Residents of New York City are accustomed to seeing large cranes hovering over skyscrapers and busy construction sites. After a building slump, construction projects in the city are once-again plentiful with statistics showing that in 2014 alone a total of 98,000 building permits were issued in the city.

What’s more, with the Buildings Department enjoying nearly a 30 percent budget increase for the next fiscal year, city officials seemingly aren’t expecting a slow-down in new construction projects anytime soon.

While construction and renovation projects are a definite sign of a stronger economy, concerns have been raised recently about other costs associated with increased construction projects—especially when it comes to the safety of construction workers as well as the general public.

A New York Times article last month discussed the topic of construction safety in New York City noting that, so far this year, there have been a total of eight construction-related deaths. Often such accidents are preventable and occur due to safety violations and human error which has raised concerns among many including members of the Building Trades Employers’ Association.

Construction union members contend that inexperienced and non-union construction workers often contribute to or are victims of construction accidents.

For example, out of the eight construction worker fatalities reported during 2012, six involved non-union workers. Construction companies who fail to adequately train and provide important safety equipment to workers should be held accountable in the event a worker is injured or killed.

Construction workers who have suffered injuries at a construction site are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, many workers encounter frustrations and difficulties when attempting to recover benefits to which they are entitled. For these reasons, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who can assist in the recovery of workers’ compensation.