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Writer's pictureAdam Glassman

The DOB’s New “Zero Tolerance” Policy: Is it Enough?



In New York, we rely on the Department of Buildings to promote and ensure safety for construction workers. Even though DOB employees work extremely hard to make this happen, deaths and serious injuries continue to occur in New York on a weekly basis. Every time one of these serious incidents occurs, it is inevitably seen as a failure on the part of the DOB. Today, the DOB is launching a new initiative to promote worker safety on construction sites across the city. Will it be enough?


If you have already been injured after a construction accident in New York, the DOB cannot really help you anymore. This organization is only really concerned with preventing construction accidents. Once you experience one of these accidents, you are on your own. Fortunately, injury victims can get the help they need by teaming up with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New York. Our legal professionals can help you file an injury claim, which can provide you with the compensation you need to handle medical expenses, missed wages, and much more.


Zero Tolerance


In early June of 2021, it was announced that the DOB was launching a widespread initiative across five boroughs, creating a new “zero-tolerance” policy for construction safety. The DOB announced that they were not only concerned about worker safety, but also the safety of the public.


The new initiative will involve a number of “sweeps” that will check various construction sites for any safety violations. If contractors are caught committing violations, they will face a fine of up to $25,000. Their site may also be shut down completely.


Focusing on Falls


Due to the high number of fall-related deaths over the past few weeks and months, the DOB is also focusing heavily on falls as they launch this new initiative. A big part of the sweeps will involve educating workers about the dangers of falls, and representatives of the DOB have stated that “The death of even one construction worker is wholly unacceptable.”


The DOB’s Specific Goals


The DOB also has a number of specific goals when carrying out these sweeps. These include ensuring construction projects are in full compliance with safety plans, ensuring that safety professionals are adhering to New York’s safety regulations, checking that workers are using harnesses properly, and educating workers on fall prevention.


Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today


If you have been injured in a construction accident, you might be wondering where to turn for help. Reach out to The Glassman Law Group, and you can depend on effective help from a legal professional. We have dealt with many cases in the past involving construction accidents, and we know how to hold negligent parties accountable. The DOB may be launching initiatives to prevent construction accidents, but you also need to know how to react once it happens to you. Reach out, book your consultation, and learn how you can take legal action in an efficient manner.

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