Scaffolding is a necessity in many construction projects, allowing construction workers to build some of the impressive structures you see in big cities all over the country. In fact, estimates show that 65% of the construction industry works on scaffolds frequently, which equals approximately 2.3 million construction workers being put at risk of suffering injuries in scaffolding accidents. Even though they look simple, scaffolds have a number of different parts, and must be set up properly to maintain balance and to support the weight of workers and materials. Unfortunately, accidents such as scaffold collapses and falls can happen when there are problems with scaffold footings, planking and decking of platforms, guardrails, ties and braces, or load capacity or faulty access to the platform. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by a scaffolding accident, contact a construction accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
According to a recent study, 72% of construction workers injured in scaffold accidents associated the accident with planking or supports giving way, or the worker slipping or being struck by a falling object. Some of the most common causes of scaffolding accidents include:
Safety should be the number one concern for employers and general contractors overseeing a construction job. Unfortunately, avoidable factors like negligence, carelessness, hastiness and incompetence put the lives of construction workers at risk on a daily basis and contribute to devastating events like scaffolding accidents.
Because of the frequency and severity of scaffolding accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established safety regulations for the safe and proper use of scaffolding on construction sites. Safety protocol includes:
According to OSHA, protecting construction workers from scaffold-related accidents by following these safety precautions could prevent the estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities associated with scaffolding accidents each year.
Whether a scaffolding accident occurs because of a fall from scaffolding, scaffolding coming into contact with power lines, or because of falling equipment hitting scaffolding, the resulting consequences can be devastating, especially if the accident is fatal. Some of the most common injuries caused by scaffolding accidents include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of nonfatal construction worker injuries are caused by falls, and falling from scaffolding is one of the most frequent accidents of this kind. If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, or if you lost a loved one in a fall from scaffolding on a construction site, contact a construction accident attorney today. You may be entitled to disability or death benefits under workers’ compensation laws, or compensation via a third-party liability claim if the scaffolding accident was caused by a person or party not employed by your employer. Scaffolding accidents are some of the most deadly accidents occurring at construction sites, and could be avoided with proper attention paid to workplace safety and the quality of tools and equipment used. With the help of a qualified construction accident attorney, scaffolding accident victims can protect their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
