The recommendations target a wide range of topics, ranging from crane design standards to engineering plans for excavation sites to inspection protocols and training. Some of them have already been implemented, according to DOB.

Twenty-two of the recommendations concern crane safety. These include devising a tracking system for critical crane parts, more frequent inspection of older equipment and modernizing the city's hoist regulations. Crane safety has been a DOB focal point since the fatal tower crane collapses in March and May of last year.

The HRCO study recommends that before a DOB permit for excavation work is issued, the owner, contractor and other key figures hold an on-site safety meeting. It also recommends creating a rule clarifying what aspects of adjacent buildings need to be surveyed and photographed before excavation begins.