Updated Dec. 9 2:14 p.m.: A 59-year-old construction worker fell to his death Friday morning while working on part of the Domino Sugar redevelopment.
Wilfredo Enriques fell four stories while installing the facade at 325 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, according to several news reports. Enriques worked for a subcontractor on the project, PG Products of New York. A principal of PG, John Gibney, said the company was “devastated” and called Enriques a “dedicated employee and friend.”
The project’s developer, Two Trees Management, said all work at the site has halted, and the cause of the accident is still being determined.
“We are overwhelmed with grief by this tragic accident and extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues,” the company said in a statement.
Two Trees broke ground on 325 Kent Street in March. The 16-story residential project will include 500 rental units, of which 105 will be affordable.
Construction deaths in the city have been on the rise since at least 2012, with at least a dozen recorded by the city last year. In September, a construction worker fell to his death from the Chetrit Group [TRDataCustom] and Clipper Equity’s office-and-residential condominium conversion project of the Flatotel. A few hours after the incident, Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera blasted out a statement reiterating a point that he’s made after several construction deaths in the city: That most of these fatalities occur on non-union sites.
“Incidents like today’s, which are preventable, happen all too often and underscore the need for the mayor, the City Council and the Department of Buildings to work together to enact greater site safety regulations and mandatory safety training and apprenticeship programs,” he said. [NYP] — Kathryn Brenzel
Correction: Earlier news reports provided an incorrect age for Enriques. He’s 59.