For Immediate Release
October 18, 2006

Buildings Commissioner Launches Safety
Outreach Campaign

Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, today launched a new safety outreach campaign to reinforce existing safety rules and regulations to all industry members.  The two-month construction outreach campaign, kicked off today with a mass mailing to general contractors, hoisting machine operators and licensed riggers, is part of a larger ongoing effort to enhance the Agency's safety strategies.

 "We are deeply concerned about recent accidents and want to ensure that all industry workers understand and abide by safety rules and regulations already in place," said Buildings Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster. "I want all members of the industry to listen up: We will not stand idly by and allow unsafe construction practices in our City. Our Building Code, along with our inspectors, engineers, architects and experts, exists to protect you, your fellow workers and the public.  If you see an unsafe practice, speak up and call 3-1-1, even if you must do so anonymously.  With over 950,000 buildings in New York City, we must work together."

Beginning today, letters will be sent to over 8,000 general contractors, 1,700 hoisting machine operators and 500 riggers urging compliance with existing requirements and encouraging workers to call 3-1-1 if they see unsafe construction practices.  The campaign will also include information sessions on rules governing the operation of cranes and a mass distribution of Spanish/English translation cards. The  pocket-sized cards, to be distributed by Buildings inspectors to industry workers, include translations for phrases such as "Call 911," "Wear your hard hat," and other terminology aimed at helping workers report accidents and unsafe conditions. The safety outreach campaign is part of a larger initiative to increase safety requirements and enforcement, including:

• Creation of the Forensic Engineering Unit (FEU) - A new unit of expert structural engineers charged with determining the causes of structural failures to prevent similar occurrences throughout the five boroughs.
• Establishment of New Earthwork Rules - Effective October 25, 2006, all contractors will be required to notify the Department 24 to 48 hours in advance of beginning any excavation/earthwork.  If applicable regulations are not followed, the Department may issue a minimum three-day stop work order for construction at the site.
• Drafting of Rule 21 Regarding Professional Certification - In the process of being promulgated, Rule 21 would expand the grounds for suspending or excluding architects and engineers from the Department's professional certification program.

A number of additional safety initiatives can be found at  www.nyc.gov/buildings.

Contact: Jennifer Givner/Tori Edmiston (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 compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.