Nearly every shift on a construction site carries the danger of serious accidents and debilitating injuries. From faulty power tools and the lack of personal protective equipment to ladder falls and crush incidents, construction workers face the threat of bodily harm at every turn. Unfortunately, while ladders and scaffold structures are necessary on a construction site, they can often lead to devastating accidents.
From renovation projects including the installation of new siding and spraying exterior house paint to full construction projects including the erection of multi-story buildings, construction workers rely on scaffolding. Unfortunately, there are four hazards that can lead to serious, often fatal, construction accidents associated with scaffolding.
- Falls: Guardrails must be properly installed on the scaffolding and safety harnesses must be used at all times. When workers and supervisors begin to cut corners and ignore proven safety techniques, employees can fall off the scaffolding and suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Scaffold collapse: Proper erection relies on numerous factors from choosing stable ground that can support the structure, to choosing the correct scaffolding itself that can safely support the height of the project and the number of workers involved. Whether it is due to unstable ground or poor construction, the collapse of a scaffolding can result in devastating injuries.
- Struck by falling materials: Even if the worker is not on the scaffolding itself, those performing tasks near the base of the structure are at risk. Falling building materials or tools can strike individuals on the lower levels and cause serious injuries.
- Electrocution and shock damage: If the scaffolding is installed too close to live wires, power conduits or other energy sources, workers are in danger of being shocked or electrocuted.
If you were injured or you have lost a loved one in a construction accident, it is crucial that you work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Benefits and compensation can be complex topics following a serious work accident and it is important to seek the right guidance.