Safety Concerns for Workers Constructing High-Rise Buildings in NY

The profile of New York City is changing at an unprecedented rate. Over the past 11 years, developers have constructed 13 high-rise buildings in Manhattan. Currently, there are 15 high-rise buildings under construction and 19 more in the process of being approved. The list of new buildings includes residential and commercial towers, and includes the proposal for a 1,323-foot tower at 2 World Trade Centers.

For construction workers and master builders in New York City, the boom in high-rise buildings means new job opportunities. These buildings are engineering and design wonders that require skilled and capable workers. Many construction workers are proud to say that they played an important role in New York City’s image today.

The unfortunate fact is that the new job opportunities presented by these high-rise buildings also have associated risks. It is common these days to see news in the media about construction workers who died after falling from high places or who had to be rescued after suffering serious injuries at work.

Major risks for workers constructing high-rise buildings in New York City

On all construction sites, there are numerous risks of injury to workers. Working in a high-rise building increases these risks, not only because of the danger posed by the heights themselves, but also because of the enormous amount of materials and workers present on a construction site. Construction sites in New York City can be busy places. Whether it’s the danger of tripping or the lack of safety precautions, the difference for workers in different trades and occupations between getting off work unscathed and suffering a life-changing injury is often a fine line.

The risks faced daily by carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, glass makers, truck drivers and other workers who construct high-rise buildings include

Falls from high places

For obvious reasons, falls from high places are one of the biggest risks of high buildings under construction. However, despite these risks, many construction companies and contractors do not take the necessary steps to protect their employees from serious and fatal accidents on a construction site. These companies can be held financially responsible for falls from high buildings caused by

• Defective scaffolding
• Lack of temporary safety railings
• Inadequate access to harnesses and other safety equipment
• Lack of training and supervision
• Hitting yourself with debris or materials, or bumping into other workers
• Other security-related issues

Other common security risks

In addition to the risks of falling, workers who construct high-rise buildings also routinely face other occupational hazards. These include:

• Burns and electric shocks
• Falling objects
• Accidents with machinery and equipment
• transportation accidents (includes accidents while unloading materials and during truck backing)
• Inhalation of particles and chemicals
• Being trapped or immobilized between structures and materials