Montana Title 50. Health and Safety § 50-77-101. Scaffolds--definition--safety practices--liability

(1) As used in this part, “scaffold” or “scaffolding” means a temporarily elevated platform and its supporting structure that is used on a construction site to support a person, material, or both. The term includes a ladder or other equipment that is the exclusive route of access to the scaffold but does not include any other ladder or other mobile construction equipment.

(2) Employers and employees shall follow safety practices commonly recognized in the construction industry as well as applicable state and federal occupational safety laws.

(3) Subject to the comparative negligence principles provided in Title 27, chapter 1, part 7, a contractor, subcontractor, or builder who uses or constructs a scaffold on a construction site is liable for damages sustained by any person who uses the scaffold, except a fellow employee or immediate employer, when the damages are caused by negligence of the contractor, subcontractor, or builder in the use or construction of the scaffold.

(4) If a person dies from an injury caused by the negligent use or construction of a scaffold, the right of action survives and may be prosecuted and maintained by the decedent's heirs or personal representatives.