JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

A new demolition safety bill has been introduced to the Philadelphia city council in an attempt to help limit further dangerous workplace accidents. These accidents not only endanger workers but also bystanders that may be in the area.

The new bill proposes to establish minimum training requirements for contractors and city building inspectors, require contractors to hire safety-monitors at construction and demolition sites, allow the Fire Department to shut down dangerous construction jobs and require contractors to present their skills and training to the city for approval before they are licensed in Philadelphia. The proposal is subject to negotiation and change, but ideally would drastically limit the risk for dangerous demolition accidents in Philadelphia.

The cause for the proposal was the June 5^th accident that killed six people and injured 14 at a Salvation Army thrift shop. The occurred when a four-story brick wall was left without support at a demolition site, resulting in that wall toppling onto the store next door. The heavy-equipment operator in the incident remains in jail for his alleged role in the collapse.

Special committee Council chair Curtis Jones Jr. is hopeful that the bill will be passed before the end of 2013, providing a safer work environment for all. Mayor Nutter has since praised the work of the committee and proposal, promising to work with the Council “to ensure safety at all demolition sites in the city.”

The Philadelphia workplace accident attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo applaud the development of safer working conditions for all Pennsylvanians.