Ladders vs Scaffolding – What is the Difference and Which One is Necessary Within Your Industry?

Scaffolding is an integral part of the construction industry. Building or maintenance work carried out at heights has to be done while taking the safety of workmen as well as passing foot and vehicle traffic in mind. The improper use of scaffolding results in unnecessary site accidents, which can be prevented by putting pre-emptive measures in place.

Preventative Measures to Ensure Safe Scaffolding

Here are some preventative measures to ensure safe scaffold systems:

Correct Assembly

The correct assembly of scaffolding is one of the most important aspects. Ensuring that the scaffold is assembled to strict safety guidelines requires the appointment of a competent person. Working together with team leaders, contractors, and inspectors, the competent person establishes that the entire system is safe for use.

Before assembling the scaffold system, several factors need to be taken into account, such as the combined weight of the workers, tools, and building materials that a given platform can hold. Placement of the planks, the foundation that the scaffold is being erected on, and tie-in requirements are just a few of the other factors that need to be considered.

Scaffold Protection

Falls are a leading cause of injury on site and are likely to occur when the proper safety measures haven’t been installed on the scaffold system, such as guardrails and fall arrest systems. Lack of proper access to the different levels of the scaffold system adds to the problem. When there is a steep vertical change to an upper or lower level of the system (ladders, stair towers, or ramps), they must be securely fitted. Before the use of the scaffold, workers need to be trained to recognise the hazards associated with the scaffolding being used.

At Disc-O-Scaff, we supply scaffolders with all the necessary safety add-ons for scaffold systems.

Platform and Worker Safety

At all times, the platforms must be free of tools and obstacles that could pose a potential risk. Avoid running any cables or cords on the platforms as this is not only a tripping hazard but an electrical one. Try and keep platforms as slip-free as possible and always wear the correct foot gear. When working at heights of more than 1.8 metres, it is advisable to wear a safety harness as added protection. Any surface or structural hazards should be reported to the competent person immediately.

Training

All employees should be trained by a qualified person to recognise hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimise these hazards.  

At Disc-O-Scaff, we take safety on site very seriously and manufacture our systems in accordance with scaffolding standards and SABS-approved materials. We have been leaders in the industry for over 10 years and are confident that our Kwikstage and Selflock scaffold systems will stand up to any construction requirements.