As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize New York’s costly Labor Laws 240 and 241, Big I New York has joined a broad coalition of Scaffold Law reform advocates to launch the Build More New York initiative. This diverse coalition includes contractors, businesses, municipalities, insurers, and other stakeholders affected by the law. The group of advocates supports a federal proposal that would bar the use of absolute liability on federally funded infrastructure projects.
A news release announcing the coalition included a statement from Big I New York Chair of the Board, Kelly Gonyo:
“New York’s century-old Scaffold Law is a direct barrier to economic growth, driving up costs for businesses, communities, and taxpayers alike. This outdated statute has made liability insurance coverage harder to find and even harder to afford. Too often, contractors are being priced out of projects altogether, leaving more uninsured contractors doing the work, and when injuries occur, taxpayers ultimately pay the price. Municipalities are forced to spend more on public works, and affordable housing providers scale back essential upgrades, all because of a law that no longer serves the public interest. The need for reform is both clear and urgent."
Reporting by the Albany Times Union on the coalition included comments from labor union leaders, who continue to defend the Scaffold Law as a critical safety measure for construction workers, despite work site injury data that suggests otherwise.
Stay tuned for grassroots opportunities to support this important initiative.