Risks During Scaffold Erection
What are the safety risks during scaffold erection?
The safety risks involved during scaffold erection are serious, and often life-threatening. Even when following OSHA scaffolding safety rules, workers can suffer from falls, being struck by falling objects, and scaffolding tip-overs.
Scaffolding accidents during both the erection and dismantling process can be minimized or avoided by following applicable OSHA regulations, including ensuring proper footing of scaffolds, use of personal protective equipment, and use of scaffolding inspection tags at scaffold access points.
Proper inspection of scaffolding, along with training, can also help to minimize safety risks during scaffold erection and dismantling.
Having a competent person available for these inspections and to supervise work is another necessary level of risk prevention.
Some risks associated with scaffold erection stem from improperly supported work platforms and platforms that have been overloaded beyond the maximum capacity. These issues can be spotted during inspection, and if not fixed, can increase the risk of falling from the structure.
Other fall-related risks include bracings being insufficient or unsound and points of access, such as ladders, being incorrectly or insufficiently secured to the scaffolding.
Any unsafe scaffolding, whether during the process of erection, dismantling, or use, should be marked unsafe for use using scaffolding tags and blocked off from use until repairs and inspection can ensure that the found issues have been fixed.
What is OSHA?
OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – a public health agency that is part of the Department of Labor. OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety regulations. Learn more here.
What do I need to pass an OSHA inspection?
There are many elements of a safe workplace that factor into passing an OSHA inspection. Dependent on your industry, the posting of official safety signs, use of protective equipment, and proper training could help in successfully passing an inspection. Learn more here.
What happens during an OSHA inspection?
During an OSHA, inspectors will review previous records, inspect potential on-site hazards, and interview employees. OSHA’s inspections are prioritized by how potentially hazardous a workplace might be to workers. Learn more here.
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