Working on or near scaffolding comes with many risks, so it should be a priority to prevent any scaffold-related accidents. Follow our scaffolding safety tips to help you avoid preventable accidents for your employees and keep a safe work environment:
Pay attention to the weather
Weather conditions can greatly impact how safe the scaffolding is. Rain, snow, and ice make the surfaces slippery. Strong winds can destabilise scaffolding, and lightning is a hazard for metal structures. Always check the weather forecast and avoid working during severe conditions.
Be fully licensed
Scaffolding construction and use should only be undertaken by trained and certified individuals. Completing PASMA
Tumeur du foie : pronostic en fonction du stade, du grade et du risque
courses from training providers such as Global FLT ensures you understand how to safely erect, dismantle, and use the scaffolding. Without proper training, workers risk serious accidents.
Use Scaffolding safety tags
Safety tags indicate whether the scaffolding is safe to use or requires repairs. Green tags mean the structure is safe, while red tags warn workers to stay off. Always check the tags before climbing scaffolding to ensure it has been inspected.
Keep a safe distance from heavy equipment
Scaffolding should be set up at a safe distance from heavy equipment such as cranes or excavators. The vibrations and movements of these machines can destabilise the scaffolding or cause it to collapse.
Follow climbing safety instructions
Always use designated ladders or stairs to climb scaffolding and never take shortcuts by climbing the structure. Wear non-slip footwear and secure your tools to prevent items from falling and causing injury below.
Understanding what causes damage to scaffolding
Overloading the scaffolding structure with materials or tools beyond its weight limit is a common cause of failure and accidents. Corrosion from exposure to moisture, rain, and chemicals can weaken the metal parts, while poor assembly can create weaker points. Regular inspections and immediate repairs will help prevent these issues from causing accidents.
Climb responsibly
The main rule of safe climbing is to maintain three points of contact at all times, either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
