In a Huge Victory for Construction Worker Safety, NY City Council Unanimously Passes Intro 1447-C

On Wednesday, the City Council unanimously approved Intro 1447-C, a bill that requires workers on NYC construction sites to take at least 40 hours of safety training. In addition to the mandating safety training, the bill creates a fund to provide training for workers who cannot afford the cost, and a 14-person task force that will consist of representatives of union workers, and minority- and women-owned businesses.

The vote came less than a week after two construction workers died on separate jobs sites in Manhattan on the same day. The passage of the bill addresses the epidemic of construction worker deaths that has plagued the booming construction industry in recent years. From 2015 to September 2017, there have been more than 40 construction worker deaths in NYC, most of them undocumented immigrants too afraid to speak out about unsafe working conditions.

The bill was sponsored by City Councilman Jumaane Williams, along with over 40 members, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. After eight months of debate and revisions to the bill, the City Council has finally taken action to protect the workers who perform one of the most dangerous jobs in our city.

“Today is a historic moment in the progressive fight for a safer workplace,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of New York.

“Intro 1447-C will help save lives, both on and around construction sites in New York City. This bill is all about protecting working people. I applaud the City Council for standing up to ensure that the men and women who perform some of the most dangerous jobs in New York City have the tools and training necessary to help keep them safe at work,” said NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez.

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