When it comes to statistics on scaffolding safety, it is difficult to get past this number: 4,500. That’s the number of construction-site injuries related to accidents on scaffolding, and it is a statistic that seems to persist year-to-year.
At American Scaffolding, we are intensely committed to improving worker safety. Our dedication is not borne simply out of the fact that approximately 65% of construction workers use scaffolding. Even if that percentage was merely a percentage point or two, the safety of every worker represented is vitally important to us.
The data on scaffolding training is old, but the number reported by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics indicates that 25% of workers received no such instruction. If the percentage is not concerning, consider the raw number of workers affected: with an estimated 2.3 million workers using scaffolding, 25% would be roughly 575,000 workers who are not trained. That’s a lot of people. It’s a lot of risk, and not only for these individuals and the companies they work for. Think about all the family members potentially affected by a preventable scaffolding-related injury.
Key Scaffolding Risks
Much of the background on scaffolding risks is familiar to anyone in constructions, but some major ones
to review include:
- Attention to Installation – Proper assembly and installation is vital for worker safety. It needs to be built according to code always. Pre-shift inspections for faulty or loose parts before using scaffolding need to be part of daily and weekly routines.
- Remember that accidents and falls often happen during assembly and removal. To prevent accidents and falls, ensure safety precautions throughout the entire cycle of scaffold use.
- Moreover, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and OSHA requirements. Equipment in good condition that has been properly assembled, examined, load tested, and used safely should not fail.
- Electrocution – With 18% of scaffolding-related deaths caused by electrocution, working with or near a power source calls for extreme caution. Always lock and tag out the power source.
Falls and Falling Objects
Falls alone account for 10% of all scaffolding accidents and more than 50% of deaths in the construction industry. It is vital to be prepared for any potential falls. Employees should clip into fall protection immediately. Make sure employees are always wearing the proper PPE.
Climbing up and down a scaffolding platform rather than using safety equipment like ladders presents significant avoidable risk. Remember that workers need to use fall protection on all fixed ladders with a top height of more than 24 feet above the lower level with the user’s harness no more than nine inches away from the anchorage point. The lifeline must be strong enough to withstand a 500-pound drop from 18 inches.
Plus, with gravity always at work, remember that even small objects falling from large heights can cause serious injury or death. For the safety of employees working below, scaffolding must always be assembled with all guardrails and toe boards.
Further Precautions to Consider
With scaffolding safety paramount to ensuring the well-being of both construction workers and the public, here are some additional safety measures and practices:
- Make Training and Communication Priorities: All workers should receive training on scaffolding safety practices, including how to properly use and inspect scaffolding. Effective communication among team members is also crucial for coordinating activities and ensuring safety. Only trained and qualified personnel should erect, dismantle, or work on scaffolding. Workers should understand the risks associated with scaffolding and know how to mitigate them.
- Inspect Routinely: Scaffolding should undergo thorough inspections before each use, as well as at regular intervals during use. This includes checking for any damage, loose connections, or instability.
- Adhere to Weight Limits: Do not exceed the maximum intended load capacity specified for scaffolding. This includes considering the weight of workers, tools, materials, and any equipment being used on the scaffolding.
- Require Fall Protection: We cannot say it enough: require your workers to use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, when working on scaffolding at heights. This helps prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall.
- Secure Platforms: Fully plank and secure scaffolding platforms to prevent movement or displacement during use. Eliminate or minimize any gaps between planks to prevent tripping hazards.
- Heed Weather Considerations: Avoid using scaffolding in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, ice, or heavy rain, as these can compromise its stability and safety.
- Establish Emergency Procedures: Familiarize workers with emergency procedures in case of accidents or incidents involving scaffolding. This includes knowing how to safely evacuate the area and administer first aid if necessary.
It is critical to understand how to stay safe and have the proper set of scaffolding safety standards in place. Adhering to these safety measures and practices such as those recommended here, construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with scaffolding. Remember that regular safety audits and ongoing training can help reinforce a culture of safety within the construction industry.
