Small Construction Firms Have More Fatal Accidents : Our Attorneys Discuss

At Giampa Law, we know that construction in the Bronx and other parts of New York City is a dangerous job. Many of the companies that hire construction workers are relatively small, consisting of fewer than 10 employees. 

Even more so than larger companies, many smaller companies are likely to cut corners in order to save money. This includes failing to follow state and federal safety guidelines. 

How safe are smaller construction companies?

A quarterly report (3rd for 2018) by CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training examines the likelihood of a fatal accident based on a construction company’s size by citing previous statistics.  

In 2016 alone, roughly 82 percent of all construction-based companies had fewer than 10 employees.  

From 2011 to 2016, companies with one to ten employees experienced more than 47 percent of all construction fatalities. Companies with 11 to 19 employees only had roughly 12 percent, companies with 20 to 99 employees had more than 23 percent, and companies with more than 100 employees had more than 15 percent. 

The causes of these fatalities included:  

Fall to lower levels:  

• 61.5 percent within companies with one to 10 employees 
• 12.7 percent within companies with 11 to 19 employees 
• 16.8 percent within companies with 20 to 99 employees 
• 9 percent within companies with 100 or more employees 

Struck-by accidents:  

• 32.8 percent within companies with one to 10 employees 
• 11.3 percent within companies with 11 to 19 employees 
• 30.3 percent within companies with 20 to 99 employees 
• 25.6 percent within companies with 100 or more employees 

Electrocutions:  

• 55.6 percent within companies with one to 10 employees 
• 9.3 percent within companies with 11 to 19 employees 
• 22.4 percent within companies with 20 to 99 employees 
• 12.7 percent within companies with 100 or more employees 

Caught-in/-between accidents: 

• 44.9 percent within companies with one to 10 employees 
• 14.8 percent within companies with 11 to 19 employees 
• 25 percent within companies with 20 to 99 employees 
• 15.2 percent within companies with 100 or more employees 

During that time period, companies with one to 10 employees experienced more than half of construction fatalities in subsectors including:  

• Residential building: 77.6% 
• Siding contractors: 75.7% 
• Framing contractors: 75% 
• Painting and wall covering: 72.9% 
• Roofing contractors: 70.7% 
• Masonry contractors: 65.6% 
• Drywall and insulation: 56.3% 
• Plumbing, heating, and air conditioning: 52.1% 

Hurt on the job? We can help! 

If you suffered an injury on a construction site, you may already be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may only receive partial wages while you’re unable to work. That’s why you need an experienced construction accident lawyer on your side. We may be able to help pursue a third-party claim that will cover additional expenses not covered by workers’ comp.  

The legal team at Giampa Law can help you explore your options and build a strong case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.