Construction workers are no stranger to heights. With the use of scaffolding on many sites, workers tend to be very high up in the air. Because working at heights comes with risks, there are certain precautions contractors must take to ensure worker safety.
Scaffolding: Know the risks
Falling is quite clearly the biggest risk when it comes to scaffolding accidents. This is why OSHA lays out very clear instructions on how to prevent these falls. These include making sure that scaffolding is properly constructed and that there are guardrail systems in place along all open sides. Contractors must also provide safety equipment, such as harnesses, for those working at certain heights.
Scaffolding is also not the place for contractors to try to cut costs to save money. If the scaffolding is worn or missing parts, the solution is to buy new scaffolding. You never want to use scaffolding that has missing or weak flooring or is mismatched or with heavily worn parts. When contractors cut costs, the workers are the ones who absorb the risk.
Taking the proper steps after a fall
Falls can lead to very serious injuries, even death. For the worker who is injured, the most important thing is to get proper medical treatment right away. Make sure all medical needs, both immediate and in the future, are documented.
Now is also the time to reach out to speak with a personal injury attorney. Since not all employers in Texas are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, you will want to learn more about the legal options that are available.
When it comes to liability in scaffolding collapse accidents, keep in mind there may be more than one party to blame. Did the contractor fail to provide a proper hardness? Was the scaffolding put up incorrectly? Was the scaffolding just old and worn out and falling apart, but being used anyway? Depending on the specifics, not only the contractor, but also the supplier, manufacturer and subcontractor may also be to blame. A personal injury attorney will investigate the accident to determine the true cause.
