Property Damage (Scaffolding Collapse)
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Common construction accidents involving scaffolding usually include either scaffold collapse and/or objects falling from the scaffold itself. Workers on the scaffold will normally utilize some type of equipment while on the scaffold, such as paint and related supplies, tools such as hammers, screw drivers or drills, as well as window cleaning equipment. Scaffold collapse may occur due to overload, as can be possible when heavy loads such as bricks, block, piping, pumps, or flanges are placed on a scaffold. In the case of a scaffold collapse, property damage to surrounding buildings and structures may occur.
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Causes of scaffold construction accidents vary but may include:
o Unsecure scaffolding
o Poor or careless construction
o Use of poor quality of damaged material
o Missing or malfunctioning brakes
o Missing or malfunctioning fall safety systems
o Insufficient maintenance of scaffold
o Lack of or poorly conducted safety inspections
o Insufficient load rating / overloaded scaffold
o Dissimilar or incompatible components used
- Severe weather conditions may also cause scaffold accidents. When safety precautions are not followed and workers utilize scaffolding in inclement weather, such as precipitation and/or high winds, unsafe conditions develop and include slippery surfaces and the possible “blowing off” of equipment.
- Financial cost incurred in replacing the scaffold, lost time on the work being performed and repairing damage to facilities or equipment below or attached.
Personal Injury (Safety / Human Health)
Injury potential exists for workers on a scaffold in the event of a collapse or other malfunction. Injury may also occur when ascending or descending from a scaffold, passing materials to a scaffold, or inadequately guarded or protected openings. Contact with electrical equipment or power lines can also result in injury. In the case of a scaffold collapse, there is also potential for injury to people on the ground in the vicinity of the scaffold. People on the ground working or walking in the vicinity of the scaffold may be seriously injured by objects that fall from the scaffold.
Environmental Impact
In addition to the Property Damage and Personal Injury consequences stated above, facilities must also consider the potential environmental damage that could occur due to a scaffold malfunction.
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Environmental damage due to releases to the air, soil, or bodies of water from equipment or supplies contained on the scaffold such as thinners, paint, toxic chemicals, etc.
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In the event of a scaffold collapse, the potential for equipment damage that results in the release of toxic materials or other harmful substances to the environment (e.g. – scaffold collapses onto a process pipe resulting in a release).
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Released material have the potential to cause personnel injuries as well as environmental damage.