Unsafe Scaffolds: What’s Causing Preventable Injuries in 2025?

The construction industry relies heavily on scaffolding to provide workers with safe access to elevated workspaces. However, unsafe scaffolds remain a significant cause of preventable injuries and fatalities. In 2023, falls were the cause of 395 of the 1,069 construction fatalities. This article delves into the primary causes of unsafe scaffold incidents in 2025, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety regulations and proactive measures to protect construction workers.

The High Stakes of Scaffold Safety

Scaffolding might appear simple, but failures can lead to severe consequences. Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and complete scaffold collapses can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), scaffold-related accidents result in roughly 60 deaths and 4,500 injuries every year. Employers lose almost $90 million in workdays due to these incidents.

Common Causes of Scaffold Injuries in 2025

Understanding the root causes of scaffold accidents is crucial for prevention. A BLS study revealed that 72% of scaffold accidents are attributable to:

Scaffold support or planking gives way: This can be due to defective equipment or improper assembly.
Slipping or tripping: Factors such as slippery surfaces or the absence of guardrails contribute to these incidents.
Falling objects: These can strike workers on the scaffold or those below.

Other factors contributing to scaffold accidents include:

Electrocution: Scaffolds and equipment positioned too close to power lines.
Environmental conditions: Wind, rain, and hazardous substances.
Inadequate fall protection: Lack of guardrails or personal fall arrest systems.
Overloading: Scaffold collapse due to excessive weight.

Key Factors Contributing to Unsafe Scaffold Practices in 2025

Several factors contribute to unsafe scaffold practices, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

1. Lack of Proper Training

Inadequate training is a significant factor in many scaffold accidents. Workers who lack proper knowledge and hands-on experience are more likely to make errors in erecting, dismantling, and using scaffolds. Comprehensive training should cover:

Hazard recognition and avoidance
Load capacities and material handling limits
Approved access points and restricted zones
Safe work practices near power lines
Proper use of fall protection equipment

2. Failure to Follow OSHA Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established comprehensive regulations for scaffold safety (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L). Non-compliance with these regulations is a major cause of accidents. Key OSHA requirements include:

Load Capacity: Scaffolds must support at least four times their maximum intended load.
Fall Protection: Workers on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected by guardrails or personal fall arrest systems.
Guardrail Requirements: Toprails must be between 38 and 45 inches tall.
Access: Safe access to scaffolding must be provided via stairwells or ladders.
Footing and Stability: Scaffolds must rest on firm, level foundations.
Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections by a competent person are mandatory.

3. Inadequate Inspection and Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to identify and correct unsafe conditions. OSHA requires that a competent person inspect scaffolds:

Before every shift
After any incident (storms, impacts, or relocation)
After job completion

4. Use of Damaged or Defective Equipment

Using damaged or defective scaffold components significantly increases the risk of accidents. Regular inspections should identify and remove any compromised materials, including:

Damaged planks
Corroded or weakened supports
Missing or broken guardrails

5. Environmental Factors

Weather conditions can significantly impact scaffold stability. High winds, rain, and ice can create hazardous working conditions. Best practices include:

Monitoring weather conditions and postponing work during inclement weather
Using windbreaks or tie-downs to stabilize scaffolds in windy conditions
Ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation

Preventing Scaffold Injuries: A Proactive Approach

Preventing scaffold injuries requires a proactive approach that prioritizes safety at every stage of the construction process.

1. Comprehensive Training Programs

Employers should provide comprehensive training programs that cover all aspects of scaffold safety, including erection, dismantling, use, inspection, and fall protection. Training should be hands-on and regularly updated to reflect the latest safety protocols and best practices.

2. Strict Adherence to OSHA Regulations

Compliance with OSHA regulations is paramount. Employers should ensure that all scaffolds meet OSHA standards for load capacity, fall protection, access, and stability. Regular audits and inspections can help identify and correct potential violations.

3. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Daily inspections by a competent person are essential to identify hazards and ensure that scaffolds are in safe working condition. Any defects should be immediately addressed and the scaffold taken out of service until repairs are completed.

4. Use of Appropriate Fall Protection

Fall protection is critical for preventing serious injuries and fatalities. Employers should provide and ensure the use of appropriate fall protection equipment, including:

Guardrails
Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points)
Safety nets

5. Safe Access and Egress

Safe access to and from scaffolds is essential. Employers should provide ladders, stair towers, or ramps for workers to use when accessing the platform. Climbing on cross braces or using unstable objects should be strictly prohibited.

6. Weather Monitoring and Precautions

Weather conditions should be continuously monitored, and work should be postponed during high winds, rain, or ice. Additional precautions, such as windbreaks and tie-downs, should be used to stabilize scaffolds in windy conditions.

Legal Recourse After a Scaffold Accident

Despite best efforts, accidents can still occur. Workers injured in scaffold accidents have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.

1. Workers’ Compensation

In most states, workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

2. Third-Party Claims

In some cases, a third party other than the employer may be responsible for the accident. Potential third parties include:

Scaffold manufacturers or suppliers (if the scaffold was defective)
Contractors or property owners (if they failed to maintain a safe work environment)
Other subcontractors

3. New York’s Scaffold Law

New York has a unique law, Labor Law Section 240, also known as the Scaffold Law, which holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries sustained by workers. This law provides strong legal protection for workers injured due to unsafe scaffolding, ladders, or other elevation-related equipment.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Future

Unsafe scaffolds continue to pose a significant risk to construction workers in 2025. By understanding the common causes of scaffold accidents and implementing proactive safety measures, we can create a safer work environment and prevent preventable injuries and fatalities. Comprehensive training, strict adherence to OSHA regulations, regular inspections, and the use of appropriate fall protection are essential components of a successful scaffold safety program.