New York Scaffolding Law

New York Labor Law has a specific provision for protecting construction workers who suffer injury due to comply safety measures taken while working on scaffolding. The "scaffold law," more specifically New York Labor Law section 240, places the responsibility for maintaining the scaffolding on the property owner and contractor of the building. New York construction accident attorneys help protect workers' rights when it comes to accidents like these.

Why a New York Scaffolding Law?

Construction sites are often places of intense pressure for their workers: the physical strain of the work, coupled with a contractor's desire to finish the job as quickly and efficiently as possible, can lead to corner-cutting and unsafe practices. New York construction workers who lack the ability to speak fluent English or the protection of a labor union may feel uncomfortable asking that the appropriate safety equipment be provided, safety practices be implemented, and engineering investigations be undertaken before the work begins.

Working on scaffolding puts construction in a particularly dangerous position, adding the danger of height to the already-present dangers of a construction site. Gravity-related injuries like a fall from scaffolding or a ladder can be devastating to victims and their families. This is why New York construction accident victims have special protection under the law.

New York Construction Law and Scaffolding

New York is a leader in providing protection for construction workers. As a result, it has one of the lower construction-related injury rates in the nation. New York construction accident lawyers are well-versed in this special scaffolding provision.

Under New York construction law section 240, improper or damaged scaffolding, harnesses, hoists, ladders, stands, pulleys, routes, blocks, hangars, slings, and other essential scaffolding and height-differential equipment are the responsibility of the building owner or contractor. The building owner or contractor must provide a safe work environment for scaffolding use, or work-related injuries stemming from their negligence will be considered their responsibility.

The scaffolding law provides that owners and contractors will be liable in scaffolding-related accidents, if they failed to provide the necessary equipment or training. Any worker who has been the victim of such an accident should contact an attorney.

Victims who have suffered a fall while on a construction site, or other interested parties, can read more about these laws and contact the experienced scaffolding accident lawyers at BlockOToole.com.