The scaffold had broken free from the building and was hanging on by security lines when first responders arrived. March 6, 2025
As maintenance and engineering managers look for ways to streamline operations and minimize costs, a growing number are turning to technology advances, such as autonomous mowers and drones, to perform tasks on and around institutional and commercial facilities. As possible applications related to building facades expand, a recent incident in New York City offers a reminder that such technology also might be able to address another critical need — worker safety.
New York City firefighters recently rescued two window washers trapped on broken scaffolding blowing in the wind on the side of a high-rise building in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, according to the New York Post. First responders were called after a 911 call about the window washers trapped on the building’s 78th floor, says Michael Trahan, FDNY’s deputy Chief.
The scaffold had broken free from the building and was hanging on by security lines when first responders arrived. The billowing scaffolding was crashing into the side of the building and broke a window on the 78th floor, sending glass raining onto the street, he said.
The scaffolding was secured with ropes, and the two workers were pulled into the building using a life-saving rope tied to an object inside. Though the workers were in harnesses, they were found not to be attached to security lines, Trahan says. The two workers were promptly brought inside the building and transferred to Cornell Hospital in stable condition.
By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
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