killed on the job has increased every year from 2011 to 2016:

Construction Worker Fatality Stats, 2011 to 2016

Many construction site accidents could be avoided if contractors, subcontractors, developers and employers would follow the proper safety procedures. Far too often, however, this does not happen, and construction workers suffer as a result. And while there are many different ways a worker could be injured when safety precautions are not taken, the vast majority of construction accident injuries break down to a few key injury mechanisms, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

  • Falls 38.7% of construction deaths in 2016
  • Struck by Object: 9.4%
  • Electrocutions: 8.3%
  • Caught-in/between: 7.3%

Employers have a responsibility to keep construction sites safe for workers. In addition to implementing and overseeing task-specific safety procedures, employers should also ensure that equipment is readily available and properly maintained, protective gear is worn by workers, and safety training is provided. Failure to perform these duties may give injured workers grounds for a construction accident lawsuit.

If you or a loved one have been injured on a New York construction site, contact our New York construction accident law firm today for a FREE consultation. We will fight for your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable. Call 212-736-5300 or fill out our case evaluation form to pursue compensation for your medical bills, time away from work, and other damages. Serving the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, all of New York State and New Jersey.

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Contact Block O’Toole & Murphy for a free legal consultation today. Simply fill out the short contact form below or call us locally at 212-736-5300.