A bill that would dramatically increase the maximum fines for occupational safety-related felony convictions has been passed by the New York State Assembly and is headed to the state Senate.
Carlos’ Bill, named for Carlos Moncayo, who was killed in a preventable cave-in on a construction job site in 2016, would increase fines from the current $10,000 to as much as $500,000. It would also establish a new crime: Endangering the Welfare of a Worker.
The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is urging the Senate to pass the bill.
According to a statement issued by the group: “Criminal contractors, corporations, bosses and supervisorsmust face real consequences for risking workers’ lives. Those that make the decision to place speedy work and profits above workers’ lives must be prosecuted and held accountable for these crimes, which result in too many preventable deaths on the job.”
The bill was sponsored by Assembly member Francisco P. Moya.