64-year-old falls from scaffolding during painting work in Sölden and is seriously injured

Emergency services on site

In addition to the police, paramedics from the rescue service were also deployed. The „Martin 8" rescue helicopter took the injured man to the hospital. No further information was initially available regarding the exact nature of the injuries or the man's current state of health.

The serious workplace accident occurred on Saturday morning, July 25. The police have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the accident. It will also need to be clarified whether the scaffolding and the additionally placed wooden ladder were set up and secured in accordance with regulations.

Investigation into the cause of the accident

Workplace accidents involving falls from height are among the most common causes of serious accidents on construction sites in Austria and Tyrol. Strict safety regulations apply to the erection of scaffolding and to work at greater heights, including those regarding fall protection and the use of suitable climbing aids.

The Sölden police have taken over the investigations. Should the suspicion of a violation of safety regulations be confirmed, further legal steps are possible. The case illustrates the risks associated with work on higher wall surfaces, even when these are routine tasks.

Background: Falls on construction sites

The scene of the incident is located in the Tyrolean Ötztal, a region in which numerous construction and renovation works take place during the summer months. The use of rescue helicopters such as „Martin 8" is a routine procedure in the event of serious accidents in the valley locations of Tyrol, in order to bring patients quickly to a specialized clinic.

The Innsbruck University Hospital is one of the largest trauma centers in western Austria. Patients with serious injuries, for example after falls from height, are treated there immediately.