New York State Construction Labor Laws
Many New York construction worker deaths or injuries could be prevented by following New York Labor Law, including New York State Labor Laws 196, 200, 240, and 241. These specific New York labor laws make owners liable for accidents and specifically protect construction employees. All workers, regardless of whether they are non-union or working off the books, are protected under these NYC labor laws.
New York State Labor Laws: The Right to Sue
New York State Labor Laws give all workers the right to sue a contractor or employer, thus allowing a worker the chance to get full compensation for injuries or death caused by a company’s negligence. These NYS labor laws ensure that construction workers are safeguarded against unsafe working conditions.
New York Labor Law 196: Mandatory Safety Training
Local Labor Law 196 of 2017 required every construction and demolition worker to receive 30 hours of safety training by December 1, 2019. By September 1, 2020, an additional 10 hours of safety training was required. This New York state labor law also mandates that each job site have a trained and designated Construction Superintendent, Site Safety Coordinator, or Site Safety Manager. All designated safety personnel must carry their Site Safety Training (SST) card while on the job. For more information, please visit the Department’s site safety training page for the complete curriculum and list of requirements.
New York Labor Law 200: Ensuring a Safe Work Environment
Law 200 states that an owner or contractor is at fault if they create a dangerous work environment. This NYC labor law mandates that “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 law also enforces building codes for all construction site health and sanitation facilities, elevators and escalators, exits, industrial radiation protection, and fire suppression systems.
New York Labor Law 240: The Scaffold Safety Law
Law 240, also referred to as the Scaffold Safety Law, holds construction companies, contractors, and sub-contractors responsible for providing and enforcing the proper use of safety equipment when using scaffolding. Under this NYS labor law, all ladders, safety harnesses, and hoists must be regularly inspected and properly maintained. Additionally, hardware and materials used to construct and secure scaffolding must be inspected, repaired, and maintained daily. This law also gives construction workers and their families the right to sue an employer or the building site owner if they are killed or injured due to a scaffold construction accident.
New York Labor Law 241: Detailed Safety Requirements
Law 241 provides detailed information on how construction, demolition, and excavation worksites must be arranged and maintained to protect workers. Furthermore, Law 241 lists daily safety actions on job sites, as well as the safety equipment that must be provided to all workers. Under New York Labor Law 241(6), a contractor or property owner is accountable in negligence for an accident that happened under their control or supervision.
Any violations of these New York labor laws that caused a wrongful death or injury can give a worker, or their family, grounds to take action against the employer or contractor.
Millions of Dollars Recovered in Construction Accidents
KDLM has earned its national reputation representing people injured in construction and workplace accidents through hard work, attention to detail, a thorough understanding of construction techniques—as well as of the law—and aggressive advocacy.
For example, a recent KDLM case yielded a $3,000,000 settlement for a plumber who was injured after falling off an unstable ladder. $25,000,000 was obtained for injuries sustained by a 55-year-old Westchester man who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a structure on which he was standing collapsed during a demolition and construction project. Review other recent settlements and landmark verdicts of KDLM’s clients.
How Can We Help?
No two accidents are the same. If you were injured or a loved one died from a construction-related accident, call our New York personal injury law firm at (212) 618-6800 or contact us via our online contact form for a free and confidential consultation. One of our attorneys will listen carefully, review your case, and then provide you with honest and respectful feedback.