Turner Construction Fined For Violations During MSG Renovation

The city of N.Y.'s Buildings Department "slapped Turner Construction with a whopping 70 safety violations for renovation work" on Madison Square Garden last year -- the "most safety infractions at any construction site citywide," according to records cited by Reuven Blau of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Nine violations were for "illegal smoking at the site," and the city also fined Turner for "failing to use safety equipment, like guardrails or toe boards, to protect workers from falling off steep surfaces." Turner at nine sites citywide "racked up a total of 90 safety violations and $94,600 in fines," more than "any other builder" in '12. Turner officials said that the fines could be attributed to "increased scrutiny due to voluntary participation in the city’s new Major Projects Program." Turner VP/Communications Chris McFadden said, "Through this open and cooperative process, hazards were avoided and safety was increased" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/16).