Unsafe Footage of Workers Building New York's Iconic Skyscrapers

Remastered and colorized footage from the Smithsonian Channel offers a vertigo-inducing glimpse into the perilous work of building New York's iconic skyscrapers in the 1920s. The clip shows 'roughnecks' working without harnesses, safety ropes, or hard hats, catching red-hot rivets thrown at them with tin funnels. Workers, many from Europe and some from Montreal's Kahnawake reservation (Mohawk 'Iron Walkers'), are seen lifting stainless steel art-deco eagles with thin ropes. Photographer Lewis Hine documented much of this work, capturing both brute strength and private moments. The Chrysler Building, completed in 1930, stood 1,046 feet (319 m) with 77 floors, holding the title of world's tallest for only 11 months. In 1931, the Empire State Building was completed at 1,454 feet (443.2 m) with 102 floors, dwarfed by today's Burj Khalifa at 2,722 feet (829.8 m). Kyle Karonhiaktatie Beauvais, a Mohawk, noted in 2002 that Mohawks are not fearless but deal with fear better. The article also warns of poor YouTube comments and mentions an earlier version from 2019.