Construction fatalities virtually flat citywide, accidents down

Construction accidents decreased 18 percent in 2011, even as construction permits rose 7.7 percent, a statement from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office in conjunction with the Department of Buildings.

There were five construction-related fatalities in 2011, up from four in 2010, but a 73 percent decrease from 2008. Construction-related injuries were also down, to 152 from 165 year-over-year, the statement, released today, said.

The administration credited “expanded outreach to construction industry members and greater cooperation by builders throughout the city,” for the decreases. The Department of Buildings has implemented more than 25 new construction safety laws since 2008. All of the construction-related fatalities in 2011 involved “improper procedures on the job site, such as a lack of fall protection and improper construction practices,” the city said.

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The most common cause of injury in the construction industry remained falls last year, the city said.

In 2011, the DOB issued more than 5,100 full and partial stop work orders.

“One of the best ways we can keep our city’s economic recovery on track and help put more New Yorkers to work is by ensuring businesses and developers have the confidence to invest in New York City,” said Bloomberg at a press conference today in Long Island City where he unveiled the numbers. — Guelda Voien