Accident or Incident
The word Accident is no longer used in construction trades as it implies that the unplanned events were random in nature and not preventable. To change this perception OSHA and NYC DOB adopted a new word Incident.
In the context of NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), an “incident” refers to an event at a construction or demolition site that involves injury or fatality to a worker or member of the public, or that causes damage to adjoining property. The term “incident” has replaced the word “accident” in the building codes, maintaining essentially the same meaning. Incidents include events such as worker or public fatalities, injuries requiring emergency care, material falls outside the building, and damage caused by construction or demolition activities. These incidents must be reported immediately to the DOB to ensure safety compliance and appropriate investigation or enforcement. This reporting requirement is part of Local Law 78 and the 2014 NYC Construction Codes, emphasizing transparency and accountability in construction site safety in New York City.
Not Accident – Go and Report an Incident
