Working in New York City can be hazardous to your health. While the construction industry is booming, there are definitely dangers associated with working in the field of construction.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in one recent year, 71 workers died on their jobs. Many of these were working as laborers or doing construction jobs.
Consider the “sandhogs,” a term used to describe those who work underground, doing excavation work on projects like the Second Avenue tunnel, which had a nonfatal explosion in 2012. However, in 2011, one sandhog lost his life after being struck by a piece of concrete.
Those who work on the iron scaffolding high above the city’s streets also have very dangerous and grueling jobs. Even when there are no deaths, workers often suffer from job-related injuries.
One ironworker whose family has been in the industry for nearly a century said, “It’s not an easy job. It breaks your body down. Even if you don’t get seriously hurt, you’re always breaking fingers.”
Heavy steel weighs tons and can easily sever and crush fingers or toes. Falls from heights can also kill and maim, leaving ironworkers unable to continue to ply their trades if they survive the experience.
Construction workers in New York City typically are paid fairly well, which makes the jobs appealing to those trying to rear families and get ahead in life. They often have to weigh the benefits of decent salaries with the negatives of higher injury risks.
If you were injured while working at a New York City construction site, you may need to take legal action in order to be able to claim compensation.
