Scaffolding is employed in almost every type of construction. Scaffolding is usually a temporary platform constructed by using timber or steel. Oftentimes, the scaffolding is created using a Hodge-podge of materials and scrap leftover from prior projects. Additionally, scaffolding built at a construction site often involves very little planning and design to ensure the safety of the employees assigned to use them. construction accident lawyers
The three most common types of scaffolding found on construction sites are supported scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and aerial lifts. Supported scaffolds are platforms supported by load-bearing poles, legs, and frames. Suspended scaffolds are usually supported by ropes attached to an overhead structure. Finally, aerial lifts include vehicles equipped with baskets or work platforms that can be elevated to allow employees to work from a height.
OSHA estimates that 4,500 scaffolding accidents that occur each year are preventable with proper training and construction of the scaffolding. The most common hazards that employees working with scaffolds may encounter include Falls from height, scaffold collapse, being struck by falling objects, and electrocution. Falls from height are generally preventable with the use of guardrails and having an employee use a fall arrest system. Scaffolding collapses are preventable by ensuring the that scaffold is properly constructed, ensuring that the scaffold is not overloaded, and having a trained person inspect the scaffold before use. Employers can protect employees from falling objects by restricting access to the area beneath a scaffold, or employing a canopy to protect the employees walking beneath the scaffold. Electrocution can be avoided by ensuring that all scaffolds are constructed a safe distance from utility lines, an employer should also request that local utility companies de-energize lines if scaffold work needs to be performed by utility lines.
The primary purpose of scaffolding, to allow employees to work at a height above shoulder level, also explains why the injuries sustained from scaffold accidents are so severe. Injuries involving scaffolding regularly result in broken bones or traumatic brain injury. personal injury
In one year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported 88 fatalities involving scaffolding. Recognizing the danger involved in scaffolding accidents, OSHA has promulgated strict guidelines for the design and construction of scaffolds.
OSHA has promulgated a number of regulations and codes concerning the construction and use of scaffolds. OSHA regulations require that the components used to build a scaffold must be able to support four times the maximum intended load. OSHA regulations also prohibit the use of a damaged scaffold until all repairs have been completed. Furthermore, it is a violation of federal law for employees to work on scaffolds during storms or high winds, or when scaffolds are covered with snow or ice.
Our firm has helped a number of employees that were injured while working with scaffolds. If you have been injured in a construction accident involving a scaffold, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. Please call our Law Office and one of our construction accident lawyers will provide a free consultation concerning your case.
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Trucking Accidents. On the Job Injuries. Wrongful Death. Construction Accidents, Boating Accidents, Premises Liability. Contact Us
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Truck drivers are often operating their vehicles while drowsy as their work shifts call for long hours on the open road. As we recently reported on our Truck Accident Lawyers Blog, the driver of a fuel tanker was killed in an accident with a tractor-trailer. Police are investigating the accident and questioning whether or not the driver was asleep at the wheel.
Our truck accident attorneys understand the risks that drowsy drivers pose to the safety of all motorists on our roadways. Drivers of passenger vehicles are more at risk in these types of accidents as they’re the ones who are more commonly seriously injured or killed in the event of an accident with a large truck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 3,000 motorists were killed, and 64,000 were injured, in accidents involving these large commercial trucks in 2008. Less than one-fourth of the injury or fatality victims were in the tractor-trailers at the time of the accident.
In an effort to reduce the risk of an accident with a drowsy truck driver, the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) requests that the American Trucking Associations advise companies to equip their commercial vehicles with automated and tamperproof on-board recording devices, which track driving hours and compliance with hours-of-service rules. The government is also moving to make such recorders mandatory for most over-the-road trucks.
According to an article in Automotive Discovery, a driver alertness warning and lane departure warning system is now available to truck drivers through the SafeTraK3. This device can help to warn truck drivers about the unintentional departure from their lane. It also has the ability to detect erratic driving in any one lane. Experts agree that fatigue and drowsiness are two of the biggest risk factors for commercial trucking accidents. Systems like the SafeTraK3 could be installed in all large trucks, and eventually in passenger cars, to help reduce the risks of a drowsy driving accident.
The AAA Foundation offers these safety tips to help drivers stay awake at the wheel to “Drive Alert…Arrive Alive”:
-Make sure you get enough sleep the night before. If you’ve got a trip planned that involves a significant amount of driving, be sure to prepare yourself for the trip by getting enough sleep in the days leading up to the trip.
-Avoid driving when you’re sleepy. If you feel the effects of drowsiness at the wheel, you should pull over, take a break or get a hotel room to catch up on your rest.
-Schedule a break. It is recommended that you drive no longer than 2 hours, or every 100 miles, before stopping and taking a break.
-Travel with a passenger. When you’re traveling with another passenger, be sure to take turns driving as the other passenger catches up on rest. This will cut your personal driving time in half.
Make sure you listen to your biological clock while operating a motor vehicle. Nighttime is a very risky time for drivers as sleep can be seemingly irresistible. This urge most commonly occurs between midnight and 6 a.m. This is the time when drivers are most likely to be involved in a sleep-related accident. The second most common time for the occurrence of a drowsy driving accident is during the “afternoon lull” or between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
If you are involved in a trucking accident, contact our accident lawyers for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.
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A car accident is not just physical damage – It can also be a large financial and legal burden, especially if you do not have knowledgeable legal help in your time of need. Whether car accidents were your fault or not, it is a good idea to be in touch with someone who can help you through tough and often confusing times after a car accident. A car accident lawyer helps you lay down the legal playground after a car accident by informing your rights and responsibilities and providing information on car accident laws and accident claims. Some conditions around the car mishap require that an attorney be involved, just because of the complexity of dealing with this issue.
If you have been injured in your car in a car accident, especially if there is a permanent injury that has resulted in lost income or loss of time at work in school, an attorney can help by filing a claim against the party responsible for the injuries. More on this website
The lawyer’s help should also be sought after a car accident if:
Injuries have been caused due to a car accident, especially for a serious injury such as broken bones or any other injuries, hospitalization will be required.
Death as a result of a car accident.
The official police report does not accurately represent the car accident and its circumstances – especially if the report puts you in error.
Car accidents occur in a construction area.
Car accidents included obstacles or pedestrians.
Your liability insurance will not cover the loss completely.
You do not have any insurance.
Your insurance company brings it to a lawyer. If this happens, immediate legal assistance should be provided. This is an emergency.
The only reason to contact an attorney after a car accident is not to hurt. Whereas a car accident such as a fender bender does not result in much loss, perhaps a lawyer is not required. The help of an accident lawyer is necessary to navigate the dangerous waters of insurance claims for a more complicated accident with greater damage, police report, and liability. To help with your case, it is important that you do not wait to seek help from a car accident lawyer to file a claim. Waiting too long to start legal action can prevent you from receiving compensation. The time limits to file differ from the state to the state, and you can limit the amount of money you can recover, or eliminate it completely if you don’t file within the statute of limitations.
When you meet an attorney, be prepared. Take any necessary documents and insurance information. Also take the name of any witness, any photographic evidence taken in the scene, and a copy of the official police report. Take any information that can help you with your claim. Be sure to prepare your documents before meeting your lawyer. This can be a very difficult time for you and your family. It is important to know when to ask for help, and especially when seeking help from a trained professional, such as a lawyer for a car accident. Find help from a trusted source.
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