A study by the New York State Trial Lawyers Association alleges that inadequate supervision of city construction sites and the low penalties imposed on violators make it easy for builders to ignore safety rules. The study examines reports prepared by federal safety inspectors after construction accidents in New York City, looking at penalties levelled at construction firms after injuries occurred and at monitoring of unsafe working areas.
See "Study Finds Lax Safety Standards at Construction Sites", Fernanda Santos, The New York Times, October 17, 2005