As a work platform, scaffolding makes all kinds of construction work possible. Though built for temporary use, scaffolding needs to safely support workers and their equipment while they are elevated.
Whether supported or suspended, scaffolding can pose sizable risks to workers if they’re not installed correctly and used safely.
Construction work has many safety risks, especially when working on a support structure that is less than ideal. Common scaffold accidents include:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted new safety standards for construction scaffolding back in 1996.
With standards long in place, why are construction workers still suffering catastrophic injuries and dying from scaffolding accidents?
The answer lies in the lack of adherence to the safety practices put forth by the standards.
Everyone on the construction work site can play a role in ensuring the optimal amount of safety on and around scaffolding, preventing possibly thousands of accidents and several deaths per year.
Employers can:
Employees can:
Taking a shortcut on safety is never a good idea, especially when work on a scaffold is so demanding and requires full attention to safety.