Scaffolds are integral to the construction industry, as roughly two-thirds of their workforce uses scaffolding on a regular basis. When used properly, scaffolds can help keep costs down and save both time and money. However, when they aren’t used correctly, or if workers follow unsafe practices, severe injuries can occur. Today, we take a look at how to prevent four common scaffold injuries, and what you should do if you are injured while working with scaffold on the job site.
Scaffold Safety
Here’s a closer look at four common scaffold injuries on the worksite.
1. Falls – Falls are the most common type of scaffold injury, and the most common reason for a fall injury is attributed to improper guardrail installation or failing to use a personal harness while working on a scaffold. According to OSHA standards, fall protection must be used when working at heights of 10 feet or greater, while many general contractors have even stricter standards.
2. Scaffold Collapse – In order to be structurally sound, scaffolds need to be erected properly. In order to do this, construction site managers need to ensure the weight of the workers, the equipment and the scaffold materials can be supported by the structure. The foundation also needs to have a stable base, the scaffold planks need to be secured, and the distance from the scaffold to the work surface needs to be correct in order to minimize the risk of a collapse.
3. Electrical Injuries – Again, prior proper planning is important in preventing electrocution injuries while working on scaffolding. A minimum of 10 feet must be maintained between the scaffold and electrical hazards. If this is not possible, the electrical hazard must be turned off or properly insulated by the electrical company. There needs to be clear communication between the contractor and electrical company to avoid confusion. Employees should also get regular training in electrical hazard safety.
4. Struck By Object Injuries – Finally, workers on the ground are at risk for suffering injuries if materials from up on the scaffold fall. OSHA requires that toe boards and netting are installed to prevent objects from falling to a lower level, while some site managers will erect barricades to prevent individuals from moving to an area where debris could fall. Workers on lower levels should also wear protective headgear at all times, and they should be aware of what type of work is being done above them.
If you follow these tips, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of being injured while working on a site with scaffolding. That being said, injuries are not 100 percent preventable, so if you or a coworker suffers an injury while working on or near scaffolding, make sure you get in contact with a workers’ compensation firm like Hey Workers.
Due to the nature of the work being performed, scaffold-related injuries can be severe and have lifelong consequences, so you need to ensure that you are maximizing your compensation. At Hey Workers, we analyze every aspect of your claim to help get you the biggest payday possible. For more information on how we’ll do this, or to talk to a lawyer about the injury you suffered on the job, reach out to our firm today.
