Port Authority Cracking Down on WTC Drinking
If you caught this short story from UPI this week, you may have initially scratched your head in disbelief, as we did. According to the news agency, the Port Authority has said enough’s enough and they are now working to stop workday drinking by construction workers at the World Trade Center.
The article itself was only four paragraphs in length and didn’t offer much information. More than likely, the city and contractors are keeping mum about the entire situation, to avoid potential trouble.
According to UPI:
PA chief Pat Foye said investigators are being added to the unit and the budget for the inspector general is being increased to crack down on daytime drinking by workers at the World Trade Center site, the New York Post reported Monday.
Foye said more than 20 construction workers have already lost their credentials after being busted by undercover agents at bars near the site.
“Look, vodka and steel beams and a construction site don’t mix,” Foye said. “We are not going to tolerate it. This has been a longtime problem in the construction industry. But this is the most complicated construction project anywhere.”
We know drinking on the job could be a problem anywhere, no matter your career choice. But when you are working in an environment where there are physical risks, literally around every corner, you would think good judgment would prevent you from imbibing on your lunch break.
Admitting drinking is a problem on the WTC site is a step in the right direction. It no doubt took some serious consideration by the Port Authority before making the declaration; they could have quietly increased enforcement without alerting the public.
By admitting that workers are drinking during breaks, they open the contractors up for criticism and legal action should a workplace accident occur, but they do this in the more important pursuit of transparency and safety.
This issue is more evidence that it doesn’t matter how safe you are when on the job site, the risk of a construction site accident is significantly increased when even one other worker is unsafe, whether because they have been drinking or simply aren’t aware of safety practices.
How Ginarte Can Help
The New York and New Jersey construction injury attorneys at Ginarte Law Firm are committed to seeking justice for our clients. When you put your safety on the line every day—as all construction workers do— you deserve justice when something goes awry.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, call our NY / NJ construction accident lawyers today. We can discuss your accident, your rights, and the legal options available to you. Call 888-GINARTE now.
