Construction Worker Hurt in Scaffold Fall at NYC Arts Center

April 25, 2008

  • April 26, 2008 at 12:24 pm
    NJ Comp Adjuster says:
    Like or Dislike:
    Thumb up 0
    Thumb down 0

    Any possibility that the scaffold and/or harness malfunctioned? I know in NJ OSHA requires workers on scaffolding 5ft and above to adhere to strict safety guidelines to prevents accidents like this. Regards to victim’s family

  • April 25, 2008 at 3:29 am
    Dread says:
    Like or Dislike:
    Thumb up 0
    Thumb down 0

    It’s not always the contractors negligence that contributes to these kinds of accidents. Having investigated dozens of them in NYC, a high percentage involve the worker failing to follow safety procedures. Often times they find the safety harness “uncomfortable” so they don’t wear it. It can’t be anyhwere near as uncomfortable as hitting the pavement from 25′ above. It’s dangerous work and an assumption of risk.

  • April 25, 2008 at 3:43 am
    Her fault? says:
    Like or Dislike:
    Thumb up 0
    Thumb down 0

    This was probably her fault too. AIEEE!!

  • April 25, 2008 at 5:36 am
    clm mgr says:
    Like or Dislike:
    Thumb up 0
    Thumb down 0

    Under NY labor law, a fall from any height is nearly considered negligence per se on the part of the building owner and the general contractor. Even if a worker shows up drunk, on crack, and smoking a doobie at work, if he falls from any height, he’s going to have a payday because the duty to supervise under NY labor law is nondelegable.

  • April 28, 2008 at 12:32 pm
    Fred says:
    Like or Dislike:
    Thumb up 0
    Thumb down 0

    NY Labor Law is a disgrace. I believe NY is the only state where this exists. It relieves employees of responsibility for their own carlessness and stupidity. Unless you can prove they qualify as a “recalcitrant employee”, the contractors and property owners are culpable.



Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*