Scaffolding Safety: A Guide to Training, Hazards, and Inspections

According to the estimations, almost two-thirds of all construction workers do different types of work on scaffolds. Considering these statistics, it becomes clear why OSHA scaffold training is so important. The more knowledge the employees have, the smaller the risk of accidents is.

All you need to know about scaffolding safety

What is scaffolding? There is no doubt that scaffolds are very important during the construction process. Since it is not possible to avoid them, it is crucial to learn how to erect, work on them, and then disassemble them safely.

• The hazards of scaffolding

The most common hazard when working on the heights is falling. This can lead either to injuries or even to fatalities in the worst cases. The reason for most falls at the construction sites is the poor installation of guardrails or the absence of ones, as well as misuse of personal fall arrest equipment.

The other danger that occurs on the construction sites from time to time is the scaffold's collapse. This can derive from improper assembling, moving or dismantling of the scaffolds. This is why the scaffold user training provides all the necessary information about what needs to be taken into consideration during the assembling, how to assemble, and then work safely on it.

• How to control scaffolding hazards

There are a couple of points that you need to check to prevent any accidents connected to the scaffold. First of all, make sure the location where the scaffold is assembled is stable and safe, the soil should be even, without any mud. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions while assembling to make sure the installation is reliable. After this always set up the guardrails. Lack of those leads directly to serious violations of scaffolding safety.

• How to inspect scaffolding

Inspection of the scaffolds must be performed by an expert with the sufficient knowledge and experience required for this task. The following elements should be checked: scaffold base and structure, platform, planks, ropes, and easy access.

• The regulations for scaffolding

According to OSHA scaffolding requirements, scaffolding must be able to bear 4 times the weight than planned; it must be assembled, relocated, and dismantled only by trained workers; all scaffolds must go along with guardrails, mid-rails, and toeboards; all damages should be fixed right away. 

• The 4 to 1 rule

This rule says, for every 4 feet of height you need to climb, move the base 1 foot away from the wall against which the ladder is resting. This rule is applicable specifically to extension ladders. It prevents a ladder from being too close or too far away from the wall and as a result maximizes balance and stability, and helps to prevent it from tipping backward or to the sides.

Where to receive the proper training?

The perk of modern technologies is that all information can be found online. So is with the scaffold training NYC. This training teaches you about basic safety rules, management of different types of scaffolds, as well as assembling, use, and dismantling of the scaffolds. The purpose of the course is to minimize the number of accidents at the construction sites by providing proper education to the employees.