Labor Law 240, also known as the Scaffold Law, is a New York state law that provides protection for construction workers who may be injured on the job due to elevation-related accidents. The law holds property owners and contractors responsible for ensuring that workers are provided with proper safety equipment and training, and that the work environment is safe.
Under the Scaffold Law, if a worker is injured while working at an elevation, the employer is automatically considered negligent and is liable for damages. This means that the worker does not have to prove that the employer was at fault in order to recover damages. The law applies to all types of construction work, including building, repairing, altering, or demolishing any structure.
The purpose of the Scaffold Law is to encourage employers to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries on construction sites. It also helps to ensure that workers who are injured on the job receive the medical care and financial support they need to recover and get back to work.
Opponents of the Scaffold Law, typically billion dollar insurance companies, argue that it imposes too great a burden on employers and leads to higher construction costs. Construction workers and their families, as well as various safety organizations, argue that the law is necessary to protect the safety of workers and to hold employers accountable for their actions.
Overall, the Scaffold Law plays a critical role in protecting the safety and well-being of construction workers in New York. While it may have its detractors, the law serves as a reminder of the importance of safety on the job and the need for employers to prioritize the well-being of their workers.
Types of construction trades the Scaffold Law applies to:
There are many different types of construction trades that are involved in the construction of buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. Some of the most common construction trades include:
Carpentry: Carpenters are skilled workers who construct, install, and repair structures made of wood, wood substitutes, and other materials. They may work on framing, roofing, flooring, doors, windows, and other aspects of construction projects.
Concrete: Concrete workers, also known as cement masons or concrete finishers, are responsible for mixing, pouring, and finishing concrete for various construction projects. They may also be responsible for preparing the site for concrete work, including excavating and grading.
Electrical: Electrical workers install and maintain electrical systems in buildings and other structures. They may work on wiring, electrical panels, lighting, and other electrical components.
HVAC: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians install and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. They may work on a variety of systems, including forced air systems, boiler systems, and refrigeration systems.
Plumbing: Plumbers install and maintain pipes, fittings, and fixtures that are used to carry water, gas, and other fluids. They may work on a variety of projects, including installing new plumbing systems, repairing and replacing existing systems, and maintaining plumbing systems.
Masonry: Masons are skilled workers who construct and repair structures made of brick, stone, and other masonry materials. They may work on walls, floors, foundations, and other structural elements of buildings and other structures.
Roofing: Roofers install and repair roofs on buildings and other structures. They may work on a variety of roofing materials, including shingles, tile, metal, and more.
Welding: Welders are skilled workers who join metal parts together using heat, pressure, and/or other means. They may work on a variety of projects, including fabricating and repairing structures, machinery, and other metal items.
Drywall: Drywall workers install and finish drywall, which is a type of wall covering made of gypsum board. They may work on a variety of projects, including installing drywall on new construction projects, repairing and refinishing existing drywall, and applying texture to drywall surfaces
Contact a New York City and Long Island Construction Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a construction accident, or if you lost a loved one in a construction accident, you could be eligible to seek compensation through a workers’ compensation claim and through a lawsuit. To learn more about filing a negligence claim against a construction industry employer under New York Labor Law, you should get in touch with the experienced New York construction accident attorneys at our firm as soon as possible. Contact Leitner Varughese Warywoda PLLC, today for more information.
