What Are Scaffolding Accidents Usually Attributed To?
New York Scaffolding accidents tend to happen with alarming regularity in the construction industry. Data shows that every year, at least 60 workers are killed and over 4,500 are injured in scaffolding accidents. While experts say that a vast majority of these accidents can be prevented by properly implementing the necessary safety protocols, many employers refuse to do so and continue to put workers in harm’s way.
Given below are five causes that scaffolding accidents in New York are commonly attributed to.
Improper Construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that scaffolds be designed and erected only by workers who have the necessary qualification, expertise, and training.
Unfortunately, many employers do not follow these guidelines and allow unqualified and untrained workers to construct scaffolds. These workers tend to make mistakes that can compromise the structural integrity of the scaffold. The most common mistakes made by untrained workers include failure to install guardrails, failure to secure attachment points, and failure to install bracing. These mistakes can prove to be costly and cause the structure to collapse, resulting in serious injuries for the workers as well as those who happen to be in the vicinity.
Lack of Fall Protection
The lack of proper fall protection is the single biggest factor that contributes to scaffolding accidents on construction sites. OSHA guidelines state that employers must have guardrail systems in place and provide workers with personal fall-arrest systems to reduce the risk of fall accidents.
Unfortunately, many workers – especially undocumented workers – are not provided with fall protection systems. As a result, in the event of an accident, these workers tend to sustain serious or even mortal injuries.
Lack of Maintenance
Scaffolds must be maintained properly and must be inspected for defects and safety hazards by trained personnel on a regular basis. If the defects cannot be fixed or if the structure is deemed unsafe to work on, it must be replaced immediately. Failure to do so can increase the risk of accidents significantly.
Overloading
Each scaffold – depending on the way it is designed and the purpose for which it is constructed – has its own capacity limits. It is the duty of the supervisor to make sure scaffolds are not loaded beyond their rated capacity. If they fail to do so, the scaffold could collapse under its own weight, which can result in serious injuries and deaths.
Working in Unsafe Conditions
Working in unsafe conditions can also increase the risk of scaffolding accidents to a great extent. For instance, if the scaffold is wet and slippery due to heavy rains or snowfall, it must be cleaned and inspected for safety hazards before workers are allowed to use it.
Injured in a Scaffolding Accident? Our New York Scaffolding Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help You!
Scaffolding accidents can lead to serious injuries which might require a lifetime of treatment and care. So, if you are injured in a scaffolding accident, it is important to be represented by an attorney who can help you get the maximum possible compensation you are entitled to under the law.
The New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff have over 100 years of combined experience in handling construction injury claims. Led by Michael S. Lamonsoff – a top-rated personal injury attorney with a track record of recovering substantial compensation for his clients – our team has what it takes to help you get the damages you deserve.
To discuss your claim with an experienced New York scaffolding accident lawyer, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.