Ten days after a deadly crane accident in midtown Manhattan, New York City announced yesterday that contractors may no longer raise or lower large cranes on construction sites unless a buildings inspector is present.

"While the tragic accident on March 15 was a rare occurrence, we are expanding oversight of cranes as a precautionary measure while we await the findings of our forensic investigation," Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster said in a statement. "Any crane operating in an unsafe manner will be shut down immediately."

Officials also sent a regulatory notice to the construction industry, outlining the changes in protocol.

Yesterday's announcement came a day after the family of a Seaford man who was killed in the crane collapse revealed their intention to sue the city and its buildings department for tens of millions of dollars, charging that their neglect caused or contributed to the 45-year-old construction worker's death.