Under the New York labor laws that protect construction workers from harmful accidents, there are many examples of individual laws that apply to certain types of materials or equipment. Modern construction is aided by an enormous number of installations, setups and contraptions that have been designed to make work more efficient, reduce accident risks and generally improve construction project outcomes.
One such contraption is a catch platform. Catch platforms can be designed to effectively manage the movement of loose materials, especially on a multi-level job site where the work that goes on at one level effects work that might happen above or below it.
Fundamental Rules for Catch Platform Use
One of the rules in New York labor law is that employers can’t use catch platforms for uses for which they were not intended. A catch platform is meant to accommodate fallen materials. It is not meant to be a working platform or a walkway. NY labor law also prohibits these platforms from being used for the deliberate storage of materials.
Design Requirements
New York law also provides for the following mandatory design requirements for catch platforms:
- Dimensions: at least 5 feet wide
- An outer edge 6 inches higher than the inner surface
- Outriggers at least 2″ x 10″ and not more than 8 feet apart
- Planking of 2″ or more
- Secure fastening of planking to the platform
- Lapping of end supports by 12″ or more
Although it may seem extremely detailed, these laws serve a purpose. They are meant to help control the movement of excess material and some of the random shifts or slides of physical materials that could otherwise cause accidents. For instance, materials that might overflow from the catch platform could end up in a walkway or on a staircase where someone could trip and fall on them later. Trip and fall cases are actually a major concern in construction where debris or materials can build up in a certain area, setting a dangerous precedent.
Designing catch platforms and other types of equipment is one of the many responsibilities that employers have in the construction industry. New York State law is very stringent on the requirements for safe construction sites, primarily to protect workers but also to cut down on the legal and financial burdens that occur when someone is injured on the job in what is considered a high-risk industry.
New York personal injury lawyers understand the dangers of construction. They know how to advocate for their clients in a court of law and how to help counsel injured workers on how to proceed with work injury cases. Dedicated New York personal injury lawyers will take the time to advise their clients on all applicable legal options while also building a case through detailed fact-finding and legal research. It’s all part of making sure that workers and their families benefit from the strongest protections that the state of New York has to offer.
Get Help From a New York City Personal Injury Law Firm
Call the New York personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff if you’ve been involved in a New York City construction site accident. We will be by your side each step of the way as you seek justice after a work accident.