Across the Country, Firms Face Varying Restrictions

摘要

Questions about worker safety mounted as construction projects continued in New York after an industry first ruled "essential" by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in mid-March was ordered to largely shut down by month's end. He revised his executive order on March 27, restricting that label to transportation and utility projects, health care facilities, affordable housing and homeless shelters, with all other work ordered shut down immediately, except for projects needing a period of time to be safely closed. New York also now mandates distancing protocols for workers on essential or emergency projects. At press time, the governor's most recent directive will last until April 28. The Buildings Dept. announced March 30 that project teams in the city may be fined up to $10,000 per violation, starting March 31. The agency is "ready to enforce this critical ban on non-essential construction to help protect New Yorkers during this pandemic," says DOB Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. "At the same time, we will be out in force inspecting sites so that emergency and necessary construction work continues in a safe manner. Anyone breaking these rules should expect stiff enforcement."