New York State has specific labor laws to provide construction workers the right to safe working conditions and safe equipment. Property owners and construction contractors must take steps to ensure work sites are safe and workers have the necessary safety equipment to do their job.
Section 200
Section 200 of New York State labor law requires owners and contractors to “provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of all persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places. All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” This section also states when an owner or contractor finds a piece of equipment to be dangerous, they must attach a notice warning of dangers and fix the dangerous conditions.
Section 240
Section 240 is known as the “Scaffolding Law,” and provides guidelines for using scaffolding on job sites including:[1]
- Scaffolding more than 20 feet off the ground must have a safety rail attached and secured at least 34 inches high extending the length of the outside
- Scaffolding must be constructed to bear four times the maximum weight required
- Scaffolding must be erected, secured, and fastened on the job site
Section 241
Labor Law Section 241 requires that workers are protected from safety hazards that could result in an injury. This includes enclosing elevator shafts, ensuring floors are planked over, and putting proper equipment in place to prevent slip, trip and fall accidents.
These laws are in place to keep construction job sites and construction workers safe. If you have been injured because a property owner or contractor has ignored these guidelines, you may be able to receive financial compensation for your injuries. If your employer violated these laws, call The Barnes Firm today and let us help you get the best result possible.
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