PutlogsĪll wood putlogs must be reinforced with a substantial steel strip that is secured to the lower edge of the putlog throughout its entire length. Wood splicing pieces must be at least three feet in length, must be provided on at least two adjacent sides, must overlap the abutting ends by an equal distance, and have a combined cross-sectional area of at least 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of the pole. Any place wood poles are spliced, the ends must be square and the upper sections must rest squarely on the lower sections. 12 § 23-5.6 sets forth the following guidelines for pole scaffolds: PolesĪll foot ends of poles used in these scaffolds must rest on firm footing and be secured against lateral movement by cleats, nails, or other effective means.
#Scaffold law ny code
The Department of Labor has created specific construction safety rules in Part 23 of the New York Industrial Code to protect people employed in construction, demolition, or excavation work. NY Labor Law 241 requires owners and contractors to make construction sites as safe as possible for workers. Under Section 241(6), owners and contractors must comply with any rules made by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor to carry out the provisions of the law. Safety Guidelines for Workers on Pole Scaffolds Under the New York Industrial Code In addition to creating specific legislation to prevent scaffold injuries, New York has set provisions to protect employees working at height on different types of scaffolds-and employers who fail to follow them could be liable for a worker’s medical bills and pain and suffering damages.
While seemingly strict toward defendants, it is still the plaintiff’s duty to show that a violation of the law’s standards occurred and that the violation caused the injury in order to make a claim.Injuries on scaffolds are unfortunately common on construction sites. Also, the Scaffold Law can help workers who have been seriously injured receive an adequate recovery for damages and medical costs for which workers’ compensation would be inadequate or would not cover at all.
However, many proponents believe the law and its strictness is necessary to ensure a safe work environment. Opponents of the law argue that it is responsible for increased construction and insurance costs. A defendant’s liability for damages is imposed regardless of whether or not the job was performed by an independent contractor or other entity over which it had no supervision or control.
The Scaffold Law is unique in that it is the only absolute liability law in the country for gravity-related construction injuries. The Scaffold Law can help workers who have been seriously injured receive adequate recovery for damages and medical costs Syracuse Supply Co., the court held that the Scaffold Law “imposes on owners or general contractors and their agents a non-delegable duty, and absolute liability for injuries proximately caused by the failure to provide appropriate safety devices to workers who are subject to elevated-related risks.” Subsequent rulings have held that the Scaffold Law should be construed as liberally as possible to include the prevention of all gravity-related incidents, applying not only to workers falling but injuries involving falling objects as well. The Scaffold Law was passed in an effort to compel employers to give proper protection in all kinds of construction, repair, renovation and demolition projects. There was no workers’ compensation, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) would not be passed for another 85 years.Īs these job sites were dangerous environments, lawmakers decided the job site owners and the contractors overseeing the site were the parties best suited to make them safer. At the time there were very few, if any, labor protections. The Scaffold Law was enacted in 1885 when structures were beginning to be built several stories higher than they had in the past with construction workers working at much higher elevations. Learn more about our Workplace & Construction Injury practice. The “ Scaffold Law,” or New York State Labor Law § 240, is a state law that mandates contractors to provide their employees with proper safety equipment while doing work at elevations above ground level. Scaffold Law or NY State Labor Law § 240/241
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