The #1 Reason People Fall Off Scaffolding – And What You Can Do About It
Construction work is dangerous, and scaffolding accidents happen far too often. One wrong step, one shaky board, or even tripping over misplaced equipment can send a worker falling, leading to devastating injuries. In fact, the #1 reason people fall off scaffolding is lack of proper safety measures.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, you know how quickly things can go wrong. A simple mistake can lead to a slip and fall, a trip and fall, or worse serious injuries that require months or even years of recovery.
Why Do People Fall Off Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is meant to provide a stable working platform, but when safety is overlooked, workers are at serious risk. Here are some of the most common reasons people fall:
Unsecured scaffolding – If scaffolding is not properly anchored, it can shift or collapse under a worker's weight.
Lack of guardrails – Many scaffolding setups are missing proper railings, making it easy to lose balance and fall.
Slippery surfaces – Rain, spilled materials, or dust can cause workers to slip.
Being hit in the rear – Workers can be knocked off balance when struck by heavy machinery, falling tools, or another worker.
Weak or damaged platforms – If scaffolding is not regularly inspected, weak boards can break, leading to dangerous falls.
What Happens After a Scaffolding Fall?
Falling from scaffolding is not like a minor stumble on solid ground. These falls often result in severe injuries, including:
Neck injury – Whiplash or spinal damage can happen upon impact.
Back injury – A bulging disc or permeated disc case can leave workers in chronic pain.
Hip replacements – Hard landings can shatter bones, leading to surgery.
Degloving injury – Skin and muscle damage can occur if a worker gets caught on scaffolding.
Burn injuries – If electrical equipment or flammable materials are nearby, falls can lead to burns.
RSD reflex sympathetic dystrophy – Some injuries lead to nerve damage, causing long-term pain and mobility issues.
Some workers may require epidural injections, fusion surgery, or long-term rehabilitation to recover. Others may never return to work again.
How to Stay Safe on Scaffolding
If you work on scaffolding, always make sure:
The structure is inspected before use.
Guardrails and harnesses are in place.
Tools and materials are properly secured.
Workers are trained on safety procedures.
Heavy equipment is controlled to prevent anyone from being knocked off balance.
Injured in a Scaffolding Fall? You Have Rights.
At Segal Law Firm, we fight for workers injured in construction site accidents. Whether you were rear ended by equipment, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced a back injury that changed your life, we are here to help.
If you or a loved one has been hit in the rear or suffered a fall due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait. Call us today. You deserve justice, and we are ready to fight for it.