Safety is a top concern when working on scaffolds. There were 3,400 scaffold-related workplace injuries and 52 deaths in 2020 and roughly $90 million in lost workdays and other costs. Fortunately, these accidents are often preventable with these steps:
1 Use proper safety equipment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital when working at heights. Employees on scaffolds more than 10 feet off the ground must use personal fall arrest systems or guardrails. Employees on single-point and two-point adjustable scaffolds must be protected using guardrails and personal fall arrest systems. Many scaffold-related injuries involve falling objects or slips. Wear a hard hat and non-slip footwear to prevent serious injuries.
2 Be aware of load limits.
Scaffolding is made with precise load-bearing capacities. OSHA requires that scaffolds support four times the maximum intended load without failure. Scaffolding components below this capacity can result in cracking, breaking, or collapsing.
3 Build properly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when building a scaffold. Avoid power lines by leaving at least 10 feet of clearance between electrical hazards and the scaffold. Shut off power to the line if the distance must be less than 10 feet. A competent person must supervise the building, moving, and dismantling. OSHA requires that the competent person also conduct a visual inspection of the scaffolding before each shift and when work is done. Check regularly for hazards, defects, and debris. Consider using our Scaffold Safety Checklist (page 16). Ensure that:
- Platforms are fully planked, decked, and have proper guardrails, midrails, and toeboards along the open sides.
- Guardrails are secure and have toprails installed at 38-45 inches above the platform.
- Bracing is placed crosswise along the vertical distance of the scaffold to help support and hold heavier loads.
- Midrails are installed between the toprail and 20-30 inches above the work platform.
- Footings are on level, solid ground, and can support the loaded scaffold.
- Guying ties (cables) are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or when the base reaches a height ratio of 4:1 to prevent tipping.
4 Keep the area organized and clear.
Keep tools and equipment organized and put away after use. Clutter can lead to trips and falls or cause hazards for workers on lower levels. Set up barriers to keep the scaffold base clear of vehicles and heavy equipment that could cause the structure to fall.
5 Train all employees.
Train workers who use scaffolds to recognize, control, and reduce hazards. Teach proper setup, use, and handling of materials taking into account the intended load and type of scaffold used.
DWC’s safety training instructors are available to provide customized scaffolding training. Specialists with the Occupational Safety and Health Consultation (OSHCON) Program are also available to provide free onsite or virtual assistance to help Texas businesses find, reduce, and remove safety and health hazards, and ensure they are complying with OSHA regulations. For more information, check out DWC’s webpage or contact us at:
- safetytraining@tdi.texas.gov;
- OSHCON@tdi.texas.gov; or
- 1-800-252-7031, option 2.