Safety Tip of the Week – Scaffold Safety

Every year fatalities and injuries occur on scaffolding across the country, regardless of safety regulations aimed to prevent such incidents. But the good news is that proper training can prevent almost all scaffold accidents.

Scaffold Hazards:

Fall hazards are due to elevated heights and the lack of fall protection. Collapse hazards are caused by instability or overloading. Struck by hazards are due to falling tools, work materials, or debris and from not preventing access or protection below scaffold. Electrocution hazards are principally due to proximity of the scaffold to overhead power lines.

General Rules for Scaffolding:

• Train all employees who access scaffolding;
• Clearly identify competent persons for all scaffolding work;
• Install guardrails & toe boards on all open sides/ends of scaffolding platforms 6 feet or more above ground or floor leve;
• Establish fall protection at a 10’ level above a lower level;
• Wear hardhat while working on or near scaffolding;
• Don’t climb across braces or end frames, unless end frames are designed to be climbed;
• Never use a ladder or other device on scaffolding platforms to increase height or reach;
• Never use scaffolding until competent person inspects and signs off and “TAGS” scaffold; and
• Never use scaffold in stormy or windy weather, or if it’s covered with ice or snow.

DON’T FALL DOWN ON THE JOB…KNOW HOW TO USE SCAFFOLDS SAFELY!!!