Scaffolding Accidents and Injuries
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about two thirds of all construction workers use scaffolding on the job. Unsurprisingly, thousands of these workers are injured each year in scaffolding accidents, and several dozen workers die. Innocent members of the public can also be injured when scaffolding collapses or workers fall to the ground, striking unsuspecting members of the public.
Reasons for Accidents
Scaffolding accidents can happen in many different ways, but the most common are:
- Slipping or tripping and falling off the scaffolding
- Planking or support giving way
- Objects falling and striking the worker
Another reason for accidents is the lack of scaffolding safety training for workers. Without sufficient safety training, workers do not know how to safely navigate scaffolding, which can contribute to critical errors that lead to falls.
Because of the risk of falls, OSHA closely regulates the construction and maintenance of scaffolding. If the company that set up the scaffolding does not follow these regulations, then they are to blame for any injuries caused to workers and members of the public.
Types of Injuries
Most injuries stem from falls and collision with the ground below. As a result, many workers suffer the types of injuries we see from traumatic blows to the body:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruising
- Internal organ injuries
- Fractures
If the worker falls from a great height, then they can die when they strike the ground. Passersby are at risk of all of these injuries as well, since they might be struck by the worker falling or by the collapsing scaffolding.
Steps to Take after an Accident
After a scaffolding collapse, victims need to move quickly. For example, you should make sure that all injured people receive immediate medical treatment. You can stop bleeding by applying pressure to any wounds and keep bleeding body parts elevated above the heart.
If you are a construction worker, you should notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. You might qualify for workers’ compensation if you were injured on the job. These benefits will pay for reasonably necessary medical care and a portion of your lost wages. Whether or not you can bring a lawsuit will depend on whether your employer was responsible for the faulty scaffolding or whether another party was.
If you are a member of the public, you can sue any person or business responsible for your injuries. These parties could include:
- The worker who fell
- The general contractor
- The subcontractor that installed the scaffolding
- The manufacturer of the scaffolding if it is defective
After an injury, you are not expected to know who to hold accountable. Contact a Daytona Beach construction accident lawyer to review your options.
Speak with Bundza & Rodriguez Today
Construction accidents injure far too many people each year, including innocent members of the public. If you were hurt in a scaffolding collapse, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
To find out more, please schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Daytona Beach construction accident attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. You can call 386-252-5170 as soon as possible.
Resource:
osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/construction.html
