Recent Scaffolding Collapse in Charlotte Reminds Workers of the Dangers Associated With Their Use

Recent Scaffolding Collapse in Charlotte

The Charlotte Observer recently reported a scaffolding collapsed during a construction site accident close to a commercial area in Charlotte in January, 2023, which claimed the lives of three workers and sent two others to the hospital seeking emergency care.

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our workers’ compensation attorneys have represented injured workers throughout North Carolina for over 25 years, including those who have been injured or tragically lost their lives in scaffolding accidents. Unfortunately, these accidents happen more often than most people think.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported of the 510,500 injuries and illnesses that occur in the construction industry annually, 9,750 are related to scaffolds. Unfortunately, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reported that scaffold-related accidents result in roughly 60 deaths every year.

OSHA states millions of workers in the construction industry work on scaffolds. Scaffold incidents causing injury or death to workers are often the result of either the planking or support giving way, the worker slipping, the absence of fall protection, or being struck by a falling object. In Charlotte, the scaffolding collapse raised concerns about proper installation or inspection of the scaffold.

These incidents can be avoided by compliance with OSHA standards, including those involving scaffolding assembly, safety training for use, and deconstruction. If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a scaffolding accident in North Carolina, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte want to help ensure your story is told.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim.

What are the Most Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents and Injuries in North Carolina?

According to a recent BLS study, 72% of scaffold accidents can be attributed to one of the following three causes:

• Falling objects hit either a worker on a scaffold or those below.
• Scaffold support or planking gives way due to defective equipment or improper assembly.
• Slipping or tripping while on a scaffold due to factors such as slippery surfaces or lack of guardrails.

Other scaffold accidents and injuries may be caused by:

• Collapse of scaffold due to overloading.
• Electrocution because of scaffolds and equipment being too close to power or utility lines.
• Environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and the presence of hazardous substances.
• Inadequate fall protection.

There are twenty-eight OSHA-approved State Plans, operating statewide occupational safety and health programs. In its North Carolina State Plans, employers are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA’s and may have different or more stringent requirements.

If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident in North Carolina, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte can help you investigate the cause of the incident, and ensure you have access to the medical care you need to properly treat your injuries.

What are the Most Common Types of Scaffold Accident Injuries in North Carolina?

Scaffolds are used to gain access to heights that are naturally unreachable, which means accidents that occur while they are in use often result in catastrophic injuries or death.

The most common scaffold injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Amputations.
• Broken bones.
• Lacerations.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Wrongful death.

Because scaffolds are used in both small and large cities alike, it is not just construction workers and contractors who are injured during these accidents. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists can be injured or killed too, when scaffolding collapses. If your life has been impacted by a scaffolding accident, we want to hear your story, so we can get you the help you need.

Contact Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

Our dedicated workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to construction workers and personal injury victims who have been injured by calling 704-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.