Construction accidents are very serious injuries. When you consider some of the equipment used in construction, it is easy to see why it is vital for all construction companies to ensure proper safety guidelines are used. One particular piece of equipment, scaffolding, poses a very serious risk simply because of the frequency of use.
It is estimated that scaffolding is used frequently by approximately 65 percent of construction employees. Scaffolding use is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration when it comes to inspecting, designing and constructing the scaffolds. If these regulations aren’t followed and an employee is injured in a scaffolding accident, the employee might choose to seek compensation from the employer or other parties.
Scaffolding must only be erected, dismantled, moved and altered if the job is being supervised by a competent person. If defective, damaged or worn components are noted at any point during an inspection, erection, dismantle, move or alteration, the scaffold must be removed from service unless the component can be replaced or isn’t necessary.
One of the main things for construction workers to remember is that scaffolding must be inspected prior to the first use on each shift. All of the components for personal safety, such as harnesses, anchorage points and droplines, have to be inspected prior to each use.
There is never an appropriate time for construction workers or construction companies to skip safety protocol. Scaffolding accidents often involve falls from high positions, which can lead to life-threatening injuries. Anyone who was injured in a scaffolding accident likely faces considerable medical bills. Seeking compensation might help to defray the costs of that care.
Source: FindLaw, “Scaffold Injuries,” accessed Sep. 12, 2015
