How can scaffolding cause injuries?

While working on a construction site, you may run into some issues with serious accidents involving scaffolding.

Scaffolding, or temporary work platforms erected for construction use, can be dangerous for you and for others if used improperly.

Electrical issues

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, electrocution while on a scaffold is a serious worry. Electrical wires or power lines above or below may give you shocks if you get too close or accidentally cut one while working.

You must also maintain the power tools and hand tools and use them properly while on a scaffold, since one device can quickly cut a finger off or harm your arms or legs.

Falls and slips

Rickety stairs and shoddy platforms can cause a worker to fall from a great height and potentially sustain serious injuries. Slipping and falling on a scaffold is one of the most common types of injuries for a construction worker.

Loose tools or other items can cause you to lose your balance and trip, which can cause head and spine trauma. Getting struck by a falling object also is a concern among workers.

Collapses

While a certified competent person should always check all scaffolds for safety requirements, sometimes a platform is still not entirely safe. On a support scaffold, the legs or frames may not be able to sustain the weight of multiple workers at the same time.

In the event of a collapse, you may find yourself struggling to overcome injuries from the accident. Scaffolding is a dangerous part of construction, which is why it is important to know the common reasons why workers get hurt.