OSHA reports thousands of construction site violations each year, with fall protection failures and heat-related safety lapses among the most frequently cited, particularly during summer months like July. These are not new problems, but they’re especially dangerous during summer months when deadlines tighten and temperatures climb.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry saw 1,075 fatalities in 2023, the highest since 2011. Nearly 40% were caused by falls, slips, or trips, and many occurred during high-risk summer months like July. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) reports seasonal increases in site injuries, violations, and stop-work orders.
If you’ve already been hurt on a job site, WSAT Law is here to advocate for you, not to lecture, but to help you understand what comes next.
These 2 July Construction Site Violations
Every summer, two violations consistently show up across NYC job sites:
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Lack of fall protection
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Inadequate heat safety protocols
These aren’t isolated oversights. They show up in reports from OSHA, the BLS, and NYC DOB data, and they contribute to preventable injuries, time off work, and long-term consequences for the people involved.
Why July Is Especially Risky for Construction Workers
Construction is always dangerous, but certain conditions in July make it even more so:
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Extreme heat and dehydration can lead to dizziness, poor judgment, or slowed reaction time
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Rushed work due to tight summer deadlines often results in missing safety checks
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Extended daylight hours can mean longer shifts and increased fatigue
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Inexperienced seasonal hires or understaffing can lead to protocol violations
According to OSHA, heat-related workplace deaths occur most frequently during summer months, including July
Violations That Keep Repeating
Some of the most commonly cited safety violations on construction sites during summer months include:
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Failure to provide fall protection equipment or training
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Unsecured scaffolding or ladders
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Blocked emergency exits
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Poor heat illness prevention protocols
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Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Inadequate supervision or site inspections
These aren’t rare oversights. They show up in citation reports year after year and often lead to serious injury or worse.
According to the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (2023), construction remained the deadliest industry in the U.S., with 1,075 fatalities, the highest number reported since 2011. Of those deaths, 39.2% were caused by falls, slips, and trips, and 22.3% resulted from transportation-related incidents. The data reveals that 64.4% of fatal falls occurred from heights between 6 and 30 feet, with portable ladders and stairs playing a deadly role in over 100 deaths. These numbers underscore how common these hazards are and how often they are linked to safety lapses.
See our visual breakdown of these statistics in the infographic below.
What If It’s Already Too Late?
If you’re reading this after an accident, as a worker, pedestrian, or someone who got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, you’re not alone. The aftermath of a construction injury can involve:
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Emergency care and hospital bills
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Missed paychecks
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Long recovery periods
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Stressful insurance claims
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Difficult conversations with employers or site managers
At WSAT Law, we’re not here to encourage lawsuits. We’re here to support people who are already injured and want someone to help them move forward.
Construction in July Comes With Pressure. You Deserve Protection.
New York’s construction workers help build this city, brick by brick. But when safety is overlooked, it’s workers and their families who pay the price.
If you’ve already been injured on a job site, we’re here to talk. No pressure, just information. You may be entitled to compensation, and you deserve to know what your options are.
Call WSAT Law at (212) 683-3800 Or contact us at www.wsatlaw.com/contact
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help.
Call (212) 683-3800 to
contact William Schwitzer & Associates
for legal assistance.
