Common Causes of a New York Construction Accident

Serving Injured Workers, Pedestrians & Families Across All Five NYC Boroughs

Construction is the backbone of New York City – but it is also one of the most dangerous industries in the five boroughs. Whether work is happening on a high-rise in Manhattan, a street project in Queens, a renovation in Brooklyn, or a demolition in the Bronx, a single preventable mistake can lead to life-changing injuries or death.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we understand that a construction accident is never “just an accident.” It’s often the predictable result of unsafe conditions, ignored safety rules, or negligent site management. And when you’re injured, the impact hits your health, your family, and your future.

This page explains the most common causes of construction accidents in New York City, how negligence contributes to these incidents, and what your legal options may be.

Why Construction Accidents Are So Common in New York City

New York City’s fast-paced, high-density construction environment creates risk factors not found elsewhere:

• Extreme heights: Scaffolds, open floors, roof work, and suspended platforms
• Narrow, crowded streets: Cranes, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians in tight spaces
• Work above sidewalks and active traffic: Tools and materials often move over public areas
• Layered, multi-trade worksites: Several contractors working simultaneously
• High-pressure schedules: Tight deadlines encourage shortcuts
• Uneven training: Language barriers and inadequate or counterfeit training cards

Because of these conditions, most NYC construction accidents can be traced to specific causes rather than random chance.

The Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents in New York City

Below are the leading causes of construction accidents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island – with emphasis on why these incidents happen and how negligence plays a role.

1. Lack of Proper Fall Protection

The #1 cause of serious and fatal NYC construction accidents

Falls account for more injuries and deaths on New York City worksites than any other hazard.

Common fall-related causes include:

• Missing or defective guardrails
• No fall-arrest systems (lifelines, harnesses, nets)
• Improperly constructed or unstable scaffolding
• Ladders that are too short, defective, or used incorrectly
• Unguarded floor openings, stairwells, or elevator shafts
• Slippery surfaces from rain, ice, or construction debris
• Little to no training on working at heights

Under New York Labor Law §240 (the Scaffold Law), owners and contractors must provide proper fall protection. Failure to do so is a leading cause of injuries – and a strong basis for liability.

2. Unsafe Scaffolds & Sidewalk Sheds

Scaffolding surrounds thousands of NYC buildings. When improperly built, overloaded, or poorly inspected, it becomes a significant cause of accidents.

Top causes include:

• Missing guardrails, midrails, and toe boards
• Inadequate bracing or improper erection
• Overloaded scaffold platforms
• Lack of required inspections
• Tools or debris falling from overhead platforms

Both workers and pedestrians are frequently injured in scaffold-related incidents.

3. Falling Tools, Materials & Debris

A significant cause of injuries to NYC workers and pedestrians

Common causes:

• Tools or building materials not secured at height
• Missing or inadequate overhead protection (nets, sidewalk sheds)
• Poorly rigged loads from cranes or hoists
• Debris knocked off upper floors
• Crowded work areas with no tool tethering

In NYC’s vertical environment, falling objects remain one of the most preventable – yet persistent – accident causes.

4. Poor Site Housekeeping & Cluttered Work Areas

Simple hazards cause serious injuries every day:

• Loose cords, hoses, or materials in walkways
• Uneven or broken flooring
• Makeshift ramps and unstable platforms
• Wet, muddy, or oily surfaces
• Poor lighting in stairwells and corridors

Cluttered, chaotic job sites are a significant cause of slips, trips, same-level falls, and equipment collisions.

5. Inadequate Training & Supervision

A significant root cause of NYC construction accidents is inadequate training for the work assigned to laborers.

Examples:

• Workers using ladders, saws, or heavy equipment without training
• Laborers placed in high-risk roles despite language barriers
• Fake or undocumented OSHA training cards
• Supervisors failing to enforce safety protocols

NYC construction is dangerous enough – untrained workers make it deadly.

6. Defective or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Construction equipment is powerful – and dangerous when not properly maintained.

Common causes of equipment-related accidents:

• Mechanical failures due to skipped maintenance
• Faulty brakes, hydraulics, or stabilizing systems
• Dangerous power tools with missing guards
• Cranes or lifts with known defects still in use
• Rental equipment not properly inspected

Manufacturers, rental companies, and contractors may share responsibility.

7. Heavy Machinery Collisions & Rollovers

Large equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, loaders, skid steers, and trucks, causes many NYC construction injuries.

Most common causes:

• Operators with inadequate training or supervision
• Blind-spot collisions with workers
• Lack of spotters or traffic control
• Overloading equipment
• Operating on unstable ground
• Poor communication between trades

Many of these incidents occur in tight spaces where visibility is already limited.

8. Electrocution & Contact with Live Power

Electricity is everywhere on NYC construction sites.

Common causes:

• Contact with overhead or underground power lines
• Exposed or damaged wiring in active work zones
• Using power tools in wet environments
• Lack of GFCI protection
• Improper grounding
• Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures

Electrocutions often occur because basic electrical safety is skipped or rushed.

9. Trench Collapses, Cave-Ins & Structural Failures

Excavation and structural work in NYC are hazardous.

Leading causes:

• Trenches without shoring, sloping, or proper shielding
• Heavy equipment or spoil piles too close to the edge
• Inadequate inspections
• Faulty or incomplete engineering
• Formwork collapse during concrete pours
• Overloaded platforms and temporary supports

These failures often signal severe negligence in planning or supervision.

10. Hazardous Materials & Toxic Exposure

NYC construction workers frequently encounter airborne and chemical hazards.

Causes include:

• Asbestos, silica, or lead dust from older buildings
• Solvents, adhesives, and industrial chemicals
• Fumes from welding, coatings, or fireproofing
• Mold exposure in renovation projects
• Lack of proper ventilation or respirators
• Failure to follow hazard communication standards

These exposures can lead to long-term respiratory diseases and cancers.

11. Fires, Explosions & Chemical Leaks

Construction sites often contain multiple ignition sources.

Common causes:

• Gas or chemical leaks
• Faulty or overloaded wiring
• Improper storage of flammable materials
• Sparks from cutting, welding, or grinding
• Hot work performed without a permit

Many NYC fire and explosion accidents occur in older buildings with aging infrastructure.

12. Rushed Deadlines, Staffing Shortages & Cost Cutting

Systemic causes behind many NYC construction injuries

Underlying many individual accidents are broader issues:

• Contractors speeding up work to meet deadlines
• Inadequate staffing or supervision
• Skipped inspections
• Cheaper, unsafe equipment
• No time allocated for proper safety planning

These systemic decisions directly lead to preventable accidents.

New York Labor Law & Negligence in Construction Accident Cases

Under New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241, property owners, contractors, and construction managers must keep worksites safe – especially when work involves:

• Heights
• Scaffolds
• Ladders
• Floor openings
• Heavy equipment
• Demolition
• Excavation

When these rules are violated and someone is hurt, the responsible parties can be held legally and financially accountable.

Legal Options After a Construction Accident in New York City

If you were injured, you may have two types of claims:

Workers’ Compensation

Covers:

• Medical treatment
• Partial loss of wages
• Disability benefits

Does not cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost earnings

Third-Party Lawsuits

You may sue non-employer parties, such as:

• Property owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance or safety companies

These claims allow you to recover:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost wages
• Future medical care
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement

Talk to a New York City Construction Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured due to one of the common causes of a New York construction accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is ready to:

• Investigate what caused your accident
• Identify every responsible party
• Preserve critical evidence
• Fight for your complete financial recovery

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
Or you can contact us online – you don’t have to worry.

Don’t Be a Victim Twice.