New York crane safety deal

An agreement has been signed to ensure that all cranes on New York Port Authority land conform to safety standards set by NYC City Construction codes and the US government Department of Buildings (DOB).

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the authority has agreed to obtain DOB approval of a crane or derrick's prototype before installing it. In addition, a crane or derrick on Port Authority property will be subject to annual inspection by DOB's Cranes and Derricks Unit.

The Port Authority will issue a certificate of on-site inspection once it has been determined that the equipment complies with the City's technical and safety regulations. The Port Authority will also ensure that only riggers and crane operators licensed by DOB will erect, dismantle, jump (raise the height), and use a crane or derrick on their properties, which includes the World Trade Center site.

"This new agreement is a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure that all cranes are safely erected and operated in New York City. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with the Port Authority on construction safety issues so New Yorkers are better protected than ever before," said LiMandri.

The MOU builds on past agreements between the City and the Port Authority that were signed in 1993 and 2004. And in 2007, a working group of city agencies developed 33 recommendations following a comprehensive review of construction regulation.