Shaffer v. Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.

Order modified on the law and as modified affirmed without costs, in accordance with the following memorandum: Plaintiff was injured as he attempted to guide a pick or scaffolding bridge into place. At the time, plaintiff, secured by a safety belt, was standing on a scaffold approximately 14 feet above the ground. The pick was being lowered by means of a rope and makeshift pulley which was controlled by a fellow worker. When the pick reached a point approximately three feet above plaintiff’s head, its speed of descent increased. Plaintiff grabbed the pick and attempted to position it. As he…