More NYC construction workers need training: report

Washington – The majority of New York City construction workers killed on the job in 2011 and 2012 did not participate in state-approved training and apprenticeship programs, according to a Public Citizen report released Nov. 14.

Although employers under conventional city contracts are mandated to provide on-the-job safety training, such requirements do not exist under construction projects funded through “public benefit corporations,” whose projects are publicly financed through tax incentives. Of the 36 total construction deaths in New York City in 2011 and 2012, 72 percent occurred on worksites in which workers did not receive state-approved training, the report from the advocacy group stated.

Public Citizen recommended New York City establish requirements for all employers receiving city funding, including mandatory participation in a state-certified apprenticeship program that provides safety and health training to employees.

A bill that would expand training requirements currently is in the New York City legislature. At press time, it was in committee.