A new report by the New York State Comptroller found that New York City construction site inspections and regulation enforcement need improvement.
The state watchdog found that nearly 90% of active New York City construction sites it visited had safety problems. It also said the city’s Department of Buildings doesn’t effectively prioritize which sites get inspected.
Officials from the Comptroller’s office visited 18 active construction sites last summer and reported that 16 of those sites had a total of 77 safety issues. The problems included not having a site safety manager, missing or incomplete site safety logs and daily inspection records, and no documentation of workers completing required site safety training or attending mandatory safety meetings.
In 60% of cases where hazardous conditions were present for more than 30 days, DOB did not issue a citation for failing to correct the problem, the report says. The DOB agreed with most recommendations made to improve practices as cited in the report, which included more timely action to fix hazardous conditions at job sites.
The city department’s chief also noted that conditions “may change on a daily, or even hourly basis; therefore, the types of conditions that the auditors noted may not be present at the time of DOB’s inspection.”
Related Stories
| May 3, 2012
Ground broken for $94 million hospital expansion at Scripps Encinitas
New facility to more than double emergency department size, boost inpatient beds by 43%.
| May 3, 2012
Rudolph and Sletten, Inc. wins CMAA award
Firm recognized for the renovation of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College’s Student Administrative & Griffin Student Center.
| May 2, 2012
Trimble acquires SketchUp 3D modeling platform
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.
| May 2, 2012
Building Team completes two additions at UCLA
New student housing buildings are part of UCLA’s Northwest Campus Student Housing In-Fill Project.
| May 2, 2012
Public housing can incorporate sustainable design
Sustainable design achievable without having to add significant cost; owner and residents reap benefits
| May 2, 2012
SMPS Foundation accepting applications for Garikes Scholarship
One outstanding scholar will be selected this year to receive a $1,500 scholarship award, to be used toward academic expenses, such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, and other similar expenses.
| May 2, 2012
Sasaki selected for 2012 National Planning Firm Award
The award recognizes a firm for its body of distinguished work influencing the planning profession.
| May 1, 2012
White paper discusses benefits of diaphragm and piston flushometer valves
The white paper highlights considerations that impact which type of technology is most appropriate for various restroom environments.
