PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Controller Christy Brady says the Department of Licenses and Inspections took chances with building safety by failing to review some documents at construction sites.
Brady says auditors accompanied inspectors from the Department of Licenses and Inspections to eight construction sites and observed that they didn’t ask to see the contractors’ licenses, which she says is the only way to confirm contractors are complying with the uniform construction code.
“This failure by L&I may result in structurally unsound building techniques, putting worker and resident safety at risk,” Brady said.
Brady said she found other shortcomings, too: Failure to document that workers classified as independent contractors aren’t just getting paid under the table, and inadequate certifications for inspectors themselves. Brady recommended more thorough document checks and random surprise inspections of construction sites.
“We need to ensure that all construction activity here in Philadelphia is safe, lawful and properly inspected.”
L&I said it’s already working on improvements, noting major changes in the department since the audit was completed, including new Commissioner Basil Merenda, and the creation of new units to enhance construction oversight.