Proper harnesses, railings, and training save lives, yet too many New York employers cut corners
It’s impossible to understate the number of things that have changed since 2010, but at least one has remained constant: fall protection is still the number one workplace hazard cited by OSHA.
According to the National Safety Council, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s data has fall protection at the top of the list of most cited compliance issues for the fifteenth year running, and it’s not particularly close. Fall Protection – General Requirements accounted for 5,914 violations for fiscal year 2025, more than the next two combined. Ladders (2,405 violations), Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1,907), and Scaffolding (1,905) also made the top 10, highlighting just how central fall risks are to workplace safety.
Work-related falls can be deadly
There’s a reason OSHA issues citations for poor fall protection so frequently: falls can be incredibly dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second-leading cause of occupational deaths, just behind transportation incidents.
Falls are also the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting thousands of workers every year. Brain injuries are just one of the many types of injuries that can be sustained in fall accidents, along with broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.
These risks are at their highest in New York City, where construction work often occurs many stories high above street level. All it takes is one incident to change a worker’s life permanently. That’s why fall protection has to be a top priority for employers throughout New York.
How employers can prevent falls
- Provide appropriate fall protection equipment. The required equipment varies depending on the type of work environment and the distance above ground level. New York Labor Law 240 sets out specific requirements for fall protection on construction sites at height.
- Provide appropriate footwear. In environments where falls are likely to occur, workers need slip-resistant shoes to minimize the risk of slip and falls.
- Keep job sites clear of trip hazards. Loose equipment, materials, and debris can increase the risk of tripping and falling, especially when workers are carrying materials or wearing gear that limits their field of vision.
- Provide appropriate training and supervision. Employers need to put safety first, and that means providing and implementing appropriate safety training. Managers and foremen need to be alert to fall risks and intervene immediately before an incident occurs.
Your legal options if you are injured in a fall on a construction site
Falls can be incredibly dangerous, and the injuries sustained can last a lifetime. If you were hurt in a fall on a construction site, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but that only covers a portion of your losses. However, if your injury was due to the negligence of a third party other than your direct employer—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, architect, or property owner—then you can also pursue a personal injury claim for the full and fair compensation you deserve for all your injury-related expenses.
Pursuing these types of cases is difficult. The lawyer you choose will make all the difference. We have a winning track record of results, including a $3.175 million recovery for a laborer who fell 22 feet from an extension ladder. Give us a call or contact us online to speak with an experienced construction accident attorney at Keogh Crispi, P.C.
"I met Mr. Pat Crispi through a co-worker who had a construction accident. I, as well, had a construction accident. Mr. Crispi was extremely pleasant and sympathetic to my needs. He got me the results I never expected. I also had a car accident recently, and he represented me as he did in my other accident. If you're looking for the right attorney to get the results that you are looking for, call him. I’m very pleased to recommend him to anyone, anytime. Thank you very much, Pat Crispi. You're an excellent attorney." – Marc S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐