Tighter New York Safety Rules Double Stop-Work Orders

May 12, 2008 12:06 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - The March 15 East Side crane accident has prompted a stricter implementation of construction safety regulations across New York City causing minor violations to temporarily shutter some construction sites.

Since April stop-work orders on construction sites had risen to 1,403, almost twice as much as the 785 issued in January. Site managers and construction workers told industry magazine Crain's New York Business overzealous city building officials had caused the rise in construction site closures even for minor paperwork technicalities.

Louis Coletti of the Building Trades Employers' Association explained that the strictness of the building inspectors arise from their fear of losing their own jobs.

Acting Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri, who replaced Patricia Lancaster who resigned over the series of construction accidents the past few months, disputed Coletti's claim. "Some might argue that certain safety precautions aren't really necessary, but the law is very specific in the precautions that need to be taken... Development is very important to New York's future, but we are not going to compromise public safety," LiMandri told Crain's.

Following the crane accident, which claimed seven lives, New York City hired 20 engineering experts who made changes in city construction rules expected to last for three years. The changes cover concrete pouring operations, excavations and cranes and derricks.