As you work on a construction site, you may encounter some situations that are unsafe for you or other fellow employees. Working on a platform of a scaffold can increase the likelihood that you may fall or sustain injuries.
Learning about the various situations and issues that can lead to injuries on scaffolding can help you choose what steps to take next.
Improper construction
According to the United States Department of Labor, a certified worker or person should check every scaffold before any employees begin to climb on it. If a scaffold is missing guard railings or has rust on it, it may collapse under the weight of multiple people.
Falling from even a few feet above the ground can lead to serious spinal cord issues and brain trauma. Planks that come loose can also cause you to lose your footing and trip and fall.
Dropped objects
When you are standing on a raised platform, other people above you may use power tools but forget to properly secure them. If someone drops or accidentally kicks a large object, it can fall onto your head and leave you in severe pain.
You can also step onto them yourself and slip and fall, which can lead to serious back or neck problems.
Lack of safety equipment
When other people do not follow safety regulations, it can leave you at risk if electrical wires are not properly covered up. An electrical shock on a site can cause a multitude of health issues.
Injuries that you sustain when your workplace does not offer personal protective equipment that works can also cause long-term problems. Even a few simple issues on a scaffold can lead to a slip and fall incident.
