When a horrible construction accident happens, we look to place blame. This isn’t only out of the need to hold someone accountable, but also to determine what exactly caused the tragedy in an effort to prevent it from happening again. Such is the case in a Philadelphia building collapse that occurred on June 5.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, the accident happened in the city’s busy Center City district. A demolition had been ongoing for some time when the remnants of the building came tumbling down unexpectedly. As the building collapsed, it took a neighboring Salvation Army thrift store with it, along with several people inside.

In all, six people were killed and 14 were injured in the collapse.

Reports of dangerous conditions at the demolition site have surfaced, indicating there were problems before the tragedy unfolded. In addition, the demolition contractor had a history of legal and financial problems, according to the Associated Press.

In this city (and likely others), demolition has thus far been “lightly regulated” despite its dangers. As a result of the accident, officials are now inspecting hundreds of demolition sites citywide to prevent another similar tragedy. In addition, the city will be making regulatory changes.

“We lack the resources to have a police officer on every corner, or L&I (License and Inspections) at every construction site every hour of the day, (but) we can do much better,” Mayor Michael Nutter is quoted as saying. “We will not accept the status quo in the face of this tragedy.”

In addition to increased inspections, Nutter has recommended random drug testing of heavy equipment operators. He has also suggested “tougher background requirements” for demolition contractors—the contractor on this job was said to have been extremely inexperienced. Site inspections should also occur more frequently when there is demolition involved, says the mayor.

Demolition is dangerous work, but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of a tragic accident like this one. Nutter is on the right track. Nevertheless, whether a site is strictly controlled or not, construction accidents can happen.

New Jersey and New York Construction Accident Attorneys

If you are hurt in a serious construction accident, contact the construction accident lawyers of Ginarte today. Call (888) GINARTE for a free consultation on your case and to see how we can help.