You may recall the 2018 mini-crane accident that seriously injured two workers on East 126th Street and that led to criminal charges against two of their supervisors. In a previous post, we shared that one of the workers suffered a brain injury and the other experienced a spinal injury because of what appeared to be profound negligence on the part of the contractor.
Two managers with the Harlem project’s contractor, which had been hired to install the facade on an 11-story residential building, were charged with crimes because of their failure to keep workers safe. And now the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited that contractor for endangering its employees.
Construction worker safety put at risk
The alleged negligence cited by OSHA included improper training and operation of the rented crane, according to Construction Dive. The recent announcement recommended $155,000 in fines and other penalties against the contractor, Western Specialty Contractors.
The Western supervisors faced charges of second-degree assault, a felony, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment after the untethered crane fell four stories. While it is unclear whether the two men will be held accountable for endangering the lives of their employees, some see the criminal charges as a positive sign.
If it happens to you or someone in your family
We all deserve a safe work environment. Construction workers shouldn’t have to fear for their safety — their lives — because of the actions or inaction of their employers.
If you or someone you love was hurt on a New York City construction site, you may be entitled to money damages. Through a third-party claim, a lawsuit, it is possible to cover the losses and suffering that come with a serious injury.
