Cost of Expansion

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By Zach Wise

Sunday, March 30, 2008 | 2 a.m.

In the shadows of the cranes, steel, and concrete upon which Las Vegas has pinned its addiction to growth, a body count has emerged. Nine construction workers have died in the last 16 months at Strip construction sites.

For family members featured in this video, the light response from government authorities has compounded the mourning process.

"It feels like they rendered my brother's life valueless," said Monique Cole, whose brother died last year at CityCenter.

Others wonder: Is safety sacrificed in the rush to build?

CityCenter developer MGM Mirage says no.

"We're very concerned about safety in everything we do, whether it's a room remodel or something as enormous and complex as CityCenter," MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said. "For the number of people on the site and the amount of activity going on, we can be very proud of the fact that we have a very safe environment in which to work."

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1. By lindaK

   March 31, 2008

   10:39 p.m.

   The danger is nothing new. I've lived here since 1973 and known iron workers and every other sort of skilled worker on the strip hotels. Every one of them in the last 30+ years has complained about the safety questions. This recent rash of deaths is a result of something that has gone on far too long and is getting worse. With each passing year, the stakes get higher to build bigger and faster. Good work, Mr. Wise. Don't drop this one; it's been a long time coming.

2. By SPFPAUNIONYES

   June 3, 2008

   9:43 a.m.

   Eleven construction workers have died in the last 18 months at Strip construction sites including Six at the City Center

   HOW MANY MORE
   LAS VEGAS CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
   MUST DIE
   BEFORE OSHA, MGM Mirage and Dubai World
   TAKE ACTION?

   It's Time To Bring Awareness
   to The Safety Issues at
   MGM Dubai World
   City Center Project
   and all other Las Vegas Construction Sites!

   http://www.spfpalocal7777.org/SAFETYFIRS...

   MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World to Form
   Long-Term Strategic Relationship

   http://www.spfpalocal7777.org/MGMMIRAGEa...

3. By safetyone

   Sept. 1, 2008

   12:11 p.m.

   IN CONSTRUCTION OR ANY BUSINESS 1926 OR 1910 IS NOT FOLLOWED AS IT SHOULD . AT CHRISTMAS LOK AT THE DIRECTORS OFFICE. NO ONE COMMENTED ON WHEN I ASKED
   'WHERE WERE THE BARRICADES WHEN THE MAN FELL"

4. By u812

   May 22, 2011

   11:51 a.m.

   Retired Ironworker 38 years in the trade.
   I'm one of the luck ones that made it.
   Construction work is dangerous work and no amount of safety can completely make you safe.
   Ironworker have always been on the leading edge for workers safety and continue to be.
   We have always stood for safety on the job even when it didn't directly affect ourselves.
   There are no amount of fines that will bring back a life.
   We all have an individual responsibility to make a jobsite safe for yourself and fellow workers.

   I have personally worked for the company that this man worked for and I can say that it was one of the strictest on safety. Not that there may have been some negligence however.
   You can never turn you back or be too complacent on a construction job.
   Losing a fellow worker is like losing a part of your life and always leaves an emptiness inside.

   My condolences to the family and God Bless

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