Howell v. Karl Koch Erecting Corp.
Jeffrey Howell, a hoisting machine operator, slipped and fell on a crane deck, alleging injuries due to oil and prior complaints about leaks. He brought an action under Labor Law § 241 (6), supported by industrial regulations 12 NYCRR 23-1.7 (d) and 23-8.1 (b) (1), (2), and (5). The court deemed 12 NYCRR 23-8.1 (b) (1) (mandatory monthly crane inspection) and 12 NYCRR 23-1.7 (d) (slipping hazards relief) specific enough for a § 241 (6) claim. The defendant, Karl Koch Erecting Corp., moved for summary judgment. The court denied the motion, ruling that the crane deck was an 'elevated working surface' under 12 NYCRR 23-1.7 (d) and that triable issues of fact remained regarding compliance with the regulations.