N.Y. Toughens Penalties for Bribing Crane Inspectors, Falsifying Reports

New York Governor David Paterson has signed into law new criminal and civil penalties for crane inspectors who falsify their inspection reports, and those who try to interfere with the crane inspection process.

“Recent construction crane-related accidents in the New York City area have raised understandable concerns about the safety of building sites,” Paterson said. “With stricter criminal and civil penalties, this new law will send a message that we have zero tolerance for any actions that negatively interfere with the inspection and licensing of construction cranes.”

The law imposes fines of up to $5,000.

Assemblyman Jonathan L. Bing (D-Manhattan), author of the bill, said the bill will go a long way to improving the safety of tower cranes in New York. “Two cranes have fallen on the Upper East Side within a three month period,” Bing said. “It is disheartening that each collapse has been followed by the arrest of a Department of Buildings employee for a fraud such as falsifying records or bribery. That’s why we must put laws on the books that will protect us from events like this occurring again.”

Bing said his law will go a long way toward improving the safety of those who live, work or commute near construction zones

“We need to ensure that construction is being done in a safe way that protects the innocent bystanders who come near these projects,” he said.