In New York City, construction remains one of the most dangerous industries. What often receives less attention is that injury and fatality rates among Hispanic construction workers in NYC are disproportionately high. Emerging data and safety reports point to disparities, not to assign blame, but to ensure fair advocacy and protections for those who are harmed.
Disproportionate Risk: National & State Patterns
Across the United States, Hispanic construction workers have experienced a sharp rise in fatalities and serious injuries over the past decade. According to the Center for Construction Research & Training (CPWR), fatalities among Hispanic construction workers rose by 107.1 % between 2011 and 2022. (cpwr.com Data Bulletin)
In those years, Hispanic workers also accounted for 34.5 % of “days away from work” injuries and 47.3 % of job transfers or restricted duty (DJTR) injuries. These figures underscore the heavier burden borne by Hispanic workers in construction fields. (cpwr.com Data Bulletin)
NYC & New York State: Local Trends & Rising Fatalities
In New York State, the the “Deadly Skyline” report by NYCOSH revealed that construction deaths increased from 50 in 2022 to 74 in 2023, a 48 % jump. (nycosh.org Deadly Skyline Report) In New York City specifically, worker fatalities increased from 24 to 30 in that same period. (nycosh.org)
A striking statistic: although Hispanic and Latino workers represent approximately 10 % of the workforce in New York State, they accounted for 26 % of all workplace fatalities in 2023. (nycosh.org) Additionally, 77 % of these fatalities occurred on non-union jobsites, highlighting structural vulnerabilities that may exist on certain non-union or subcontracted worksites. (nycosh.org)
NYC Construction Accident Reports & Injury Data
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) publishes Construction Related Accident Reports as required by Local Law 78, tracking injury and fatality incidents on NYC work sites. (nyc.gov DOB Construction Accident Reports)
In the DOB’s April 2025 summary, construction sites across NYC had recorded:
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114 injuries
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4 fatalities
These include incidents caused by falls, mechanical failures, and other job-site hazards. (nyc.gov DOB Accident Summary 0425)
For example, in Queens, the first four months of 2025 saw 14 injuries and 1 fatality. (nyc.gov)
Although these reports do not break down the injured by demography, the broader national and state trends suggest that Hispanic workers may be overrepresented in those NYC numbers.
Why Disparities Exist: Contributing Factors
Some of the main causes behind the higher rate of Hispanic construction worker injuries in NYC may include:
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Language and Training Gaps – Safety training often presented only in English can limit comprehension for non-native speakers.
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Smaller contractors & non-union sites – These employers may maintain looser safety oversight and fewer resources.
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Underreporting & fear of retaliation – Workers, especially immigrant or undocumented workers, may hesitate to report hazards.
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Assignment to High-Risk Tasks – Hispanic workers are often assigned to scaffolding, roofing, exterior work, or heavy equipment operations.
These systemic issues may result in greater exposure to risk and fewer protections for Hispanic construction workers when accidents occur.
What This Means for Injured Workers & Families
The consequences of construction injuries are profound:
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Medical bills and lost wages can quickly overwhelm households.
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Injuries may result in long-term disability, chronic pain, or permanent impairment.
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Families incur emotional and financial burdens that reverberate far beyond the injury itself.
This is where WSAT Law steps in, not as safety experts, but as legal advocates. We represent injured workers, including Hispanic construction workers, in claims seeking accountability from negligent parties, contractors, property owners, and others. We assist with evidence gathering, legal strategy, and fighting for compensation.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
