Window Washer Accidents in NYC: A High-Risk Job with Serious Consequences

Two window washers narrowly escaped a fatal accident on Friday morning after their scaffolding became unstable and began swinging wildly 78 stories above the ground on West 58th Street. The workers, who were wearing safety harnesses, were not properly secured with safety lines, leaving them at extreme risk of falling. Firefighters from the FDNY had to break windows, stabilize the rigging, and pull the workers to safety.

This harrowing incident highlights the dangers that window washers and other high-rise maintenance workers face in New York City. While safety harnesses are required by law, they are useless if not properly attached to secure anchor points. The fact that these workers were not tied off is a shocking and preventable oversight that could have led to a catastrophic outcome.

Negligence and Liability in Window Washer Accidents

When a window washer suffers an injury due to improper safety measures, multiple parties may be held accountable. Potential liable parties include:

• Building Owners and Property Managers: Responsible for ensuring safe conditions for workers operating on their property.
• Employers and Contractors: Must provide proper training and ensure all safety equipment is used correctly.
• Scaffolding Companies: If faulty or improperly maintained scaffolding is a factor in an accident, the company providing the equipment may be held liable.

The New York Labor Law, specifically Sections 200, 240 (the Scaffold Law), and 241, protects construction and maintenance workers, including window washers, by placing strict liability on property owners and contractors for falls and unsafe working conditions.

Legal Rights of Injured Window Washers

Injured workers have the right to pursue compensation through:

• Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages but does not account for pain and suffering.
• Third-Party Lawsuits: If a negligent party other than the employer (such as a building owner or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the accident, an injured worker may file a lawsuit for full damages, including pain and suffering, lost earnings, and future medical care.

Lessons from This Incident: Enforcing Safety Standards

This case underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. The FDNY and the NYC Department of Buildings will likely issue violations, but fines alone are not enough. Employers and building owners must prioritize worker safety by ensuring:

• Proper training on harness use and fall protection
• Regular safety inspections of scaffolding and rigging
• Enforcement of tie-off requirements for all high-rise workers

If You’ve Been Injured in a Window Washer Accident, Contact a Lawyer

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our attorneys have extensive experience representing injured workers in high-rise accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe scaffolding, missing safety lines, or employer negligence, contact us at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation. You may be entitled to substantial compensation under New York’s labor laws.