Sidewalk sheds exist because the risk of gravity-related construction accidents is real
Walking around in New York often means navigating obstructions on the sidewalk. And some of the city’s most ubiquitous features are sidewalk sheds, looming over sidewalks and signaling ongoing construction or repair work above. They’re designed to keep pedestrians safe, but they also block light and limit walking space.
Last month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced a plan to change that: six redesigned sidewalk sheds meant to make our streets brighter and less cluttered. Here’s what New Yorkers need to know.
What is a sidewalk shed?
Sidewalk sheds are a familiar sight in New York: they’re the structures used to protect pedestrians from falling debris during the course of construction. At any given moment, there are hundreds of miles of sidewalk sheds covering sidewalks throughout New York City, keeping pedestrians safe while projects are under way at height.
Historically, sidewalk sheds have mostly been dim, green tunnels that pedestrians have to duck under. The redesign is meant to make the sheds more aesthetically pleasing, while also changing the way the city handles safety.
How the new designs are meant to improve both appearance and safety
As TimeOut New York reported, there are a half-dozen different sidewalk sheds being deployed as part of the new initiative, featuring several different roof and column designs. Each is meant for a different purpose, such as flexibility or rapid deployment.
Accompanying the new sidewalk shed designs is an adjustment to the way the city is handling safety: shortening inspection timelines, using modern tools such as drones, and more precisely defining what is actually “dangerous” to ensure sheds are only deployed when and where they’re actually needed.
Importantly, these new sheds are also intended to work around other sidewalk features that are meant to improve pedestrian safety, such as street signs and bus shelters.
Rethinking construction safety is always a worthwhile effort
With new advances in architecture, engineering, and technology, it’s always worth the effort to rethink the steps we take to keep construction workers and pedestrians safe. Inertia is a powerful force in any industry, but “we’ve always done it that way” shouldn’t be the reason to keep doing it that way. Hopefully, the city’s efforts to ensure that sidewalk sheds are deployed where they are actually needed will help keep pedestrians and construction workers safe.
The sidewalk shed redesign speaks to a larger reality of life in New York: construction happens at height, and that means significant risks for both workers and pedestrians walking below. That’s why New York law imposes strict requirements for construction companies and site owners to protect against gravity-related injuries. When they don’t meet those obligations, we hold them accountable.
Keogh Crispi, P.C. has extensive experience in construction accident litigation and a winning track record of results, including a $3.175 million recovery for a construction laborer injured in a fall from height. If you’ve been injured, give us a call or contact us online for a free consultation.
"Pat Crispi is definitely the kind of tough-as-nails attorney that you want on your side when dealing with insurance companies or anyone else. I have worked with Pat more than once over the years. Each time, he has been incredibly helpful, reliable, and professional. Based on my years-long experience of working with Pat and his team, I would highly recommend their legal services to anyone." – Ahmad S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐