On Friday, February 12, 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Building Commissioner Rick Chandler held a press conference to announce increased penalty fees for serious safety lapses, as well as a 90-day enforcement sweep covering 1,500 construction sites. 

De Blasio announced that Class 1 penalty fines will quadruple from $2,400 to $10,000 while Class 2 penalty fines will increase from $1,200 to $5,000. The Mayor also introduced a new rule which will mandate construction superintendents for major construction projects under 10-stories tall. The rule will come into effect this July.

Throughout the enforcement sweep, inspectors will be looking for improper safety equipment use, the installation of guardrails, remedy trip hazards, and other code violations. Additionally, inspectors will be looking to suspend or revoke the licenses or registrations of personnel responsible for unsafe construction practices. The new safety measures are part of a $120 million modernization plan to improve operations at the Department of Buildings.

If you have any questions please contact Milrose Consultants.