Bill > A04938

This bill provides comprehensive protections for telecommunications tower technicians by establishing new safety and reporting requirements for procurement contracts involving tower services in New York state. The bill mandates that tower technicians must receive multiple comprehensive safety trainings during work hours without loss of pay, including courses on OSHA construction standards, first aid, radiofrequency radiation awareness, chemical classification, bloodborne pathogen protection, climbing, rescue, rigging, equipment operation, and signal person training. Additionally, bidders for telecommunication contracts must submit detailed information about their contractors and subcontractors, including tax identification numbers, license details, job titles, wages, employment status, and any previous labor law violations. The legislation is motivated by the recognition that tower technician work is inherently dangerous, with 166 workers in the cell tower industry dying between 2003 and 2022, and aims to improve worker safety and accountability in an industry with complex employment structures. The bill applies to procurement contracts involving state agencies and requires annual reporting to the comptroller and relevant state department, while ensuring that the information provided is subject to public disclosure laws and does not diminish existing employee rights under collective bargaining agreements.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4938