Construction Injuries; What To Do Next

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Scaffolding Accidents: Inspections and Maintenance Prevent Construction Injuries

Construction workers face danger every day as part of their jobs. Many work at heavy, complex tasks in awkward locations high above the ground. Scaffolding provides their base of operations and serves to help protect them against falls. Unfortunately, things do not always go the way they should on work sites, making construction accidents common. Scaffolding accidents are a major danger and can result in potentially life threatening injuries.

Scaffolding Accidents Common on Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous job fields. More than 20% of all work related injuries happen to construction workers and scaffolding accidents are one of the most frequent causes. There are three common ways in which construction workers can suffer serious and potentially life threatening injuries while working on scaffolding:

  • Trips and falls from scaffolding platforms;
  • Being struck by falling scaffolds or tools, materials, and other objects on them;
  • Electrocutions when scaffolding comes into contact with power lines.

A recent scaffolding accident in nearby Spring Valley illustrates how common these accidents are and the dangers workers routinely face. The Los Angeles Times reports that in early October 2019, a 30-year-old ironworker was connecting beams as part of a local school construction project. He was standing on a 30-foot-high scaffolding structure erected on the site when he was struck by one of the beams, causing him to fall to his death.

Preventing Scaffolding Accidents on Construction Sites 

Working on scaffolding is an inevitable part of the job for most construction workers. Platforms are commonly erected throughout job sites, putting those who work both on and around them at risk. To prevent scaffolding accidents and injuries, it is important for both workers and construction site managers to take the proper precautions. This includes conducting routine scaffolding maintenance and safety checks on a regular basis. The Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) advises inspecting scaffolding every day, paying close attention to the following:

  • Wheels or castors should be locked to prevent movement;
  • Ropes and supports need to be tight and firmly secured;
  • Trusses and guardrails must be locked and in place;
  • Weights and platform extensions should be carefully monitored;
  • The scaffold itself needs to be properly leveled and braced;
  • Locks should be engaged to prevent movement when the scaffold is in use.

Workers can help to protect themselves from injuries working on scaffolding by not overreaching, standing on guardrails, or jumping on surfaces. They should also avoid using ladders, chairs, or other types of extensions on scaffolding surfaces, which increases fall risks. Make sure the area is free of excess debris and other trip hazards at all times and be mindful of those working below.

Contact Our Construction Accident Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

When scaffolding accidents happen, Deldar Legal helps workers get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim. Contact our construction accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA and request a consultation to discuss how we can assist you today.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

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