The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed $464,600 in fines over two contractors' safety lapses at the Deutsche Bank building. Contractor Bovis Lend Lease, which had been retained by the state government, and its former subcontractor John Galt Corporation had been dismantling the building when a seven-alarm fire, caused by a worker's smoking, broke out last August.
Two firefighters died during the blaze, it was revealed pieces of the standpipe (which lets water for firefighters flow) were removed without the FDNY's knowledge, leading the firefighters to try to improvise by connecting many hoses to reach the fire. It was also revealed the FDNY had not kept up with its inspections of the building.
Among the 44 violations OSHA noted were, per the NY Times, "block and unmarked exits, a lack of fire extinguishers, and allowing smoking" plus exposing workers "to death or serious injury from falls, falling objects, electrocution and the inability to exit the tower swiftly and safely" in the event of a fire. OSHA's area director Richard Mendelson said, “Employers must adhere to safety and health standards, and prepare completely and effectively for workplace emergencies. Failure to do so can — and, in this case, did — cost lives."
The Manhattan DA's office is still conducting a criminal investigation. Last week, the family of one of the slain firefighters sued city and state agencies, as well as the contractors; the other firefighter's family also expects to sue.
