Photo by Darya SannikovaConstruction injuries involving scaffolding are incredibly common, even among workers who have been in the industry for decades. These injuries are also among the most severe construction workers can experience on a construction site. While there are some steps you can take to avoid scaffolding accidents on the job, they are often due to an employer or supervisor’s negligence.
Below, I’ll tell you more about the kinds of serious injuries that are most likely to result after a scaffolding accident, what to do if you are injured, and when a Northern New Jersey construction attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help.
Common Types of Scaffolding Injuries
There are many potential injuries that can happen while you are working on scaffolding, many of which are sudden and unanticipated. The most common include:
Falls: Some of the most severe injuries on construction sites result after a fall from scaffolding. Falls are often caused by slippery surfaces or poorly maintained planks that break while you are working. Depending on how high above the ground the scaffolding is, life-altering injuries and even death may occur.
Falling Objects: When you are working on scaffolding, others are often working above and below you. Heavy tools and other objects commonly fall from one level of scaffolding to the next, causing head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. Always secure your tools and other objects to avoid harming others.
Slips and Falls: When scaffolding is slippery due to rain, ice, or spills, slips and falls often occur, resulting in head injuries and broken bones. If bracing and guardrails are not properly erected to prevent falls, or if these structures aren’t properly maintained, it is possible to fall off the scaffolding entirely. If conditions are not safe to work in, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your supervisor. It is their responsibility to ensure your safety, lest they be held liable for any injuries you sustain.
Collapse: During long term jobs, sometimes scaffolding is not properly maintained or repaired, which can cause entire structures to collapse. Defects in the structure, poor scaffolding design, and faulty manufacturing processes can also cause scaffolding to collapse or malfunction. As you can imagine, this situation is among the most dangerous that one can encounter on a construction site. If you notice that scaffolding has not been recently inspected, call your supervisor’s attention to it.
Lack of Safety Equipment and Training: While not directly related to scaffolding, it is essential that construction teams be properly trained on how to prevent falls and injuries. Additionally, you should always have access to safety equipment including safety nets, harnesses, and guardrails. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines require that scaffolds are not overloaded, which can cause them to fall, or in contact with electrical wires. If you are concerned about an OSHA violation, report it to your supervisor.
Most Common Serious Scaffolding Injuries
There is a wide variety of injuries that can occur after a scaffold accident. Concussions, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis are unfortunately more common than we would like. Neck and back injuries and whiplash frequently occur during slips and falls. Wounds–from puncture wounds to severe lacerations, internal bleeding, and even organ loss or damage, and amputation also often occur as a result of scaffolding accidents.
While we have focused largely on the physical side of scaffolding injuries, emotional and psychological trauma after this type of accident are also very common. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and chronic stress can last for months or years after an accident, making it difficult to work or go about your regular activities.
If you work with a Northern New Jersey construction accident attorney, remember to discuss with them all of your injuries, even when they are emotional or psychological. This can help you receive a settlement that covers these treatments as well as lost wages.
When do I Need a Lawyer?
Construction accidents are complicated, especially when it comes to determining who is liable. Whether you believe your injuries were caused by your supervisor, the manufacturer of the scaffolding, or someone else, a construction accident lawyer in Northern New Jersey can be indispensable.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we have fought for the rights of those in the construction industry for decades and will fight for yours as well.
Call today for a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
