New York Construction Accident & Safety News

It’s been just over one year since a deadly crane collapse on the east side of midtown Manhattan, and some from the community gathered at the spot to pay their respects to those who passed away in the accident. Residents in the area wanted to make sure they brought the situation to light so that they don’t have to see another accident happen in the city again.
 

"The community has said enough is enough - safety has to come before speed," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, at the vigil at 305 E. 50th St. "We’re not where we have to get to (but) we were able to make great gains. We will never tolerate one day where we see a crane breezy in the wind and think that’s OK."

The crane toppled from a 19-story building on East 51st Street and leveled a four-story town house. The seven victims included construction workers Brad Cohen, 54, from Farmingdale and Santino Gallone, 37, of Bellmore.

In the last year, the City Council has passed 12 laws concerning crane safety, including tougher rules on using the nylon straps that secure cranes. A recent city investigation found that the improperly rigged 11,000-pound steel brace on the tower crane fell after workers had attached only four of eight protective nylon slings.

Will the down economy cause more construction accidents as people try to work faster and with less experience? The Long Island Business News reports on the issue that is cropping up at construction sites around the area. But is it true? Will people cut corners for money and put safety at risk?

One contractor who asked not to be identified said many builders won’t cut corners to save money. He said firms with long, reputable histories aren’t likely to suddenly skimp.

“There are always people who cut corners,” said the contractor. “Will people cheat when times get tough? Some people will never cheat.”

Whether or not the weak economy leads to corner cutting, some worry it could lead to more false claims. One Long Island contractor who asked not to be identified said he’s seen a surge in workers’ compensation claims among people about to be laid off.

“In that short period of time before they think they’re going to be downsized, they submit a report that they hurt themselves on the job,” the contractor said. “They file a report saying they pulled a muscle. Most employers slough it off. Then they [the workers] get laid off.”