When Do You Need a Construction Site Safety Manager, Coordinator, and Superintendent?

 

A site safety manager ensuring compliance on a major building

Ensuring safety at construction and demolition sites is paramount. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 13 fatal workplace injuries occurred at NYC construction sites in 2020. The New York City Department of Buildings aims to reduce construction site-related injuries and fatalities. As a result, the DOB has devoted an entire chapter of the Buildings Code to site safety. It also requires construction sites to have site safety managers, coordinators, or superintendents present to ensure compliance.

Why Are Construction Site Safety Managers, Coordinators, and Superintendents Necessary?

The Department of Buildings requires owners, agents, construction managers, or general contractors of construction and demolition sites to designate a site safety manager, coordinator, or superintendent, depending on the site’s specifications in Section 3310.5. Site safety managers, coordinators, and superintendents must have the necessary certifications from the Department of Buildings to oversee work on the construction site. Their primary goal is to ensure compliance with the site safety plan and ensure all site safety requirements are met according to Chapter 33 of the Department of Buildings.

 

When Do You Need a Construction Site Safety Manager, Coordinator, and Superintendent?

Chapter 33 of the Department of Buildings states that site safety managers and coordinators must be designated and present at the construction or demolition of a major building, according to Section 3310. Likewise, a superintendent must be present for the construction or demolition of other buildings as identified in Section 3301.13.3.

 

The New York Department of Buildings requires construction sites to have a site safety manager, coordinator, or superintendent, depending on the construction. Construction or demolition sites with fifteen stories or more need a certified construction site safety manager. On the other hand, construction or demolition sites between ten and fourteen stories require a certified construction site safety coordinator to oversee operations. Meanwhile, the New York Department of Buildings requires a registered construction superintendent to oversee sites with buildings below nine stories.

 

However,  there are some exceptions. For instance, construction sites can have one or more site safety coordinators instead of site safety managers for the construction, enlargement, or demolition of a major building if it’s less than 15 stories or 200 feet in height and has a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or less, according to Section 3310.5. However, you must ensure the site safety coordinators are certified by the Department of Buildings according to Article 403 of Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

What Are Major Buildings?

According to the Local Laws of The City of New York for the Year 2021, major buildings are existing or proposed buildings with seven or more stories and 75 feet or higher. Likewise, major buildings must have a footprint of 100,000 square or more regardless of their height. However, it’s worth noting that the commissioner can also designate some buildings as major buildings due to unique hazards associated with their construction or demolition.

 

Construction workers on a major construction site

Learn More About Site Safety with RC Safety Inc

RC Safety Inc provides professional and competitive site safety services for construction sites in NYC. The organization is a site safety consultant for NYC construction projects. If you’re seeking assistance with worksite safety or site safety management in NYC, consider visiting their website for more information. Alternatively, you can also contact them to learn more.

 

 

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