According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York City experienced 69 fatal work injuries in 2023, a decrease from 83 in 2022. This marks a significant improvement in workplace safety across the city. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Key Findings from the 2023 BLS Report
- Leading Causes of Fatalities: Both falls, slips, and trips, and exposure to harmful substances or environments were the most frequent fatal events, each accounting for 28% of the total fatalities.
- Industry Impact: The construction sector had the highest number of fatalities, with 24 deaths. Within this sector, falls, slips, and trips were responsible for 12 fatalities.
- Occupational Groups: The construction and extraction occupational group experienced the highest number of fatalities, totaling 30. Construction trades workers accounted for 22 of these deaths.
- Worker Demographics: Men represented 90% of the workplace fatalities. Workers aged 55-64 accounted for 39% of the fatalities, while Hispanic or Latino workers comprised 41% of the deaths.
Implications for Workplace Safety
While the overall decline in fatalities is encouraging, the data highlights persistent risks in specific sectors, particularly construction. The prevalence of fatalities due to falls and exposure to harmful substances underscores the need for continued emphasis on safety training and compliance.
Employers and workers must remain vigilant, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and engaging in regular training to mitigate risks. Targeted interventions, especially in high-risk industries and among vulnerable worker groups, are essential to sustain and improve upon the progress made.
For more detailed information, refer to the full Bureau of Labor Statistics report on fatal work injuries in New York City for 2023
