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Our PA and NJ work accident lawyers have represented many workers in scaffold accident cases, and over the years, our lawyers have seen scaffold accidents happen for similar reasons. Here are the top two reasons why scaffold accidents occur:
1. Improper construction of the scaffold
Whether due to use of defective materials in building the scaffold or failure to build the scaffold according to OSHA regulations, many, if not most scaffold accidents happen due to a problem in construction of the scaffold. Common issues with scaffold construction which often lead to accidents include:
- using of defective materials such as damaged planks or decks,
- exceeding the maximum platform overhang,
- using improper base support,
- improper use of screw jacks,
- lack of sufficient ties/braces.
Depending on the type of scaffold, OSHA may require a competent person, a qualified person and/or an engineer to examine the scaffold during erection and dismantling. Employee training is also required. When a workplace or construction site scaffold accident occurs, the most common reason is that the right kind of person, competent person, qualified person or engineer either was not doing their job or no such person was even hired. Read more about common claims made in scaffold accident lawsuit cases.
2. No guardrails or personal fall arrest systems
OSHA regulations apply to pretty much every work or construction site. In fact, for scaffolds above 10 feet high, workers must be protected from falls below, with either a personal fall arrest system or guardrails which are capable of withstanding certain pounds of force. In addition, scaffolds must be able to bear their own weight plus at least 4 times the expected load, which includes the weight of workers, materials, and tools.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey Work Accident Lawyers Specializing in Scaffold Accidents
Scaffold accident injuries are usually very severe, if not fatal. Financially, a work related scaffold accident can be devastating. While workers’ compensation provides some benefits, in most cases, the benefits are not enough to keep the worker’s family afloat.
To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey scaffold accident lawyers, call Click To Call. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
Our scaffold work accident attorneys serve injured workers in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; he County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.
**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
