Scaffolding Accident Claims

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used for supporting workers and materials, often in construction or repair projects. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe and secure platform for work at heights.

Scaffolding can be temporary or permanent, although the former is more common. It is built with strong materials and designed for easy assembly and disassembly as required. Scaffolding is used in numerous industries, including construction, mining, and oil and gas.

In the construction industry, scaffolding is used for almost any work at height, including painting, wall repair, and window installation. It is also commonly used in demolition work, enabling workers to remove hazardous materials and conduct repair work safely.

Scaffolding accidents occur due to one of the following factors:

Faulty Scaffolding

This can result from poor construction and maintenance practices or simply a misuse or misapplication of the scaffolding itself. Poorly constructed scaffolds pose serious safety issues that could lead to loss of life if not properly maintained.

Poor Training

Inadequately trained workers who fail to follow instructions on maintaining and repairing their work areas are at risk of scaffolding accidents. These people may also neglect safety precautions that could prevent accidents from occurring (e.g., wearing gloves while working with sharp tools).

Scaffolding accidents are unfortunately prevalent in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) , the construction industry had the highest number of fatal injuries in 2020.

The number of injuries in construction in 2021/22 was 30, a decrease of 10 from the 2020 total of 40. The five-year average for fatal injuries in this sector is 36.

These figures show that construction remains one of the most dangerous industries. Unfortunately, scaffolding accidents will only likely increase as more construction sites open up around the country.

Therefore, construction project owners must prioritise site safety to reduce the risk of scaffolding accidents. This includes ensuring the proper erection of scaffolds, that all workers have adequate training, and take all necessary safety precautions. It is also vital to ensure that workers know their legal rights and can access proper compensation if injured due to an unsafe working environment.

If you sustained an injury in a scaffolding accident, you should take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being.

Get medical help

Firstly, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may have sustained severe injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, that require urgent medical treatment. Even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, it is essential to get checked out by a doctor to ensure no hidden injuries.

Consider your claim

Once you have received medical treatment, you should consider whether you want to claim compensation. For example, if you were injured due to the negligence of a third party, such as the scaffolding company or their employees, you could pursue legal action against them.

In the UK, you may be eligible to file a claim for a scaffolding accident if you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. This could be the scaffolder, the contractor, or another party. We’ve included some of the eligibility criteria opposite.

The next step is finding a qualified solicitor if you have a valid claim. Your solicitor will work with you to assess your claim and provide legal advice. They will also help you gather evidence and file the necessary paperwork.

With their help, you can get the justice you deserve. If you sustained an injury in a scaffolding accident in the UK, our team at Claims Bible can guide you on how to get the deserved compensation.

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident, you could be entitled to different types of compensation. 

In addition to these two types of damages, you may also be able to claim for ‘future losses.’ These sums of money cover any costs you may incur in the future due to the injury, such as ongoing medical costs or adaptations to your home or vehicle.