The attorneys at the noted Manhattan law firm of Block O’Toole & Murphy have a wealth of experience in fighting for victims injured in scaffold accidents. When a scaffold collapses, usually the consequences are noteworthy and severe.
Today, we bring you information about a very significant scaffold collapse that occurred in midtown Manhattan this week where there were no reported injuries. The scaffold was set up on West 38th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue. Approximately 60 feet of the scaffold collapsed, burying cars that were parked below it and littering the street with debris. Thankfully, there were no workers on the scaffold and no pedestrians below it when it collapsed. The street was closed by authorities so that the area could be cleaned and made safe. Additionally, an investigation will begin in an effort to learn why this scaffold collapsed. Agencies like the Fire Department, the Department of Buildings and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be looking for answers.
Why does a scaffold collapse? Authorities estimate that there are 4500 scaffold injuries and 50 deaths in a year. So, when scaffold s are employed at a work site, everyone using them or working around them must be sure that the scaffold is structurally sound. Frequent inspections of the scaffold’s stability will reduce accidents. They should occur before the scaffold is used for the first time. They should also be inspected after things like severe storms or if repair work has been done on the scaffold. A scaffold should also be periodically inspected every few weeks just to be sure that it remains in sound condition. Workers should only be permitted to work on scaffolds under normal weather conditions and fall protection equipment should always be available and mandatory when appropriate. Below are some reasons a scaffold may collapse:
· A scaffold collapse may occur when the scaffold is not safely attached to the supporting structure.
· A scaffold collapse may occur when the scaffold is overloaded and the excess weight impacts the stability of the scaffold.
· A scaffold may collapse when there is an unusually fierce weather condition like heavy winds or severe snowstorms.
· A scaffold may collapse when it is improperly assembled and erected.
The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy take pride in helping injured construction workers and their families. The lawyers fight for their clients and also fight to preserve the laws that protect construction workers. The firm has recovered more than $800,000,000 in verdicts and settlements on behalf of their injured clients. You can call them at 212-736-5300 for a free consultation or learn more about them by reviewing the firm website at www.blockotoole.com.