Scaffolds are platforms structures that are built temporarily for works to use to reach heights that are otherwise out of their reach on commercial and industrial construction sites. As such, the scaffolds are usually built by the construction workers themselves, and in the process of use, accidents and injuries have been known to happen.Scaffolding accidents are typically the result of improper maintenance or construction negligence. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 out the 500,000 construction site injuries that occur each year even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has very strict regulations dealing with the proper assembly and use of scaffolds. Yet, what usually causes an accident or injury is when the erector, or laborer, misperceives certain components to be necessary or too expensive, and ultimately ends up disregarding the OSHA standards.
As the most common forgotten scaffold components consist of the base plates and mud sills, guard railing, scaffold ties, toe-boards, side brackets, work platform decking, or fastening pins, it is easy to understand how an avoidable incident can occur. In a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, 72% of workers injured in scaffolding accidents attributed the accident to either the planking or support giving away, or to the employees slipping or being struck by a falling object. Not surprisingly, all these could have been controlled by complying with the OSHA standards.
If a scaffolding accident has occurred, and it is now time to talk with someone about what the next step may be, then click here to arrange a free no obligation consultation.
