New York State experienced 74 worker deaths in 2023, a 48% increase over 2022’s 50 deaths, according to an annual report by an occupational safety nonprofit.

The report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) found that there were 30 worker deaths in New York City in 2023, compared to 24 in 2022.

According to Sam Fisher, industrial hygienist at NYCOSH and lead author of the report, 74% of fatal incidents had preventable safety violations, and 77% of investigated fatalities were of nonunion workers.

Meanwhile, the average ffne levied by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for fatality cases dropped by 45.6% to just $32,123, while inspection levels remained below pre-pandemic numbers.

“This creates a perfect storm where violations are both common and inadequately penalized,” Fisher said.

Also, according to the report, the NYC Department of Buildings lost 119 positions.

The statewide worker fatality rate increased slightly from 11.5 to 11.6 per 100,000 workers in New York City in 2023. In New York State, there was a 8.3% rate increase to 10.4 per 100,000 workers in 2023

Charlene Obernauer, executive director of NYCOSH. said the state needs to increase funding for enforcement and proactive measures to protect workers. “Right now, we can act to fully fund staffing at the Department of Buildings and stop giving out free money to contractors across the state that violate laws meant to keep workers safe,” she said.

NYCOSH members include workers, unions, community-based organizations, and health and safety professionals.

Topics
New York