As personal injury attorneys who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured workers, we want to share some troubling statistics. According to NYCOSH’s 2025 Deadly Skyline Report, 2023 saw the highest number of construction worker fatalities in a decade. New York State experienced 74 fatalities, with 30 of those occurring in New York City alone. These numbers underscore the ongoing danger that construction workers face on a daily basis.
In light of these deaths, it’s important to address some of the criticism surrounding New York’s Labor Laws, particularly Labor Law Section 240 – often called the “Scaffold Law” – which protects construction workers who are at risk of falling from heights or being struck by falling objects.
While often seen as being too plaintiff-friendly, these laws exist for good reason: to hold property owners and general contractors accountable for providing safe working conditions. If a worker is injured or killed due to inadequate safety conditions, Labor Law Section 240 provides important statutory protections over and above standard negligence law.
The loss of 74 lives in accidents that could have been avoided if owners and general contractors had adhered to proper safety protocols is unconscionable. Without New York’s strict Labor Laws, the death toll would likely be even higher.
I am committed to helping injured workers and their families seek the compensation they deserve under New York’s Labor Laws. If you or someone you know has been affected by a workplace injury, I am here to help navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation (click here) or call us at (212) 366-4600.
Learn more about construction worker safety and preventing workplace injuries: