The fiscal year that ended in June has not been good for construction worker safety in New York City. The numbers below tell the story:
- Construction injuries rose by almost 50 percent in FY 2014-2015 over FY 2013-2014
- Construction fatalities almost doubled in FY 2014-2015 over FY 2013-2014
Some blame this on the increase in construction activity as the economy improves:
- $36 billion spent on construction in calendar year 2014, higher than the previous high in 2008, when $32 billion was spent
- More than 98,000 building permits issued in calendar year 2014, up from 74,000 in 2010
Others say that contractors and building owners are cutting corners, compromising safety:
- Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, said “The reality is non-union developers simply put their bottom line ahead of the safety of their workers, and this must end before we see even more senseless accidents and fatalities.”
What do you think? Join the conversation.