Scaffolding Accident
According to the United States Department of Labor, 65 percent of all construction workers spend time working on scaffolding. Scaffolding, if properly erected and supervised, can actually add safety to a construction site by allowing workers to move about at heights without needing to use ladders. However, scaffolding can also prove dangerous on construction sites if safety is not made a priority. If someone suffers from a scaffolding injury, it was likely preventable. The victim can file a personal injury claim against the liable party to seek compensation and Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help with the process.
The Dangers of Scaffolding
Not only is it dangerous for construction workers who are walking on scaffolding, but anyone in the area can be hurt if the scaffolding collapses. Scaffolding should not be erected within 10 feet of power lines because it can result in electrocution. Finally, other building materials and tools can fall off of scaffolding and hurt those who are below.
Scaffolding Standards Meant to Prevent Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards for scaffolding to prevent injuries. For instance, each scaffolding walkway must be at least 18 inches wide and scaffolds must be able to support four times the intended load. There should also be a safe ladder or stair tower for workers to access the scaffolding from. Scaffolding should be erected, moved, and dismantled under the supervision of someone who is trained to know the standards and hazards of scaffolding. If a worker is 10 feet off the ground, the construction site should ensure that they have proper fall protection, such as a guardrail system. These are federal rules so that scaffolding should be uniform across all construction sites. It is important to have a qualified person inspect scaffolding before every work shift because it is possible for scaffolding parts to become damaged or weakened, particularly if the scaffolding is outdoors and subject to bad weather conditions.
By taking all of the steps laid out by OSHA, a construction work area with scaffolding can remain safe. However, it is common for construction sites to fall behind schedule due to permitting problems, weather conditions, or unseen problems. When this occurs, workers may be encouraged to rush through the necessary safety steps, such as properly installing or inspecting scaffolding and injuries can result.
Scaffolding Injuries
The Center for Construction Research and Training reported that between 2011 and 2016, scaffolding falls resulted in 7,450 construction worker injuries and 298 deaths. Common scaffolding injuries include:
- Lacerations;
- Bruising, internal bleeding, and organ damage;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Broken bones; and
- More.
Mark H. Wright, PLLC is Here to Help You After a Scaffolding Accident
Falling from a substantial height in a construction zone often results in severe injuries. In addition to the medical bills, you will need to take time off of work to recover, and may suffer emotional distress. All of this is taken into consideration when an attorney helps compile a personal injury claim on your behalf. The skilled attorneys at the office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help injured workers and their families recover from the trauma of a construction accident by taking charge of the legal work. Contact us at 813-425-2020 to schedule a free consultation today.
