Velazquez Writes Parks Department on Safety Rules

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today wrote to the New York City Parks Department asking for a review of the agency’s safety protocols for contractors involved in tree removal. The letter comes after a Red Hook deliveryman died after being struck by a falling tree in Coffey Park.
The full text of the letter is below:
December 17, 2015

Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP
Commissioner
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
830 Fifth Ave
New York, NY, 10065

Dear Commissioner Silver:

I write to you regarding a recent incident in New York’s 7th Congressional District where a bicycle deliveryman died after being hit by a tree that was being cut down by contractors hired by the Parks Department. As you know, in November, Jing Liu was on his way to deliver food from the restaurant where he worked when he was hit by a falling tree being cut down by Parks Department contractors in Red Hook’s Coffey Park. Mr. Liu died from his injuries two days later.

Obviously, this is a profound tragedy for our entire community. It also raises serious safety concerns. According to media reports the firm involved failed to follow a number of existing safety rules. For example, crews are expected to work in groups of four, but according to press reports, the company was using only a two-person team. It has also been publicly reported that the area was not properly secured with cones and tape and Parks Department oversight was lacking.

It is my understanding that the Parks Department has terminated its relationship with the contractor involved in this incident. However, it is important we ensure similar events do not take place in the future and that safety protocols are up to date, effective and being followed.

In that regard, I would respectfully ask for answers to the following questions:

• What specific safety protocols and guidelines are contractors employed by the Parks Department to cut down and remove trees and branches required to follow?

• How are contractors and their employers informed of these protocols and trained in how to observe them?

• As a matter of standard operating procedure, how frequently are these protocols regularly reviewed and updated?

• It was reported in the media on November 30th that the Parks Department was conducting a review of its safety regulations. Is that review complete and what was the outcome of the Department’s analysis? What changes are being instituted? If the review is not complete, when will the results be made publicly available?

I know you share my commitment to public safety. I therefore look forward to your response to these timely questions. If you or your staff have questions about this inquiry, please contact my staff at 202-225-2361.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez

# # #