Amazing Empire State Building construction photos from 1931 show workers hanging on for dear life

Updated Jul 10, 2013

OSHA might frustrate those in the construction industry from time to time, but after taking a look at these photos, you might be a little more thankful it’s around. Brought to our attention by the folks at BuzzFeed, these photos from the New York Public Library’s digital collection are from 1931 and give an amazing perspective of the construction site of New York City’s famed Empire State Building. The $25 million project took a little more than a year to complete and at certain points, more than 3,400 workers were on the job at the same time.

What’s amazing, given these photos, is that only five workers died during the project.

An Empire State Building worker clings to a piece of steel high above New York City. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineAn Empire State Building worker clings to a piece of steel high above New York City. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Workers among a field of girders during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineWorkers among a field of girders during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Construction of the Empire State building 3/4 of the way finished. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineConstruction of the Empire State building 3/4 of the way finished. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Worker clings to a wire during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineWorker clings to a wire during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

A workers signals to the hookman as the New York skyline sits peacefully below. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineA workers signals to the hookman as the New York skyline sits peacefully below. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Empire State Building welders work high above the city. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineEmpire State Building welders work high above the city. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Two workers lower a beam into place with a crane. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineTwo workers lower a beam into place with a crane. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

A worker rides a crane hook during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineA worker rides a crane hook during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Teamwork high above the ground. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineTeamwork high above the ground. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Sparks fly as a welder works on the Empire State Building in 1931. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineSparks fly as a welder works on the Empire State Building in 1931. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine

 

Workers stand on the edge of a beam during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes HineWorkers stand on the edge of a beam during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine