More construction accidents than before

City construction mishaps soar 40 percent
By TOM LIDDY, NY Post

Construction accidents and injuries have skyrocketed across the Big Apple, according to Buildings Department statistics.

The number of mishaps jumped more than 40 percent, to 158, through last Friday, compared with the same period in 2008, while injuries in those incidents rose by more than 30 percent, to 177.

Most of the spike can be attributed to a dramatic increase in the number of workers falling at construction sites.

Hardhats suffered 65 falls through June 30, resulting in 66 people being hurt, almost double the number in the same period in 2008 and already more than the 43 incidents racked up in all of 2007.

Despite the increase in accidents, the number of deaths -- two through June -- is dramatically lower than the 19 in 2008, or the 12 in 2007.

And officials are quick to point out that there has been is an increase in reporting, even of minor incidents.

"There is a heightened awareness of safety throughout the construction industry, which has prompted the reporting of more incidents," said Buildings Department spokesman Tony Sclafani.