Chicago Scaffolding Injury Attorneys

When most people go to work in the morning, they do so safe in the knowledge that they will be able to perform their jobs without facing any real threats. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for construction workers. Construction is one of the top five most dangerous industries in which to work, right along with logging, commercial fishing, and airline piloting. There are several factors that contribute to the industry’s perilous nature, but one of the most dangerous aspects of construction work is scaffolding.

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., we understand that the construction industry can be dangerous, but we also know that employers, contractors, and other industry leaders are required to prevent accidents via hands-on training, inspections, equipment maintenance, and other measures. If someone within the chain of command fails to uphold his or her safety obligations, and if a worker gets hurt as a result, the person, the company, and/or the equipment manufacturer may be held liable for injuries. Our Chicago scaffolding injury attorneys at the law offices of Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. help victims and their families pursue legal claims for damages and recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Falls are the Greatest Industry Hazard

OSHA refers to the leading causes of workers’ deaths on construction sites as the “Fatal Four.” These Fatal Four are responsible for nearly 56% of all construction worker deaths and an even greater percentage of injuries. Electrocutions, struck by objects, and caught-in/between accidents account for a combined 22% of all worker fatalities. Falls account for 34%, making them the leading cause of construction worker deaths.

According to a ClickSafety report, a worker is at risk anytime he or she is four feet or more off the ground. In the construction industry, employers must provide fall protection for anytime a worker is going to be six feet or more off the ground.

Nearly half (48%) of all falls within the private sector occur in the construction field. Of that 48 %, the majority are falls from roofs while the second-greatest number of falls (18%) are from scaffolds.  

OSHA’s Scaffolding Requirements

An estimated 2.3 million, or 65%, of all construction workers in the U.S. work on scaffolds. That means that a large number of workers are at risk every day of falling and sustaining serious injuries, or worse. OSHA, along with several other regulatory bodies, has implemented safety guidelines designed to prevent dangerous and fatal falls. You can find the full list of guidelines in 29 CFR 1926.451. Some of the more important guidelines, however, are as follows: 

• Workers who are exposed to vertical drops of six feet or more must be protected by safety net systems, guard rails, and personal fall arrest systems;
• Employers must provide the aforementioned fall protection;
• Authorized competent persons must conduct daily worksite equipment maintenance and personal protective equipment inspections;
• Authorized persons must ensure that scaffolding has been constructed properly; and
• Employers must train workers in the safe use of scaffolding.

OSHA outlines dozens more safety procedures by which employers must abide to keep workers safe. When all safety regulations are respected and followed, scaffolding injuries can be prevented. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for both employers and workers to take shortcuts. Shortcuts often result in unnecessary and costly injuries and even death.

Your Options When You Have Been Injured in a Scaffolding Accident

If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in a scaffolding accident in Chicago, or if you lost a loved one in a scaffolding accident, you may be able to recover compensation outside of workers’ compensation. However, to do so, you must prove that the employer acted negligently and that he or she failed to protect the injured party.

Our Chicago scaffolding injury attorneys at the law offices of Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. can help you prove negligence and aggressively protect your interests. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you only have to pay for our legal services if you win your case. You have nothing to lose by contacting us, but a lot to lose if you do not. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. You can also contact us online.