Many construction jobs require the use of ladders or scaffolds to reach elevated surfaces when building new property or repairing damage to existing structures. When proper safety measures are not followed, construction workers are placed at risk of serious falls and potentially disabling injuries. In Mississippi, employees who are injured on the jobsite will generally be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that can cover medical bills, missed time from work, and more. Under some circumstances, injured workers may be able to seek recovery outside of or in addition to workers’ compensation, as in the case of a defective ladder or scaffold leading to the injuries.
Why Do Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents Occur?
Falls from scaffolds and ladders that happen on the jobsite are often the result of poor safety standards, maintenance, or a manufacturer defect. Some examples of improper safety measures or defective designs include:
- Lack of guardrails
- Loose rungs
- Broken parts
- Ladders that are improperly positioned
- Ladders or scaffolds that are improperly tied off
Falls from the often extreme heights involved in ladder and scaffold accidents can have devastating consequences. Construction workers injured in high height falls will commonly require months of rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. Permanent disabilities can result from serious ladder and scaffold falls.
Some of the injuries most often experienced by ladder and scaffold accident victims include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck and back damage
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Death
Employers have a duty to provide their employees with a safe working environment, proper training, and safe equipment. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers the following tips on fall prevention to any employers whose jobs require the use of ladders and scaffolds:
- Plan: Before the task is started, plan to complete the job in a safe manner. Identify what safety equipment will be required for each and every task, and envision the fall hazards that present each step of the way. By anticipating accidents and utilizing safety equipment to prevent them, you can minimize the risk of falls.
- Provide: Employers must provide employees with the proper equipment. All ladders and scaffolds should be inspected prior to use and maintained in excellent condition. Employers must provide fall protection equipment, which will range depending upon the job at hand. Ladders should always be selected based on the needs of the individual job.
- Train: You are responsible for training your employees on the proper set up and safe operation of ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment. Train workers to recognize any hazards and properly use safety equipment that can prevent falls.
If you are injured in a workplace accident, you do have options to recover for your damages incurred. Workers’ compensation offers a no-fault system that reimburses employees for medical expenses and missed time from work. Further relief may be found through personal injury or product liability suits.
Barrett Law PLLC: Experienced Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
For over 75 years, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted injured workers across the state in a wide range of workers’ compensation matters. Our award winning workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to see that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, disabilities, and more, in the event you are injured in the workplace. For assistance with your workers’ compensation matter or any other workplace accident issue, call the dedicated attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.