This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
ISHN logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
ISHN logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Editions
    • Archives
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Environment
    • Environmental Health and Safety
    • Government Regulations
    • Health
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Occupational Safety
    • PPE
    • Product Case Studies
    • Psychology
    • Safety Culture
    • Training
    • Transportation Safety
    • More Topics
  • Construction
  • Oil & Gas
  • Columns
    • Editorial Comments
    • Best Practices
    • Positive Cultures
    • Training Strategies
    • Closing Time
    • FR Protection
    • Thought Leadership
  • Products
  • Conventions
    • Convention Companion
  • Multimedia
    • eBooks
    • Infographics
    • Photo Galleries
    • ISHN Podcasts
    • Your Digital Mentor Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • ISHN YouTube Videos
  • More
    • Awards
      • 2020 Readers' Choice Awards- Submit Products
    • eNewsletters
    • Events
    • ISHN Store
    • Product Case Studies
    • Product Innovations
    • Showrooms
    • Vendor News
  • Advertise
    • Contact
Home » Northeast lawmakers criminalizing violations (11/20)
Today's News

Northeast lawmakers criminalizing violations (11/20)

November 20, 2006
Reprints
In the wake of the April 2006 collapse of a scaffold in downtown Boston, Mass., lawmakers are proposing jail time for companies that dismiss monetary sanctions for worksite safety violations. Meanwhile, the New York City Council has given its Department of Buildings the ability to criminally prosecute rogue developers for ignoring work orders and permits.

The Boston disaster, which killed two construction workers and a passing motorist, wrought $119,000 in OSHA fines, but under the new rules, managers of the company involved, Boston Masonry, would have faced up to 2-1/2 years in prison. Committee Chair State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios told the Boston Globe that construction firms view OSHA fines as part of the cost of doing business. "But criminal prosecutions will get their attention where monetary fines can't," Barrios told the paper.

In New York, the City Council passed two measures Wednesday to crack down on contractors who violate stop-work orders and who tear down homes without demolition permits. The legislation criminalizes both infractions – any violator can now be charged with a misdemeanor and serve a maximum of six months in jail. Penalties and fines for both also will be raised sharply.

Builders who shun a stop-work order will face a maximum fine of $15,000 and civil penalties that begin at $2,000 for the first penalty, $5,000 for the second and $10,000 for the third. Previously, the companies faced a $500 civil penalty and fines of a few hundred dollars. "Both of these will be very important tools to protect workers on the job and also to allow neighborhood residents and community organizations the extra tools they need to protect and preserve their neighborhoods,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). Industry groups, however, expressed concern that stop-orders can be issued too liberally, and that harsh penalties would make more sense if the criteria for issuing one were more rigorous.

Subscribe to ISHN Magazine

Related Articles

Company faces criminal charges in construction worker's death (12/20)

OSHA fines Dayton, Ohio, US Postal Service processing center $225,000 for willful and serious safety violations (8/20)

Massey "knowingly violated law" at Upper Big Branch Mine (5/20)

Subscribe For Free!
  • Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • ISHN eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Today's News

2 young part-time UPS workers killed in California

incident investigation

How to investigate a worksite incident

Today's News

Steel worker injured at Indiana plant

ambulance

Buffalo Wild Wings manager dies after exposure to toxic cleaning product fumes

Tesla

Report finds worker injuries are “routine” at Tesla’s Nevada plant

ISHN Readers' Choice Awards 2020 product submissions


Events

March 7, 2019

Safety and Wellness: The Combination that Drives Engagement and Profitability

On Demand Attend this webinar for the keys to success, as well as mistakes to avoid, when targeting safety and wellness with a Recognition & Reward Program.

View All Submit An Event

ISHN Podcasts


ISHN Podcasts

ISHN Magazine

ISHN1219_cover.jpg

2019 December

Among the articles in the December 2019 issue of ISHN Magazine, we have expert insight on selecting the right respirator, a link to the 2020 Buyers’ & Resource Guide, 10 safety mistakes that can land you in a courtroom, and much more.
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • List Rental
    • Safety A-Z
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Web Exclusives
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Subscribe
    • Survey And Sample

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing