New York City Construction Accident Reports up, Deaths down

The number of reported construction accidents and injuries in New York City has increased — but there have been fewer deaths this year.

The number of reported accidents increased by more than 40 percent through last Friday compared to the same period in 2008.

Reported injuries rose by more than 30 percent during that time, many of them falls by workers at construction sites.

The number of deaths — two through June — is much lower than the 19 in 2008 and 12 in 2007.

A buildings department spokesman says a “heightened awareness” of safety in the construction industry has led to an increase in the reporting of incidents, including minor ones.