How to Prevent Construction Scaffolding Accidents

More than 4,500 scaffolding accidents result in injuries each year, and more than 60 deaths. About 65% of the construction industry work on scaffolding on a daily basis - that's nearly 2.3 million workers. Preventing construction scaffolding accidents should be a priority for construction employers, and if employers were following OSHA safety standards for the construction industry many of the scaffolding accidents would be preventing. As many as 72% of workers who are injured from scaffolding accidents claim it was due to the planking breaking or falling out of the bottom of the scaffolding; or being struck by falling objects and pushed off the scaffolding.

Causes of Scaffolding Accidents

Studies have shown that most scaffolding accidents are due to one of three situations: the result of the planking falling through, objects falling and hitting employees standing on scaffolding, or the employee slipping without proper safety restraints to prevent them from falling off.

Tips for Preventing Scaffolding Accidents

Like many construction accidents, scaffolding accidents can often be prevented when precautions are taken. Here are some tips from a NY scaffolding accident attorney for preventing accidents:

• inspect the equipment before use
  
  
• keep scaffolding dry and free from spills or debris
  
  
• properly train employees for safety precautions before using scaffolding
  
  
• only climb as high or reach as far as the warning labels allow
  
  

All construction employees working on or around scaffolding should be adequately trained for safety purposes. Falling from scaffolding may lead to serious injuries or death. Our experienced NY scaffold accident lawyers can help victims of construction accidents involving scaffolding.




Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

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