Why Weakening New York’s Scaffold Law Would Endanger Construction Workers
A new bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., aims to exempt federally funded projects in New York from the protections of Labor Law 240—known as the Scaffold Law. As construction accident attorneys who have represented injured workers for decades, we strongly oppose this proposal. The Scaffold Law, along with Labor Law 241, has played a critical role in holding employers accountable and preventing fatal falls on worksites across the state.
Labor Law 240: A Life-Saving Measure, Not a Legal Burden
Labor Law 240 places strict liability on owners and contractors for elevation-related injuries, ensuring that those with control over safety are held responsible when preventable accidents occur. This legal framework has created powerful incentives for construction firms to invest in life-saving measures like guardrails, scaffolds, and harnesses.