22 THE QUEENS COURIER • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com Advertorial Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law DOWN THE HOLE Q: My employer was tasked with removing asbestos from the City’s underground electrical cables. Around each manhole, we would first construct a three-sided wooden enclosure, with plastic sheets on the ceiling, the floor and the open side. Then a circle was cut out of the plastic floor to account for the manhole. At the conclusion of our shift, at 4:00 a.m., we were required to (1) bring up the asbestos-filled bags, (2) remove our protective equipment and the ladder, (3) replace the manhole cover and (4) disassemble the enclosure. One day, somebody left out step no. 3. The lights had been turned off, and I did not notice that the manhole remained uncovered. So I fell right into it. A: Your work involved an elevation-related hazard. Under Labor Law § 240(1), the City was obliged to furnish or erect certain devices so as to give you proper protection. The statute renders the property owner liable regardless of whether it supervised or controlled your work. One such device might be a guard rail system around the open manhole. I would imagine that your attorney will argue that, had guard rails been in place, you would not have fallen. Your employer’s safety consultant may well be liable, too. Your attorney is likely to argue that the safety consultant should have ensured that a guard rail system was in place and that the manhole was covered before the enclosure was disassembled. He or she will seek evidence that the safety consultant had the authority to control the activity which brought about this tragedy. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel. This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2015 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 • 718-738-9800 1750 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 • 914-337-9800 1-866-927-4878 L���� �������������������������������������������������������������������� ALBANY GARDEN CITY NEW YORK CITY WASHINGTON, D.C. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ Jayson J.R. Choi, Esq. Wills, Trusts & Estates Law 516.741.6565 [email protected] For over 50 years, the firm has earned a and advisors to our clients and peers. Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. I 990 Stewart Avenue I Garden City I New York 11530 I www.msek.com The Pre-K Program at Precious Moments Offers: Early Morning Drop-off and Extended Day Hours 7:30-am to 6pm at Affordable Rates Bus Service at Affordable Rates Fully Secured Premises Parent Involvement Easy Transition to Kindergarten New York State Standards and Curriculum New York State Certified Licensed Teachers Class size limited to 18 students per class class Hands on Learning Learning (Common Core Practices & Work Sampling) Licensed by the NYC Department of Education & Bureau of Day Care Free, Full-Day, High-Quality PRE K FOR ALL Any child turning 4 years-old by December 31st 2016 Eligible to start Pre-K this fall! We also offer Infant and Toddler Day Care, Nursery School, Pre-K Classes And Bus Service. 2 to 5 Day Programs, Full or Half Day Available. Fabulous Appointed Classrooms - Very neat and clean environment - Fully secured Please call us for more details: 11-02 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, New York (718) 767-6655
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