State Laws

New York – A recent study that questioned the usefulness of New York state’s “Scaffold Law” is flawed, according to a new report from a worker safety advocacy coalition.

San Francisco – California on Oct. 31 adopted “comprehensive” safety rules for roadway workers who perform maintenance and repairs on or near rail transit tracks.

Washington – Current laws fail to protect workers from retaliation for reporting their employer for health and safety hazards, concludes a new report from the Center for Effective Government.

Brooklyn, NY – Latino and immigrant workers are disproportionately killed in falls at construction sites in New York state, according to a new report from the advocacy group Center for Popular Democracy.

Sacramento, CA – California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) recently signed into law three bills related to workplace safety, but vetoed one proposal.

Albany, NY – As part of ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving, New York state has established “texting zones” on major highways for motorists to park and use their cell phone.

New York – New legislation aimed at protecting pregnant women from certain job hazards and discrimination was passed by the New York City Council in a unanimous vote on Sept. 24 and now goes to Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his signature.

Sacramento, CA – Legislation intended to prevent California employers from retaliating against immigrant workers who report unsafe or unfair working conditions awaits the governor’s signature.

Springfield, IL – Assaulting a nurse in Illinois will be classified as aggravated battery – a third-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to five years – under legislation signed into law Aug. 16.

Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on Sept. 16 proposed an average increase of 2.7 percent for 2014 workers’ compensation premiums.