WHAT’S AT STAKE

Scaffolding is a temporary platform built to perform the job on a higher elevation, and to avoid falling of person from the height that requires scaffolding safety procedures.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

DANGERS OF SCAFFOLD WORK

Faulty design and inadequate construction of the scaffolding are dangers but, in most case, scaffold accidents are caused by poor maintenance and improper use.

1. Raising And Dismantling Scaffolding. When erecting scaffolding, a common hazard is not providing an appropriate platform for the worker as they are installing the next lift. Failure to install tie-ins may result in the scaffolding swaying enough to topple someone off their working platform, especially when the platform is not sufficient. Accidents are frequently reported in situations where the worker was only working from a platform of one or two planks.
2. Lack of Guardrails. The use of guardrails is recommended for any platform higher than 5 feet, but this precaution is often not observed which has resulted in falls and serious injuries. Many falls from scaffolds are from platforms of less than 10 feet high, so a guardrail should be considered an important control measure.
3. Overhead electrical wires. Contact with electrical wires puts workers in serious danger.  Scaffold electrical hazards include failing to observe safe distances from electrical lines, especially when hoisting scaffolding on a jobsite.
4. Planks slipping or breaking. If scaffold planks are unsecured, overloaded or in bad condition, they can break or slide which causes many falls and injuries.
5. Rolling scaffolds. Moving a rolling scaffold while workers are still on the platform can be a very dangerous practice and can cause workers to fall or slip, especially if the working platforms are already insufficient and/or if any of the planks are loose or loaded down too heavily.
6. Overloading platforms. Placing excessive weight on a working platform can cause planks to crack or break. Another common problem is when working material overhangs the scaffold platform and causes the platform to tip and slide.
7. Climbing on scaffolding. Climbing up and down a scaffolding platform rather than using appropriate equipment like ladders poses another serious risk and has resulted in many falls and injuries. If the scaffolding has not been secured properly, this practice also poses a risk to other workers on the platform.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

SCAFFOLDING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: BASIC DOS AND DON’TS

Scaffolding Safety Dos:

1. Inspect the scaffold using a checklist or mobile inspection app before the work shift.
2. Provide proper training.
3. Have a toolbox talk before beginning work.
4. Wear appropriate PPE.
5. Always check inspection tags.
6. Know the weight capacity of the scaffold.
7. Have a handhold above the scaffold platform.
8. Level the scaffold after each move. Do not extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches.
9. Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more above ground level. Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.
10. Safely use the ladder when climbing the cross braces for access to the scaffold.
11. Keep both feet on the decking.
12. Stay off the scaffold during loading or unloading.
13. Ensure planking is overlapping or secured from movement.
14. Follow manufacturer’s instructions, under the direct supervision of a competent person.
15. Be mindful of coworkers working above and below you at all times.
16. Use the debris chutes or lower things by hoist or by hand.
17. Chock the wheels of the rolling scaffold, using the wheel blocks, and also lock the wheels by using your foot to depress the wheel-lock, before using the scaffold.
18. Always use netting to catch anything that falls.

Scaffolding Safety Don’ts:

1. Leave anything on the scaffold at the end of your shift.
2. Overload the scaffold.
3. Use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks to support scaffolds, increase your work height or planks.
4. Work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.
5. Use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.
6. Stand on ties, guardrails, or extensions.
7. Use the scaffold if it appears damaged in any way, has been tampered with, or if there are components missing such as planking, guardrails, toe boards, debris nets or protective canopies.
8. Walk on scaffold planking covered in ice, snow, or mud.
9. Avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong winds.
10. Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing.
11. Never climb with any materials or tools in your hand. They should be hoisted up separately.
12. Jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
13. Lean out or overreach outside the guardrails.
14. Rock the scaffold.
15. Throw anything “overboard” unless a spotter is available.
16. Move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on it.

FINAL WORD

With baseline scaffold requirements to keep workers safe such as better inspections, training, and controls, frontline teams can ensure scaffolding safety and be proactive about building a safety culture from the ground up.