Scaffolding was not made to be risk-free. It was made to be useful. In fact, scaffolds are an integral part of most construction jobs because of the ease with which workers can erect them and disassemble them. They allow construction workers to get to places and set up a working platform where most people would never dream of being able to get the job done.
Under most circumstances, scaffolding doesn’t result in an injury or accident, but there are some important risks and dangers workers need to be aware of before they climb up:
Rotten or poorly installed planking: The planking is what workers walk on when they’re using the scaffolding. This planking might not be fully secured, or it could become warped, overloaded or rotten.
Falling tools and debris: With workers performing their jobs from such a high location, there’s always the risk that a dropped tool or piece of debris could hit someone below, which is why everybody should wear their hardhats at all times.
Electrocution: Because workers are doing their jobs from a high place, they run a greater risk of coming into contact with a power line. This could lead to a deadly electrocution. Therefore, workers should always keep at least 10 feet away from live electrical wires.
When workers remember to check for these three hazards, they can reduce their chances of getting hurt by one of them. If you were still hurt in a scaffold injury in spite of your best efforts, you may need to take some time away from work to heal. Learn more about your workers’ compensation rights under Omaha law and the benefits available to you.