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 Hine
Workers 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 Hine
Worker 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 Hine
Empire 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 Hine
A worker rides a crane hook during construction of the Empire State Building. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine
Teamwork high above the ground. Credit: Lewis Wickes Hine
Sparks 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 Hine
