The letter to OSHA and the DOB recommended the establishment of a joint task force made up of both groups and other appropriate departments and agencies. The task force would be responsible for identifying those projects proceeding without city approvals as well as halting those operations at such sites.

CIP also recommends that the DOB must conclude its review of Site Safety Law and establishment of Construction Superintendent qualifications by no later than June 1, 2001. Once adopted, any changes to the law or qualifications must be strictly enforced. These recommendations follow the death of a worker on April 30 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, who was struck by unsecured metal beams. A serious accident on a Bronx construction site has also drawn media attention.

"The government is simply not doing enough to enforce its own orders and prevent accidents at work sites," said Edward J. Malloy, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council. "We cannot wait for more tragedies to occur."