New York Workplace Injuries: A Closer Look at the Statistics

Workplace injuries are a significant concern in New York City, where a diverse range of industries contributes to the city’s dynamic economic landscape. In this article, we delve into some of the most critical statistics that show just how common workplace injuries are in New York City and what they look like.

Construction Industry Remains a Major Contributor to Workplace Injuries in New York City

Construction continues to be one of the high-risk factors in New York City’s workplaces. For the year 2022, a total of 472 construction-related injuries were recorded in the city. Though the total number of workplace injuries was not provided, the construction sector’s injuries compose a significant share due to the sector’s high-risk nature—from activities such as working at extreme elevations to dealing with heavy machinery, including other risky situations.

Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Leading Cause of Workplace Injuries in NYC

Slip, trip, and fall incidents count among the most common workplace injuries across New York City. According to the NYC Department of Health 2022, these types of accidents accounted for 22% of all workplace injuries reported in the city in 2021.

Such incidents often happen in environments where there are wet or uneven surfaces, clutter on the walkways, or poor lighting conditions.

Repetitive Strain Injuries: A Growing Concern in NYC Workplaces

This can be typical in an office setup or manufacturing industry, where repetitive strain injuries occur, especially from prolonged tasks. On this basis, RSIs accounted for 18% of all reported workplace injuries in New York City in 2021.

These injuries tend to be often the cause of long-term health problems and may widely affect the productivity of workers and the quality of life thereof.

The Danger of Falling Objects: A Major Workplace Hazard

In environments such as construction sites and warehouses, one is exposed to the danger of being struck by falling or moving objects. For example, workers in New York City who were struck by objects suffered 154 injuries in 2022. Some of these incidents cause serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma.

The Hidden Danger: Workplace Exposures to Hazardous Substances

Workers in various industries are at risk for exposure to hazardous substances, including healthcare and manufacturing. For instance, in 2021 alone, 96 cases of injuries that were not fatal were reported associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, asbestos, and other dangerous materials. These exposures are the cause of acute injuries and long-term health complications.

The Toll of Transportation-Related Injuries on NYC Workers

With New York City’s busy transport system, it should be expected that transport-related injuries would be equally substantial. In 2022, the 238 cases of reported injuries related to vehicle crashes accounted for delivery, public transport workers, and logistics people. All of these incidents normally impact serious injuries and deaths.

Overexertion Injuries: A Common Workplace Hazard

Another contributing factor to workplace injuries is overexertion due to lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying. In 2022, it was responsible for 14 percent of all workplace injuries that took place in New York City. These are the sectors from which most cases of these particular injuries typically are reported: construction, warehousing, and healthcare.

The Deadly Toll of Falls from Heights in NYC Construction

Falls from heights are very serious in the construction industry in New York City. Working at high levels from scaffolds, ladders, or roofing increases the risk of fatalities or severe injuries. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, in 2022, 53 instances of workers falling from height were reported.

Generally, cases of falls involve very severe injuries: bone fractures, spinal injuries, and TBI’s, which may be life-changing.

Three main fall-from-heights statistics in NYC include:

• In 2023, Falls from heights accounted for 28% of all construction fatalities (NYC Department of Buildings, 2023)
• Fall from heights accounted for 35 percent of all fall-related injuries in construction
• In 2021, 62 percent of fall-related injuries in construction resulted in needing a hospital stay to manage the injuries.

The Silent Threat of Electrical Injuries in NYC Workplaces

Although less common than other types of workplace injuries, electrical injuries are extraordinarily hazardous and are more common in some industries, such as construction and maintenance.

In 2021, New York City experienced 29 electrical injuries. Electrical injuries may be of the utmost severity, as they result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, and many other medical emergencies.

Three essential facts to know about New York City electrical injuries are:

• Electrical Injuries were 10% of all injuries on a construction site in 2021.
• The cause of 65% of electrical injuries in 2021 was contact with live wires.
• Workers who have electrical injuries experience long-term disability 20% more frequently than other injury medical problems.

The Hidden Danger: Machinery-Related Injuries in NYC Workplaces

Though the operation of heavy machinery is essential in both manufacturing and construction, the operation of heavy machinery poses significant risks. In 2022, there were 67 incidences of injury due to operating machinery, according to the NYC Department of Buildings (2023).

Frequently, the injuries result in amputations or crush injuries involving severe lacerations that may even be catastrophic and necessitate long-term medical attention.

Three significant statistics about machinery-related injuries in New York City are as follows:

• In 44% of the machinery-related injuries in 2022, amputations were performed (NYC Department of Buildings, 2023)
• Machinery incidents accounted for 15% of all workplace injuries during the year 2022 in the manufacturing sector.
• 70% of the machinery-related injuries occurred due to inadequate safety and lack of proper training. The above fact was issued by the NYC Department of Health in 2022

The Silent Threat of Falling Objects: A Major Workplace Hazard

Falling objects are indeed among the significant dangers present in New York City, more particularly in construction and warehousing work environments. In the year 2022, 109 cases were recorded of workers who have been hurt by falling objects. These types of injuries vary from minor cuts and bruises to critical head and fracture injuries.

Three critical facts about falling objects in New York City:

• 60% of dropping object incidents in 2022 took place at a building site.
• Dropping objects resulted in 12% of overall occupational injuries in the warehousing sector.
• 85% of injuries from falling objects resulted in head trauma or upper body injuries…

Conclusion

The statistics on workplace injuries in New York City highlight the importance of stringent safety measures across various industries. Construction, transportation, and healthcare sectors, in particular, exhibit high injury rates, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols and training.

By addressing these risks proactively, employers can create safer work environments, ultimately protecting their workforce and enhancing overall productivity.