These New York workmen look like they are involved in a death-defying circus act.

But it is all part of the day job for the workmen who are inspecting a crane being used in the construction of 1 World Trade Centre in New York.

The photo was taken from the 93rd floor of the new building, which is now taller than the Empire State Building - seen in the skyline.

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Builders inspect a crane being used to build 1 World Trade Centre in New York

The 104-storey skyscraper, in Lower Manhattan, is due for completion in 2013. It will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the third tallest in the world.

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Construction workers seen wearing safety harnesses while working at the World Trade Centre construction site

It is being built in the north west corner of the new World Trade Centre site, which will feature three other high-rises, and a September 11 memorial and museum on the site where the Twin Towers once stood.