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Tragic scaffolding collapse in Park Slope

Tragic scaffolding collapse in Park Slope

A construction worker, Henryk Siebor, was killed tonight when a scaffolding collapsed at 438 12th Street.  Two other workers were saved by safety harnesses and a rapid response from FDNY Engine Company 220 and Ladder Company 122 on 11th Street.

All our hearts go out to the Siebor's family and colleagues.  He was a 42-year-old immigrant from Poland, who lived in Greenpoint, and was was married with three children.

It is not clear yet what caused this tragic accident.  

But a few things are clear:

• Deaths among construction workers are among the highest of all jobs sectors.  In NYC in 2007, 81 construction workers died on the job (18.5 deaths per per 100,000). 
• Immigrant construction workers are especially vulnerable.  More than two-thirds of construction workers killed on-the-job in NYC in recent years have been immigrants. 
• We need to do more to guarantee worker safety, insist on responsible contractors, and save lives.  The New York Committee on Occupational Health & Safety, and the New York Immigration Coalition have been advocating for stronger safety measures for years.
• In particular, we must not allow any weakening of New York State's "Scaffold Law," one of the toughest in the country, which places responsibility directly on owners and contractors.

We'll let you know if we learn where to send memorial contributions for Siebor's family.