Scaffold accidents occur somewhat frequently in New York City, the construction capital of the world. Scaffold accidents receive a fair amount of media attention because they pose very serious dangers due to the elevated heights that workers work at while on a scaffold. The consequences can be quite severe.
Usually workers face serious injury or even death when they are the victims of a scaffold accident. The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are following a dramatic rescue of two workers who were trapped on scaffolding about 20 stories high in lower Manhattan near city hall.
The rescue came after emergency calls were placed alerting authorities that two workers were atop a scaffold, hanging perilously in the air. The workers were stuck 20 stories over the neighborhood of Tribeca at a building on Broadway near Reade Street. Reportedly, some of their equipment malfunctioned. Information is slowly becoming available but as of now the type of equipment that malfunctioned and why it malfunctioned is unclear. But the workers appear to have been safely rescued by courageous group of firefighters.
Are scaffold accidents common? Are they dangerous? According to statistics provided by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are more than 4,500 scaffold accidents per year in the United States. Scaffolding accidents lead to 50 deaths every year. Making scaffold work at construction sites is not just a construction worker concern; it is a safety concern that all Americans should take ownership of.
Improving worker safety will save lives. Most scaffold accidents can be avoided, and not just by heroic firemen and emergency personnel. Appropriate fall protection while working on a scaffold will significantly reduce the number of accidents. Personal fall protection can include things like a body harness, a vertical lifeline and a lanyard. When used properly, these types of protective equipment will limit will reduce worker injuries and deaths even if a scaffold totally collapses.
Today’s story is one that has a happy ending. The endangered workers came out unharmed. Still, it is an important lesson for tomorrow about how dangerous working on a scaffold can be. If you or anyone you know has been involved in a scaffold accident, you should consider consulting a top notch construction accident lawyer. Block O’Toole & Murphy is a team of lawyers that have been helping construction workers for decades. These construction accident lawyers have recovered more than $750,000,000 on behalf of their injured clients. You may learn more about them at www.blockotoole.com. You can also contact them at 212-736-5300 for a free consultation.