Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
The causes of scaffolding accidents can be many:- Falls—About one in ten scaffolding accidents involve workers who fall from scaffolding, often where rails or barriers are either not in place or improperly assembled.
- Falling objects—Workers frequently set tools or building materials on scaffolding, which can cause serious injury when falling from higher levels on a construction site.
- Negligence in assembly or disassembly—The workers setting up the scaffolding may be unqualified to do so, may not be properly supervised or trained, or may be negligent in the erection of the scaffolding. The planks on a scaffold may not be properly secured, poles may not be correctly connected, or protective barriers, such as rails, may not be in place.
- Dangerous or defective scaffolding—The scaffolding itself may be old and in disrepair, or the owner may have failed to properly maintain it.
- Electrocution—Almost 20 percent of scaffolding accidents result when scaffolding comes in contact with electrical lines.