On May 6, 2008 the BTEA proposed 10 safety recommendations that would improve safety on and around construction jobsites to the NYC Council. Click the links below to review the testimony and safety recommendations.

Please click the link here to read the full testimony and safety recommendations.

On April 28, 2008 Hank Kita, Senior Vice President of the BTEA, testified to the New York City Council Committee on Contracts about apprenticeship program requirements.  The full testimony is attached in the link below.

Please click the link here to read the full testimony.

Louis Coletti, President and CEO, of the Building Trades Employers’ Association testified on April 17, 2008 before the New York City Council Housing and Building Committee in the Council Chambers on construction safety. 

The following are key points included in his testimony:

• BTEA contractors are the safest contractors in the world and will continue to put safety first to protect the public and their workers

• Since the March 15th accident, BTEA contractors have been working with the NYC Buildings Department to make changes to the current construction practices and protocols concerning the erecting, dismantling and jumping of tower cranes

• Additional financing needs to be provided to the NYC Buildings Department for the training and hiring of inspectors, as well as support personnel in order to improve oversight and scheduling of tower crane jumps

• Amend the current Building Code and require that all personnel involved in rigger tasks be required to pass a 30 hour rigging training course and be required to take an 8 hour refresher course at least once every three years

• A committee be established of industry professionals be convened with the Buildings Department to review qualifications for both the Master Rigger and Tower Rigger license

• Review current requirements for Crane Operator licenses

Please click the link here to read the full testimony.