Construction work in New York State remains the most deadly profession in the country.

As reported by Constructive Dive in February 2022, 1 of 4 workplace deaths in New York are on a construction site. Workplace deaths in construction accounted for 24% of fatalities in New York, compared to 21% nationwide.

Other findings in the report include:
• In 2020, OSHA conducted the fewest inspections in the agency’s history.
• In 2020, OSHA fines for fatalities increased for the fifth consecutive year.
• Latino construction workers remain disproportionately likely to die on the job, accounting for 18% of fatalities.
• Almost 80% of worker deaths were on non-union job sites.

One regulation that is unique to New York State, is Labor Law Section 240 (also known as the Scaffold Law), which places strict liability on owners and contractors if an employee falls and doesn’t have the prescribed protective equipment. Whether the employee was wrong or not! This antiquated law needs to be repealed.