As we’ve discussed before, New York State labor law provides a relatively broad and expansive set of protections to New York construction workers, especially around certain protected activities that involve working on tall structures. But regardless of the general liability that this rule puts on companies and contractors, there are exclusions, and although some use the term “absolute liability,” the outcome of a work injury case is not absolute. One possible defense from a company or controlling party would be the “recalcitrant worker” defense. This defense contends that the worker who was injured was offered serviceable and functional safety gear or equipment and turned down this

When it comes to handling workplace liability, smart managers have a plan in place. They not only provide safety gear and equipment, but they also look at physical aspects of the worksite specific trained eyes. They typically develop the criteria for handling safety issues so that they deal with the biggest ones first. And that can make all of the difference in an effective plan to decrease liability and of course, protect workers. Heavy Items, Heavy Equipment One easy way to address the biggest workplace injuries is to look at the heaviest equipment and heaviest types of materials that are mobile on a job site.

It might seem like a trivial detail, but litter is actually a serious thing, and it’s even more serious in places where it might present obstacles for busy workers. We’ve all seen those municipal signs claiming a $300 or $500 fine for littering or dumping. Government planners are trying to instill an understanding in people that littering is a serious thing. But at the same time, too few companies understand that litter or untended debris on a job site could turn into something much, much bigger. Site Debris: A Serious Liability For people outside of the justice system, it might seem ludicrous to think that

Some of the things you see on a construction site or in some other workplace settings may seem like small details — until something terrible happens. One example of this is the set of fire rules and regulations that affect businesses and worksites, and basically cover anywhere there is human habitation or work activity. Fire safety is a basic thing, but it’s something that’s often overlooked. There are a lot of reasons for that and just about any kind of survey that includes visiting average businesses or worksites reveals how often those in charge seem either oblivious or willfully ignorant of whether fire safety precautions