While fatal falls from elevation dominate the statistics, slips, trips, and same-level falls are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries on NYC construction sites. A twisted ankle, broken wrist, or concussion from tripping over a cord can put a worker out of commission for weeks. These injuries are almost entirely preventable through discipline and housekeeping.

• Wet concrete, freshly mopped floors, and rain-slicked decks — wear slip-resistant boots rated for wet surfaces
• Construction debris (gravel, sand, loose aggregate) on smooth surfaces acts like ball bearings underfoot
• Ice and frost on scaffold platforms, ladders, and exterior walkways — NYC winters require daily de-icing before access
• Oil, hydraulic fluid, and concrete washout — clean up spills immediately; "it'll dry" is not an acceptable response
• Plastic sheeting used for curing or weather protection — constantly shifting, never walk on it without checking the surface below

• Extension cords and hoses crossing walkways — use cord bridges, hang overhead, or reroute; never run across paths
• Loose material, scrap lumber, empty containers — clean up your work area at end of each shift, not end of the job
• Uneven surfaces, transition points, and temporary ramps — mark with high-visibility tape and ensure smooth transitions
• Rebar sticking up from slabs — bend down stub ends or cap every exposed bar immediately after placement
• Threshold changes at doorways and between floor levels — ensure lighting is adequate and surfaces are marked

• Steel-toed, slip-resistant boots are required — sneakers and work boots without slip-resistant soles are not acceptable
• ASTM F2413-rated footwear provides standardized slip resistance testing — look for the mark
• Replace worn-out soles — a boot with a smooth sole has nearly zero slip resistance on wet concrete