OSHA reports that nearly two out of three construction workers frequently perform at least part of their

work on scaffolding. Although they may not think of scaffolds as dangerous places, roughly 4,500
workers are injured each year in scaffold-related incidents, and as many as 50 actually die.

Are scaffolds inherently dangerous? As with so many other aspects of safety, being aware of the hazards
and following proper procedures to minimize risks will eliminate much of the potential for problems and
injuries.

While there are many different kinds of scaffolding, the most common on construction sites and in
manufacturing applications is the fabricated modular frame type that can be assembled quickly, offering
versatility for a variety of heights and tasks. We’ll focus on frame scaffolds in this article, although much
of the information also applies to other types.

1. Start with training

The safe use of scaffolds demands that they be erected, moved, dismantled, and maintained properly,
and that all workers who perform tasks on the scaffold fully understand the correct safety procedures.
Both needs are best addressed through mandatory training. The former is normally referred to as
Competent Person training. Under safety regulations, a competent person is responsible for overseeing
and coordinating scaffolding.

The training for workers who actually use the scaffolding should focus on correct use of the scaffold and
how to handle materials and tools when working on it. They should be made aware of load ratings and
how that may affect their tasks, as well as needed fall-protection equipment and other hazards such as
electrical wires.

Training should be updated whenever substantial changes are made to the scaffold’s structure or the
tasks that are being performed.

2. Follow the instructions

Some incidents involving scaffolds can be avoided by remembering a very basic piece of advice: follow
the instructions. Workers can become so familiar with scaffolds that they make the mistake of assuming
that all systems and applications are exactly the same. That’s not the case.
For example, I’ve seen workers interchange components from different manufacturers when they can’t
find the piece they need. Scaffolds may be fairly simple structures, but each system is engineered
differently. Using a component from another manufacturer or system may mean that the scaffold
doesn’t have its full structural integrity. If you’re fortunate, it may only be a little unstable, but in the
worst case, it could collapse. Unless the manufacturer specifically indicates that the components are
compatible and can work together, don’t mix them.

The rule of thumb for scaffolds is that they will become unstable once the overall height is four times
the length of the shortest part of the base – and that only applies when the scaffold is properly
assembled, has been set on the correct base, and is plumb. Going beyond that limit – even for a
comparatively brief task – is inviting trouble. Don’t forget that extreme weather conditions may rule out
the use of an otherwise safe scaffold.

Scaffolds should always be set on a firm foundation. Mud sills or base plates may be needed, depending
upon the condition of the surface. If you use an uneven or stable surface, or a mobile piece of
equipment that hasn’t been designed specifically as a support, the scaffold will be inherently unsafe. All
bracing must be properly installed and secured so it cannot become loose.

Most of all, scaffolds should be erected or modified only with the direction and supervision of a
competent person – and any scaffolds that are more than 125 feet in height above the base must be
designed by a registered professional engineer, reflecting the additional hazards and structural stress
involved with such heights.

3. Consider the hazards

The hazards associated with the use of scaffolding vary with the nature of the tasks being performed
and the operating environment. Generally, the biggest hazard is falls, which is why guardrails or some
type of fall-protection equipment are required on scaffolds that are at least ten feet above the ground
or next level.

Most scaffolds are constructed from metal components, so their proximity to live power lines may
create an electrocution hazard, especially when workers are using metal strapping or tools. Overhead
lines and equipment may also pose a hazard for head injuries.

Weather conditions can create hazards on scaffolds that are used outdoors or that may be exposed to
the elements (such as in partially finished buildings). If the platform becomes wet or icy, it creates a risk
for skips and falls. Or, if icicles form on portions of the structure above the scaffold, they may thaw and
suddenly drop on workers.

One potentially hazardous area that workers may not always consider is their access to and from the
scaffold. The potential for slips and falls is greatest when they’re climbing on or off the scaffold. Because
OSHA regulations prohibit using a scaffold’s bracing as a point of access, the competent person on the
site must ensure that safe access is available, and is used properly. If hook-on or attachable ladders are
the access method, they must be designed specifically for the scaffold and positioned so that they do
not cause the scaffold to tip. Stair-style ladders must provide handrails, rest platforms, and treads that
minimize the chance of slipping.

4. Use a tagging system

The competent person on a site is also responsible for providing instructions to workers as to whether
the scaffold is safe to use. The most common method involves attaching one of three color-coded tags
to the scaffold.

A green tag signifies that the scaffold has been inspected and is safe for the intended use, while a red
tag sends a warning that it is not safe for occupancy, either because it’s being erected, or because
there’s a problem with the scaffolding or the environment.

Finally, a yellow tag informs workers that the scaffolding is safe to use under certain conditions. An
example would be a yellow tag that reminds workers that they can occupy the scaffold if they are using
adequate fall protection. Another example would be a warning about specific trip hazards on the
particular section of the scaffold.

5. Inspect and re-inspect

One of the competent person’s most important responsibilities is to inspect the scaffolding at least
every day, and more often when necessary (such as during changing weather conditions). The inspection
should consider the activities that will be performed on the scaffold that day, verifying that the scaffold
will provide a safe place from which to work. It should include the work platform itself, as well as the
integrity of the entire structure.
In a work environment that involves multiple shifts, such as a manufacturing plant or petrochemical
refinery, a competent person should be available for each shift, and should conduct his or her own
inspection for the benefit of the workers on that shift. If a yellow or red tag from the previous shift is
noticed, the competent person should pay particular attention to the reason for the tag to determine if
it is still needed.

One more: respect their complexity

Scaffolds may seem to be fairly simple structures, but they actually involve complex engineering and the
optimal interaction of a variety of different forces. That’s why the companies that design and build them
invest so heavily in engineering – and why it’s so important to ensure that the people entrusted to
oversee them on jobsites receive adequate training.

Having respect for the complexity of scaffolds and ensuring that all employees involved with their
erection and use are properly supervised, will have a dramatic impact on reducing the number of
injuries and equipment damage caused by scaffolding mishaps. That means a small investment in extra
attention can have a significant payoff.
4 Major Hazards: Scaffold Safety

1. Falls

Falls are attributed to the lack of guardrails, improper installation of guardrails and failure to use
personal fall arrest systems when required. The OSHA standard requires fall protection must be used
when work heights reach 10’ or more. OSHA’s standards represent the minimum level of protection;
many general contractors require 100% fall protection at 6’ or greater when working on scaffolds. These
contractors are increasing safety margins by exceeding the minimum requirements of the OSHA
standards.

Lack of proper access to the scaffold work platform is an additional reason for falls from scaffolds.
Access in the form of a secured ladder, stair tower, ramp, etc. is required whenever there is 24” vertical
change to an upper or lower level. The means of access must be determined before erection of the
scaffold and employees are never allowed to climb on cross braces for either vertical or horizontal
movement.

2. Scaffold collapse

The proper erection of a scaffold is essential in preventing this particular hazard. Before erecting the
scaffold, a number of factors must be accounted for. The amount of weight the scaffold will be required
to hold including the weight of the scaffold itself, materials, and workers must be considered.
Foundation stability, placement of scaffold planks, distance from the scaffold to the work surface, and
tie-in requirements are just a few of the other items that must be considered prior to building a scaffold.

Scaffold Competent Person

A knowledgeable individual who can perform preplanning will reduce the chances of injury and save
money for any task. However, when building, moving, or dismantling a scaffold, a knowledgeable
person, also known as the scaffold competent person, must be present. A competent person must also
inspect the scaffold daily to ensure the structure remains in a safe condition. Improper construction can
lead to a total collapse of the scaffold or falling components – both of which can be fatal.

3. Struck by falling materials

Workers on scaffolds are not the only ones exposed to scaffold related hazards. Many individuals have
been injured or killed due to being struck by materials or tools that have fallen from scaffold platforms.
These people must be protected from falling objects. OSHA requires that this is done one of two ways.
The first is to install toe boards or netting on work platforms to prevent these items from falling to the
ground or lower level work areas. The other option is to erect barricades that physically prevent
individuals from walking under work platforms.
Caution or Danger tape is often used in an attempt to keep people away from overhead hazards but is
often disregarded or taken down creating possible struck by hazards. A more robust system such as
plastic mesh or wooden barricades is generally more effective and much easier to maintain. When
members of the public could potentially move close enough to be struck by falling objects, creating
barriers to prevent them from entering the area where objects can fall is a recognized best practice.
Regardless of the type of falling object protection used, it is crucial that other individuals on the work
site are aware of the overhead work.

4. Electrocution

Once again we look to preplanning and the competent person to assure there are no electrical hazards
present during scaffold use. A minimum of 10’ must be maintained between the scaffold and electrical
hazards. If this distance cannot be maintained, then the hazard must be de-energized or properly
insulated by the power company. Coordination between the power company and the company erecting
/ using the scaffold cannot be over stated.

Lastly, all employees who work on scaffolds must have documented training. The training topics must
include identification and prevention of fall hazards, falling tools and materials hazards, and knowledge
of electrical hazards.

Key Takeaways:

Fall protection is required when work heights reach 10 feet or more.

Provide proper access to the scaffold and never allow employees to climb on cross braces for horizontal
or vertical movement.

The scaffold competent person must be present when building, moving or dismantling the scaffold and
must inspect it daily.

Erect barricades to prevent individuals from walking under work platforms and place signs to warn those
close by of the possible hazards.

Maintain a minimum of 10 feet between the scaffold and any electrical hazard.

Ensure all employees working on scaffolding have had proper training.

Follow these guidelines for safe ladder usage:

 Always inspect a ladder before you climb it. Make sure the steps are sturdy
and the locking mechanisms are in good working order.
 Carry ladders horizontally with the front end slightly higher than the back
end.
 To open a stepladder, make sure the spreader is locked and the pail shelf
is in position. To open an extension ladder, brace the bottom end and push
the rungs or rails out.
 Place ladders on a solid, level surface to ensure safety:
o Watch for overhead obstructions and powerlines.
o To prevent ladders from sinking into soft ground, use a large board
under the feet of the ladder.
o Position a straight or extension ladder so that the base of the ladder
is one foot away from the vertical support for every four feet of
working ladder height (e.g., if you are working with eight feet of
ladder, place the base of the ladder two feet from the wall).
o Do not place the top of a ladder against a window or an uneven
surface.
o When possible, tie the top of a straight or extension ladder to
supports. Stake and tie the feet of the ladder.
o An extension ladder used for access to a roof must extend at least 3
feet beyond the support point.
o Use a wooden or plastic ladder if you must work near electrical
sources.
o Do not place a ladder in front of a door unless you lock and
barricade the door and post a warning sign on the opposite side of
the door.
  Use common sense when climbing or working on ladders:
o Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles and make sure they are dry
before climbing.
o Never allow more than one person on a ladder.
o To climb or descend a ladder, face the ladder and firmly grip the
rails, not the rungs, with both hands.
o Keep your body between the rails at all times. Do not shift your
weight to one side.
o Have someone steady the ladder if it cannot be secured otherwise.
o Do not stand on the top four rungs of an extension ladder or the top
two rungs of a step ladder.
 o When working on a ladder, keep two feet and one hand on the
ladder at all times.
o Do not stand on the bucket shelf of a ladder.
 When working on a ladder, carry small tools on a tool belt. Use a rope to
raise and lower heavy tools.
 Never leave a raised or open ladder unattended.
 Store ladders away from heat and moisture. Destroy damaged or unsafe
ladders.

 
Managing hazards

Working with ladders

If you are required to use a ladder, there are some safety guidelines:

Secure the ladder as soon as it is placed. Prevent the ladder’s feet from slipping outwards and the
ladder’s top end from moving sideways or backwards.

Rest the top of the ladder against a solid surface that can withstand the load.

Attach hooks on top of the ladder rails where the ladder is to be used at a constant height.

Attach a ladder stay across the back of a ladder where a surface cannot stand the load. Extend the stays
across a window for firm support against the building walls or window frame.

Station a person at the foot of a ladder when it is not possible to tie at the top or secure it at the foot.
(This is effective only for ladders up to 5 metres long). Ensure that the person at the foot of the ladder
faces the ladder with a hand on each side rail and one foot resting on the bottom rung.

The correct angle for a ladder is one unit of measurement out for every four units of height.

Do not rest a ladder on any rung. Only the side rails are designed for this purpose.

Only one person should be using the ladder at any one time.

Keep three points of contact between yourself and the ladder at all times. Always face the ladder and
use both hands when climbing. Always grasp the rungs when climbing, not the side rails. If your foot
slips on a ladder, holding on to the rungs is easier than holding on to the side rails.

Set the ladder on a firm, even surface. Never use a ladder on a surface where one foot can sink into the
ground. Use a board or plank under the feet to stop them from sinking.

Wear shoes with heels when climbing a ladder. Clean the soles of shoes prior to climbing if they are
slippery. Avoid climbing with wet soles.

Raise or lower tools or materials using a hand line.

Never over-reach sideways. Climb down and move the ladder.

Work should be carried out from a rung or step no higher than one meter below the top of the ladder.
Never work any higher than three steps down from the top of a ladder.

Ensure no one is underneath the area of work being performed. Set up suitable barriers e.g.: cones
around ladders.

Never hand tools or other items from the steps or rungs.

When working around doors ensure the are locked securely.

Ladders should not be left unattended in an erect position. Store safety where children can’t access
them.

Always check for overhead wires.

When carrying ladders, distribute weight evenly by placing your shoulder half way alongside the stile

Using step-ladders

Use a stepladder that is about 1 metre shorter than the highest point you have to reach. This gives a
wider, more stable base and places shelf at a convenient working height.

Place a stepladder at right angles to the work, with either the front or back of the steps facing the work.

Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated movement can make ladders wobbly since
they are weaker or less stable in those directions.

Face the stepladder when climbing up or down. Keep your body centred between the side rails. You
have climbed too high if your knees are above the top of the stepladder or if you cannot maintain a
handhold on the ladder.

Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands when climbing.

Do not climb a stepladder that is leaning against a wall – use a straight ladder instead.

Never work from the top treads.

Do not “shift” or “walk” a stepladder when standing on it.

Do not attempt to over-reach when working from a stepladder.

Always face the stepladder treads.

Do not use a stepladder for access or egress into another workspace – use another type of ladder such
as a pole ladder.

Do not place a stepladder on boxes or scaffolds to gain extra height.

Never use a stepladder with a single or temporary stay.

Never use a stepladder as a support for a working platform.

  1. Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the

maximum intended load without settling or displacement. It must be erected on solid footing.

2) Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used to support
scaffolds or planks.

3) Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a
competent person.

4) Scaffold must be equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards.

5) Scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are damaged or
weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced.

6) Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent.

7) A "competent person" must inspect the scaffolding and, at designated intervals, re-inspect.

8) Rigging on suspension scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each shift and after
any occurrence that could affect structural integrity to ensure that all connections are tight and that no
damage to the rigging has occurred since its last use.

9) Synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding must be protected from heat-producing
sources.

10) Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall protection.

11) Scaffold can be accessed by using ladders and stairwells.

12) Scaffolds must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
-Get the right training
New safety regulations mandate that all workers who will be working on or near scaffolding
be properly trained and educated on how the scaffolds are designed and operated. This
includes how to get on and off of the scaffolding safely, how to prevent falls and how to
respond to emergency situations while on the scaffolding. This type of training is absolutely
essential to keep not only yourself, but everyone else on and below the scaffolding safe at
all times.

-Be prepared
Always ensure that you are inspecting scaffolding thoroughly before using it. Check to make
sure the base is secured, and that it is level and adjusted for any lean in the building. Make
sure that every single guardrail and plank is installed safely and securely, and also look out
for elevation changes, obstructions (such as wires), and weather conditions.

-Ensure everyone is licensed

OSHA (Occupational Safety And Health Administration) has claimed that rogue employers
are a significant risk when it comes to working on scaffolding. These employers are
unlicensed to be working, but do so anyways. Rather than go through the proper channels
and become licensed, they throw together a pick-up truck, some workers, and uninspected
building material. Not only does this put the workers in danger, but it also puts the future
occupants of the building in danger as well.

-Understanding load capacity

During the design stages of scaffolding, one of the main mistakes that is made is failing to
consider all of the different types of load that the material will be under during construction
and setup. In order to maximize the safety of everyone involved, do not attempt to overload
the scaffolding with more workers than it is rated for in order to save time. Also take care to
ensure that it is not overloaded by equipment, and that nothing is pushing against any
guardrails.

-Secure the platform

Scaffolding is designed to be braced by or entirely attached to a building. If bracing isn’t
properly secured, scaffold movement may dislodge an end, which will reduce the stability of
the scaffold. There are a few types of brace retention or locking systems on scaffolds. These
systems need to operate freely during assembly and dismantling, and also be able to lock in
order to prevent the brace from dislodging. You shouldn’t try and replace the proper parts
supplied by the manufacturer with nails or other miscellaneous substitutions.

-Take advantage of guardrails

When taking the design of a scaffold into consideration, a construction company must
ensure that any scaffolding over 10 feet high has guardrails on the three sides facing away
from the building, at the very least. The side facing the building is still a danger, so it is
recommended to have them there as well. Guardrails should not be viewed as a
replacement for true fall protection gear, which should be worn at all times while on the
scaffolding.

-Inspect it
Scaffolding structures need to be constantly maintained and inspected in order to retain
their structural integrity and safety. Someone knowledgeable about the construction of the
scaffolds themselves needs to inspect the structure to ensure that it is still functional and
safe, making sure that boards are all still intact and that all of the components are still in
good shape. Failure to keep these crucial components regularly maintained could lead to
extremely hazardous conditions.

-Keep things organized

Scaffolding structures are notoriously cramped, so it is extremely important that tools are
not left out and are put up neatly on the scaffolding itself. Keep all of the walkways free
from obstructions and trash that might be able to cause a fall.

-Balance yourself
Scaffolding must be perfectly level in order to minimize the risk that workers can fall off and
be injured or killed. Still, stay alert when on a scaffold, and watch your balance at all times.

-Use protection, or PPE

This can include things like head protection, fall prevention gear, and non-slip footwear. It is
essential to wear these measures at all times in order to maximize your safety, and the
safety of all who are around you.

If these safety tips are followed, then you or your workers should have no problem
operating on scaffolds in order to complete the job.