Dangerous Scaffold Accidents in Brooklyn
In a recent year, the BLS reported 880 incidents of falls (most of them related to scaffolding accidents), which resulted in deaths in various construction sites nationwide. Just this July 2021, two construction workers were trapped in a construction accident at Lincoln Road Brooklyn. The brick wall and part of the ceiling suddenly collapsed while the building was being demolished, bringing down the roof on top of the workers.
The workers were pinned between the brick wall, the floor, and the roof. The rescuers had to secure and shore up the site before pulling out the workers. It took them about two and half hours to safely remove both workers. Both workers suffered severe injuries and were taken to the hospital for emergency treatment.
It’s important to note that the Department of Buildings (DOB) had issued several citations earlier that month for various construction maintenance violations.
Why Scaffold Accidents in Brooklyn Still Happen
The scaffolding rules and regulations that OSHA requires are clear. However, bad habits could be difficult to break. 61 construction workers fell from scaffolds and to their deaths in one year, and approximately 4,500 construction site injuries result from scaffolding accidents every year. Likewise, in the construction industry, most of the Top 10 reported OSHA violations were linked to fall protection:
- Improper or incorrect usage of portable ladders
- Residential fall protection, insufficient guardrails, and/or inadequate use of fall arrest systems, including on aerial lifts
- Lack of fall hazard protection for open-sided edges and floors
- Insufficient fall protection training for workers
- Unprotected or unguarded scaffolding
Scaffolding accidents primarily involve workers falling from high heights, falling materials because of equipment failure, incorrect operating procedures, and environmental conditions. But most are a result of the following human errors:
- Improper or insufficient work, construction, and site rules
- Inadequate on-the-job training or experience
- Insufficient fall protection
- Weak planking
- Ignoring safety rules
- Defective equipment
- Non-existent or insecure bracing
- Faulty attachment points
In addition, major scaffold failures happen due to overloaded scaffolds. Workers frequently exposed to various scaffold dangers include scaffold dismantlers and erectors, those working on the scaffolds, other workers in the construction site, and people passing by the scaffolding.
Dismantlers and erectors are especially at risk for major injuries because they work on the scaffolding before any ladders, planks, platforms, and guardrails are completely installed.
Talk to a Skilled Construction Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Today
The vast majority of construction accident claims often involve a sizeable amount of compensation for injured workers. This is why construction companies, employers, and their insurance providers have ruthless legal teams and insurance claims adjusters to ensure that their bottom line is protected. This is also the exact reason why you need to have a skilled Brooklyn construction accident lawyer on your side.
Your lawyer will know how to handle your case and use all the relevant federal and state laws that may apply to your case. Find out about all the legal options suitable to your case by contacting Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, P.C., today. Contact us online or call 212-285-3300 to schedule your free case review with our top Brooklyn construction accident lawyer.
