Falls Are Still the Deadliest Hazard in Construction—And Still Being Ignored
In the heart of New York City’s construction boom, one misstep on a scaffold or rooftop can mean the difference between a paycheck and a funeral. And yet, year after year, employers across the country continue to ignore the most common cause of death in construction: falls to a lower level.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls remain the number one killer of construction workers nationwide, accounting for more than a third of all fatalities in the industry. In 2023 alone, 725 workers lost their lives in fall-related accidents. More than 129,000 suffered serious injuries in 2021–2022. Every one of those incidents had something in common—they could have been prevented.
That’s why the NSC and OSHA are calling on employers to take part in the 2025 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, running from May 5–9. For employers who care about their workers—and for those who need a reminder—this week is a critical opportunity to take responsibility, reevaluate safety practices, and prevent the next tragedy from happening on their watch.
If you were injured in a fall on a job site, a New York construction accident lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and fight for full compensation. At Keogh Crispi, P.C., we represent NYC construction workers who were seriously hurt due to unsafe worksites, failed fall protection, and other violations. We know what it takes to win in these cases—and we don’t back down from a fight.
No Excuses for Unsafe Worksites
Falls don’t just “happen.” They are caused—by shortcuts, by defective gear, by poor planning, by ignored hazards, and too often, by employers who don’t think it will ever happen to them. But NYC construction sites are some of the most dangerous in the country, and workers here face real risks every day. Ladders, scaffolds, unprotected edges, and missing fall protection—all of it adds up to danger.
For construction companies, safety isn't optional. It’s the law. Under New York Labor Law Section 240 (commonly known as the Scaffold Law), general contractors and property owners are strictly liable for fall-related injuries caused by gravity hazards on job sites. That means if a worker falls from a height or is hit by a falling object, the responsible parties can’t dodge accountability by blaming the victim.
Attorney Pat James Crispi has handled countless fall-related injury cases in NYC—and he’s seen what happens when safety gets sidelined. From crane accidents to wall collapses, Keogh Crispi, P.C. builds strong cases that hold negligent parties accountable and gets seriously injured workers the compensation they deserve.
A Preventable Tragedy, A Lifetime of Impact
The worst part about a fall on a job site is that it doesn’t end with the fall. For workers who survive, the road ahead can be brutal: traumatic brain injuries, fractured spines, shattered limbs, long-term disability, and chronic pain. Medical bills pile up. Lost income becomes a crisis. Families are left scrambling for answers.
In wrongful death cases, grieving families are left with funeral costs, lost household income, and a future without the person they relied on most. These aren’t just accidents. They are avoidable tragedies that destroy lives, and the employers who fail to implement proper safety procedures should be held responsible.
At Keogh Crispi, we don’t let employers hide behind excuses. We dig deep, investigate every detail, and build trial-ready cases that force the insurance companies to pay up or face a jury. Because workers’ lives matter more than a contractor’s bottom line.
How Employers Can Help
The Stand-Down isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a challenge—and a warning. OSHA, the NSC, and advocacy groups are urging construction companies across the country to pause work, talk to their crews, review safety procedures, inspect fall protection equipment, and fix the hazards that put workers at risk.
Recommended activities during the Stand-Down include:
- Toolbox talks on ladder and scaffold safety
- Demonstrations of fall arrest systems
- Site inspections and hazard identification walks
- Open conversations about near-misses and safety concerns
But the truth is, one week isn’t enough. Fall prevention needs to be part of every day on the job site. Because a worker who falls usually doesn’t get a second chance.
Fall From a Height on a NYC Job Site? Talk to a Lawyer Who’s Ready to Fight
If you or someone you love was injured in a fall on a New York City construction site, it’s time to take action. You may be able to file a third-party lawsuit, especially if your injury was caused by a general contractor, property owner, or equipment failure. These claims can provide full compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, not just the partial benefits offered through workers’ comp.
Time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly on a construction site, and employers may try to shift blame or deny liability. At Keogh Crispi, P.C., we act fast to preserve your rights and demand the compensation you deserve.
If a fall changed your life, we’re ready to help you take the next step. Don't wait—contact us today for a free consultation.
"Pat was very transparent and responsive to any of my questions or concerns throughout the whole process. He is very professional with his work & I would highly recommend." - Salvatore G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐