New York Scaffolding Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Scaffolding Accident Victims in New York

The Paris Law Group, PC is a New York City law firm that passionately pursues maximum compensation for all construction site injury victims, including those injured in scaffolding accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a scaffolding accident, our scaffolding accident attorneys in New York may make a big difference when you plan to get compensation.

We are experienced trial lawyers who never shy away from litigation and who understand how to make Labor Law Section 240 work for you. When you choose us, a professional attorney will prepare your case with the goal of obtaining maximum compensation.

Contact The Paris Law Group, PC by calling (888) 365-4940 today to schedule your free consultation with our scaffolding accident lawyer in New York.

Tips to Stay Safe on Scaffolding

Scaffolding accidents can result in very serious injuries. When you are working on or around scaffolding, safety is very important. Many accidents happen because scaffolding is not properly assembled. This means that workers on the scaffolding and those working in the area are all at risk. While it is not always possible to prevent every accident, there are things you can do to reduce your risk while working with scaffolding.

Don’t take shortcuts

While assembling scaffolding, you might be tempted to rush the build by taking short cuts. However, if you construct the scaffolding efficiently, you will not have to risk safety in order to finish the job quickly. By using the proper tools and techniques, including communication, organization, and training, you should be able to assemble scaffolding in an efficient manner without cutting corners.

Organization is important

Once the scaffolding is assembled and in use, it is important to keep the workspace organized. Loose tools can cause workers to trip and fall from the scaffolding. Also, tools that are not in a safe place can easily fall and hit a worker that is in the area.

Know the hazards

Before you even begin the project, you should familiarize yourself with all possible hazards. For example, is the scaffolding located too near power lines or are there live wires that might come into contact with it? Will you have to move the scaffolding as the project progresses? Take the time to plan before the work begins and give yourself enough flexibility to make changes during the work.

Take that training course

Take the time to keep your safety training up to date. A refresher course in assembling and working with scaffolding can be the difference in maintaining a safe work environment and dealing with a tragic accident.

Continuous review

Be aware of your work site at all times. Identifying and fixing a potential hazard before it becomes an immediate danger will keep you and your co-workers safe. Do not allow yourself to become too comfortable while on the job. Stay alert and prepared for dangers even if it seems like a perfectly safe job site.

If you have been unable to avoid a scaffolding accident while on the job and you have suffered an injury, you might be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Since the filing process can sometimes be difficult, you need to speak with our experienced scaffolding accident attorney in New York.

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Faulty or Defective Scaffolding Materials: Scaffolding structures must be built with strong and reliable materials to ensure worker safety. When substandard materials are used, such as weakened metal pipes or improperly secured planks, the scaffold can collapse or fail under the weight of workers and equipment. Defective or worn-out parts can lead to catastrophic accidents, and in many cases, the responsibility lies with the manufacturer or supplier of the scaffolding components.
• Improper Construction or Assembly: Assembling scaffolding is a complex process that requires expertise and attention to detail. If a scaffold is not erected according to proper safety standards, it can become unstable and dangerous. Common errors include improper spacing between support beams, inadequate fastening, and failure to secure scaffolding to the building structure. These mistakes can lead to scaffolding shifting, collapsing, or toppling, putting workers at significant risk.
• Lack of Safety Equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems are critical to safeguarding workers on scaffolds. Harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets should always be in place to prevent falls from heights. Unfortunately, some employers or site supervisors neglect to provide this equipment or fail to enforce its use, leaving workers vulnerable to serious injury. OSHA regulations are clear about the necessity of fall protection on construction sites, but violations remain all too common.
• Poor Scaffolding Maintenance: Even if scaffolding is initially constructed correctly, poor maintenance can cause accidents over time. Scaffolds that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can weaken, rust, or become unstable. Regular inspections and repairs are essential to ensure scaffolding remains safe throughout a construction project. When these inspections are overlooked or rushed, workers are placed at greater risk of injury.
• Unsafe Work Practices: Workers and supervisors alike must adhere to strict safety protocols when working on or near scaffolding. Unsafe work practices, such as overloading the scaffold with too many workers or heavy materials, can lead to dangerous conditions. Similarly, improper use of ladders or tools on scaffolding, as well as workers failing to use PPE, increases the likelihood of accidents. Supervisors are responsible for enforcing safety measures, and failing to do so can result in liability for accidents.
• Falling Objects: In addition to the risk of falling from scaffolds, workers are often injured by objects that fall from above. Tools, materials, or debris can strike workers on lower levels of scaffolding or on the ground. These accidents are often the result of inadequate securing of items or poor communication between workers. Falling objects could cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or even death, particularly if workers are not equipped with hard hats or other protective gear.
• Environmental Factors: External environmental elements can also contribute to scaffolding accidents. High winds, icy conditions, or rain can make scaffolding slippery or cause scaffolds to sway dangerously. Workers need to be trained to recognize unsafe weather conditions and know when to halt work. Unfortunately, construction deadlines often pressure workers to continue working despite hazardous conditions, leading to avoidable accidents.