Even to the most skilled and experienced construction workers, many construction sites and job duties are incredibly dangerous. Scaffolding is a common part of the job, but it’s also one of the most common causes of construction accidents and injuries.
It’s probably not hard to see why, either. These temporary structures are prone to structural malfunction, collapses, instability, or damage caused by falling objects. At such enormous heights, workers who fall from scaffolding structures face a serious risk of catastrophic injuries.
With this in mind, here are some measures that can be taken in order to protect construction workers from these disastrous situations.
Conduct Regular Safety Checks
For their own safety, workers should give a visual inspection of the structure before and after each shift. They should also make sure that their personal fall protection is in order.
It is not enough to simply check for safety when the system is first built and being used. Employers should conduct regular, consistent checks on scaffolding structures and report any potential malfunctions, risks, or otherwise unsafe conditions.
Follow Guidelines
Scaffolding systems are very sensitive and nuanced, requiring very specific guidelines for proper setup, use, and load capacity. These must be followed at all times to prevent construction worker accidents.
Train Workers Properly
Education is key to prevention. Conduct regular safety courses for those working with or on these structures and ensure that everyone knows basic safety measures, such as to not overextend your reach or access areas of the structure with warning labels.
Ensure the Structure Is Stable
Scaffolds should always be set up on solid ground so that the structure can remain stable and prevent swaying. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that no unstable objects are used to support it, such as bricks, boxes, or concrete blocks.
Injured in a Scaffolding Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, you need immediate legal representation to determine whose negligence caused your accident.
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that construction workers and subcontractors are provided with an adequately safe work environment. If there was an inadequacy with your work conditions or hazards present with the scaffolding system, you may have a legal right to both workers’ compensation and a third-party personal injury claim.
Contact Kornfeld Law at (425) 657-5255 to get started with a free consultation. If you are unable to meet at our office, we can arrange an initial phone consultation or a meeting at your home, the hospital, or a location of your choosing.