Making your way across scaffolding may seem second nature to you if you work on a construction site. When your regular walk turns into a serious accident or a total collapse of the scaffold, you could wonder what caused this problem.
Knowing more about how scaffolds are dangerous for workers can help.
Shaky or unfinished platforms
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you may slip and fall when other workers do not secure a platform properly while building it. This can happen in the beginning stages, where erectors forget a screw or use a rusted piece of equipment.
It can also happen if those in charge fail to ask a competent person to check for any faults or problems with the scaffold before letting workers walk on it.
Overloaded platforms
When those in charge want to save some time, they may instruct workers to overload platforms with too many supplies. Climbing up on those platforms could lead to a collapse if the added weight of a person is over the limit.
Falling from a height of even a few feet unexpectedly can leave you with serious injuries to your head, spine, back and other areas.
Lack of fall protection
As a worker, you need a personal fall arrest system that helps prevent injuries if you are above a certain height on a scaffold. If your bosses do not give you the necessary equipment, a slip-and-fall incident can have serious consequences.
No matter what injury you suffer on a scaffold, the act of walking on it can put you in danger.