Scaffolding collapses, Hearst Building window-washers stranded

New York’s iconic Hearst building suddenly became the scene of a terrifying accident Wednesday.

The dramatic chain of events began to unfold around 2:45 p.m. when two window-washers were working outside the 46th floor of the famous midtown skyscraper.

Evidently, the scaffolding collapsed beneath them and the workers had to retreat to safety.

The workers are extremely lucky that they did not fall off the scaffolding entirely. At this point, it is not clear if either worker has been injured.

Even if this scaffolding collapse turns out not to result in any injuries, it is an obvious safety issue to which close attention should be paid.

Every worker in New York City, from doctors to waiters to construction employees, deserves to have a safe, healthy work environment and should not unduly be put in harm’s way.

Even though most people would agree with such a basic statement, it often takes enforcement to make it a reality. Employers who create dangerous workspaces often need to be punished or reprimanded in order to initiate changes to problems that never should have existed in the first place.

If you have ever been injured while working, please do not make the all-too-common mistake of assuming that nothing can be done about it. Remember: just because employers have an obligation to create safe workplaces does not mean they always observe that requirement. You might consider speaking the matter over with an employment law attorney so that you can become fully informed as to your options.

Source: New York Daily News, “Window washers dangling outside 46th floor of legendary Hearst building,” June 12, 2013