JESSICA LAPPIN HATES CRANES

Here's the text of an e-mail we received from New York City Council Member Jessica Lappin earlier this week:

I have some important news: Mayor Bloomberg signed my crane safety bills into law on Monday.

These bills put important crane safety measures in place and should go a long way towards preventing disasters like the ones New Yorkers suffered in recent months.

The impact of those crane tragedies is still felt in our communities. Some of our neighbors still can't get into their homes. Some who have returned have health concerns or have trouble sleeping. Businesses have closed. 

These three bills represent important markers, but we need to do more to make construction safer in the City. I promise you that I will continue my work to that end in the months to come.

Below is a brief synopsis of my bills. If you have questions about them please call my office. And if you or someone you know needs my help, please contact me.

Warmly,
Jessica

• The first bill mandates training requirements for crane operators. Previously, there were no training requirements for them. This bill changes that by requiring a 30-hour course with an 8-hour refresher course every three years. All workers who operate tower and climber cranes will be subject to this new regulation.

• The second bill requires the engineer and contractor on a project to create a safety plan prior to any major crane operation. Additionally, the bill requires a safety meeting with all of the crucial workers prior to any major operation.

• The third bill prohibits the use of nylon slings during crane operations unless the manufacturer's manual specifically states that such slings may be used. The investigation of the crane collapse on East 51st Street revealed that the nylon slings failed and were a major cause of the collapse. This legislation would make future use of nylon slings rare.