Although not all employers adhere to the Work at Height Regulations Act, most employers do scrupulously adhere to them by providing all employees with a safe working environment. In the UK it is essential that these measures are in place and followed to protect the estimated 2.3 million workers who use scaffolding at work.
Approximately a quarter of the injuries and half the fatalities sustained from falling from a height are in the construction industry, with more falling from a height below 2 metres than higher falls. In the UK, around 4,500 people are hurt as a result of a scaffolding accident and over 50 people are unfortunately killed in such accidents. In the past 9 years there has been a dramatic reduction in fall accidents reported according to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).
Scaffolding Accident compensation claims – common causes
Although a number of things can cause scaffolding accidents, in some instances the employer can be at fault. Common workplace scaffolding accidents can include the following:
• Being struck by a falling object from the scaffolding
• Insecure scaffold bracing
• Lack of attention to safety
• Planking giving way
• Poor construction of the scaffolding
• Slipping
Although in some instances members of the public can become injured as a result of negligence involving scaffolding, those in the construction and maintenance industries, such as bricklayers, construction workers, painters, electricians and roofers are most at risk of being involved in such an accident.
A Scaffold Checklist Guide to assist businesses with the recommended training needed to erect scaffolding and tougher regulations by the HSE is thought to have caused this reduction in the number of scaffolding accidents.
All employers are required to have the correct insurance policies in place to protect themselves, their employees and cover any claims made for accidents at work. Although many fear they could lose their jobs if they make a claim, these policies are in place to cover any accident compensation paid out and therefore this should not be the case.
Thinking of making a Scaffolding Accident Compensation Claim? – contact us today
If you want to know how to claim compensation for a scaffolding accident – contact us today by phone or email. Initial advice over the phone is free and in addition, the first interview with one of our injury claim lawyers is also completely free.
- Call 0800 1404544, or
- Complete the enquiry form below.
