Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri opened the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) 2013 Safety Conference and Tradeshow.
Entitled, Moving Forward: Enhancing Construction Safety in New York City, the breakthrough conference took place at the Sheraton New York and explored innovative safety techniques and cutting-edge safety equipment being utilized by construction professionals in the New York metropolitan area.
LiMandri introduced keynote speaker Jessica Bohan, past president of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
Bohan provided an overview on Safety Culture and the obstacles employers face regarding time, money, pressure and politics when creating a strong foundation of safety within the work environment.
She also spoke on traits characteristic to successful leaders and the value and benefits of BCSP certification.
The 2013 Safety Conference and Tradeshow presented five panel discussions on topics including New York Scaffold Law reform, creating an effective safety culture, weather preparation, fall protection and the changing regulatory landscape.
Speakers included Louis J. Coletti, president, Building Trade Employers’ Association; Ross Holden, General Counsel, New York City School Construction Authority; Christopher Jaskiewicz, COO, Gotham Organization, Inc.and Chief Richard Tobin, assistant chief of Fire Prevention, New York City Fire Department.
Leading safety equipment distributors were also in attendance displaying cutting-edge products at the MEanwhile, Commissioner LiMandri announced the start of the Department’s 10th Annual Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week.
Each year, experts from the Department visit New York City public schools during Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week, a national program organized by the non-profit Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.
As part of the program, inspectors from the Department’s Elevators Unit will teach second and third grade students to “Ring, Relax, and Wait” if they experience an emergency while riding in an elevator. With over 60,000 elevators and escalators throughout New York City, the Department will share critical public safety information with over 1,700 students citywide.
“Living in New York City, elevators and escalators are a part of our daily lives and it is possible to forget that serious injuries can happen if the proper precautions are not taken,” said Commission LiMandri.
“Our goal is to begin safety education early and provide children with easy-to-remember tips that they can use to protect themselves and their families. Knowledge has the power to save lives; and we are proud to help bring this educational program to New York City schools.”
