New York scaffolding got a makeover. According to The New York Times, a new, style of building shed called the “Urban Umbrella” was installed in front of 100 Broadway, an office building in Manhattan. New York construction accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm, understand the new sidewalk structure marks the first time in approximately six decades that the protective construction site structure was redesigned for New York City. “Scaffolding is installed to protect pedestrians from construction operations,” said David Perecman, the former head New York construction accident lawyer for the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and a lecturer on construction accident law. “If it meets or exceeds safety requirements and creates a better environment for the people in New York, this is a positive achievement.” The new scaffolding, which incorporates arch-like frames, was chosen from the “urbanSHED International Design Competition,” a competition sponsored by the New York City Buildings Department. The winning design, “Urban Umbrella,” uses recycled steel and plastic panels in a structure resembling an “open umbrella.” According to the rules, competitors had to redesign the current sidewalk shed while “meeting or surpassing current safety, sustainability and viability requirements.” They also had to comply with laws, including Chapter 33 of the New York City Building Code. The new design is not legally required, but The New York Times reports it is not much more expensive than the usual New York construction accident inhibiting scaffolding. In New York, new construction of 40 feet or higher and demolitions of buildings 25 feet or higher, must have scaffolding, or “sidewalk sheds.” These sheds help prevent New York construction accidents. Individuals who have been injured or lost a loved one in a New York construction accident or scaffold fall on the job, please contact the experienced New York construction accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm
New York’s New “Urban Umbrella” Scaffolding