How to Train Workers for Scaffolding Safety
By John Heniff, Safety Writer, Magid
Whether your workers are operating multiple stories in the air or closer to the ground, working on scaffolds comes with a number of potential dangers. Slip, trip, and fall hazards. Falling objects. The scaffold collapsing or overturning. It’s a lot to be aware of for your workers as well as yourself. But you can address these types of hazards and instill safe work practices by following...
The 4 P’s of Scaffolding Safety.
1. Present Safe Work Practices
Start from the ground up and show your workers safe work practices through training presentations, safety videos, and training activities that utilize auditory, visual, and tactile learning types. Mention specific information about the type of scaffold they’ll be using (whether it’s a supported, suspended, or mobile scaffold) and what to look for when inspecting the scaffold prior to use. Teach important questions to think about during the inspection like:
- Are platforms flat, level, stable, and in good condition where planks are not broken or damaged?
- Are guardrails set up and in good condition?
- Are uprights, ledgers, and bracings undamaged — not cracked, bent, dented, twisted, or rusted?
2. Prepare The Worksite
Before the day gets underway, spend some time getting the jobsite and your team’s equipment ready for the tasks ahead.
- Ensure that scaffolds are set-up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and inspected by a qualified inspector before every work shift in addition to after installation
- Whether a scaffold is approved as safe for use or deemed unfit for operations, ensure scaffold tags are prominently displayed at each entrance point
- Be aware of the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum weight allowed on the platform. Calculate the weight of your workers as well as any materials that will be on the scaffold to make sure the total load is within the maximum limit.
- Rope off areas and put up warning signs where objects can potentially strike a worker if they fall from a platform. You can also install mesh screens or covers to prevent debris from going over guardrails or toe boards at higher levels.
3. Plan With Your Team
Before their shift begins, call your crew together for a toolbox talk to discuss any relevant safety hazards they may encounter that day. For example, if the plan calls for your crew to drop debris or materials from their platform into a chute to quickly dispose of it, designate someone as a spotter to ensure no workers are in danger of being struck by falling objects.
4. Provide The Right PPE
Give your workers all the PPE they’ll need to stay safe during their time on and around the scaffold. This may include:
- Tool lanyards to keep their equipment secured
- Hard hats to provide protection from falling objects
- Work gloves appropriate for that day’s tasks
- Safety glasses to help prevent common eye injuries
- Hi-vis clothing to be easily seen
- Fall protection appropriate for the height your workers will be operating at. For example, if employees will be working on platforms at least 10 feet off the ground, they will need a fall protection system.
- Heavy-duty work boots with non-slip grip
