Inappropriate Construction-Site Scaffolding Can Cause Serious Injuries and Death

 Posted on July 28, 2022 in Personal Injury

Illinois construction sites are notoriously dangerous places to work. One of the most important security measures that help protect construction workers is scaffolding. Appropriate scaffolding that is constructed according to OSHA standards has saved the lives of countless people who must work in high places. Unfortunately, poorly constructed scaffolding causes thousands of workers every year to fall, resulting in serious injuries and even death. Such construction injuries are almost entirely preventable, and if you suffered an injury or lost a loved one because of poor scaffolding, you may rightfully feel angry and motivated to take action. 

How Are Construction Workers Injured on Scaffolding? 

Scaffolding has been in use for hundreds of years, and the dangers of improper scaffolding have been understood for decades. When dangerous scaffolding errors take place because OSHA regulations are ignored by either the company or the employees responsible for setting up the scaffolding, there is simply no excuse. While scaffolding accidents can happen in many ways, the vast majority of avoidable accidents are attributable to the following situations: 

• Dangerous objects or substances sitting on the work platform 

• Missing guardrails and toe boards 

• Overloaded scaffolding 

• Falling objects 

• Assembly mistakes 

• Electrocution from power lines and extension cords 

The nature of scaffolding - thin walkways used for working high off the ground - means that injuries are often severe or fatal. Falls from as little as six to 10 feet can be fatal. Common injuries sustained from scaffolding accidents include: 

• Traumatic brain injury

• Internal bleeding

• Broken and fractured bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Back injuries

• Muscle and tendon tears 

• Death 

Even non-construction workers like pedestrians and third-party contractors can be placed at risk by improper scaffolding construction. When scaffolding parts, construction equipment, or building materials fall onto pedestrians, they can cause serious injuries and death as well. 

How Can I Recover Compensation For My Scaffolding Accident Injuries? 

While workers’ compensation is available for most construction employees who are injured on the job, when third-party individuals or companies are responsible, a lawsuit may be helpful for recovering financial compensation to cover medical treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of life. For civilians injured by scaffolding accidents, a personal injury attorney can help seek justice from the responsible party or parties. 

Contact an Assertive Joliet, IL Construction Site Injury Lawyer

When a serious or fatal accident takes place at an Illinois construction site because of poor scaffolding or any other reason, do not wait to take action. Contact Will County construction site injury attorney Michael J. Lichner - Will County Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options under Illinois law. Call us today at 815-730-1977. 

Source: 

https://www.osha.gov/etools/scaffolding/general-requirements