Scaffolding Accident Claims

More than 50% of the construction industry works frequently on scaffolding. The vast majority of those are kept safe because responsible employers know about and follow the Work at Height Regulations and other statutory rules that govern the safe operation of building sites. Additionally the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have a scaffold checklist to assist those involved in construction to decide when scaffolding is required and the levels of training and competence of those who erect and dismantle. Those who are supposed to inspect and supervise the erection and safe use of scaffolding are also included in that checklist.

The UK and Europe have a considerable number of regulations and guides for the safe operation of construction sites and the HSE in particular are very proactive in this area.

So why then are there so many injuries and fatalities caused as a direct result of scaffolding problems? There is little excuse for an employer in these circumstances and if you have been injured in a scaffolding accident you should certainly seek legal advice. Some of the 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year, which cost employers £90 million in workdays lost, are caused in scaffolding accidents.

Why do accidents occur?

There are a variety of reasons why injuries can be caused as a direct result of scaffolding. These are often due to negligent construction and or maintenance of scaffolding, insufficient or no use of guardrails, lack of safety nets and/or inadequate fall stopping systems. A number of accidents are due to the planks or supports giving way, and workers being hit by objects falling from above.

What sort of injuries can be caused?

Falls from scaffolding are one the most common causes of injuries and death. Very severe head injuries, pelvic fractures and spinal injuries can be caused resulting in permanent disability and prolonged absence from work. The risk of heavy materials being dropped is constant and electrocution is a risk of working at height. Crushing injuries as a result of collapsing scaffolding are another risk for the employee. The use of hard hats should be compulsory for all workers on scaffolding.

Further sources of potential accidents on scaffolding include, planking that is insufficient to take the weight and giving way, planks being insecurely fastened and moving out of place, workers slipping on planks, inadequate ties or bracing and defective foundations. All of these can cause injury, often serious.

The various regulations and the HSE require that workers should be properly trained at regular intervals in the appropriate use of scaffolding and in the use of additional safety measures such as ropes and guard rails.

Workers should have appropriate training to ensure that they can inspect the scaffolding and make sure all parts are in good condition and that worn parts should be replaced before scaffolding is put in place. It goes without saying that the inspector himself should be properly trained. All the assembly and disassembly should be carried out by trained personnel.

Who can be injured?

It isn’t just workers who can be injured in scaffolding accidents. Scaffolding is often erected around buildings undergoing renovation or repair. A worker in those buildings or a passerby can also be caused injury if some object is dropped from the scaffolding or the structure itself collapses. Any injury sustained as a direct result of inadequate materials, training or thoughtlessness can lead to a successful claim for compensation.

If you have been injured either as a worker on scaffolding or in the immediate vicinity or even if you are not employed by the company but were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may be entitled to compensation and you should seek specialist legal advice.

Click on the compensation guide to find out how much compensation you could expect for your injuries from a scaffolding accident.

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