Preventing Florida Construction Injuries With Scaffolding Safety Tips

Construction workers use many different types of equipment and tools for the job at hand. Sometimes, construction jobs call for scaffolding to reach high places. While scaffolding is very useful for construction workers, it can also be dangerous. In fact, there are approximately 4,500 construction workers injured in scaffolding accidents annually, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Because there are over two million construction workers who utilize scaffolding on a daily basis, OSHA has shared some scaffolding safety tips to help prevent scaffolding accidents and reduce the number of construction workers from suffering injuries on the job. Some scaffolding tips include:

• Do not use unstable objects to prop up or support the scaffolds. Boxes and other objects can give way and move.
• Do not set up scaffolding if you are not trained on doing so. Only people who are trained should set up, move, or take down scaffolding.
• Do not use scaffolding if it is missing mid-rails, guardrails and toe-boards.
• Make sure the scaffolding has been inspected recently and that repairs are made before using it.
• Only use scaffolding that is rigid and constructed well.
• Keep scaffolding away from power lines—at least ten feet away.
• Have the rigging on suspension scaffolds inspected before using it.
• Do not allow ropes on suspension scaffolding to be near heat.

Even if you have been careful in using scaffolding, scaffolding accidents on construction worksites still happen. Recently, a scaffolding accident in Fort Lauderdale sent four workers to the hospital when their scaffolding suddenly gave way. Upon inspection, it appeared that the cables that were lifting the scaffolding up snapped.

Unfortunately, Florida construction injuries involving scaffolding accidents occur more than they should. If you were injured in a construction accident, you may have trouble obtaining the proper amount of workers’ compensation benefits in Florida that you are entitled to.

For help securing the benefits you are due, contact the Law Office of David Benenfeld to speak with a workers’ comp attorney in South Florida in a free consultation at 954-677-0155.