New York Scaffolding Accident Attorney

Labor Law Sec. 240, the “Scaffold Law,” requires building owners and general contractors to provide workers with proper scaffolds, hoists, harnesses, and other appropriate worksite safety equipment for use when working at elevations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction is the one of the most dangerous industries, accounting for a record high 20.8% of all workplace deaths in 2001. New York City construction accident statistics compiled by the Department of Buildings document that, notwithstanding the Scaffold Law, scaffolding safety remains a serious problem at many worksites. According to the Department, during 2002 scaffolding accidents comprised 56% of 101 recorded construction accidents.

Are you in need of a New York scaffolding accident attorney? Contact our New York scaffolding accident attorney for a free consultation today!

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has estimated that 65% of construction employees work on scaffolds frequently, so it is not surprising that some of the most common accidents at construction sites involve scaffolds or other types of lifts, hoists, or ladders. These accidents are typically the most serious in terms of severity of injuries, which can result from construction workers' falls from defective, improperly installed, or unreasonably safe scaffold equipment; an employer's failure to ensure the use of protective equipment; and by objects falling onto workers from scaffolds, lifts, and ladders.

Every employer, supervisor, and worker involved in work from scaffolds must comply with OSHA regulations as to, among other considerations, construction and inspection:

Design & Construction - The design and construction of scaffolds must conform with OSHA requirements concerning type of equipment, rated capacities, construction methods, and use. Each scaffold and scaffold component must be capable of supporting its own weight plus at least four times the maximum intended load without failure. Each suspension rope must be capable of supporting at least six times the maximum intended load.

Inspection - Employers should require a competent person to inspect all scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects before use on each work shift. Scaffolds should be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision of a competent person. All components of personal fall protection equipment (including body belts or harnesses, lanyards, droplines, trolley lines, and points of anchorage) should be inspected by a competent person before use. Any visibly damaged or worn equipment should be removed from service immediately.

Are you in need of a New York scaffolding accident attorney? Contact our New York scaffolding accident attorney for a free consultation today!

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