In a statement released on July 2, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance accused two New York City construction firms of fraud after discovering that they hired unlicensed people to sign safety logs on several building sites in Manhattan, Reuters reported.
Avanti Building Consultants Inc. has been accused of hiring random, unqualified workers on Craiglist.com to inspect the safety of 40 Manhattan construction sites. The other company, NYCB Engineering Group, used Avanti to subcontract work. Two Avanti managers were accused of grand larceny, among many other charges. Meanwhile, NYCB Engineering Group vice president and four other employees were also charged.
Schemes to fraudulently conduct safety inspections pose immense hazards to construction workers. Furthermore, contractors who fail to safeguard their workers from safety hazards should be held liable to the fullest extent permitted by law. If you have ever been hurt in a construction accident in New York, a lawyer at Hach & Rose, LLP, may represent you. Call us at (212) 779-0057 to discuss your situation and legal options today.