New York Ladder Accident Lawyer Serving NYC and the Hudson Valley
Helping Victims of Ladder Falls
Falls from heights kill more workers than any other type of accident in the construction industry. Tragically, injuries and deaths from a fall could largely be avoided if the right safety devices and equipment were in place. New York law holds property owners and contractors liable when their inadequate precautions result in personal injury or wrongful death, and the construction accident attorneys at Dupée & Monroe, P.C. in Goshen do their part to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.
When Ladders are Required
New York Labor Law section 240(1) requires contractors and owners to furnish ladders whenever necessary to give proper protection to an employee on a construction project. When a worker is injured because of a violation of section 240(1), the contractor or owner can be held absolutely liable for the injuries.
Ladders may also be required under the rules and regulations of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Any time there is an elevation of 19 inches or more, and there is no ramp, runway, hoist or other means of scaling the height, OSHA requires that a ladder be in place. Also, OSHA requires employers to regularly inspect and maintain ladders in a safe condition. Where necessary, the employer should also provide a ladder fall protection system, such as body belts, harnesses, safety cages and wells. These rules apply to any portable ladder used on-site, whether it was manufactured or job-made, except for ladders used to get on or off of scaffolds, which are subject to different rules.
Common Causes of Ladder Falls
Some of the most common ladder falls can be attributed to the following causes:
- An unsecured ladder is placed on an unstable, uneven or slippery surface
- Ladder is used for something other than the purpose it was designed for
- A-frame ladder is used in closed position
- Ladder is loaded beyond its capacity
- Oil or grease on the ladder poses a slipping hazard
- Ladder is placed in a passageway where it is likely to be moved or shifted by other workers
- Ladder is built on the job site with rungs that are crooked or unevenly-spaced
- Ladder is placed where conductive rails may be exposed to electricity
Contact Experienced New York Construction Accident Attorneys for Ladder Fall Injuries
If you or someone you love has been injured in a ladder fall in a construction, demolition, renovation or similar project in Goshen, Orange County or anywhere in the Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. to speak with experienced New York construction accident lawyers who can help you.
