Case ID: ad2d_251/html/0965-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Fourth Department,
    June, 1998
    (June 10, 1998)
    Walter Czaska et al., Appellants, v Lenn Lease Limited, Respondent.
    [674 NYS2d 559]
   —Order unanimously reversed on the law without costs, motion denied, summary judgment granted to defendant and Labor Law § 240 (1) cause of action dismissed. Memorandum: Plaintiffs appeal from an order denying their motion for partial summary judgment on liability on the Labor Law § 240 (1) cause of action. Supreme Court concluded that there is a factual issue whether the activity in which Walter Czaska (plaintiff) was engaged, insulating second-story windows by stapling sheets of plastic over them, was the alteration of a structure within the meaning of the Labor Law rather than routine maintenance. We exercise our authority to search the record and grant summary judgment to defendant dismissing the Labor Law § 240 (1) cause of action despite the absence of a cross motion (see, Dunham v Hilco Constr. Co., 89 NY2d 425, 429-430; Merritt Hill Vineyards v Windy Hgts. Vineyard, 61 NY2d 106, 110-111). The activity in which plaintiff was engaged constitutes routine maintenance as a matter of law and does not fall within the protection of the Labor Law (see, Joblon v Solow, 91 NY2d 457; Smith v Shell Oil Co., 85 NY2d 1000, 1002; Cook v Parish Land Co., 239 AD2d 956; cf., Ferrari v Niasher Realty, 175 AD2d 591). (Appeal from Order of Supreme Court, Erie County, Kane, J.— Summary Judgment.) Present — Denman, P. J., Lawton, Pigott, Jr., Balio and Boehm, JJ.