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Construction Accidents: An Overview of Scaffolding Safety Laws in Georgia 

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Also referred to as staging, scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support a crew that is doing construction and/or repair work. With our region’s boom in construction, scaffolding is a near ever-present site in Atlanta. Defective, poorly installed, or otherwise problematic scaffolding poses a serious safety risk. In this article, our Atlanta construction accident injury lawyer provides an overview of scaffolding safety laws in Georgia and explains what you should know about your legal options if you are involved in an accident. 

Thousands of People of are Injured Each Year in Scaffolding Accidents

According to data cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are approximately 4,500 scaffolding accident injuries and 60 scaffolding accident fatalities reported each year. Most of these accidents occur on construction sites—with falls being the primary cause. 

Georgia Requirements for Scaffolding and Staging Design

There are federal and state regulations to help ensure that construction sites are reasonably safe for workers and passersby. Georgia has a scaffolding-specific construction safety statute. Under Georgia GA Code § 25-15-110, scaffolding that is suspended or stationery but more than 30 feet off of the ground must meet the following safety requirements: 

  1. It must have a properly attached safety rail (bolted, braced, and otherwise secure); 
  2. The safety rail must rise a minimum of 34 inches above the main portion of the scaffolding; 
  3. The safety rail must extend the full length of scaffolding; and
  4. Openings in the rail must be limited to what is necessary to deliver materials/equipment. 

Construction companies and contractors that violate Georgia’s scaffolding safety law can face serious sanctions. They could be subject to fines, liability for accidents, a stop work order on the construction site, and even a misdemeanor criminal penalty for a knowing violation.  

Recovering Compensation After a Scaffolding Construction Site Accident 

Construction site accident claims are complex—particularly scaffolding injury cases. If you were hurt in a scaffolding-related accident on a construction site in North Georgia, our Atlanta attorney is here to help you navigate the claims process and maximize your financial recovery. If you were working at the time of the accident, you should file for workers’ comp benefits. You may also be entitled to recover additional financial compensation through a third party liability claim. In cases of gross negligence (serious scaffold safety laws), an employee may be able to hold their employer liable for additional damages as well. All serious scaffolding accidents require a comprehensive investigation from an experienced Atlanta, GA construction site injury attorney. 

Call Our Atlanta Construction Accident Attorney for Immediate Help


At Ponton Law, our Atlanta construction accident attorney has the skills and experience to handle scaffolding accident claims. If you or your loved one was hurt due to defective or poorly staged scaffolding, we can help. Contact us today to set up a free, no obligation review of your case. From our Atlanta law office, we represent construction accident victims throughout the region, including in Decatur, College Park, Marietta, Brookhaven, Stockbridge, Kennesaw, and Norcross.