As most construction workers in Pennsylvania know, a construction site can be a very dangerous place. No matter how well trained you are, how vigilant or how good you are at your job, accidents can still happen. If one person on the site makes a mistake, it can have a knock-on effect that can result in serious injuries or even fatal accidents. On top of that, there is the danger of equipment failing, structures collapsing or undetected hazards on the worksite.
Scaffolding is one part of working in construction that is often difficult to avoid. Yet it is also a factor in a large number of construction accidents. Workers can fall from the scaffold, it may collapse or things can be dropped from it posing a risk to those below. Furthermore, disaster can strike even during the construction of a scaffold as parts may fall or knock into the structure, dislodging heavy items.
As this article on construction injuries explains, there are a number of standards to which a scaffold must adhere to be considered safe. Many of these regulations are set out by OSHA and cover the design, construction and maintenance of the scaffold. A competent individual is required to inspect all components of the scaffold to make sure they meet the requirements. If any part is damaged or showing wear, it should be removed or replaced immediately.
Failure to meet these standards can put workers at risk, so if you spot a problem, you are within your rights to report it. Furthermore, if you have been injured in a construction accident, you might be entitled to compensation. An attorney can advise you on your options and might be able to assist you with making your claim.
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