Following up on last week’s news that New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg was going to be signing new laws to protect construction workers in the city, details have emerged on exactly what they entail:
The first (Intro 763-A) classifies "housekeeping violations" — which can cover anything from loose materials to tripping hazards — as immediately hazardous. This designation would create stricter penalties for work sites that tend to be sloppy and require they be fixed promptly. Sites that do not comply with the legislation, which was sponsored by Councilmember Annabel Palma, could face a penalty of $5,000.
The council also approved legislation (Intro 687) requiring the annual inspection of structurally compromised buildings. Buildings recently involved in a fire or that have been threatened structurally by other means will have to be inspected by a professional engineer annually. Inspections must continue annually, according to the bill, until the building is found to be in sound condition.
In addition, the council approved legislation (Intro 793) requiring the more stringent inspection of retaining walls.
The new safety features are now in effect and should help reduce accidents on construction sites.