If your job involves working on or around scaffolding, it is essential that the correct procedures are in place to minimise the risk of scaffolding accidents. As with any job involving working at heights, if you work on scaffolding, there is an obvious risk of falling.
There are many other risks associated with scaffolding aside from falling. Many of these risks are caused by incorrectly erected or poorly maintained scaffolding. Accidents can also be caused by the failure to install the correct safety measures, such as safety barriers.
Below are some of the safety measures that should be adopted to ensure scaffolding is safe and to minimise the risk of accidents:
- all scaffolding should be erected on a secure, firm and level surface
- scaffold boards should meet the British Standard BS2482
- if someone could fall more than two metres, strong barriers should be in place
- scaffold boards should be kept clear to minimise the risk of debris falling on to passers-by or other workers.
- all ladders used should be secure and in good condition
- scaffolding should be inspected weekly, after alterations, after damage and after any extreme weather conditions to ensure it remains safe and secure.
If you have been involved in an accident at work involving scaffolding, you could be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. Providing the accident was not your fault, and the accident happened within the last three years, we can help you make a claim on a no win no fee basis. If the accident happened in England or Wales, we can also guarantee you keep 100% of your compensation, so making a scaffolding accident compensation claim will not cost you a penny whether you win or lose your claim.
Scaffolding Accident Claim Examples
Hit by item falling from scaffolding – Kevin works in an office building which is undergoing some building work. As part of the work, scaffolding has been erected around the building. As he was walking out of the building a piece of wood was knocked off the scaffolding by a construction worker. The piece of wood hit Kevin on the head, causing concussion and a large cut requiring over 20 stitches.
Fall from scaffolding – Angela works on a building site. Whilst working on scaffolding she fell through the scaffold boards. The scaffolding had not been installed properly, causing the scaffold boards to move as Angela walked on them. The scaffolding accident was witnessed by some of her colleagues, who immediately called for an ambulance. Angela suffered cracked ribs and a fractured elbow.
To find out if you are entitled to make a scaffolding accident claim, contact the National Accident Helpline on 0800 6783 601 or fill out our simple online claim form and a legal service advisor will call you back.
Our team of work accident solicitors work on a no win no fee basis. No win no fee means that if your claim is not successful, you do not pay your solicitor a penny.