Have you ever watched workers on scaffolding, especially those that dare to go to great heights, and thought “Wow, how do they manage to do that?” Whether you are changing sky-high light bulbs in a warehouse, replacing windows on the second floor of a home, or doing building restorations, elevation in the form of scaffolding is required. When having to complete tasks off the ground and at great height, knowing how the hazards involved with scaffolds can affect your safety and those around you is imperative.
Work Smart and Stay Safe with These Scaffolding Safety Tips
While the pace at which construction work gets finished is important to projects and budgets, it can also influence careless and costly mistakes, including gaps in safety on the job site. Before starting, identify potential hazards and solutions such as power lines in the vicinity (scaffolding must be far away enough to not risk the possibility of electrocution) and if the scaffolds will need to be moved during the project. Planning ahead for any obstacles that might arise will save time, money, and more importantly, lives.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Risks
Falling materials, scaffolding collapsing, and falls in general are amongst the hazards that can be experienced with scaffolding. Before work begins, make sure that a qualified professional has checked that the platforms have been set up correctly and include all relevant safety precautions, such as the passive and collective railing systems to protect workers at heights. The same professional must be on hand when dismantling the scaffold.
Once the scaffolding has been erected, it is important to prevent accidents by keeping the scaffold planks free of obstacles. Avoiding slip, trip, and fall hazards, like leaving tools lying around, is a preventative measure that needs to be done continuously. By keeping scaffolds clear, it will also allow fellow workers to move around on them easier. Not only is the safety of workers important but also that of those that pass closely by the job sites.
When construction is being done in a built-up area where there is a lot of passing foot traffic, it is advisable to set up mesh or wooden barricades around the site to keep people away from the overhead hazards.
Worker Competency
Before any worker can get onto a scaffold platform, they need to be properly trained. Training topics need to include the identification and prevention of fall risks, falling tools and materials, and knowledge of potential electrical hazards. Being forewarned is being forearmed.
At Disc-O-Scaff, we understand the importance of safety in scaffold work and ensure the highest quality scaffolding. From Kwikstage to Selflock types, we have what you need. Contact us to find out more about the solutions that we have on offer.
