Scaffold Safety On Construction Sites
Brian O Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
Workplace safety is important no matter the industry, but it is especially important for construction workers who faced many daily challenges on construction sites. Scaffolding is commonly used on construction sites to make it easier to maneuver around the site. However, if safety protocols are not followed, the result can be disastrous for workers.Today, we will go over some tips for improved scaffold safety on construction sites.
Key Points On Scaffolding Safety
When it comes to scaffolding on a construction site, there are a few key points you need to remember. First, the scaffolding has to be built under the supervision of a competent person. Second, the workers who will be utilizing the scaffolding need to be trained by a qualified individual before they can use the scaffolding.
Finally, the scaffolding, along with its individual components, needs to be inspected thoroughly and tagged before each shift to help ensure its safety and integrity every day before it is used.
Safety Dos And Don'ts
With a few simple rules and guidelines, you will quickly find that it is much easier to follow proper safety protocols while using scaffolding on any job site.
Scaffolding Dos
• Always inspect the scaffolding before use each day. This helps ensure that everything is in proper working order.
• Ensure that all workers receive proper training regarding the right and wrong way to use scaffolding on a site.
• Hold a daily safety meeting before the actual work starts. This helps grow a culture of safety within the organization and keep all workers focused and alert.
• All workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspection tags should be checked daily.
• Everyone needs to understand the weight capacity of the scaffolding being used.
• All scaffolding platforms should have proper handholds in place.
• Always use safety belts and lanyards when you are on scaffolding ten feet or more above the ground.
• When climbing cross braces, use a ladder for access.
• Always keep both feet firmly planted on the decking.
• Make sure everything is secure and does not move.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when setting up the scaffolding.
Scaffolding Don'ts
• At the end of the day, don't leave anything behind on the scaffold.
• Never place too much weight on the scaffold.
• Never use unstable objects such as loose blocks, barrels, or boxes to support your scaffolding or help you reach higher areas.
• Never work on scaffolding unless it is fully planked.
• Never stand on any of the ties or extensions.
• Avoid using the scaffolding if it is damaged in any way.
• Avoid walking on the scaffold if it is covered in ice, mud, or anything else that may cause it to become slippery and unstable.
• Avoid using scaffolding in inclement weather.
• Never jump between scaffolds.
• Never reach out past the guardrails.
• Never rock or jump on the scaffolding.
• Never throw anything down over the scaffolding.
• Avoid moving any mobile scaffolding if a worker is on it.
As you can see, scaffolding can be a great addition to a construction site as long as the company and the workers make sure everything is up to par and adheres to safety standards and procedures.
However, accidents do happen. If you were injured on your job site as the result of faulty scaffolding, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to see if you can file for worker's compensation to help cover the damages.