Scaffolding Accident Compensation

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Scaffolding Accident At Work

Scaffolding or 'elevated platforms' are used across UK industry to facilitate otherwise impossible work being performed at height. Professions which regularly use scaffolding include construction workers, roofers, bricklayers, painters and electricians. Legislation has been tightened in relation to working at height over the past decade, and has led to an impressive 50% decline in major injuries and fatalities over that period. However, falls from height still accounted for 4,500 major injuries and 35 deaths in 2008/09 according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A large percentage of these injuries resulted from scaffolding accidents. It is estimated that over 2 million UK workers regularly use scaffolding in the workplace. While falls from height continue to be the largest cause of fatal injuries, and second largest cause of major injuries in the workplace, it is important that the HSE and employers continue to seek improvements in both equipment and safety standards.

Typical Causes Of Scaffolding Accidents

In the majority of cases accidents occur from a scaffold's inability to support the weight to which it is subjected. Scaffolding accidents result from platforms being overloaded with workers and/or equipment. In this scenario the scaffold may collapse completely, a plank or support may give way, a worker may trip and fall, or tools and equipment may become dislodged and fall onto those working below. Such accidents may also take place where scaffolding has been poorly maintained, incorrectly assembled (missing a bolt for example), or erected on an inadequate base or on uneven ground. Often employers and contractors fail to ensure that safety measures such as guardrails and safety nets have been put in place. Others may have sought to cut costs by providing old or poorly constructed scaffolding. Climatic conditions such as high wind and driving rain will also increase the incidence of scaffolding accidents by creating instability in a platform and causing problems for workers in maintaining a secure footing.

Scaffolding Accident Injuries

Injuries resulting from a scaffolding accident can be severe when a fall is from considerable height, or when the worker falls onto a hard or sharp object such as a piece of machinery. The most serious injuries may be sustained in the head, neck, back, spine and pelvis. Such injuries can require many months of recuperation, or lead to some form of permanent disability. Head injuries also commonly occur when workers on the ground are struck by tools or materials falling from scaffold platforms. Fractures to the arms and hands will often by inflicted by a fall, as a person will naturally attempt to break a fall using these limbs. Where a worker falls vertically through a gap in scaffolding fractures to the legs, ankles and feet are also likely consequences. Where a scaffolding collapses altogether, serious crush injuries may be sustained, as workers and heavy equipment collide on impact.

Scaffolding Accident Compensation Claims

Legislation relating to work on scaffolds is strict and extensive. Apart from the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the HSE also provide a Scaffold Checklist Guide for employers which includes detailed requirements for scaffold design and the level of competence expected for workers involved in erecting, dismantling, altering, inspecting and supervising scaffold operations. Employers must ensure that scaffolding is properly maintained, inspected regularly, and fitted with all the necessary components to promote stability and prevent falls. Workers must be provided with all the necessary protective equipment such as hard hats, safety boots, and harnesses where work is taking place more than 6 feet from the ground. Scaffolding should only be erected on firm, even ground, and should not be used in high winds or heavy rain. Failure to observe these regulations may leave and employer or contractor liable to claim for third party negligence from an injured worker.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in scaffolding accident and injury compensation claims. We operate on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.

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