Key Takeaways:
– Yong Chin Son, a 64-year-old construction worker, died following a significant fall at the new $3 billion Brooklyn borough jail construction site in September 2023.
– The accident triggered a hold on construction work for 22 days and an extended safety review.
– Son’s family has filed a suit for $15 million against the city, blaming the negligent safety protocols.
– Son’s accident led to a comprehensive review of job site safety at all new borough jail sites and projects associated with International Asbestos Removal Inc.
The untold and tragic story of Yong Chin Son, a 64-year-old construction worker who met with a fatal accident in September 2023 at the Brooklyn borough jail construction site, has just been revealed. Son, who was removing asbestos on the 11th floor of the old Brooklyn House of Detention, fell 18 feet through a loosely planked hole, leading to his unfortunate demise three days later.
Workplace Accident Leads to Tragedy
Son was deployed by International Asbestos Removal Inc. and was a dedicated member of Laborers Local 78 for 13 years. While catering to his duties on the morning of September 13, he lost his footing and fell through a hole that had been haphazardly covered with loose wooden planks. After being rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist, he succumbed to his severe injuries on September 16.
The grim incident led city officials to halt work at the site for nearly a month and impose several violations of safety rules on the construction company. The probe uncovered that the planking that caused the fatal accident was not secured, and the site lacked other safety measures such as guardrails or markings.
Legal Action Against City’s Negligence
Son’s tragic death has prompted the family to take legal action. Andrew Wanger, the attorney representing Son’s family, filed a notice on November 2 to sue the city for $15 million, citing negligence and lack of safety measures on the construction site.
According to the claim, defective or unsecured planking caused Son’s fall, leading to traumatic brain injury, fractured ribs and collapsed lungs.
City’s Response to the Accident
Spurred by Son’s death, the city initiated an extensive safety review of all four upcoming borough jail sites and the projects for which International Asbestos Removal Inc. was contracted. As part of the response, the Department of Design and Construction issued a new safety protocol to be included in contractors’ site safety plans for all its construction projects.
The city medical examiner’s office conclusively ruled Son’s death as an accident resulting from blunt force trauma to his head and torso.
Investigation and Public Reaction
Ever since Son’s death became public knowledge, it has elicited a strong response of sympathy and commiseration from his colleagues and local community. A federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration review is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the delay in communicating Son’s death publicly has been justified by city officials stating that such data are disclosed in annual and semi-annual reports.
The untimely death of Son underscores the paramount importance of rigorous safety measures at construction sites, especially in multi-billion-dollar projects. It serves as a stark reminder that negligence can lead to devastating consequences that are irreversible and steep in human cost. As the city moves forward with its ambitious construction projects, it must heed the lessons from this unfortunate incident and ensure optimal safety protocols are in place.