Please. Romex, cool off a little. you are correct that the original post -should he pay for the ladder- bring up issues that are affected by laws that vary, and influenced by a labor agreement whose details we don't know.
LK is quite correct in pointing out that contracting, and employment, are filled with pitfall for the unwary. The stakes get scary when there's a lot at stake. For example, it is no surprise that the "finger lady" tried to scam Wendy's, and not Joe's Diner.
Other posters have correctly identified other, more human issues at stake....docking the guy's pay, absent a prior agreement, and even if legal, woll incur quite a bit of ill-will. Such ill-will often results in poor performance, destroys the morale of an entire crew, and can set the stage for theft, sabotage, and union organizing.
Over the years, I've met many who were a lot more zealous in protecting "theirs" and not nearly as zealous in making sure everyone else got treated fairly. (In construction, such folks are known as 'general contractors:-)' ).
I've had the good fortune to work with a man who worked his way up through the ranks in the Navy. This man, unlike so many others, never learned to boss, order, manage, or 'task." He learned how to lead. Leadership is the fine art of inspiring others to better themselves- because you can't push a rope.
What we don't know about the guy who broke the ladder is: is he a rope? If so, best to say adieu now. If not, he can be taught, and may well become a real asset.
