There’s been another fatal work accident in Manhattan. The same general contractor that was heading the project during the first project was heading the project during this second accident when the building collapsed.
What’s most alarming about this accident is that this problem had already been addressed and it was supposed to be fixed. Bovis Lend Lease made a legal agreement back in 2008 to update its safety practices, according to WYNC. The 2008 contract came after a fiery and deadly fire at the Deutsche Bank building. Two firefighters were killed in this 2007 accident. In the most recent accident, the building was being taken down as part of the expansion project of Columbia University. In the accident, a 69-year-old worker was killed and two others were seriously injured.
It has not been specified if the company was in fact upholding its end of the agreement and was working on its safety procedures. This agreement established after the building fire at Deutsche Bank was a non-prosecution agreement.
Our New York injury lawyers understand that the company said that it would bring on an independent monitor to overlook the workings of the new and improved safety initiatives and to figure out whether or not the company was bringing on capable sub-contractors. The agreement was to last for 5 years. The monitor of the project was to supposed to submit reports regarding progress. The Manhattan District Attorney wasn’t able to produce those reports.
“The reports are not public and I will decline comment for now,” said spokeswoman Erin Duggan
According to the Department of Buildings, safety investigators will be looking into the fatal accident for more information. Regarding the preliminary investigations, employees cut right through one of the building’s structural beam, which is believed to have likely been the cause the collapse of the building.
Breeze National, a construction company that is based out of Brooklyn, was in charge of demolishing the building. The Department of Buildings reports that the company already had two prior violations back in March for neglecting to make sure that the construction site was safeguarded and for neglecting to notify the DOB that the work at the site had stated.
Both of the accidents (the one in 2007 and the most recent one) occurred under the supervision of the same man, according to reports.
When hazards are discovered at a work site or anywhere else on the job, they are to be corrected to help ensure employee safety. In the case of the Bovis Lend Lease accidents, a legal agreement was made to correct these scenarios. The corrections failed and the company should be held liable. Federal standards are in place to protect employees and it’s our job to make sure that these rights are recognized and protected.
New York personal injury attorney Nicholas Rose is dedicated to fighting for the rights of personal injury victims and injured employees throughout the state. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an accident in New York City, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to set up a free and confidential appointment. Call 1-718-261-0546 or toll free at 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
New York Construction Accident Reported at World Trade Center Site, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, February 23, 2012
Plunging Elevator Sends 22 to Hospital in New York Work Accident, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 2, 2011
