Personal Injury Law

New York City Construction Accident Deaths Decline

According to a recent report in the New York Post, construction site accident fatalities in NY have dropped by 84 percent compared to last year. The report states that this marked improvement is the result of tougher safety standards imposed by New York City officials. The reduction in construction site fatalities has also been attributed to a slowdown in construction activity due to the economic recession. In 2009, three fatal construction accident deaths were reported compared to 2008 when there were 19 construction site fatalities, including two devastating crane accidents in Manhattan.

These serious construction accidents prompted a thorough review of the city's construction safety standards. The new regulations also gave the city's Building Department more teeth and expanded enforcement powers. The new standards require more extensive training for construction workers as well. City officials say their goal has been to change the culture of the construction industry and basically teach them to "put public safety ahead of profit."

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on February 16, 2010 (boomark / email).