NEW YORK CITY CONSTRUCTION
Corruption adds to safety problems in the NYC construction industry

October 17, 2008 – This year there were two deadly crane collapses in New York City (NYC) that killed two crane operators and threatened many pedestrians’ safety, emphasizing the risks of injury that the city’s construction industry poses.

Since the last collapse in June, New York City’s former chief crane inspector has been arrested and charged with taking bribes as early as 1996 from a Long Island crane company in exchange for fake inspection reports and advanced copies of licensing exams.

“The petty corruption that has been endemic in the New York construction industry can create an atmosphere that is incompatible with high standards of safety and quality,” said a former prosecutor who audits major construction projects and was quoted by the New York Times.

The two crane collapses and the bribery charges have not been formally connected. However, the Manhattan district attorney’s office expanded charges against the city’s former chief crane inspector, who last week pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, record tampering and falsifying business records.

Whether due to industry corruption or not, safety violations have risen and currently threaten the safety of New York City construction workers and city residents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identified 129 safety violations this year and fined 46 construction sites $247,400. Nearly a third of the violations involved falling hazards.

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see also:

Seattle fatality Construction industry has more fatality than any other, Seattle lawyer
Seattle worker, 26, dies in yet another construction industry fatality

OSHA Guidelines OSHA Guidelines for Construction Site Safety to avoid accidents
Construction Site Safety and Warnings to prevent accidents

News & Warnings Construction site accident news, dangers, warnings and information
Construction Site Accident News, Dangers and Warnings Information