NYC Launches New Task Force to Crack Down on Dangerous Construction Sites

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in New York City, placing not only workers but also pedestrians and residents at risk when safety corners are cut. As NYC construction accident lawyers representing injured workers and families for decades, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable site accidents. The recent announcement by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to create a new task force targeting risky construction sites is a critical step toward enhancing accountability and protecting lives.

According to CBS New York, DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo is launching an aggressive initiative to identify unsafe job sites and scrutinize the developers, contractors, and engineers responsible for them. The move comes in response to persistent safety failures, including high-profile collapses like the 2023 Bronx building disaster and more recent incidents involving crane mishandling in Midtown.

A Dangerous Industry with Preventable Tragedies

While the DOB reports a promising 30% drop in construction site injuries — from 692 injuries in 2023 to 482 in 2024 — the danger remains far too high. Tragically, four construction workers have already died in the first four months of 2025. The reality is that most construction site injuries and fatalities are entirely preventable when developers, contractors, and engineers follow proper safety standards.

As Commissioner Oddo stated, “You have to be right every day.” Unfortunately, many accidents stem from systemic failures where “crappy owners find crappy contractors find crappy engineers,” resulting in a dangerous chain of negligence.

The New Task Force: Digging Deeper Into Accountability

The new DOB task force aims to proactively flag job sites where bad actors have a history of safety violations or questionable practices. By mapping out relationships between negligent owners, contractors, and engineers, the City hopes to uncover patterns of misconduct before they result in serious injuries or deaths. Following incidents like the recent mini crane mishap, every party involved — from the filing representatives to the subcontractors — will be placed under closer scrutiny.

This new layer of oversight is long overdue. Historically, after major accidents, investigations often stop with one or two direct parties. The broader networks of negligence often go unchecked, allowing unsafe practices to continue across other projects. The new approach recognizes that a culture of safety — or a lack thereof — is rarely isolated to one site.

What It Means for Workers and the Public

While increased inspections and enforcement are critical, construction workers remain on the front lines every day. Even with the best efforts from the DOB, injuries and fatalities will continue if negligent developers and contractors prioritize profits over safety.

If you are a construction worker injured on the job — or if you lost a loved one in a site accident — it is important to understand your rights. You may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits, particularly if a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, contributed to unsafe conditions.

Fighting for Safer Sites — and Justice for Victims

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf , we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for workers’ rights. We have secured substantial verdicts and settlements for construction accident victims, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

As the City increases oversight, we continue to advocate for injured workers — because one unsafe site is one too many.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact our experienced NYC construction accident lawyers today for a free consultation at 212-943-1090. We do not charge any legal fees unless we win compensation for you.