The true, hidden costs of New York’s outdated Labor Law §240(1) — known as the “Scaffold Law” — to the state’s economy and public infrastructure were exposed this week in a study conducted by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government of the State University of New York and  Cornell University. 

The study confirmed what many of us knew and always believed: 

• The Labor Law does not improve workplace safety.
• The additional costs of insurance and associated costs of defense inhibit infrastructure and economic growth.
• Repeal or amendment of the statute could redirect public and private expenditures and create thousands of jobs.  

It will be interesting to see how our state officials and the plaintiffs’ bar responds. We will continue our efforts to support the repeal or amendment of the statute. 

If you would like a copy of the study, or if you have any questions on the impact of the Scaffold Law, please contact: 

• Kenneth M. Alweis
• William J. Greagan