“We need to let the laws we have on the books do their job by strengthening the effect of Labor Laws 240 and 241,” David Perecman said.
Acting New York City Department of Buildings commissioner Robert LiMandri testified before the City Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee on July 15.
The City’s proposed rules, which are not yet law, would require crane riggers to take a 30-hour safety training course, and have a safety meeting before erecting, jumping or dismantling a crane. It would also outlaw the use of nylon slings in all but specific circumstances.
Perecman added: “Penalties from government agencies are often too small, too few and too late. They are viewed by the builders as nothing more than a cost of doing business. One thing is for sure, they don’t like getting sued. After enough construction accident lawsuits, these violators will improve safety on their construction sites because it’s too expensive to pay for the damage they cause.”
