Refineries rely on scaffolding structures for maintenance, repairs, and construction projects. These temporary platforms allow workers to access elevated areas safely — but when scaffolding is improperly installed, maintained, or inspected, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically.
Scaffolding accidents are often preventable. When a third-party company responsible for scaffolding provides defective equipment or fails to follow safety standards, injured workers may have grounds for a personal injury claim beyond workers’ compensation. A refinery injury lawyer can assist in determining liability and seeking compensation.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in Refineries
Many refinery scaffolding accidents result from avoidable mistakes or unsafe practices by contractors or suppliers. Common causes include:
Faulty Scaffolding Materials
Defective planks, braces, or connectors can weaken the structure and lead to collapse.
Improper Assembly
Scaffolding erected incorrectly by untrained or careless workers can fail under load.
Inadequate Inspection
Scaffolding must be regularly inspected for damage, wear, or instability — especially in harsh refinery environments.
Lack of Fall Protection
Guardrails, toe boards, and harness systems must be in place to prevent falls from height.
Overloading
Scaffolding has specific weight limits. Exceeding those limits with equipment or materials can cause structural failure.
Types of Injuries from Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding failures at refineries often result in severe, life-changing injuries, including:
- Falls from height leading to broken bones or spinal injuries
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Crush injuries from falling debris or structural collapse
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Death in high-impact falls or major collapses
Many of these injuries require extensive medical care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Determining Liability After a Scaffolding Accident
Multiple parties may be responsible for a scaffolding accident at a refinery. A thorough investigation can reveal whether a third-party contractor, scaffolding company, or equipment manufacturer contributed to the hazard.
Parties that may be held liable include:
- Scaffolding providers who supplied defective materials
- Contractors responsible for improper assembly or inspection
- Maintenance vendors who failed to secure or maintain the structure
- Manufacturers of faulty safety equipment
An experienced refinery injury lawyer can gather evidence to support a third-party claim.
Compensation Available for Injured Workers
Through a personal injury claim, injured workers may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Rehabilitation costs
- Psychological trauma from the incident
These claims often provide a broader scope of recovery than workers’ compensation benefits alone.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident at a refinery, it is critical to understand your legal rights. When third-party companies provide unsafe equipment or fail to follow safety standards, they may be held financially responsible.
Spagnoletti Law Firm can assist in investigating the accident and pursuing all available claims on your behalf. Call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation with our refinery accident lawyers. No legal fees are owed unless compensation is recovered.
Spagnoletti Law Firm — Providing legal guidance for victims of refinery scaffolding accidents.