Worker Safety in the Headlines
According to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), construction worker fatalities in NYC rose from 24 in 2022 to 30 in 2023, marking the highest annual total reported in a decade (NYCOSH Report 2024). These figures are more than just numbers; they represent lives lost and families forever changed.
At WSAT Law, we are not safety regulators, and we do not instruct individuals on how to avoid accidents. Our role is to to stand with injured workers and their families when safety measures fail, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
NYC Construction Accident Statistics: Mid-2025 Snapshot
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) reported that construction-related injuries fell 30% in 2024 and incidents dropped 24%, marking a 10-year low. Seven fatalities on building construction sites were recorded during this period, while construction activity increased by more than 24%(NYC DOB 2024 Construction Safety Report).
Preliminary DOB data from early 2025 suggest that this trend may be continuing; the first two months of the year saw a 40% reduction in both incidents and injuries compared to the same period in 2024 (NYC DOB, February 2025 Data).
In 2023, New York City recorded 30 construction worker deaths, contributing to a statewide increase from 50 to 74 fatalities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). (NYC DOB Borough Safety Data).
Fatalities Still a Concern
Even with fewer injuries, fatalities remain a reality. In 2023, New York City accounted for 30 construction worker deaths, part of the state’s jump from 50 to 74 fatalities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The NYCOSH report found that 74% of fatal incidents occurred on worksites with prior OSHA violations (NYCOSH Report 2024).
Enforcement and Oversight
The DOB conducted 416,290 inspections in 2024, setting a record and contributing to the drop in incidents (NYC DOB 2024 Construction Safety Report). However, a 13.3% vacancy rate among inspectors as of January 2025 continues to challenge enforcement capacity (NYCOSH Report 2024).
WSAT Law: Advocates for Injured Construction Workers
When a construction accident happens, the aftermath can be overwhelming. WSAT Law has secured results for injured workers across New York City, including:
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Seven-figure settlement for a worker injured in a scaffold collapse
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Multi-million dollar award for a worker hurt by a faulty platform
These results reflect our commitment to advocating for those harmed by unsafe job site conditions, not to instruct workers on safety practices.
Want to see more of our settlements? Check out our case results page.
Final Word on NYC Construction Accident Statistics
Mid-year 2025 numbers show positive trends, but persistent fatalities mean the fight for safer worksites is far from over. Behind every statistic is a worker and a family whose lives have been altered.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, WSAT Law is here to fight for your rights and help you understand what compensation options may be available. Call (212) 683-3800 today.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different. Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients. The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
