A New York City Council proposal that would mandate a sliding-scale system be used when awarding civil damages for construction-related injuries or fatalities has drawn fire from two prominent unions.
The measure would limit city penalties to $500,000 for companies and $150,000 for individuals when safety violations result in serious injury or death. The Building Trades Employers' Association and the General Contractors Association slammed the proposal, saying that ability to pay should not be a consideration when upholding safety regulations and determining damages.
In civil cases related to construction injuries and deaths, judges would have to consider the degree of injury, the defendant's violation history, the extent of willfulness or negligence, and the defendant's ability to pay before making a monetary award. The bill seems designed to prevent companies from being penalized so heavily that they have to go out of business.
One union representative said that the bill sends a message that workers’ lives at larger, more established companies are more valuable than workers’ lives at smaller, less established firms.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.