Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

California construction workers are in danger of severe injury when working on scaffolding that is improperly constructed or maintained. Accidents can cause brain or spinal cord injury, paralysis and even death. Scaffold workers have rights and are protected by laws and standards set forth by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Employers must follow these guidelines to protect the safety of their employees. Nearly 2.5 million construction workers are employed on scaffolding. Construction sites report over 4,500 injuries and more than 60 deaths annually due to scaffolding accidents. Injured parties in 75% of scaffold accidents cite the following reasons for their falls:

• Slipping


• Being hit by a falling object


• Support or planking that is faulty and/or gives way

Proper compliance with the standards set forth by OSHA greatly controls the occurrence, frequency, severity of these accidents.

A violation of OSHA regulations can be used as evidence of negligence. Here is an example of a preventable scaffolding accident: A construction worker, standing on the second level, was constructing the next level of a tubular, welded-frame scaffold. Scaffolding was erected on leveled, poured concrete, and the work surface was firmly planked. As the worker attempted to place the third level frame into the pins of the second level where he stood, the frame he was positioning flipped. The force of the flip threw him backward off the scaffolding. He fell to the ground, and died from a fatal blow to the head.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction or scaffolding accident in California, please contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We are experienced trial attorneys who know your rights and will fight for you. Let us help you receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Please call us now for a free and confidential consultation.