:: rawblogXport ::

:: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 ::

Safe At Any Height: New York State’s “Scaffold Law” Saves Lives - A report by the New York State Trial Lawyers Association
New York's Scaffold Law is effective because it does not allow violators to excuse their safety lapses by blaming others. Common Law, which would apply if there were no Scaffold Law, allows a contractor to shed responsibility for unsafe work site practices by subcontracting with companies that are able to charge less by cutting corners on safety and blaming others for worker injuries. Cut-rate subcontractors tend to have weak or non-existent safety training and may not follow all necessary safety procedures or utilize all of the appropriate safety equipment. Since construction contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, there is an enormous incentive to cut costs by employing such subcontractors. The Scaffold Law eliminates this incentive by making owners and contractors responsible whether they do the work or employ others to do it for them. Construction site injuries and fatalities are significantly reduced as a result of this statutory framework.

posted 5:02 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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