New York construction work can be extremely hazardous. Someone working in this industry needs to be aware of the laws that exist for their protection. Here is more on construction accidents and N.Y. labor laws.
Annually, thousands of workers are injured on U.S. construction sites. According to a recent report, New York City saw 22 construction-related fatalities last year. Further, data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reflect that construction-related injury is a leading cause of occupational fatalities in New York State. Additionally, in 2023, New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) released a construction safety report that showed a 9.7% increase in construction worker injuries.
Workers’ Compensation and Insurance
When someone is seriously injured on a construction job, they often turn to the workers’ compensation system and insurance to help pay for their medical and other related expenses. Unfortunately, these resources seldom cover an injured construction worker’s extensive medical costs, lost wages and time at work, rehabilitation, and other expenses. Someone hurt on the job in this way may need to file suit against their employer to pursue adequate and fair compensation for their damages.
Have you been injured while performing construction work? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have extensive experience helping injured construction workers recover personal injury damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New York construction accident lawyer.
New York Construction Safety and Labor Laws
Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Carlos’s law. The law was named for Carlos Moncayo, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian construction worker killed in 2015 when a Manhattan building collapsed. Carlos’s law increased the penalties for New York construction contractors who are liable for the death or injury of a worker.
Section 200 of New York’s Labor Law
Section 200 of New York’s labor law provides that employers have a general duty to protect the health and safety of employees. The law requires that job sites be “constructed, equipped, arranged, operated, and conducted as 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.”
New York Labor Law 240 “Scaffolding Law”
New York Labor Code 240, also called the Scaffold or Scaffolding law, requires that construction scaffolding or staging that is more than twenty feet from the ground or floor be attached, bolted, braced, or otherwise secured. In addition, the scaffolding must be constructed in a way that it can hold four times the maximum weight while in use.
New York Labor Code 241
New York Labor Code 241 establishes how construction, demolition, and excavation must take place. The purpose of these requirements is to help safeguard workers from construction site hazards.
These and other New York laws are in place to help ensure that workers are not unreasonably exposed to unsafe conditions. When a construction company, contractor, or other responsible party fails to observe safety regulations and a worker is injured, the responsible entity should be held accountable for a construction accident due to its negligence.
Construction companies have an obligation to follow safety protocols and regulations. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a New York construction injury accident, you may be entitled to payment for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact an experienced New York construction accident lawyer today to discuss your options.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you should have an experienced construction accident attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping injured construction workers for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available—se habla español.