The Occupational Safety & Health Administration reports that nearly three-quarters of scaffolding injuries result from planking or supports giving way or an employee slipping or being struck by an object.

In nearly 4 of every 5 scaffolding accidents, safety guard rails were not in place.

Employers are required to provide the proper safety training for scaffold workers. Additionally, the New York’s Scaffold Law requires building owners and general contractors to provide workers with proper scaffolds, harnesses, hoists and other safety equipment when working at elevation. They cannot delegate the responsibility to subcontractors, the employees or others.

Common types of scaffolding used in New York include single-fold scaffolds, often used for painting or repairing outside walls; birdcage or independent scaffold, scaffolding commonly seen with two or more rows of vertical pipes with horizontal pipes used for support; and swing-stage or suspended scaffold, used by window washers in which the scaffolding is suspended from the building.

Serious injury or death in New York scaffolding accidents are often caused by a lack of fall protection, such as guardrails, lack of safety lines and netting, collapse of scaffolding due to poor condition of equipment or improper installation, being struck by falling tools, work materials or other debris, and electrocution when scaffolding or work equipment comes into contact with power lines.

At Flanzig and Flanzig we work to recover damages for lost wages, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages from those responsible for scaffolding accidents, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners and equipment manufacturers.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injury or killed in a scaffolding accident, contact Flanzig and Flanzig to discuss your rights.