For Immediate Release:

April 14, 2008

www.nyc.gov/buildings

 

 STATEMENT FROM BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER PATRICIA LANCASTER ON CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT AT 400 EAST 67^TH STREET IN MANHATTAN

 “Construction site and worker safety begins with proper site safety measures. A tragedy happened here today. It appears the nylon safety strap connecting the worker to the building failed. As part of our investigation, our team is now auditing the method the crews used to install the safety straps throughout the building. We will pursue the toughest enforcement to the full extent of the law. Development cannot be at the expense of the workers building our City. The Buildings Department has imposed a Full Stop Work Order on the site. A full safety inspection is underway, and Buildings forensic engineers are investigating the incident,” said Commissioner Lancaster. 

The worker was employed by New York Window, a subcontractor retained by the General Contractor, Hunter Roberts Construction Group, to install window panels. Preliminary reports indicate the accident occurred on the northeast corner of the building’s 23rd floor, and that the worker fell to a 14th floor balcony. At this time, it appears a failure of the safety strap connecting the worker to the concrete ceiling played a role in the incident.