Many worksite injuries aren’t caused by “carelessness” so much as preventable breakdowns in jobsite control. In our experience handling construction injury matters in Western Massachusetts, the most common issues we see after scaffolding falls include:
- Unsafe access and egress: Improper climbing points, blocked routes, or ladders/scaffold access that weren’t maintained for safe use.
- Guardrails or toe boards not in place: Missing fall-protection components that should have been installed before work began.
- Decking and bracing problems: Damaged planks, improperly seated decking, missing braces, or changes made during the shift without proper re-checks.
- Pressure to keep moving: Work continuing despite a hazard that should have been corrected, especially during tight project schedules.
These details matter because Massachusetts liability often turns on who controlled the worksite safety and what duties were owed at the time of the fall.


