If you are among the many California employees who work in construction or another industry that relies on scaffolding, it is critical that you understand the inherently risky nature of this type of equipment, and protect yourself accordingly. At the Law Offices of Hussain & Gutierrez, we recognize that catastrophic injuries can arise from scaffolding accidents, and we have helped many clients who suffered injury on the job because of scaffolding seek recourse.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, about 65 percent of the construction industry frequently works on or around scaffolds, but these temporary work platforms are also common causes of on-the-job accidents. Research indicates that enhancing safety standards when it comes to scaffolds could potentially prevent 60 deaths and 4,500 injuries every year, and that many of these fatalities and injuries could also be preventable if companies would simply follow OSHA standards.
What types of injuries and accidents does scaffolding cause? Many scaffolding accidents occur because of similar circumstances. In some cases, scaffolds are erected too close to power lines, which can lead to electrocution. Falls from scaffolding are also common causes of construction site injuries. Some injuries develop when workers fall from heights and do not have proper protection, while others occur when scaffolds collapse because, for example, they are holding too much weight.
Workers who are not standing directly on the scaffold are also at risk of injuries. Falling tools, work materials and other items can injure workers on the ground, particularly if they are not wearing proper head protection. More about on-the-job injuries is available on our website.
