Construction accidents up 40 percent

New York City construction accidents have spiked 40 percent this year through last Friday, up to 158 incidents, compared to the same time period in 2008, according to the Department of Buildings. The number of on-site injuries also increased by 30 percent. An early report on the data attributes the increase in accidents to the rising number of workers falling on the job — the number of worker falls has doubled since last year, according to the report. Some in the department also say that construction workers and foremen have been more vigilant about reporting incidents, which would account for the higher number recorded. “There is a heightened awareness of safety throughout the construction industry, which has prompted the reporting of more incidents,” Tony Sclafani, a buildings department spokesperson, said.