Construction Accident prevention in New York City: the DOT is testing remote video inspections

Inspections by the DOT play an important role in keeping NYC construction sites safe and preventing dangerous construction accidents. The covid19  crisis has demonstrated that new online technologies can sometimes be used to replace meetings in person or visiting locations, saving time and resources.  The NYC Department of Building is testing  options to conduct Remote Video Inspections instead of sending inspectors on location.

A pilot program that started on March 19th is now being run until April 30 and proposing to Staten Island contractors who require a CO-NB-ALT1 Construction DEV inspection and to Brooklyn contractors who require a “SWO Rescission/Work Without Permit Construction ENF” inspection to do these remotely.

While doing the request for such inspections, contractors have the option to fill out a Request for a Remote Video Inspection and Attestation. The contractor and any other authorized attendees will then receive an email invitation for the remote inspection with a link to an app that attendees can download on their phone to participate in the online inspection.

During the inspection, the attendees will be guided remotely by the DOB inspector. The remote inspection might reveal potential safety violations that need to be addressed, similarly to what would happen if the inspector was there in person.

To be able to participate in remote video inspections the following is necessary:

• internet connection
• tablet or iPhone with a camera that can be moved around the construction site equipped with a microphone and speaker system to be able to communicate with the inspector
•  adequate lightning as well as a flashlight for darker areas
• tape measure
• approved plans and other necessary documentation
• ability to take pictures and email them to the DOB

A check list is sent to participants to cover all the elements of the inspections but inspectors are free to deviate from the checklist if  necessary.

More information about the procedure can be found here