Scaffolds are common and necessary on many construction sites, but they also present serious injury risks if you work in construction, window cleaning or film, among other industries. Because of their temporary nature, scaffolds often undergo regular erection and re-erection. This is one of several reasons these elevated work platforms are such a common source of injury in some fields.
Per the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, many injuries caused by the use of scaffolding result from similar circumstances. What scaffolding-related circumstances may cause you serious injuries?
Falls
Falls are a common source of injury among workers who rely on scaffolds. In some cases, you may suffer injuries after falling from atop a scaffold. However, using appropriate fall protection may help mitigate your injury risk. You may also suffer injuries if someone working on a scaffold falls from it and strikes you.
Collapses
Scaffolding collapses present another serious injury risk of which you should be aware. If the scaffold underwent improper erection, it may be more prone to collapsing. If it is bearing too much weight, this may also lead to a collapse.
Falling items
Even if you are working underneath, rather than on top of, a scaffold, you face injury risks relating to falling materials, tools or debris. Wearing hard hats may cut your risk of this type of injury to some degree.
Electrocutions
You may also face an elevated risk of electrocution when you regularly work on scaffolds. Most electrocutions that impact workers on scaffolds occur when workers erect the platforms too close to existing power lines.
More about work-related injuries is available on our webpage.