Construction work is one of New York’s most vital industries—but it’s also one of its most dangerous. While recent years have seen some improvements in safety, the overall number of construction worker deaths across New York remains deeply concerning. Each statistic represents a real person with a family, a future, and a life cut short. Understanding these numbers is essential to preventing future tragedies.

As the Law Offices of Laurence Rogers regularly represents injured workers and their families throughout Nassau County, New York City, and Westchester, I see firsthand how devastating construction accidents can be. This updated overview breaks down the most recent fatality data, why these incidents continue to occur, and why safety must remain a top priority on every job site.

Recent Construction Fatality Statistics in New York

New York’s construction industry has faced alarming safety challenges in recent years. According to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), statewide construction deaths dropped from 74 in 2023 to 55 in 2024—a 25% decrease. Although this is progress, the numbers remain too high given the resources available to prevent such incidents.

The spike in 2023 was especially troubling. Construction worker fatalities jumped from 50 deaths in 2022 to 74 deaths in 2023—a 48% increase and the highest total recorded in a decade. During that same year:

• New York City saw 30 construction deaths, the highest in ten years.
• The statewide fatality rate increased to 10.4 per 100,000 workers, up from 9.6 the year before.

In contrast, 2024 brought some relief. New York City reported only seven construction-related deaths—the lowest number in nearly a decade—and construction injuries dropped by 30% according to the NYC Department of Buildings.

However, despite these improvements, construction remains one of the deadliest jobs in New York. In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 55 fatal workplace injuries in construction and extraction occupations statewide, underscoring the ongoing risks workers face daily.

Why Construction Fatalities Happen

Understanding the causes behind these tragedies is key to preventing them. The leading causes of construction deaths in New York mirror national trends and include:

• Falls from heights —still the most common and most preventable cause of construction fatalities.
• Struck-by accidents —such as falling tools, materials, or equipment.
• Structural failures —including scaffolding collapses, trench cave-ins, and building failures.

The Human Cost Behind the Numbers

It’s easy to get lost in the statistics, but behind each number is a life that ended too soon. Families suddenly face financial strain, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about the future. When a construction worker is injured or killed, the consequences ripple outward—affecting spouses, children, and entire communities.

As a Valley Stream personal injury attorney, I have helped many families throughout my 25+ year career navigate the aftermath of a construction accident. The medical bills, lost income, and long-term disabilities can be overwhelming. In fatal cases, surviving families must also navigate New York’s complex wrongful death laws while grieving an unimaginable loss.

Why Safety Must Stay a Priority

Even though 2024 showed encouraging declines in injuries and fatalities, the construction industry continues to face immense pressure. New York City issued over 103,000 building permits in 2024 alone. With so much activity, corners can be cut, and safety can be overlooked.

At the same time, oversight remains limited. OSHA conducted only 3,162 inspections in New York in 2025—a decrease from 2024 and significantly below pre-pandemic inspection levels. Fewer inspections mean greater reliance on site owners and contractors to enforce safety protocols, and unfortunately, not all do.

New York’s worker protection laws—including Labor Law 240, the Scaffold Law—remain essential tools for holding negligent parties accountable. These laws help ensure that workers who are required to work at an elevation are protected when employers, contractors, or property owners fail to follow basic safety standards.

How Injured Construction Workers Can Protect Their Rights

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you may have multiple legal paths available. Workers’ compensation provides some benefits regardless of fault, but it rarely covers all losses—particularly when injuries are severe or long-lasting.

Many construction workers may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against negligent third parties, including general contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. New York’s Labor Laws often allow injured workers to pursue compensation even when workers’ comp applies.

The Law Offices of Laurence Rogers helps injured workers and families by investigating what went wrong, identifying the responsible parties, and seeking the compensation needed for recovery.

FAQ

Are construction deaths really increasing in New York?

They surged in 2023, with 74 statewide deaths—the highest in a decade. Although 2024 saw improvement, the industry is still one of the most dangerous in New York.

What is the leading cause of construction fatalities?

Falls from heights remain the number one cause, followed by struck-by incidents, equipment failures, and structural collapses.

Can I sue if I receive workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation prevents lawsuits against your direct employer, but you may still sue negligent third parties under New York’s Labor Laws.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal construction accident?

In New York, the personal representative of the deceased worker’s estate files the wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members.

How can a construction accident lawyer help?

A lawyer investigates the accident, identifies liable parties, collects evidence, and fights for compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and long-term damages.