Understanding New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law §240): What Workers Should Know

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in New York. With tall buildings, heavy equipment, and fast-paced worksites, accidents can happen in an instant. Many of these accidents involve falls from ladders or scaffolds, which can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. To help protect workers, New York created a special law called the Scaffold Law, also known as Labor Law §240. This law gives injured workers important rights when they are hurt due to unsafe conditions at a construction site. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall on the job, it’s important to understand what this law means for you and how the Law Offices of Ted A. Novick can help.

What Is the Scaffold Law?

New York’s Scaffold Law is a unique law designed to protect construction workers who work at heights. It requires property owners, contractors, and employers to provide proper safety equipment and a safe working environment when workers are using scaffolds, ladders, hoists, ropes, pulleys, and other devices.

The law holds these parties strictly liable for injuries that occur because of gravity-related accidents—such as falling from a height or being struck by a falling object. This means that if a worker is injured due to a fall or by something falling, the property owner or contractor is usually responsible, even if the worker was partly at fault.

The main goal of the law is to make sure that employers and contractors take every possible step to protect workers from dangerous falls. Because construction work often happens high above the ground, the risk of serious injury is high. The Scaffold Law helps ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Who Is Protected Under the Law?

Labor Law §240 applies to most construction workers in New York. This includes people working on building projects such as:

• Erecting or demolishing structures

• Repairing or renovating buildings

• Painting or cleaning tall surfaces

• Installing windows, roofing, or siding

Even subcontractors or day laborers can be covered under this law if they are performing qualifying work on a construction project.

If an accident happens while a worker is performing one of these tasks and proper safety measures were not in place, the worker has the right to seek compensation from the property owner, general contractor, or another responsible party.

Why the Scaffold Law Matters

Falls from scaffolds, ladders, and roofs are among the most common causes of injury and death on construction sites. Without strong legal protections, workers might be blamed unfairly for accidents that were actually caused by poor safety standards.

The Scaffold Law shifts responsibility to those who control the worksite—the property owners and contractors. They are in the best position to provide safe equipment and ensure that safety rules are followed. By holding them accountable, the law encourages better safety practices across the construction industry.

Common Types of Scaffold and Ladder Accidents

Some of the most frequent accidents covered under Labor Law §240 include:

• Falls from scaffolds or ladders due to missing guardrails or broken rungs

• Falling objects hitting workers because of unsecured tools or materials

• Collapsing scaffolds or poorly built platforms

• Slips or trips on unsafe surfaces at elevated heights

These types of accidents can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Victims often face long recovery times and expensive medical bills, and many are unable to return to work for months or even years.

What to Do After a Scaffold or Ladder Accident

If you’ve been injured in a construction fall, it’s important to act quickly. Here are a few key steps to take:

1. Get medical help right away. Your health and safety come first.

2. Report the accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible.

3. Document the scene. If you can, take photos of where and how the accident happened.

4. Gather witness information. Other workers who saw what happened can help support your case.

5. Contact a construction accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

How the Law Offices of Ted A. Novick Can Help

Navigating New York’s Scaffold Law can be complicated, especially when multiple contractors or property owners are involved. The Law Offices of Ted A. Novick understands the challenges injured workers face. Their legal team has experience handling construction accident cases and can help you gather evidence, prove liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

They work to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By standing up to negligent companies and property owners, the Law Offices of Ted A. Novick helps ensure injured workers get the justice and financial support they need to rebuild their lives.

Final Thoughts

New York’s Scaffold Law is one of the strongest worker protection laws in the country. It exists to keep construction workers safe and to hold negligent parties accountable when accidents happen. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a fall on a construction site, don’t face the aftermath alone. Reach out to the Law Offices of Ted A. Novick to learn your rights and take the first step toward fair compensation.