What is a scaffold accident?
The majority of scaffold accidents are slip and falls, as well as tools and heavy objects falling on people.
A scaffold is one of the most dangerous work environments because: (1) it is outdoors and is affected by weather; (2) you need to climb ladders and steel structures; (3) there is usually only one wall – the building that the structure is attached to; (4) there are open spaces everywhere so tools may fall off the scaffold and hit someone; (5) it is a man-made structure so poorly constructed structures may collapse.
Your employer is responsible for providing a risk-free work environment for all employees. As scaffolding has more hazards than most other work environments, your employer must ensure that all risks are identified and minimised as much as possible. For example, your employer must provide you with a safety helmet and stress that you wear it during your hours of work. Failing to do so would be employer negligence.