Proposed federal waiver could cut billions from New York construction projects
A study says waiving New York's 141-year-old Scaffold Law on federally funded work could save up to $560 million, and Rep. Nick Langworthy has introduced legislation to that effect.
A recent analysis by the Building Trades Employers Association suggests that suspending New York's Scaffold Law for federally funded construction could trim Penn Station expenses by up to $560 million. The century-old statute holds owners and contractors fully liable for on-site injuries, inflating insurance costs to 8-10 % of project value versus the national 2-4 % range. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) has introduced federal legislation to waive the law on such projects, with projected savings of $2.3 billion in the next five years and $10 billion over ten years.
Critics claim the law improves safety, but injury data shows New York’s rates are worse than neighboring states. Proponents say the waiver would lower construction costs, make more projects financially viable, and generate additional construction jobs across the state.
Why it matters
Waiving the Scaffold Law could dramatically lower construction costs and boost job creation in New York.
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