SCAFFOLDING ACCIDENTS

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Scaffolding are temporary structures usually made of wooden or metal planks and metal poles, located outside of buildings during construction. These structures can provide workers with safe access to hard-to-reach construction areas, stable working platforms, and temporary storage areas for tools and materials that may be necessary for immediate tasks. In Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, and Belmont, North Carolina, there are many multi-story and high-rise buildings, necessitating scaffolding for construction projects. With so many construction workers, painters, window cleaners, and maintenance workers spending time on these structures on a regular basis, the risk of a scaffolding injury in North Carolina and South Carolina is high. It is therefore essential to have a trustworthy scaffolding accident lawyer you can trust.

According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, scaffolding accidents are some of the leading causes of construction worker deaths. While using scaffolding is necessary for new construction, it is important to understand the risks associated with it.

THE RISKS OF WORKING ON SCAFFOLDING
Due to the high elevation of scaffolding units, falls are one of the most common risks associated with scaffolding injuries. Falling from any high structure is dangerous to both the worker as well as those on structures below. Slips and falls from scaffolding may result in serious injuries and in some cases fatalities. While slips and falls from elevation are the most common scaffolding hazards, they are by no means the only ones. Other main hazards of scaffolds include bad/unsecured planking, electrocution, falling debris, scaffold preparation, and poor personnel training.

In order to reduce the risk of scaffolding accidents, safe practices must be put into place. Some of OSHA’s best practices for preventing scaffolding accidents include:

• The height of a scaffold must not exceed four times its base
• Scaffolds must support their own weight plus four times the maximum load
• Scaffolds must be routinely inspected for defects and immediately replaced if found defective
• Workers must not jump onto planks or platforms
• Workers must use both hands when climbing in access areas
• Equipment must be cleaned and serviced regularly
• At least 4 wraps of wire rope on drum type hoists must be maintained at all times
• Scaffolding components must be not removed without proper authorization

PROTECTION AGAINST SCAFFOLDING ACCIDENTS
Given the serious nature of scaffolding accidents, protection against the risks associated with them is crucial. Should construction site administrators decide not to follow OSHA standards, serious repercussions may be taken through legal action. Construction companies or developers that decide to neglect OSHA safety rules related to scaffolding regulations may face serious legal and civil action. In some cases, contractors or subcontractors may also be held liable for workers injuries in such instances. Workers who are injured through scaffolding accidents are immediately eligible for workers compensation benefits.

If you or a family member are a victim of a scaffolding accident or have suffered an injury due to a scaffolding incident, call the team at Cardinal Law Partners today. Our scaffolding accident lawyers are on hand and ready to help. We have four convenient office locations in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, and Belmont, North Carolina. Cardinal Law Partners is committed to representing clients for Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Disability in both North Carolina and South Carolina. With all of our attorneys certified by the North Carolina Board of Workers’ Compensation, Cardinal Law Partners is ready to take on any scaffolding accident case and provide you the financial and legal support you deserve.

Call Cardinal Law Partners today for a free case evaluation at 833-444-4257 or send us a message!