Slips, Trips and Falls: Scaffolds
Preventing Falls from Scaffolds
Ask the following questions:
- What are the hazards? Falls due to working on scaffolding
- What are the results? Broken bones, head injuries, internal damage, death
- What should we look for? Unleveled scaffold, improper base, inadequate access, not fully planked,
Improper use of baker scaffolds, fall protection, power lines, and workers on guard rails.
Did You Know: When scaffolds are not constructed or used properly, falls can occur? Pro-tecting workers from scaffold- related incidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year.
Know who the Competent Person for Scaffolding is for your worksite and assure that he/she is
Performing all required inspections, which includes at least a daily pre-work inspection
- Provide an access ladder. Typically, the only end-rails that you are allowed to use for access have square or rectangular openings
- Make sure lumber is scaffold-grade when using wooden planking
- Install guardrails and toe-boards on all scaffolding 10 or more feet above the ground
- Make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold). This includes workers, materials, and tools!
- Make sure the scaffold is level by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills. Remember, base plates must ALWAYS be used, and mudsills must be used when the Competent Person determines that they are necessary to assure an adequate foundation