Understanding scaffolding accidents
Working at height is not without its risks. However, many scaffolding accidents are entirely avoidable and due to someone else's negligence. You deserve to be kept safe at work, and your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe. If this hasn't happened, you may be able to claim scaffolding accident compensation. You may also be able to make a claim against the party who erected the scaffolding if they have breached their legal duties to keep you safe.
Your employer has a legal duty to ensure that your working environment is as safe as possible. In fact, the purpose of scaffolding itself, is to ensure that you can make repairs or modifications to a building safely.
If you've had an accident that happened at work when you were using scaffolding, perhaps if you work in construction, then we may be able to help you make a no win no fee scaffolding injuries claim. Contact us for free on and our expert advisors will let you know whether you're eligible to make a scaffolding accident compensation claim.
We've helped thousands of people just like you start a no win no fee claim for an accident at work. Here's what a few of those people had to say about us.
Paul Scott had to visit A&E after his accident
I won around £2,500 which helped with my loss of earnings, but the most important thing to me was making sure the company improved their procedures
Which factors cause the most accidents on scaffolds?
Which factors cause the most accidents on scaffolds?
If you've experienced any of the types of scaffolding accident listed below, you may be able to make a claim for compensation, as it's possible that your employer has failed to keep you or the public safe. Give us a call today on to find out whether you could make a scaffolding accident compensation claim.
Scaffolding collapse
Scaffolding collapse can lead to some of the most serious injuries for those working on or around the structure, and to members of the public.
Some avoidable factors that cause scaffolding collapse are:
- Failure to erect or attach scaffolding correctly.
- Overloading weight on scaffolding structures.
- Defective scaffolding equipment, such as standards, ledgers, transforms or planking.
Falling from height
Falls from a height are a common scaffolding injury type for workers or site operatives, making up a significant proportion of accidents. In the worst cases, they can have tragic consequences.
Some factors that can cause a scaffolding fall are:
- Poor fall protection, such as missing handrails.
- Faulty transport to the top of the building.
- Overlooked safety measures.
Whatever the cause of your fall, if it was not your fault and you've been injured as a result, then we may be able to help you to make a scaffolding injury compensation claim.
Slips, trips or falls on scaffolding
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) reported that slips, trips and falls were the most common injury in 2023 for scaffolding workers.
Some factors that increase the risk of losing your footing are:
- Poor weather conditions.
- Raised, uneven or badly laid flooring.
- Scaffolding or construction materials left in thoroughfares.
Falling when you're working on scaffolding can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones. Your scaffolding accident may be worse because you've fallen off the scaffolding on to the ground below. If you've suffered a slip, trip or fall in similar circumstances, we can help, as we have years of experience in dealing with scaffolding accident claims.
Lack of safety training and equipment
Your employer is responsible for training you to carry out your duties safely, which is particularly important in construction roles.
The The Work at Height Regulations 2005 oblige your employer to ensure that no person engages in any work activity at height unless they are competent to do so. If your employer hasn't given you appropriate training, then they've neglected their legal duty towards you. This puts you, your colleagues, and the general public at risk of scaffolding accident injuries.
If your scaffolding training was poor, or non-existent, and you've been injured as a result, you may be able to make a scaffolding injury compensation claim. Compensation awards can help with the financial impact of a scaffolding injury, aiding your recovery. It can also help cover your daily living expenses while you're unable to work.
If the appropriate maintenance or safety checks haven't been carried out on the scaffolding, or it has been erected by someone who isn't adequately trained, then another party may be at fault for your scaffolding injury. Similarly, your employer is responsible for ensuring you're provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you've been asked to work without a helmet, harness or other PPE, it's likely that your employer has breached its health and safety duties. If you've suffered any injuries as a result, then you may be able to make a scaffolding injury compensation claim.
Scaffolding accidents outside the workplace
Not all accidents involving scaffolding happen to people who are at work. Sometimes innocent bystanders, residents or pedestrians can be affected by falling debris or collapsing structures.
If you're a member of the public who has been injured because of a scaffolding accident, then you may be able to claim compensation from the company responsible for the scaffolding.
Injuries caused by faulty scaffolding or where equipment has been used irresponsibly, can not only affect your physical health, but your mental health too. With over years_since years' experience, we can help you to make a no win no fee claim for scaffolding injury compensation that will help you on your road to recovery.
Contact us today on and we'll let you know whether you're eligible to make a claim for compensation.
Did you know?
Around 17,000 people work with scaffolding in the UK. 74 cases of scaffolding accident occured in 2019. 61 required treatment lasting over a week and 13 were major incidents requiring hospitalisation. It's encouraging that the number of scaffold accidents injuries and deaths keeps falling.
Source: National Access & Scaffolding Confederation, 2020
Can you claim for a scaffolding accident if you didn't fall?
Can you claim for a scaffolding accident if you didn't fall?
If your scaffolding accident was caused by someone else's negligence, then you can make a compensation claim, regardless of how far you fell. Scaffolding injuries can be caused by falling on the same level or onto a lower level of the structure.
The NASC reported that in 2023, slips, trips and falls were still the most common injury type for scaffolding workers common injury type for scaffolding workers.
If your employer failed to keep your working environment safe or asked you to work in unsuitable weather conditions, and this caused your scaffolding accident injury, we may be able to help you make a compensation claim.
Contact us today on to discuss your accident. There's no pressure to make a claim - that's entirely your decision. We'll simply talk to you about your situation and let you know whether we think you're eligible to claim scaffolding injury compensation.
Scaffolding injuries
What sort of scaffolding injuries can be caused?
What sort of scaffolding injuries can be caused?
Most scaffolding injuries are caused by structures falling and collapsing, or a trip on the same level. Some common injuries that you may have experienced are:
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Head trauma causing brain damage or other head injuries.
- Back or spinal cord injuries.
- Lacerations causing bleeding, shock or infection of open wounds.
- Damage to internal organs, soft tissues or nerves from crush injuries.
Every scaffolding accident is different, so some injuries can be minor, whereas others can be life-changing or fatal.
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What are my employer's responsibilities for preventing a scaffolding accident at work?
What are my employer's responsibilities for preventing a scaffolding accident at work?
Sometimes scaffolding will not have been built by your employer, but by a scaffolding company. This means that your employer might not be responsible for the scaffolding accident that led to your injury. Having said that, your employer does owe you a duty of care when you're using scaffolding as part of your job.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 obliges employers to keep you safe while working. If your employer breaches this legal duty and you are injured in a scaffolding accident, you're probably eligible to make a no win no fee accident at work compensation claim.
Your employer should:
- Provide you with appropriate training.
- Inform you of any risks to your health and safety.
- Advise you of who controls scaffolding accident risks and how they're controlled.
- Work with health and safety representatives to protect you.
- Issue you with appropriate PPE and ensure it is maintained well.
- Carry out regular inspections and maintenance of scaffolding equipment.
- Ensure all necessary warning signs are clearly visible.
- Maintain an official accident report book.
What are my rights at work?
What are my rights at work?
From a health and safety perspective, you have the right to:
- Work in an environment where any risks to your health and safety are controlled responsibly.
- Cease working and clear the immediate area if you think you or your colleagues may be at risk of injury.
- Be consulted by your employer on health and safety matters.
- Report any health and safety issues to your employer.
- Contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local council without fear of intimidation.
- Join a trade union and be a safety representative.
- Get paid time off work for training as a safety representative.
- Rest periods of at least 20 minutes if you work more than six hours without a break.
- Appropriate on-site first-aid facilities and trained first aiders.
Will my claim affect my employer?
Will my claim affect my employer?
If you make a compensation claim against your employer, there is no direct financial impact on them, as their insurance provider will cover the cost.
Making a scaffolding injury compensation claim can actually have a positive impact. By highlighting workplace hazards, your employer can change their policies or implement new safety procedures to improve things for other employees.
You can find out more about making a claim against your employer here, including who pays for your compensation and how it might affect your job.
Will I lose my job if I make a scaffolding accident compensation claim?
Will I lose my job if I make a scaffolding accident compensation claim?
Your employer cannot dismiss, discipline or in any way make your life difficult at work because you've made a scaffolding injury claim. If they do, they're in breach of UK employment law.
If your employer tries to dismiss you for making - or consider making - a compensation claim, you may have a case for unfair dismissal. Similarly, if they make your life at work so difficult you quit your job, you may have a case for constructive dismissal.
We're happy to talk through any concerns you may have about making a scaffolding injury compensation claim against your employer. With over years_since years' experience helping people win the compensation they deserve; you're in good hands.
We give free, impartial and confidential advice about making a personal injury claim. There's no pressure to make a claim - that's entirely your decision.
If you do decide to proceed with a scaffolding accident injury compensation claim, our expert advisors will connect you with a specialist solicitor. Call us free on to find out more.
Making a scaffolding accident claim
What should I do after a scaffolding accident at work?
What should I do after a scaffolding accident at work?
If you experience a scaffolding accident at work, you should seek immediate medical assistance. Even a minor scaffolding accident injury can involve complications or longer-term effects - it's vital that you speak to your GP or local hospital immediately, depending upon the seriousness of your accident.
If you want to make a scaffolding accident at work claim, and feel ready to do so, give us a call on for a confidential chat with one of our professional, friendly and personal injury advisors.
Once you've received appropriate treatment, which may be from a first aider, your GP or the hospital, make sure that you or a colleague do the following:
- Talk to your co-workers about the scaffolding accident. They could be key witnesses who ensure that your employer cannot dispute that the accident occurred.
- Report your scaffolding accident injury to your manager, ensuring that the accident is recorded in the accident book. Many work injuries must also be reported to the Health and Safety Executive for formal investigation.
- Take photographs and videos of your injuries, as they will form a very useful part of your scaffolding accident evidence. Keep a diary, recording your symptoms and tracking your recovery.
- Keep a log of any lost income or financial expenses you incur because of your accident at work.
Keeping good records will help your personal injury solicitor to build a strong case for scaffolding accident compensation if you choose to proceed.
A colleague may be able to help you if you're off work because of your scaffolding accident. They can keep you updated and ensure that your accident at work is recorded properly. If you're a union member, speak to your representative as they can give you support too.
If your employer doesn't handle your scaffolding accident correctly, you could also submit a formal grievance which will compel them to recognise the incident. Similarly, if they don't follow the injury at work rules, you can submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR). A DSAR submitted under current UK data protection laws means they must give you a copy of all the information they hold about you.
If you think you may have grounds to make a compensation claim for scaffolding accident injuries, then we can help. Call us on for a confidential chat.
How does my solicitor prove my claim?
How does my solicitor prove my claim?
Your scaffolding accident injury lawyer will help you to build your case. You'll need to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. To prove liability, you must establish blame in four key areas:
- Duty: Did the party you hold responsible for your injury, owe you a legal duty of care?
- Breach: Did they breach that duty by acting (or failing to act) in a particular way?
- Causation: Did their actions (or absence of them) cause your injuries?
- Damages: Were you injured by their action or inaction?
How long after an injury can I claim scaffolding accident compensation?
How long after an injury can I claim scaffolding accident compensation?
Every claim is different, but generally, they must either have been settled, or for court proceedings to have been started, within three years of the accident. The sooner you contact us to start the claim process the better.
Once you speak to our team we'll take care of everything to ensure that the claim is settled, or court proceedings have been started, before the three-year deadline. This is often referred to as the limitation period and is subject to a few exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the accident, then an adult can claim on their behalf at any time until their 18th birthday, as a ‘litigation friend'. If no claim is made before they reach 18, then they have until their 21st birthday to settle a claim as an adult in their own right, or start court proceedings.
- If a person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, perhaps because their injuries are so serious, then there is no time limit for someone to claim on their behalf. However, if they regain capacity at any point, however briefly, the three-year limitation period will start from then, even if they lose capacity again. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- If you are making a claim on behalf of a loved one who has passed away, you have three years from the date of their death or from the date it was discovered that an accident or illness was the cause. Within this period, the claim must either be resolved, or legal proceedings must have commenced.
Most of the time, you won't be involved in court proceedings at all. Your expert scaffolding injury lawyer will handle everything for you, keeping you updated about what to expect and when.
Scaffolding accident injuries: how is compensation calculated?
Scaffolding accident injuries: how is compensation calculated?
If your scaffolding accident was caused by someone else's negligence, then it's likely that you can make a compensation claim for your injuries.
Compensation is made up of general damages and special damages. The amount you receive and how long it takes depends on several factors: the extent of your scaffolding accident injuries, your recovery time and the overall impact on your life.
General damages are compensation for pain, suffering and ‘loss of amenity'. Loss of amenity means the things you normally do but no longer can because of the scaffolding accident you've suffered.
Special damages are the direct financial losses you've suffered due to your scaffolding accident at work, and include:
- Loss of income you or those caring for you have suffered.
- Future loss of earnings or opportunity to earn.
- Changes to your ability to work.
- Any care or support you need, including that given free by family and friends.
- Adaptations to your home or car.
- Medical treatment, travel for treatment and related accommodation costs.
We can't give you an accurate idea of your potential settlement amount until your solicitor has started to negotiate with the other party's insurers. However, the Judicial College (part of the Ministry of Justice) publishes guidelines for general damages. Below are some examples of scaffolding accident injuries and the compensation they attract:
Types of scaffolding accident injuries | Range of compensation |
Wrist injury from fracture or soft tissue injury with complete recovery | Up to £5,790 |
Minor head or brain injury | £2,690 to £15,580 |
Significant hip or pelvis injury leaving some long-term problem | £15,370 to £32,450 |
Severe, disabling elbow injury | £47,810 to £66,920 |
Severe back injury with spinal cord damage | £111,150 to £196,450 |
Your scaffolding injury lawyer will make sure that your compensation claim also includes special damages. This means that you won't be left out of pocket and will have the money you need to support your recovery.
Most of our claims are made on a no win no fee basis. A no win no fee agreement is a contract between you and your scaffolding accident injury lawyer. It means that if you lose, you pay nothing. If you win, any costs and your solicitor's success fee come from your compensation settlement.
While we can't give you an accurate scaffolding accident compensation figure at the outset, our compensation calculator will give you a very rough estimate for general damages, based on your answers to some simple questions. Alternatively, contact us today on for a free and confidential chat about what you've been through.
Why choose National Accident Helpline?
Why choose National Accident Helpline?
At National Accident helpline, we offer a friendly, free service, provided by expert personal injury advisors. With over years_since years' experience in personal injury claims, we're rated ‘Excellent' on Trustpilot with more reviews than any other helpline. Every day, we help hundreds of people across the UK who've been injured in accidents, so if you choose us to deal with your claim, you know you're in safe hands.
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We deliver a personal touch for scaffolding accident injury claims
Personal injury claims can be complex, and you might be unsure of what your next steps are. Call us for advice about your scaffolding accident, and we'll guide you through the compensation claims process, step-by-step.
During your initial call, we'll ask you about your circumstances, injuries and pain. You should be ready to give us as much information as you can, but don't worry if you don't have exact dates: we may still be able to process your claim.
If we think you're eligible to make a scaffolding accident injury compensation claim during your call, we'll let you know. There's no pressure to make a claim, but if you decide to proceed, we'll refer you to one of our specialist solicitor firms, who have experience working with claims just like yours.
Our calls are free and confidential. If you're ready to get advice, or start your scaffolding accident compensation claim, simply contact us on . Alternatively, you could use our callback form and we'll aim to call you back within 30 minutes during regular opening hours.
Is National Accident Helpline a claims management company?
Is National Accident Helpline a claims management company?
No. National Accident Helpline is a brand that belongs to the personal injury legal practice National Accident Law. We're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the independent professional ethics body that licenses all solicitors in England and Wales. Our SRA number is 655606.
Claims management companies (CMCs) are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). CMCs do not have their own legal practices.
We process personal injury claims as part of National Accident Law. We also work with a national network of specialist personal injury legal firms who we vet very carefully to provide you with the best possible customer experience.
With us, you're in safe hands.