Construction worker dies after falling four stories at site in Queens.

A tragic incident occurred on Monday evening when a construction worker fell to his death from a height of four stories at a construction site in Queens, New York. The individual, a 42-year-old man, fell from the building located at 37-28 Crescent Street, near 37th Avenue in the Dutch Kills area, around 6:00 PM, as confirmed by police and officials from the Department of Buildings (DOB).

According to spokespersons from the DOB, the worker had moved beyond the designated safety netting and onto the formwork of an uncompleted balcony. Unfortunately, the structure beneath him collapsed, leading to a drop of approximately 30 feet to the ground. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene swiftly and transported the unconscious victim to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell, where he was later pronounced dead.

In response to the incident, a preliminary investigation by the Department of Buildings revealed that the formwork that failed had not been properly secured or braced. As a result, the department issued a full stop-work order for the building, effectively halting all construction activities on the site as a safety measure.

Developers had recently initiated construction of a six-story, mixed-use condominium at the location, a project that commenced in June. Building permits for the development indicate plans to include a total of 39 residential units, showcasing the continued growth and demand for housing in the area.

The city’s medical examiner is currently tasked with determining the official cause of the construction worker’s death. At this time, the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of his family.

This unfortunate event raises essential questions regarding safety protocols at construction sites, underscoring the importance of stringent adherence to regulations designed to protect workers. Construction sites can pose significant hazards, and incidents like this serve as a somber reminder of the industry’s need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety practices.

As the investigation unfolds, the construction community and regulatory bodies alike will likely review safety measures to prevent future tragedies, reinforcing the importance of worker safety in the construction sector.