By Zach Wise

Sun, Mar 30, 2008 (2 a.m.)

In the shadows of the cranes, steel, and concrete upon which Las Vegas has pinned its addiction to growth, a body count has emerged. Nine construction workers have died in the last 16 months at Strip construction sites.

For family members featured in this video, the light response from government authorities has compounded the mourning process.

"It feels like they rendered my brother's life valueless," said Monique Cole, whose brother died last year at CityCenter.

Others wonder: Is safety sacrificed in the rush to build?

CityCenter developer MGM Mirage says no.

"We're very concerned about safety in everything we do, whether it's a room remodel or something as enormous and complex as CityCenter," MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said. "For the number of people on the site and the amount of activity going on, we can be very proud of the fact that we have a very safe environment in which to work."

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1. By lindaK

   3/31/08 at 10:39 p.m.

   Suggest removal

   The danger is nothing new. I've lived here since 1973 and known iron workers and every other sort of skilled worker on the strip hotels. Every one of them in the last 30+ years has complained about the safety questions. This recent rash of deaths is a result of something that has gone on far too long and is getting worse. With each passing year, the stakes get higher to build bigger and faster. Good work, Mr. Wise. Don't drop this one; it's been a long time coming.

2. By SPFPAUNIONYES

   6/3/08 at 9:43 a.m.

   Suggest removal

   Eleven construction workers have died in the last 18 months at Strip construction sites including Six at the City Center

   HOW MANY MORE
   LAS VEGAS CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
   MUST DIE
   BEFORE OSHA, MGM Mirage and Dubai World
   TAKE ACTION?

   It's Time To Bring Awareness
   to The Safety Issues at
   MGM Dubai World
   City Center Project
   and all other Las Vegas Construction Sites!

   http://www.spfpalocal7777.org/SAFETYFIRS...

   MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World to Form
   Long-Term Strategic Relationship

   http://www.spfpalocal7777.org/MGMMIRAGEa...

3. By safetyone

   9/1/08 at 12:11 p.m.

   Suggest removal

   IN CONSTRUCTION OR ANY BUSINESS 1926 OR 1910 IS NOT FOLLOWED AS IT SHOULD . AT CHRISTMAS LOK AT THE DIRECTORS OFFICE. NO ONE COMMENTED ON WHEN I ASKED
   'WHERE WERE THE BARRICADES WHEN THE MAN FELL"