The former Pfizer headquarters in Midtown, now undergoing a $700 million conversion into residential space, has become the center of a safety investigation following a partial collapse and numerous worker injuries. The incident has raised serious concerns about the project’s adherence to safety regulations and the well-being of its workforce.
On a mid-February day, Diana Ruiz Cabrera, a construction worker with over five years of experience, suffered a severe injury when she fell from a step ladder on the 7th floor of the building. The accident left her with torn ligaments in her ankle and ongoing pain, preventing her from returning to work. Her case is one of many that have drawn attention to the safety conditions at the site.
Safety Violations and Unreported Injuries
The safety of the project, located near Grand Central Terminal has been called into question after authorities ordered an emergency evacuation of the site and nearby buildings. The partial collapse involved two steel columns on the 21st floor which buckled under the weight of new floors being added. This incident has sparked an investigation into the cause of the collapse and the reporting of accidents at the job site.
A review of city records indicates that site safety managers have reported only three accidents to the New york city Department of Buildings since. However, The City Reporter found nine additional worker injuries, including Ruiz Cabrera’s, that were not reported. In each of these cases, workers have alleged serious injuries in civil lawsuits.
Reporting Requirements and Violations
Contractors are required to notify the Department of Buildings about any job site accident where a worker is transported by ambulance or receives emergency treatment. Charlene Obernauer, executive director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents: “If you go to the emergency room, you’ve got to report it, if you went to CityMD, you’ve gotta report it. Not doing so could result in a violation.”
The circumstances surrounding Ruiz Cabrera’s injury suggest that it should have been reported. However, the contractors and workers’ attorneys did not respond to questions about the reporting of these incidents. The Buildings Department has issued 17 violations against the contractors, with penalties exceeding $90,000 none of which have been paid.
Worker Testimonies and Site Conditions
Sean Dow, a member of Steamfitters Local 638 working at the site, highlighted several red flags that indicated poor working conditions. He noted issues such as improperly attached joists and exposed live wires, describing the conditions as “just not the greatest.” Dow’s observations align with the experiences of other workers who have reported serious injuries.
The project involves two adjacent addresses, 219 and 235 East 42nd Street with additional stories being added to 235 and a new tower rising at 219. Records reveal a history of complaints about objects flying off the building and at least 12 worker injuries described as “serious” in lawsuits. In nine of these accidents, including Ruiz Cabrera’s, the incidents were not reported to the Department of Buildings.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Since, 12 workers have filed lawsuits against the general contractors, 219 GC LLC and 235 GC LLC alleging injuries due to dangerous conditions. These lawsuits describe a variety of incidents, including falls from ladders, being struck by unsecured objects, and severe injuries from falling doors. The contractors, incorporated by MetroLoft LLC have not responded to inquiries about these incidents.
The Buildings Department continues its investigation into the cause of the partial collapse and the reporting of accidents. As of Thursday, the site remains under a partial stop-work order, with only emergency stabilization work allowed. The city has enforced vacate orders at several adjacent buildings in a “frozen zone” around the site, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
