Scaffolding can be a very dangerous place to work, especially if the scaffold has not been correctly assembled or the users of the scaffolding are not working in a safe and careful manner.

Over 2 million construction workers regularly use scaffolding to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

In the UK nearly 5000 people a year are injured following accidents on scaffolding, with over 50 scaffold accidents resulting in a fatality. The most common cause of accident is a fall from height off of the scaffold.

Other common scaffolding accidents include:

• Safety procedures not being followed
• Badly constructed scaffolding
• Falling objects onto scaffolding
• Insecure scaffold bracing
• High wind and unpredictable weather
• Unstable scaffold
• Accidents during scaffold construction
• Poor materials
• Scaffold collapse
• Planking and scaffolding supports giving way

The main industries most at risk from a scaffolding accident are those who use scaffold on a regular basis, such as Roofers, Bricklayers, Painters, Construction Workers and Electricians.

Employers using scaffolding are regulated by the Work at Height Regulations which are governed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make sure workers are protected and safety on scaffolding is an employers main priority.

In the UK accidents on scaffolding have decreased over the last few years mainly due to tougher regulation making many employers tighten up their safety procedures and ensure their workers are suitably protected.

Anyone involved in a scaffolding accident should seek legal advice as there is a good chance they will be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

By speaking to a Solicitor who has knowledge and experience of scaffolding claims and the health and safety regulations will help to ensure victims get the best possible advice on what to do next.

Normally an experienced personal injury Solicitor will be able to make a claim for the pain and suffering as well as other expenses such as loss of earnings and any other out of pocket costs. The Solicitor will also normally arrange rehabilitation to ensure the quickest possible recovery from the injuries caused by the accident.

Anyone making a claim following an accident on scaffolding should not need to pay any legal fees and would be able to keep 100% of any compensation awarded, cases are generally handled on a no fee basis with the Solicitors legal costs being paid by the responsible party or their insurance company.

Pinto Potts Solicitors have an expert legal team who have considerable experience in handling claims for people injured in construction accidents and on scaffolding. For free, no obligation legal advice call 0800 316 4434.