New York’s ‘scaffold’ law driving up costs; hurting economy: Report

(The Center Square) — New York’s “scaffold law” is driving up insurance costs and draining billions of dollars from the state’s economy, according to a new trade industry report, which is renewing calls for reform.

The analysis released Wednesday by the Building Trades Employers’ Association said the law, which dates back to 1885, continues to impose “absolute liability” on New York property owners and contractors for injuries on construction sites, which has caused insurance rates to “skyrocket” in recent years.