New York is stepping up accountability on construction sites across the cit in the wake of the recent crane accident. The New York Times blog reports:
The construction codes were signed into law last July and most recently updated in March of this year. The implementation of the new codes comes as the Buildings Department has faced intense scrutiny over recent construction accidents — including two fatal crane collapses — and accusations of corruption among its ranks of inspectors.
Under city law, today marked the start of a one-year transition period during which applications for new buildings may comply with either the 1968 code or the new codes, which include standards for buildings, fuel and gas, mechanical systems, and plumbing. As of July 1, 2009, the new codes will be required for all new construction.
Luckily the next year until July 1, 2009 is a buffer zone of sorts, in which construction companies are given by New York to get into compliance with the new rules and regulations.