The Scaffold Law in New York City was enacted in 1885, as the city’s skyline as we know it today began taking shape. The primary goal behind the law existed to protect construction workers from the dangers of their jobs. The higher the construction workers’ are, the more danger they face, which was seen in the new age of building skyscrapers at heights that had never before been reached.
The law requires that employers made sure that all employees who were working at elevated heights were protected. If anyone is injured, the developers, property owners, and contractors will be held liable if they violated safety regulation standards. Recently, there has been a movement to also consider the liability of the injured worker, because that is actually not included in the law.
Some are concerned that nonunion companies will not provide the appropriate safety equipment and safety training, which can result in serious negative impacts. 136 construction workers were killed in falls from elevated heights in New York between 2003 and 2011. There is also a concern about the language barrier between many workers and their bosses, and whether this barrier will prevent workers from requesting proper safety equipment.
If you have been injured in a New York City construction accident because safety equipment was not provided to you, please contact our firm today so we can assess your case.
If you are in need of experienced legal counsel in regards to a personal injury or workers’ compensation case in New York City, please contact The Law Offices of Jonathan D. Sands and we would be happy to assist you.