Future Looks Green, Safe And Bright

Here we are in the year 2037, driving along the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Highway (formerly known as the West Side Highway). The sky is blue and air is clean - thanks in part to the fact that "green buildings" grace the skyline more than ever before. Love 'em or hate 'em, those environmental groups sure did lobby hard and get their way, finally. Seriously though, is it really so bad to shell out a couple of more bucks to construct something that is environmentally friendly? Not at all! As a matter of fact, the truth is, you feel pretty damn good about it in the long run.

As I look down at my gauge, it seems I've been driving more than 74 million miles on a single battery charge; it's probably time for me to stop for a few minutes and plug in.

As I slow the NRN 7XL(No Roads Necessary) down to acceptable landing speed, I see in the near distance my favorite hot dog vendor (some things will never change in New York City). He gives me a wave and I proceed to my designated parking spot. Stepping lively, I race towards the World Trade Center and stop for a moment to gaze up at the 2,000-ft.-high symbol of American pride. It is amazing to think that these buildings - six total and each equally as impressive - have been standing for some 30 years now. Where else but in New York City could such magnificent buildings have been erected? Wake up, you're running late…right! I hurry past the retinal scanning area where I am cleared by security and make my way towards the 155th floor where several firms are being honored at tonight's dinner for pioneering the modern-day construction industry.

As I take my seat, I look around the room at the many faces that have changed the face of construction in New York City and can't help but notice the president of the strongest regulatory agency in the Country…OSHA. These guys have finally taken center stage and as a result, there have been no fatalities, workplace injuries or even lost time on a New York City construction projects for more than 11 years. How can this be you ask? Well, since the turn of the century, OSHA has aggressively pursued stricter guidelines for the contracting community to ensure that safety is given top priority. And, since everyone in the industry has embraced it, it has been an incredible success.