With another crane collapse last weekend and over 26 workers dead in the past year, NYC continues to struggle with how to handle their construction boom more safely. ENR.com announced today that NYC will now require safety courses for all those working on cranes and a new accident tracking program. The 30 hour course will probably raise awareness in a few workers, but most of us that work around cranes understandthe dangers.

Why do you think so many accidents happen on construction sites? I know inexperience plays a role in many accidents, but I believe our own personal drive for efficiency and production often overrides our judgement. Too many times the machisimo of getting it done quickly controls our actions more than the side of our nature that acts cautiously. So I’m placing the responsibility for many accidents on the dedicated worker who’s pushing for efficiency. What do you think?