In 2009, there were 54 reported scaffolding deaths, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Out of these deaths, it was reported that 74% of them were related to non-compliance issues in regard to OSHA standards.

The majority of the deaths occurred as a result of slip and fall accidents, falling objects, or loose planking or support. OSHA estimates that if the protocol were followed in every work environment involving scaffolding, as many as 50 lives could be spared each year and as many as 4,500 accidents could be avoided.

If you were injured in a scaffolding accident that involved an OSHA compliance violation, you may be eligible for a settlement to assist in paying your medical bills and future expenses. Give Wagner Reese a call today and speak with our work accident attorneys in Indianapolis to find out how we can assist you in getting the money you are due as a result of your accident.

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Scaffolding & Ladder Accident Statistics

Despite strict regulations meant to keep workers safe, scaffolding and ladder accidents occur on job sites across the country and throughout Indiana every day. Most often, these accidents occur as a result of negligence.

Facts about scaffolding and ladder accidents:

  • In the U.S. over 2 million workers (approximately 2/3 of which are construction workers) use or work on scaffolding.
  • When OSHA revised its standards in 1996, 25% of workers had never received any training in scaffolding protocols.
  • In addition, 77% of scaffolds at that time were not equipped with guardrails.

OSHA has since drastically cut down on the number of deaths and injuries due to scaffolding accidents, but there is still a long way to go.

The CDC works in conjunction with OSHA to provide safety checklists to make sure employers are following compliance regulations for scaffolding safety procedures. If you believe your employer may not be following these regulations, give us a call today. You can also call the U.S. Department of Labor’s whistleblower hotline.

Our Firm Can Fight for You

Scaffolding and ladder accidents tend to result in very serious injuries, including but not limited to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, internal organ damage, and even traumatic brain injury. If you or your loved one was injured due to unsafe scaffolding or a defective/dangerous ladder at work, Wagner Reese can help.

With more than 150+ years of collective experience, our Indianapolis work injury lawyers can help you clearly and fully understand your rights and options. We assist clients with workers’ compensation, as well as third-party work injury claims. Our firm has helped countless injured workers and their families secure the just compensation they were owed, recovering millions of dollars on behalf of victims of negligence in our 20+ years in practice. We are prepared to serve as your tireless legal advocate.

Call us at or fill out and submit an online contact form today to request a free initial consultation with our legal team.