Inspections performed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) is an integral part of keeping New York City construction sites safe and preventing dangerous construction site accidents. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has proven that new online technologies can sometimes be utilized to replace in person meetings or visiting locations in order to save time and resources. The NYC Department of Building (DOB) is testing options to replace in person inspectors at construction sites with Remote Video Inspections.
The DOB kicked off a pilot program on March 19th running until April 30th that allows Staten Island contractors who require a CO-NB-ALT1 Construction DEV inspection and to Brooklyn contractors who require a “SWO Rescission/Work Without Permit Construction ENF” inspection to do these remotely.
How Remote Inspections Will Work
Any contractor who wants to request a remote inspection has the option of completing a Request for Remote Video Inspection and Attestation. Upon filling out the request, the contractor, and any other authorized attendee, will receive an email invitation for the remote request with a link to an app that they can download on their phone to participate in the online inspection.
The DOB inspector will guide the attendees on what steps to take and what to do during the remote inspection. The remote inspection might reveal potential safety violations that need to be addressed, similarly to what would happen if the inspector was there in person.
In order for contractors to participate in remote video inspections, they need to take the following steps:
- Have adequate internet connection
- Have a tablet or iPhone with a camera that can be moved around the construction site equipped with a microphone and speaker system to be able to communicate with the inspector
- Have sufficient lightning, including a flashlight for darker areas
- Have a tape measure
- Have approved plans and other necessary documentation of the construction site project
- Be able to take pictures and email them to the DOB
Protecting the Rights of Injured Construction Workers
Construction sites can seriously injure or kill construction workers as well as innocent bystanders. These victims and their loved ones may have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
At Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., we understand the consequences that construction site accidents have on the lives of victims and the lives of their loved ones. In fact, senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek grew up in the construction industry and has first-hand knowledge of the inherent dangers in this kind of work. Such experience allows us to aggressively fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.
We Can Help You If You Are Injured
When you are injured in a construction site accident, you need to hire an experienced New York construction injury attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C. have decades of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of the monetary compensation that you deserve.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York construction injury attorneys, please call 212-385-4410.
