Scaffolding Injuries on Construction Sites

Construction workers in South Florida and throughout the state regularly perform work that requires the use of scaffolding. While scaffolding can be essential for completing a wide range of construction projects, it can also be quite dangerous. Indeed, construction workers frequently sustain serious and fatal injuries as a result of scaffolding safety issues on construction sites. When a serious or deadly injury does happen, it is important to understand your rights concerning workers’ compensation coverage and the steps you will need to take in order to be eligible for benefits. An experienced Sunrise workers’ compensation attorney can provide you with more information about scaffolding injuries and how to obtain workers’ compensation coverage.

What is Scaffolding? 

In order to understand how scaffolding injuries occur, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of what scaffolding actually is, and when and where it is used on construction sites. According to GoConstruct.org, scaffolding is “a temporary structure that offers support and elevation,” thereby “allowing workers to carry materials and easily access the building site, offering a safe and secure setting while working at a considerable height.”

It is installed before the necessary work begins, and scaffolding is typically essential in circumstances where construction workers “are working at a height to ensure the job is carried out safely,” as GoConstruct.org explains.

How Do Scaffolding Injuries Happen? 

As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains, “millions of workers in the construction industry work on scaffolds,” and “scaffold incidents causing injury or death to workers is often the result of either the planning or support giving way, by the worker slipping, the absence of fall protection, or being struck by a falling object.” When these incidents do occur, construction workers can sustain severe and life-threatening injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Bone fractures;
• Traumatic amputations; and
• Organ damage.

If a construction worker is injured in a scaffolding accident, Florida law requires that the injury be reported to the employer as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days from the incident. The injured construction worker also must seek medical attention. Under Florida workers’ compensation law, the initial medical visit does not have to be with an approved provider if emergency care is needed, but subsequent visits must be with an approved provider. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you with fulfilling any additional requirements.

Contact a Sunrise Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today 

If you were injured on scaffolding while doing work on a construction site, or if you lost a loved one in a scaffolding accident, it is critical to get in touch with one of the experienced Sunrise workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. as soon as you can to discuss workers’ compensation benefits. Construction sites can be extremely dangerous, particularly when safety standards are not properly taken into account. The Florida workers’ compensation system can allow you to seek benefits for medical care, lost wages, and temporary and permanent disabilities due to a scaffolding injury, and our firm can help.

Sources:

osha.gov/scaffolding/construction

goconstruct.org/why-choose-construction/whats-happening-in-construction/the-complete-guide-to-scaffolding/

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html