Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolding accidents are almost always the result of negligence on the part of the improper construction or maintenance. It is estimated that 100,000 of 500,000 injuries that occur on construction sites are scaffold related accidents. OSHA does have strict regulations when it comes to construction sites using scaffolding. But unfortunately sometimes the contractor or even the laborer thinks some of the steps are unnecessary and overlooks them, sometimes paying with their lives for this mistake.

There are lawyers that are very experienced in scaffolding and understand the rules and regulations that are applied to them. If you find you’re the one of the many that has had a scaffolding injury, then you should seek legal aid as soon as possible. The lawyers will sometimes evaluate your case for free and tell you if you are justified in suing the company.

Base plates and mud sills are required on scaffolding. The surface where the mud sills are placed must be capable of keeping the scaffolding in place. Another essential component is the scaffold ties. After the first tie is attached properly, then subsequent ties should be attached safely. The height of these subsequent ties should not be more than twenty-six feet. You must also put ties at horizontal intervals, which doesn’t exceed thirty feet, and all ties should be able to stand up to a push or pull of 2500 pounds of weight. Even with this additional ties may be necessary to ensure your safety on the scaffolding.

Another factor in scaffolding safety is side brackets. It is important that you keep in mind that these brackets are for personnel only and they must never be used for loading material or storage of any kind. It is also important to check the capacity of the side brackets, most of which will hold 500 pounds. Pinning them or wiring them to the frame should attach them. There should always be guard rails attached securely to any scaffolding and there are scaffold codes for construction sites to follow. This usually includes wearing safety equipment as well, but for anyone that is expected to work above ten feet or more there must be guardrails installed to the expected code of OSHA.

Toe boards are something else that is very important to OSHA. The code requires all toe boards on all sides of the platform at heights of 10 feet or more. These should withstand the force of 50 pounds or more and be at least three and a half feet high. The working platform should be decked and the fastening locks and pins for all of this must be secure.

This is a lot to think about, but if you have been injured due to faulty scaffolding, then you need legal advice. The legal investigators know what to look for and will see you get what is rightfully yours. When an accident happens, it is not just your life that is in jeopardy but if you are married with children, it jeopardizes their future as well. The cost for your medical bills alone will be outstanding, not to mention that you will have no paycheck to cover other expenses in life.

If there is the case where someone you love loses their life, you have the same opportunities to seek the aid of a lawyer as would someone who was injured. Their future is more at stake if you are gone and they need security in their lives at this time. A lawyer can help them achieve this security. This could mean the future of your children without you around, and the legal system can ensure that your family will be well taken care of and not left with a mountain of medical bills to pay while trying to exist without you there.

Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!

Lawcore.com Home | Contact Lawcore.com | Advertise Your Firm | Terms & Conditions Of Use / Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Lawcore.com, Inc (As Licensee). All Rights Reserved.