(NEW YORK CITY) – The New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health (NYCOSH) has released its annual Construction Fatality Report - The 2026 Deadly Skyline Report, which reveals high numbers of construction fatalities throughout New York State. In 2024, 55 Construction Workers died on the job across New York State, down from a peak of 74 deaths in 2023, but still high among totals recorded over the past decade. Since 2015, at least 587 Construction Workers have died on the job Statewide. In New York City alone, 19 Construction Workers died in 2024, following 30 deaths in 2023 - the highest single-year total in the City in the decade covered by the report. The 2026 report examines the latest construction fatality data, uncovering systemic safety failures that continue to place Workers at risk, particularly Immigrant and Latinx Workers. The report also outlines actionable recommendations to help prevent future injuries and deaths while creating safer job sites throughout New York. 

NYCOSH 2026 Deadly Skyline Report - Key Findings:

Fatalities & Trends:

• 2024 totals: 55 Construction Worker deaths Statewide (down from 74 in 2023) and 19 in New York City (down from 30 in 2023) www.worksafety247.com+1.
• New York City’s 2024 fatality rate was 9.4 per 100,000 and New York State’s was 8.9 per 100,000 www.worksafety247.com.
• Since 2015, at least 587 Construction Workers have died Statewide New York City Central Labor Council.
• In New York City, 2024 saw the highest single-year total in a decade New York City Central Labor Council.

Heat-Related Deaths:

• In 2024, four construction fatalities in New York State were linked to heat events (temperatures ≥80°F) www.worksafety247.com+1.
• Two occurred in New York City: One in Manhattan at 83°F and another in Long Island City at 86°F Portside.
• Heat stress can begin at temperatures below 87°F. Three of the four heat-related deaths happened in that range Portside.
• NYCOSH urges passage of the TEMP Act to mandate water access, rest breaks, shade and other protections during dangerous heat www.worksafety247.com.

Demographics & Risk:

• Latinx Workers make up ~18.6% of NY State’s Workforce, but accounted for 25.8% of 2024 fatalities www.worksafety247.com.
• They are over-represented among Immigrant and Non-Union Workers, often in Non-Union job sites with weaker enforcement s3.amazonaws.com.

Systemic Issues:

• Common causes include inadequate fall protection, insufficient training, unsafe work conditions and pressure to work quickly s3.amazonaws.com.
• OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration) inspection activity remains below pre-pandemic levels and fear of reporting is high s3.amazonaws.com.

Recommendations:

• Strengthen workplace safety standards and enforcement.
• Improve training for high-risk demographics.
• Prevent construction owners tied to incidents from obtaining permits or public funds www.worksafety247.com.
• Implement heat safety measures under the TEMP Act.
• Increase inspections and accountability in Non-Union sites.

The Bottom Line: While fatalities have declined slightly from 2023, the 2026 report warns that preventable deaths remain alarmingly high, especially among Latinx Workers and in heat-exposed conditions. NYCOSH calls for structural reforms, stronger enforcement and targeted protections to reduce future risks NYCOSH+2.

To Directly Access This Report, Go To: NYCOSH-Construction-Fatalities-Report-2026_final.pdf