COLORADO

Minimum Wage

The state’s new minimum wage went into effect this January.  The new wage is slightly lower than last year, and is the state’s first decrease since the federal minimum was adopted in 1938.  Colorado is among a handful of states that allow wage declines based on inflation and the state’s consumer price index.  The recent decrease reflects the fallen state’s consumer price index of last year.  The state, of course, will not be allowed to decrease the minimum wage below federal minimum wage. 

NEW YORK

Gravity-related Injuries

A recent decision by the NY Court of Appeals expanded the coverage of the Scaffolding Law, Section 240, of the New York Labor Code.  Under this law, employers are strictly liable for workers’ injuries where the injuries are the result of the worker falling from some height or from being struck by a falling object.  With the recent decision, employers are now also strictly liable for injuries resulting directly from “the application of the force of gravity to the object.” Runner v. New York Stock Exchange, Inc., No. 197 (N.Y. Dec. 17, 2009).  This decision reminds employers of the importance of providing a safe workplace, especially in construction where the risk of injury is high.  Employers should provide appropriate tools, equipment, and adequate training to its employees to reduce risk.