As a construction worker in Virginia, you likely spend a lot of time on or around scaffolding. In fact, studies have shown that up to 65 percent of construction workers use or work on scaffolding frequently. Unfortunately, scaffolding-related injuries are not uncommon despite safety regulations.
FindLaw lists out OSHA’s regulations for scaffolding. They have regulations for the inspection and design aspects, as well as all components of construction. The design and construction of scaffolding is held to rigorous standards. This is because any failure in how scaffolding is designed or built can be an immediate cause of severe injury and even death.
OSHA regulations also dictate the type of equipment used for construction, the construction methods, and the rated capacities. All scaffold components and the fully constructed scaffolding must each support its own weight and then some. Certain pieces even have to hold up to four times their maximum intended load weight. Suspension ropes must support six times that weight.
Inspection is also crucial to safety. Poor inspections lead to missed mistakes. When inspections are done, they are to be performed on all individual components of the scaffolding, as well as the fall protection equipment of the workers. OSHA standards demand that worn or damaged equipment be taken out of service immediately.
Unfortunately, despite the precautions OSHA lays out, not every site is inspected thoroughly. Not every scaffold is constructed carefully. If you have been injured on or around scaffolding and you believe it is because safety standards were not being met, consider contacting an experienced attorney. They may be able to help you gain the compensation you deserve.