New York State has seen a troubling rise in worker deaths this year. In 2023, there were 74 fatalities, marking a sharp 48% increase from the 50 deaths recorded in 2022. This information comes from an annual report released by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH).
The report highlights that New York City alone accounted for 30 of these deaths, up from 24 the previous year. Sam Fisher, an industrial hygienist at NYCOSH and the report’s lead author, pointed out that a staggering 74% of these fatal incidents involved preventable safety violations. Additionally, 77% of the fatalities investigated involved nonunion workers, raising concerns about the safety conditions for these employees.
Another concerning trend is the decline in penalties for safety violations. The average fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for cases of worker fatalities dropped by 45.6%, now sitting at just $32,123. Meanwhile, the number of inspections has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Fisher described this situation as a "perfect storm," where safety violations are frequent and penalties are insufficient.
The report also noted staffing issues within the NYC Department of Buildings, which has lost 119 positions. This reduction in workforce could impact the department’s ability to enforce safety regulations effectively.
In 2023, the statewide worker fatality rate rose slightly, from 11.5 to 11.6 per 100,000 workers in New York City. Across New York State, the rate increased by 8.3%, reaching 10.4 per 100,000 workers.
Charlene Obernauer, the executive director of NYCOSH, emphasized the need for increased funding to improve enforcement and protective measures for workers. She criticized the current approach, suggesting that the state should prioritize staffing at the Department of Buildings and stop providing financial support to contractors who violate safety laws.
NYCOSH represents a diverse group, including workers, unions, community organizations, and safety professionals, all advocating for safer working conditions. The rising number of worker deaths in New York highlights an urgent need for change to protect the lives of those who contribute to the state’s economy.