Survey research found that 72% of workers injured in scaffolding accidents attributed the accident to loose scaffolding pedals or support rods, the employee slipping, or being struck by a falling object. Scaffolding is an integral part of the construction industry, with approximately 65% of the workforce coming from scaffolding operations. Proper use of scaffolding can save a lot of time and money. While they are both convenient and necessary, to ensure proper scaffolding safety everyone needs to be aware of four major hazards related to worker injuries.
Four major risk factors: scaffolding safety
1. No guardrail installed:
Falls have been attributed to a lack of guardrails, improperly installed guardrails, and failure to use personal fall arrest systems when required. The EN1004 standard requires the use of fall protection devices when the working height reaches 1 meter or more. The lack of proper use of scaffolding work platforms is another reason why scaffolds fall. Whenever the height up or down exceeds 1 meter, access in the form of safety ladders, stair towers, ramps, etc. is required. Access must be established before scaffolding is erected, and employees must not be allowed to climb on supports that move laterally or vertically.
2. Scaffolding collapse:
Proper erection of scaffolding is crucial to preventing this particular hazard. Many factors must be considered before installing the bracket. The weight that the scaffolding will need to maintain includes the weight of the scaffolding itself, the materials and workers, and foundation stability. Professionals who can plan can reduce the chance of injury and save money on any task. However, when building, moving, or dismantling scaffolding, there must be a safety officer, also known as the scaffolding supervisor. Safety officers must inspect scaffolding daily to ensure the structure remains in a safe condition. Improper construction can cause the scaffold to collapse completely or components to fall, both of which can be fatal.
3. Impact of falling materials:
Workers on scaffolding are not the only ones who suffer from scaffolding-related hazards. Many people have been injured or killed as a result of being struck by materials or tools falling from scaffolding platforms. These individuals must be protected from falling objects. Scaffolding (kissing boards) or netting can be installed on the work platform to prevent these items from falling to the ground or to lower-height work areas. Another option is to erect barricades to prevent individuals from walking under the work platform.
4. Electrical work:
A work plan is developed and the safety officer ensures that there are no electrical hazards during the use of the scaffolding. A minimum distance of 2 meters should be maintained between scaffolding and electrical hazards. If this distance cannot be maintained, the hazard must be cut off or appropriately isolated by the power company. Coordination between the power company and the company erecting/using the scaffolding must not be overstated.
Finally, all employees working on scaffolding must undergo documentation training. Training topics must include identifying and preventing fall hazards, falling tool and material hazards, and knowledge of electrical hazards.
Key takeaways:
Fall protection is required when the working height reaches 2 meters or more.
Provide proper access to scaffolding and never allow employees to climb on cross braces to move horizontally or vertically.
A scaffolding supervisor must be present when scaffolding is being built, moved, or dismantled and must be inspected daily.
Set up barricades to prevent individuals from walking under work platforms and place signs to warn those nearby
Post time: Apr-08-2024