Common Hazards Associated With Scaffolding Accidents
Working in the construction industry is a high-risk job and puts workers at risk of construction accidents. It is for this reason that there are numerous laws in place to protect the safety of workers and when an accident does happen, ensure that they have legal right to compensation. Scaffolding accidents are a hazard on construction sites and the common hazards associated with these accidents include falls, electrocution, falling equipment, and more.
Safety Measures Are Essential for Scaffolding Work
There’s no questioning the fact that scaffolding work puts workers at an inherent level of risk. However, this risk can be greatly reduced by observing proper safety guidelines, including:
- Ensuring that appropriate fall protection equipment is in place, including non-slip boots, headwear, and safety harnesses
- Only permitting trained workers to take part in scaffolding work – this includes setting up and erecting the structure, mounting it and dismantling it
- Observing proper usage guidelines at all times, including not going over the maximum loads and capacities
- Erecting scaffolds a safe distance away from energized power lines
- … and more!
Falls
Unfortunately, when falls occur from a height, workers stand a high chance of being seriously injured or even dying. There are also cases where instead of a worker falling from scaffolding, the entire structure collapses. This is why scaffolding should always be inspected before the start of each work day to ensure that everything is in place before a worker is allowed to mount it. On top of that, guardrails should be erected and workers should be attached to a safety harness at all times.
Falling Equipment
Sometimes, it can be the case that the worker on the scaffolding does not fall, but a heavy piece of equipment does. When this happens, the casualty can very well be someone on the ground who just happened to be underneath the scaffolding at that exact moment. Heavy tools or pieces of equipment that hit a victim can result in serious impact, and consequences can include traumatic head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death.
Electrocution
Electrocution can occur when scaffolding is erected too closely to energized power lines. A general rule of thumb is that scaffolding should be at least 10 feet away from any powered electrical systems. Electrocution can result in burns and electric shock, with severe consequences that can include brain damage, heart damage, and more.
Let Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. Fight for Your Best Interests
Have you been the victim of injuries caused by a scaffolding accident? If so, let the professional construction accident lawyers at Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C., P.C. represent you and fight for your rights. We are well-versed in the complex construction accident regulations in New York and can advocate for your best interests every step of the way. If you have any queries or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us today or reach out to us at (212) 847-5007 in New York or (718) 954-9986 in Long Island.
Working in the construction industry is a high-risk job and puts workers at risk of construction accidents. It is for this reason that there are numerous laws in place to protect the safety of workers and when an accident does happen, ensure that they have legal right to compensation. Scaffolding accidents are a hazard on construction sites and the common hazards associated with these accidents include falls, electrocution, falling equipment, and more.
Safety Measures Are Essential for Scaffolding Work
There’s no questioning the fact that scaffolding work puts workers at an inherent level of risk. However, this risk can be greatly reduced by observing proper safety guidelines, including:
- Ensuring that appropriate fall protection equipment is in place, including non-slip boots, headwear, and safety harnesses
- Only permitting trained workers to take part in scaffolding work – this includes setting up and erecting the structure, mounting it and dismantling it
- Observing proper usage guidelines at all times, including not going over the maximum loads and capacities
- Erecting scaffolds a safe distance away from energized power lines
- … and more!
Falls
Unfortunately, when falls occur from a height, workers stand a high chance of being seriously injured or even dying. There are also cases where instead of a worker falling from scaffolding, the entire structure collapses. This is why scaffolding should always be inspected before the start of each work day to ensure that everything is in place before a worker is allowed to mount it. On top of that, guardrails should be erected and workers should be attached to a safety harness at all times.
Falling Equipment
Sometimes, it can be the case that the worker on the scaffolding does not fall, but a heavy piece of equipment does. When this happens, the casualty can very well be someone on the ground who just happened to be underneath the scaffolding at that exact moment. Heavy tools or pieces of equipment that hit a victim can result in serious impact, and consequences can include traumatic head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death.
Electrocution
Electrocution can occur when scaffolding is erected too closely to energized power lines. A general rule of thumb is that scaffolding should be at least 10 feet away from any powered electrical systems. Electrocution can result in burns and electric shock, with severe consequences that can include brain damage, heart damage, and more.
Let Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. Fight for Your Best Interests
Have you been the victim of injuries caused by a scaffolding accident? If so, let the professional construction accident lawyers at Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C., P.C. represent you and fight for your rights. We are well-versed in the complex construction accident regulations in New York and can advocate for your best interests every step of the way. If you have any queries or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us using our convenient online form or feel free to phone us in New York at 212-227-1212, or in Huntington/Long Island at 631-864-2429.
Looking for a trusted personal injury lawyer in New York? Call our New York number: (212) 847-5007 or Long Island number: (718) 954-9986 to schedule a free consultation with us today.
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