NYC Crane Regulation and Inspections
The New York City construction accident lawyers of Segan, Nemerov & Singer talk about a recent construction accident lawsuit and what it means in the future for regulations and inspections.
In a recent lawsuit, construction accident lawyers helped the families of two construction workers file a civil case when their loved ones were killed in a crane accident. The 2008 accident occurred only two months after another crane owned by the same company collapsed, killing seven people. A number of individuals from the company were also indicted on manslaughter charges. The owner of the company was indicted in March of 2010, and a number of inspectors have faced fallout from the accident, as well. When dealing with crane regulations and inspections, it is helpful having a New York City construction accident lawyer by your side.
Both cases cited numerous examples of negligence, and the 2008 case led to increased requirements for crane inspector training, as well as the installation of new safety guidelines for erecting and dismantling cranes. The New York City Buildings Department Cranes and Derricks unit sets forth many safety regulations , including the following:
- A licensed rigger is required to supervise the erecting or dismantling of a crane.
- It is unlawful to hoist or lower an article outside a New York City building unless the work is supervised by a licensed rigger.
- A licensed master rigger has the option of designating a foreman to supervise the erecting, dismantling or jumping of a crane.
- Throughout New York City, the Department of Buildings regularly inspects the erecting, dismantling, and jumping of tower and climber tower cranes, including ensuring that licensed riggers or designated foremen are supervising these operations. Violations will result in the issuance of stop work orders and violations.
In 2008, The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that crane accidents in New York City and other major cities had put crane safety in the forefront of the news. The most recent data available was for 2006. For that year, 72 crane-related fatal occupational injuries occurred. Additional data for 2001 showed almost 1200 non-fatal injuries experienced by crane and tower operators.
In spite of the regulations set forth by New York City construction law, the news is filled with examples of negligent behavior causing serious injury or death to construction workers and non-workers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Negligence acts can be committed by many different parties, from the construction company to companies responsible for properly maintaining the equipment.
Contact us
With so many parties potentially involved, proving negligence requires attorneys with specific experience in New York City construction law. The New York City construction accident lawyers at Segan, Nemerov & Singer, PC have been at the forefront of construction law—some of our cases have changed existing law in favor of injured workers. Contact us today.
>>> more personal injury blogs
