Why is scaffolding safety important? understand the safety rules

Security is essential when using scaffolding because people work high above the ground, and serious risks are involved. Contractors have the responsibility of ensuring that their workers are following safety protocols. If you’re unsure what to do to protect people using aluminium scaffolding and the usual safety equipment, this article will give you a better idea.

It is vital to take safety measures to ensure your employees are secure and safe, no matter where they work. In addition, one should do spot checks from time to time to ensure that everyone follows the rules. It may be easy to brush the safety procedures off, but you'll be glad they were followed when something went wrong.

As per data, An estimated 4,500 injuries and 60 fatalities occur annually in the United States construction industry among workers using scaffolds.

Therefore, it is vital to have and enforce baseline scaffold requirements such as better inspections, training, and controls to help prevent scaffold-related incidents and injuries from recurring. By establishing these requirements and implementing them, construction companies can help create a safety culture that starts with the frontline workers.

1. Check the Weight Limit before Loading the Scaffolding

It's essential to check the load rating of a scaffolding platform before loading it. If a scaffolding platform is overloaded and breaks, people on the platform and lower down or on the ground are at risk of being hit by falling debris, which could result in severe injury. Weight limits of scaffolds vary, so never assume that any scaffold is safe until you have double-checked the limits. Only then should you permit anyone on the scaffold.

2. Ensure Regular Inspection of the Scaffolding Site

It is advisable to have professional inspections of scaffolding regularly. However, it is also a good idea for workers to quickly check the scaffolding each morning before they start to work. They should look for loose screws, bolts and boards as they move up the scaffolding and have these problems fixed before they get any worse. If there is an accident, professionals should inspect scaffolds. The same goes for if they are moved or taken down and reassembled or if there is a new addition. Similarly, every construction company should ensure mobile scaffolding safety through regular inspections and weight-load management. Although it may seem like a task, these inspections could save lives.

3. Ensure that the Employees Wear Safety Equipments

It is the most fundamental principle, which usually goes unnoticed. Wearing steel-toed boots and a hard hat is essential on any job site. The boots (shoes) should be non-slip to prevent skidding while on the scaffolding. Since wooden platforms can get slippery when damp, it’s essential to have the proper footwear to work safely on the raised platforms.

4. Consider Using a Harness

Harnesses may seem cumbersome, as you have to clip and unclip as you move around, but they can save your life. Evaluate when you feel a harness is warranted for a job and keep them on hand so employees can use them as needed. Safety is always a top priority when it comes to scaffolding.