Falls on worksites are a national problem. Out of 1,102 construction fatalities in 2019, 401 resulted from falls, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The problem is even more pronounced in New York City, where since 2015, construction falls have led to 37 fatalities and 1,029 injuries on construction sites. New York DOB’s recent safety sweep attempted to create an environment where those falls are less likely to occur.
In addition to issuing stop work orders in their recent sweep, DOB inspectors handed out safety cards that reminded workers to wear a safety harness properly, look out for slipping and tripping hazards and install guardrails or hole coverings in the proper situations.
