The city announced Wednesday it plans to crack down on unsafe scaffolding after a series of construction incidents, one of which was fatal.

Officials claim the problem is too widespread. "Our investigation of these incidents has shown us that the wind has exacerbated it, but the conditions were already existing," said Department of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster.

The DOB will send inspectors out for the next nine months to inspect more than 1,500 properties with scaffolding and/or sidewalk sheds.

"Construction work on any scaffold or sidewalk shed that does not meet those standards will be immediately stopped until any defects are corrected," Lancaster said. Contractors who do not comply could face fines up to $10,000.

The DOB also plans to test out a new sidewalk shed design that's said to be safer and less of an eyesore.