New York’s “Scaffold Law” costs millions, stifles business and costs jobs. This archaic law, long since repealed in every other state, adds thousands of dollars to the cost of new buildings and prevents economic growth. Reforming the Scaffold Law will make NY more competitive.

Stimulate the Economy

Small businesses and construction jobs drive economic growth. Reforming the Scaffold Law will make New York more competitive, and send the message that we are truly “open for business”.

Improved Safety

Reforming the Scaffold Law will increase accountability and provide incentives to improve workplace safety. Safer workplaces benefit everyone.

Create Jobs

Many businesses cannot afford to operate in New York. Reforming the Scaffold Law will create thousands of good paying, middle class jobs. Let’s put New Yorkers back to work!

Support S.111/A.3104

Stimulate the Economy

Improved Safety

Create Jobs

Scaffold Law Reform News

Governor Cuomo: It's Time to Repeal the Scaffold Law

Published on 13 May 2013

In a letter to the editor in today's Rockland County Times, Carl V. Wortendyke, President of Cal Mart Enterprises, writes that Governor Cuomo is uniquely qualified to make Scaffold Law reform a reality.

For over 20 years, politicians have been talking about rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge. In just two years, Governor Cuomo has done more than talk–he created a real plan for updating this important piece of New York’s infrastructure.

For over 30 years, politicians have been talking about repealing the so-called “Scaffold Law;” an outdated statute from the 1800s that holds contractors and property owners absolutely liable for elevation-related injuries, even if they were not fully responsible. The Scaffold Law drivers up the cost of insurance for public and private construction projects, including projects like the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Read the full letter here.

Letter: Scaffold Law Reform Good for Employers, Employees

Published on 13 May 2013

In a letter to the editor in today's Buffalo News, Casey Hill, Safety Supervisor for Union Concrete Corp., highlights how Scaffold Law reform would have far-reaching benefits for both employers and workers.

Union Concrete, like so many Western New York contractors, has a proud history of employing local union workers. Safety is our highest priority and foremost concern. So I was dismayed to read the recent letter, “Scaffold Law provides protection for workers,” vilifying supporters of Scaffold Law reform. The fact is, reform would not weaken a single one of New York’s many existing safety protections. Nor would it restrict a worker’s ability to recover damages if he were injured due to another’s negligence.

As the industry goes, so too do labor unions. That’s why they should be among the loudest voices for reform. The Scaffold Law is driving dramatic and devastating increases in insurance costs, chilling construction work and putting New York jobs at risk.

Read the full article here.