The Scaffold Law can be found in Section 240 of the New York Labor Law. The law provides New York construction workers with a significant amount of protection if they suffer an injury in the course of their duties. So, the Scaffold Law stipulates that contractors and owners of buildings must ensure adequate protection and safety measures to ensure that workers are protected and safe in the conduct of their duties.

The law protects construction workers from physical falls or harm related to gravity injuries from falling objects. Consequently, a contractor is expected to provide safety apparatuses like hoists, ladders, slings, pulleys, hangers, stays, ropes, and scaffolding. The Scaffold Law places absolute or strict liability on any contractors that do not provide these measures and fail in their obligations to keep construction workers safe. Absolute liability means that the court will imply liability as long as the injury is the proximate cause of a violation of the law.

Further, the Scaffold Law covers construction activities such as pointing, demolition activities, repairs and alterations, building erection, painting, and building cleaning. It also protects a range of workers, including electricians, carpenters, window washers, and electricians.