It’s July and Medcor is thinking about all the hard-working construction crews we support in their busy summer months. Scaffolding safety is important in any building project to prevent accidents and injuries. Keep reading about scaffolding and contact Medcor for scaffold safety training!
What is scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a general term for the different types of temporary platforms and structures workers use on construction sites and more. Two main types of scaffolding are supported scaffolding and suspended scaffolding. Supported scaffolding is supported by stationary poles, and suspended scaffolding is made of platforms that are supported from above by ropes or other non-rigid support like chains. Each type of scaffolding is regulated and has weight restrictions for safety.
What are the risks?
It is estimated that about 10,000 construction workers are injured each year in accidents involving scaffolding. When workers become too comfortable with or dependent on scaffolding, they forget there are still safety risks. The most common scaffolding accidents and injuries involve:
- Collapsing scaffold due to overloading or instability
- Lack of fall protection when working on scaffolding
- Misuse of scaffolding (as a ladder, etc.)
It’s important that a whole work crew is trained on safety and best practices for working with scaffolding to effectively prevent injuries.
Safety Tips
In addition to hazard-specific training like Medcor provides, crews should be provided with all the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When working with scaffolding this includes fall protection and hard hats. Lack of fall protection is one of the most frequently cited OSHA violations on all types of worksites.
Proper maintenance and frequent inspections of scaffolding are required by a qualified person. Inspections should be documented and scaffolding needs to be tagged to show it has been maintained and is safe for use.
Scaffolding is not a ladder! Don’t try to stand on boxes or crates placed on top of scaffolding. Misusing scaffolding like this increases the risk of a fall.
Be aware of what is below you and above you when you are using scaffolding. Even with appropriate PPE and safety training there is always risk of a slip or fall, so best practice includes always taking note of your surroundings and the location of other crew members.
Medcor offers scaffold safety training and we come to your worksite to save you money!
Contact Medcor’s Safety Training team here.
References
Scaffolding: OSHA
Guidelines for Scaffolding Safety
Scaffold Safety
