2 workers uninjured after VCU building scaffolding collapse - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Richmond Police say two workers were on scaffolding attached to a Virginia Commonwealth University building Wednesday morning when it fell, but they were uninjured.

According to Richmond Fire, the primary pulley failed, but the secondary system kicked in. They were able to pull the two men up safely.

A statement from building contractor Skanska provided additional details about the incident:

At approximately 9:45 a.m. this morning, two employees of Crown Corr Inc. at our Children's Hospital of Richmond Pavilion project at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center in Richmond, VA escaped serious injury when a portion of the swing scaffolding they were working on malfunctioned.

These subcontractors were installing windows nine stories up on a swing scaffolding, which was roughly 100 feet off the ground, when one side of the swing scaffolding gave way. Both workers were fully tied off with independent harnesses, which kept them safe. The other end of the scaffolding remained secured. The workers were hoisted to safety by fellow co-workers. Both men escaped serious injury, and one was treated and released from VCU Hospital.

The cause of the malfunction is not known at this time. Skanska will be conducting its own internal investigation.

“Safety devices are there to protect the workers in the event of equipment or human error. Although this accident is serious, it also shows that the systems we have in place effectively prevented serious injury and harm,” said Chief Environmental Health and Safety Office Hendrik VanBrenk.

The Children's Pavilion jobsite is located at the corner of Broad and 11th streets.

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