Scaffolding accidents don’t always involve a dramatic “collapse.” Often, the dangerous event is preceded by smaller breakdowns—problems that become obvious only after someone falls.
Common Keene-area scenarios include:
- Access points and walkways that don’t stay safe as materials are moved or the work zone is rearranged.
- Guardrail or toe-board gaps around decks and platforms, especially when crews are changing tasks mid-shift.
- Improper setup or incomplete components (bracing, planking/decking, anchors/ties) that may not be noticed until the load shifts.
- Insufficient fall protection use due to workflow pressure, staffing changes, or unclear instructions.
- Wet or uneven surfaces from weather swings in New Hampshire—ice melt, rain, or debris that makes footing unpredictable.
Even when the fall seems straightforward, determining liability often depends on what the jobsite looked like before the incident and what safety measures were required under the circumstances.


