§ 17. Construction. The provisions of this chapter shall be construed as a continuation of the provisions of sections two hundred to two hundred and four of chapter thirty-six of the laws of nineteen hundred and nine, as amended by chapter three hundred and fifty-two of the laws of nineteen hundred and ten, and not as a new enactment, and nothing contained in this chapter shall apply to employers or employees in hazardous occupations as such occupations are defined by the workmen's compensation law.