Construction workers prioritizing safety at a busy site.
Recent construction site tragedies in Brooklyn have resulted in the deaths of two workers, raising serious concerns about safety practices. A 44-year-old worker was killed when a metal-framed wall fell from an unauthorized forklift during windy conditions. In a separate incident, another worker was struck by a speeding vehicle while directing traffic. The Department of Buildings has issued stop work orders and calls for improved safety regulations are growing, especially following another crane collapse with no injuries reported but ongoing investigations.
A tragic incident on a construction site in Brooklyn has resulted in the death of a 44-year-old construction worker from New Jersey, Over Paredes. The accident occurred on the rooftop of a six-story residential building on Myrtle Avenue last month. Reports indicate that the accident was caused by a section of a metal-framed wall falling from a manual forklift that was not authorized for use at the site.
At the time of the incident, heavy sheet metal was being lifted by a manual forklift, which turned out to be unsuitable for the load it was carrying. The situation was made worse by windy conditions that day; a powerful gust reportedly tipped the unauthorized manual forklift onto its side, causing the wall section to crash down on Paredes. Despite immediate medical assistance from emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation undertaken by the Department of Buildings revealed that only an engine-powered forklift had received authorization for use at this construction site. The details surrounding the qualifications and training of the worker operating the manual forklift remain unclear. Witnesses suggest that the manual forklift may have been used because the crane operator refused to lift the sheet metal using the authorized equipment due to concerns over safety in the windy weather.
Paredes’ two sons were present at the site during the accident, adding to the heartache of this tragic event. Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams has called for a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures on construction sites.
In a separate yet equally alarming incident in Brooklyn, a second construction worker was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at a construction site. The worker, 37, was wearing reflective gear when he was hit by a truck that allegedly failed to exercise due care and was speeding. Witnesses to the collision raised concerns about the driver’s negligence.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the worker was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to Woodhull Medical Center. Following the incident, Clyde Mercury, the truck driver, was charged with criminally negligent homicide, further sparking discussions about worker safety and accountability on construction sites.
Adding to the troubling series of events, a crane collapse was reported in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in this incident, but officials are now compiling assessments on potential damage and safety risks related to the construction activities. Investigations into this crane collapse are ongoing, contributing to a broader review of safety protocols across various construction sites in the area.
In light of these recent accidents, the Department of Buildings has issued a series of stop work orders on various construction sites. Regulatory agencies are closely scrutinizing safety protocols, especially regarding the use of equipment that has not received appropriate authorization. The focus is shifting towards preventing negligence and ensuring that all construction workers are adequately trained and equipped to perform their duties safely.
As investigations continue into these tragic incidents, the urgency for stronger safety measures at construction sites becomes increasingly clear. Stakeholders in the construction industry are facing mounting pressure to enhance protocols and protect the lives of workers who put themselves at risk daily.
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