Responding to the unacceptable number of deadly construction worker accidents in New York City, a group of workers organized to protest unsafe job conditions in what advocates have named “Fallen Worker Day.” Last year, nine workers were killed in fatal accidents in New York City ranging from falls to crushing accidents. Many of those victims were Hispanic immigrants—which make up a disproportionate percentage of employees and day laborers in the construction industry. In response, dozens of workers rallied late last month to protest.
The gathering was a local iteration of a national day of mourning and recognition that began as a way for the very people at risk—construction workers—to shine a light on unsafe conditions everywhere. The protest was designed to advocate for more safety training, more accessible safety equipment, and more safety oversight at job sites nationwide. Rallying under the slogan that “no worker is disposable,” the group has expanded to include delivery workers as well. Those individuals, according to new data from a research project conducted in conjunction with Cornell Labor Institute, are extremely vulnerable with 50% of those surveyed having been injured while on the job. Worse yet, 75% of those injured had to pay for medical treatment themselves.
New York City has already begun to crack down on unsafe workplaces under Local Law 196—passed in 2017. In 2021 it began requiring all workers at construction sites to have undergone specific safety training and hold “SST” training cards before they’re allowed to be hired.
However, even though workers must now pass basic safety training, employers are still expected to provide additional specialized training and proper equipment to help prevent injuries and deaths.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a construction site in the city, speak with an experienced construction accident lawyer in New York City who is fully knowledgeable with the specialized laws in New York State with regard to safety on construction sites. Call Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.