Good morning everyone,

I thought I’d blog about accidents caused by or near scaffolding and the fact that this often includes working at height.

Sadly, we have dealt with a lot of accident compensation cases from these scenarios over the years because the erection and use of scaffolding can be very hazardous. There is no avoiding the fact that their erection and use exposes people to a cocktail of serious risks and hazards.

The scaffolding industry is extremely competitive and keen on price. Unfortunately, in my  experience, that can often lead to corners being cut and unsafe practices being used. There is often a lot of time pressure put on employees to work fast and mistakes are made or poor work is overlooked.

There are many regulations in place that are aimed at making working at height and the erection and use of scaffolding safe. If they were always followed, then there would be a lot fewer accidents and those that did occur would be a lot less serious.

Scaffolding workers themselves are often exposed to unnecessary risks.

Personal protective equipment is vital, such as the use of hard hats, safety boots and gloves. It is amazing and sad how often serious accidents are caused simply by something being dropped from height and hitting someone who hasn’t got the proper safety equipment on and is standing below. It can be something as small as a tiny fitting, or as hazardous as a hammer, a big spanner or even a pole. If any of these hit someone they are going to hurt them, but wearing safety equipment will significantly reduce the seriousness of the injury.

Another common scaffolder’s injury is to the hand or fingers. They are under pressure to work quickly either removing or erecting steel fittings and it is all too easy to slip and hurt yourself, especially if gloves are not worn.

Probably the most hazardous risk for scaffolders, and for those who then use the scaffolding to work from, is the simple fact that they are working at height. A fall from height is still the most common cause of accident related death in the construction industry. These tragic accidents are almost always preventable with the simple precautions and equipment. Working at height is a very highly regulated area and shoddy employers can end up with criminal prosecutions as well as very strong injury compensation claims against them.

Put very simply, if someone has suffered injuries in a fall from height it is very likely that they have a strong chance of succeeding in a claim for compensation.

Scaffolding can be hazardous for passers by too and people going about their every day business. We have seen several of these injuries and accidents too.

If you’ve had an accident that has been near or has involved scaffolding then it is likely that you have a reasonable chance of winning a claim for compensation , so give us a free call or click on the case evaluation button below.