Preventing Scaffolding Accidents in the Workplace

As leading Charlotte work comp lawyers, we know accidents are not uncommon in the workplace, and the consequences are often significant for everyone involved. Therefore, organizations must have a proper way to ensure that they do not happen. While some organizations would wait until an accident occurs, others are proactive and take steps to prevent such occurrences.

While building or renovating a house, structures are usually put up to enable the workers to get to heights or areas that would usually be hard to reach. This structure is referred to as a scaffold. Due to the nature of their work, construction workers would usually climb the scaffold as they carry out their duties.

This increases the risk of falling. Falling at a construction site is quite risky and frequently results in death. While workers are often the most affected by scaffolding accidents, passersby could also be victims. Therefore, taking measures to prevent scaffolding accidents is necessary. This article will examine ways to prevent scaffolding accidents.

If you work as a construction worker and get injured while working on a scaffold, our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can get you the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Scaffolding Accidents

Like any other accident, scaffolding accidents have something that triggers it, and this section identifies some of the causes of scaffolding accidents.

Overloaded Scaffolds

Scaffolds have weights that they are designed to bear, and any attempt to make them do more than they were designed for could lead to an accident.

Lack of Training

Workers who would use a scaffold need to be trained on how to use it properly.

Negligence

Safety precautions should be observed when erecting scaffolds, and ignoring them could lead to accidents.

How to Prevent Scaffolding Accidents in Charlotte

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), millions of Americans in the construction industry work on scaffolds. Scaffolding accidents are preventable if the right measures are implemented. This section explores some of the things that can be done to prevent scaffolding accidents.

Train Workers Properly

There is the tendency that employers assume that all workers would know how to handle scaffolds. However, that may not always be the case. Therefore, workers must be taught how to construct and erect them, and how to act while working with them. Such a move could potentially reduce the risk of a fall as workers are empowered to make the right decisions. Occasionally, employers should schedule safety courses for workers to serve as a reminder on how to conduct themselves while using scaffolds.

Use Proper Equipment

When working on a scaffold, workers must have the proper equipment. This includes non-slip footwear, helmets, rope grab, lanyard, and a safety harness.

Build Scaffolds on Stable Ground

Scaffolds that are not built on stable ground are likely to cause accidents. Such scaffolding could wobble while workers are on it, causing them to lose balance and fall. Consequently, scaffolds must be built on solid ground and adequately braced to ensure stability.

Conduct Regular Checks on Scaffolds

Even when scaffolds are built on solid ground, they need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are not compromised. If there are defective or worn-out parts, they should be replaced. This should be done before it is used to prevent accidents. You can also check for spills or debris to prevent slips. In addition, there should be a system that checks for and reports any defects in the scaffold.

Do Not Place Loads on the Scaffolds

It’s important to know the weight that a scaffold can take. Then, workers must be careful not to put more load than it can take. Preferably, only what is necessary should be placed on the scaffold. This way, chances of it being overburdened are reduced.

Get Help From Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Charlotte

Your employer has a responsibility towards you if you are injured at work. However, not all would be willing to see it through. You may also be more interested in getting medical help than pursuing legal action, and this is where we come in. We take the burden of legal battles off you, allowing you to recuperate while we ensure that your employer fulfills their responsibility towards you.

We have over 20 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases. That experience has helped us realize what works and doesn’t work in these cases. We would love to bring our experience and knowledge to bear as we help you get the compensation that you deserve. So contact Waple and Houk today, and an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will be available to speak with you.