This summer, New York City high rise construction sites have attracted national attention, and not always for the right reasons. The projects facing criticism are commercial buildings that are being converted into residential complexes. The problems began on July 7th, when several support beams at 235 East 42nd Street buckled, causing the 21st through 26th floors to sink and partially cave in under the immense weight of the high-rise.
The building, which is the former Pfizer headquarters, was evacuated immediately. For a tense few days, fears of a catastrophic disaster prompted the shutdown of several city blocks and nearby buildings in the area. New York’s Department of Investigation (DOI) immediately launched a review of the skyscraper. According to a report by CNN, all video and photo evidence from the site was reviewed, including the floor plans, blueprints, and recorded interviews with witnesses at the scene. The DOI also required the building owner to hire a third-party engineer to conduct a forensic analysis to determine the cause of the structural failure.
During the investigation, the developer of the project, Metro Loft, made claims that the building was never at risk of a complete collapse. This attempt to downplay the severity of the issue is yet another indication that businesses have a bottom line. They will put their financial interests ahead of the safety and well-being of not only their workers, but pedestrians and neighboring buildings as well.
On July 28th, at 750 Third Avenue, inspectors found unapproved modifications to steel columns in a 34-story tower being converted into almost 700 apartments. When the general contractor was asked to provide documentation for review, the company did not properly disclose the information to city officials. This prompted an immediate inspection of the area. The DOB confirmed the site was safe enough to resume construction two days later on July 30th, but under much stricter circumstances.
New York’s bustling financial district has also been under the microscope in the last month as well. Job sites at 77 Water Street, and 222 Broadway, were both temporarily paused for defective equipment and manufacturing products. Even though the level of urgency from officials was far less than that of the former Pfizer building, the fact remains that job sites need more attentive employers, contractors, and building owners.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS DESERVE BETTER PROTECTION
Unfortunately, these instances highlight how much cutting corners in construction are indicative of a dangerous pattern. Often, these oversights happen because of developers pushing for rushed deadlines, prioritizing financial assets and bottom lines ahead of the safety of the project. These shortcuts find a way to come to light when it’s too late. Construction sites require meticulous planning, daily site checks, and precise math. One wrong move, one wrong measurement, or one misalignment and the whole project could come crashing down.
Our goal at the Klein & Cardali Law Group is to offer the best possible legal protection for you should you be injured in a construction accident. Should this happen to you or someone you know, give us a call for free consultation.