Setting up scaffolding is inherently risky and without specific safeguards and correct procedures, it really leaves workers exposed to a variety of real work hazards. New York officials understand that, and that’s why they’ve included some specific scaffolding laws in the state’s labor laws to help benefit those who do the tough jobs for which scaffolding is required.
Many people who walk by a worksite look at scaffolding reaching high up in the air and may think to themselves: “I could never do that.” But others actually work in such environments and the job is tough enough without having to deal with negligence or issues of insufficient support. Construction work is characteristically hazardous, which is why it is important to have adequate labor laws in place for workers’ safety.
Scaffolding Laws in New York
The scaffolding laws in New York bring a significant amount of advantage to an injured plaintiff. This is an acknowledgment of what these workers risk in the course of their employment and what they may be exposed to as a matter of routine based on the whims of managers and top leadership.
Every worker who sets foot on a scaffold deserves a system that’s set up well and secure.
Cutting Corners
It’s not hard to imagine situations where business leaders and worksite managers may be tempted to do things a little differently than they should.
Take, for instance, a project that’s under pressure — there’s a timeline that must be met. Suppose the flooring in a certain area is not completely even or there’s a slight imbalance that has to be corrected. The manager might think that the quickest way to fix the problem is to simply put a few pieces of plywood or other thin material under one side of the scaffold. This will restore the balance — at least, that’s what they hope to achieve. But these materials aren’t secured the right way and they don’t offer the same kind of support.
All too often, situations like these lead to tragic accidents where individuals fall or are significantly injured. In these cases, injury victims rely on qualified personal injury attorneys to bring their cases before local courts. They look for comprehensive compensation, including money for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, loss of consortium, pain and suffering and more. These are not frivolous efforts at draining money out of the business. They are legitimate efforts to exercise someone’s options under the law, after they have suffered harm through no fault of their own.
Get Help From New York City Construction Accident Lawyers
A construction worker who is harmed on a New York City work site can call the personal injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. Our experienced lawyers can assess a work injury case and evaluate laws like NY Labor Law 240 and 241. We will work with clients every step of the way, explaining legal options and working to secure the best chance of compensation. Let us fight for your rights.
