Scaffolding collapses, falls, falling objects, and electrocution cause the most deaths and injuries on scaffolds according to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These dangers often stem from improper setup, lack of safety equipment, poor training, and employer negligence. Alarmingly, 86% of scaffold fatalities occur in the construction industry.
Employers and contractors are responsible for keeping the workplace safe. If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injured in a Scaffolding Accident?
Reach out to us today. Our expert personal injury attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
A scaffold can collapse under your feet if it isn't put together right. This can occur due to various factors, such as:
According to an OSHA report, more than 70% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident to the planking or support giving way, slipping, or being struck by a falling object. You can learn more about the OSHA standards for scaffolding in this article.
When you're working at high stories on narrow planks, losing your balance means imminent disaster. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry.
When scaffolds are involved, these accidents often result from:
By law, your employer has to give you fall protection and train you to use it right. If you fell because you didn't have the proper equipment, you may have a case to pursue legal action.
Falling objects pose a significant risk to workers on scaffolds and those on the ground near construction sites.
Common reasons for struck-by accidents include:
To protect against falling objects, your employer must install:
If they don't, and you're injured, they could be held responsible.
Metal conducts electricity. If part of the scaffolding contacts a power line, you could get an electric shock. While less common than falls or struck-by accidents, electrocution hazards on scaffolds can be deadly. These incidents often result when:
OSHA has strict regulations about how close scaffolding can be to electrical hazards. For lines under 300 volts, scaffolds must be at least 3 feet away.
If your employer puts you at risk by ignoring these rules, they put your life on the line.
On July 16, 2020, a scaffolding collapse in Murray Hill, Manhattan, killed one worker and injured three others. The incident occurred during facade restoration on an 11-story building when a piece of the facade fell on the scaffold.
Still, scaffolding accidents are preventable.
However, beyond the immediate causes above, several factors may contribute to scaffold accidents. As a worker, you should be aware of these issues:
| Cutting Corners on Safety | Some employers might rush jobs, skipping important safety steps. This can lead to poorly built scaffolds or unsafe work practices. |
| Cheap Equipment | To save money, your employer might use low-quality scaffold parts. This puts you at risk of equipment failure. |
| Rushing to Meet Deadlines | Pressure to finish jobs quickly can force you to work in bad weather or overload scaffolds. Both are extremely dangerous. |
| Poor Job Planning | If your bosses don't plan the job well, they might choose the wrong type of scaffold or set it up incorrectly for the task. |
| Neglecting Equipment Checks | Scaffolds need regular inspections. If your employer skips these, you could be using worn-out or damaged parts without knowing it. |
| Ignoring Safety Regulations | OSHA rules and local labor laws exist to protect you. Employers who ignore these put your life at risk. |
| Bad Communication | If workers, supervisors, and trades on site don't communicate well, it can lead to misunderstandings about using scaffolds safely. |
Your employer has a legal and moral duty to protect you. OSHA mandates that they:
If your employer fails to provide a safe work site and you get hurt, you have the right to hold them accountable.
When the worst happens, and you or a loved one suffers a scaffolding injury, you need to know what to do next:
Step 1. Get Medical Care
Step 2. Report the Incident
Step 3. Gather Evidence and Documentation
Step 4. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
An expert scaffolding accident lawyer will help you:
Looking for Legal Aid After a Scaffolding Accident?
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our expert attorneys will fight for your rights.
Scaffolding accidents cause some of the most devastating construction injuries. You could be facing massive medical bills, lifelong disabilities, lost income, and more. Common scaffolding injuries include:
These injuries can have long-term effects on your health, earning capacity, and quality of life. You shouldn't have to bear the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone.
A skilled scaffolding accident lawyer will help you fight for full compensation.
At the Porter Law Group, we have extensive experience handling construction accident cases, including those involving scaffolding accidents. Our experienced construction accident attorneys are well-versed in the complex labor laws and OSHA regulations that govern these cases.
Our expert personal injury lawyers will protect your rights to fair compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident.
You don't pay unless we win your case.
Don't wait to get help. Reach out to us today for a non-obligatory case evaluation. Call us toll-free at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation.
