Family, colleagues of worker killed in Jersey City construction site fall call for change
Juan Jose Coc, 40, died on Feb. 2 after falling four stories.
More Stories
It was a somber night in Jersey City as people gathered to remember a construction worker who fell four stories to his death last week.
As friends and loved ones mourn the loss of 40-year-old Juan Jose Coc, they are also calling on elected officials for better protection for workers.
“No worker should leave their house in the morning and not make it home at the end of the day,” says Mike Hellstrom, vice president of Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
Coc fell from the construction site on Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City on Feb. 2.
“It’s sad. I just pray for his family,” says Carlos Rosario, of Cliffside Park.
Coc’s wife and child stood in solidarity with other laborers to make sure more workers weren’t killed in job site incidents.
RELATED: Officials: Man dies after falling 4 stories at Jersey City construction site
“At the rate of speed that Jersey City is building, it really needs to take a hard look - not just at the building code from the state of New Jersey - but the authority of the municipality to change the building code in the state of New Jersey to give the city greater authority to create a safer work environment for workers here in Jersey City,” says Hellstrom.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop was joined by City Council and state Assembly members in promising swift action.
“We are not satisfied with the current rules today. And you have our pledge that we are going to work hand in hand with you, the City Council and the state Assembly to make sure to change the laws in Trenton to give us better authority,” Fulop says.
Coc was employed by Mac Construction LLC. OSHA continues to investigate how the death occurred.
“The employer will tell you that it was the worker's fault. And I’ll tell you that it was the industry’s fault,” says Hellstrom. “That we’re allowing workers even if they miss a step in their own safety. There should be someone on a project that’s enforcing safety and not just leaving it up to a worker.”
LIUNA pledged $1,500 to help Coc’s family with funeral costs.
