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Roman & Roman, P.A.
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Have You Been Injured In A Scaffolding Accident?

Scaffold

As stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the number of tragic deaths suffered in the construction industry is significantly higher than every other industry in the United States. Most construction accident fatalities have been found to be attributed to workers falling from high altitudes. Numerous construction worksites throughout Florida have to set up scaffolding to construct high floors of buildings, paint or even refurbish older buildings. Scaffolding enables construction workers to acquire access to high sites that would otherwise be difficult to reach by providing a necessary platform.

Roughly 2.3 million construction workers use scaffolds everyday throughout the U.S. These workers are routinely subjected to hazards of suffering serious injuries or death in situations where scaffolding was improperly built, poorly maintained or dismantled inadequately. Construction workers that endure injuries due to scaffolding incidents are entitled to workers’ compensation. Additionally, in some situations contractors and subcontractors can be held liable for injuries suffered.

Frequently Occurring Causes of Scaffolding Injuries

Workers most commonly exposed to scaffolding accidents include scaffold builders and dismantlers, employees working in the vicinity of scaffolding and those actually working on a scaffold. Builders and dismantlers face the most risk because they use scaffolds before safety measures, such as guardrails and planks, are even installed.

Below are some of the most frequent causes of scaffolding falls:

  1. Lack of on-the-job education;
  2. Dropping items;
  3. Loose bracing;
  4. Insufficient regulations on the worksite;
  5. Unsatisfactory fall protections;
  6. Failures at different places of attachment;
  7. Faulty gear;
  8. Employees ignoring of significant safety rules;
  9. Feeble or wobbly planking;
  10. Changing weather conditions; and
  11. Excessive loading of the scaffold.

Preventing Scaffolding Injuries 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roughly 75% of all scaffolding injuries happen because of insufficient support, slipping, or being hit by tumbling debris. The BLS acknowledges that by applying efficient safety procedures to prevent scaffolding accidents can help prevent around 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths yearly.

OSHA recommends policies and procedures for the safe building, utilizing and taking down of scaffolds, and suggests the following:

  1. Plan and design a reliable and steady scaffold.
  2. Make sure that the scaffold is correctly assembled.
  3. Provide specialized training to all necessary employees.
  4. Provide all necessary workers with the appropriate safety protective equipment.
  5. Frequently check to ensure all safety equipment is working properly.
  6. Keep the scaffold clean and dry at all times.

All companies utilizing scaffolding should have comprehensive measures in place for using, building, dismantling and moving scaffolds, which should be accomplished in accordance with the manufacturer’s directives. 

Let Us Help You Today 

If you or a loved one were injured in a scaffolding accident in Florida, call Roman & Roman today at 877-767-1032 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.

At Roman & Roman, we know that being involved in a scaffolding accident, especially when it is at no fault of your own, can be a very dreadful nightmare. However, with the right law firm representing you throughout your personal injury lawsuit, you can focus on getting back on your feet.  Meanwhile, our persistent and devoted attorneys will do everything in their power to secure the compensation that you deserve. Our team serves clients in Clearwater, Tampa, and Hudson.

Resources:

osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3252/3252.html

osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/construction.html

nesglobal.net/safety-spotlight-scaffolding/

https://www.romanromanlaw.com/what-to-know-about-slip-and-fall-personal-injury-cases/

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