There are many people in the Severna Park area who work in the construction industry. These are typically good, well-paying jobs that allow a person to provide for their family. But these jobs can also be dangerous with many injuries occurring each year. The use of scaffolds is integral to the construction industry. When constructed correctly, scaffolding allows a construction worker to perform their job more safely. But they can also be dangerous and there are four common hazards that lead to construction site accidents.
Scaffolding hazards for construction workers include:
- Properly installed scaffolding must include guardrails, platforms and harnesses.
- Scaffold collapse. Proper scaffold construction includes making sure the weight of the scaffold will hold the number of workers it will service. It is also critical to ensure the scaffold is built upon a proper foundation. If a scaffold collapses it endangers both the workers on the scaffold along with those who are underneath.
- Struck by falling objects. Even if a construction worker is not working on scaffolding, they can still be at risk of injury. Tools or materials that are not secured properly can fall and strike the workers below.
- Without proper planning, scaffolding can be placed too close to power lines or other energy sources that can electrocute a construction worker.
Depending on the factors involved, construction site injuries can be serious. If a person has been injured on the job, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in workers’ compensation. An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the accident and help their client understand what happened. An attorney can provide their client the guidance and representation they need during this difficult time.
