First responders rescued two workers from a tipped scaffolding near the top of a a public housing building in East Harlem Friday morning.
The two construction workers were doing brick and mortar work at one of the Washington-Lexington Houses on Lexington Avenue and East 98th Street when it tipped before 9:45 a.m., according to police.
A bystander saw the men dangling at a 45-degree angle and and flagged down an officer, who called the NYPD's emergency services unit.
Officers lowered ropes to the men and went to the 13th floor and opened a window, and were able to get the men to safety through the window.
Afterward, firefighters said the two men were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
One of the workers told NBC 4 New York he has been doing the same work for about ten years and had never been stuck on a scaffolding before. They have been working on the site in East Harlem for about two months.
He said he was "not sure" if he'd ever climb back up into the scaffolding again.
Detective Keith Connolly, who helped pull the men to safety, said they were able to complete the rescue after some anxious moments.
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"You look at body language, and obviously they were a little scared," Connolly said.
Investigators on scene said one of two motors on the scaffolding failed, causing the breakdown.
The New York City Housing Authority, which manages the Washington-Lexington Houses, said safety was its top priority.
