For Immediate Release
May 4, 2007

Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster Announces New Construction Superintendent Rule To Enhance Accountability And Safety On The Job Site
New Rule to Ensure Construction Sites are Supervised by Qualified Individuals

Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, today unveiled the new Construction Superintendent Rule designed to promote public safety by ensuring that construction sites are supervised by qualified individuals with the appropriate knowledge of construction and risk-prevention. The announcement was made during a reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of Construction Safety Week.

The Construction Superintendent Rule introduces a registration requirement for individuals overseeing demolition or new construction of buildings under 15 stories. If designated the construction superintendent at these “low-rise” sites, an individual must be registered, be available to the Buildings Department at all times, engage in sound and code-compliant construction practices, and maintain a safe work site. The Construction Superintendent Rule is one in a series of initiatives the Department has implemented to ensure accountability at the job site and promote public safety.

“Despite the fact that New York City is known for its skyscrapers, we have increasingly seen accidents at low-rise sites,” said Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA. “Construction superintendents carry an overwhelming amount of responsibility on the construction site. As we honor Construction Safety Week this year, I am proud to announce that regardless of building height, site supervisors will be held accountable to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to protect the safety of the public and the workers on site.”

In 2006, the Buildings Department issued nearly 10,000 permits for demolition and construction of new buildings under 15 stories, a 40% increase from 2002. Over 90% of these permits went to job sites outside of Manhattan. The unprecedented growth is good news for the tens of thousands of New Yorkers working in the building trades, but also poses risks as demand increases. In 2006, twice as many workers were hurt falling from low-rise sites than from high-rise sites and over half of the accidents citywide - 53% - were on jobs outside of Manhattan. Increasing accountability on the job site, the Construction Superintendent Rule will ensure qualified individuals maintain safety by following safe construction practices.

To register as a construction superintendent, an individual must meet certain qualifications and training requirements as outlined in the rule. Construction Superintendent registration will begin on July 1, 2007. Beginning January 1, 2008, the Buildings Department will only issue permits for new building or demolition applications naming a registered construction superintendent, excluding those applications for one- and three-family dwellings. Beginning on July 1, 2008, new building and demolition permits for one- to three-family dwellings will require a registered construction superintendent.

To read the full text of the Construction Superintendent Rule (66 kb) or find information about Construction Safety Week 2007, visit the Buildings Department website at www.nyc.gov/buildings.

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to report unsafe conditions at construction sites.

Contact: Kate Lindquist (212) 566-3473

The New York City Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the Building Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.