Risk 1 – Falls from Height
Maybe the most widely recognised danger in scaffolding is falling from height. It is the biggest cause of serious injury (and even death) and is often due to missing guardrails, improper installation of them and a failure to use personal fall arrest systems. As with all hazards, full scaffolding risk control is required to minimise, or even eradicate, the potential for falling. Your team will need proper access to their scaffold work platform (such as a secured ladder, a stair tower or a ramp) and proof that all equipment has been correctly installed and assembled.
Risk 2 – Scaffolding Collapse
Another potentially fatal risk is the collapse of scaffolding. This happens when a scaffold is put together incorrectly or a mistake is made; this could include a loose bolt, an inadequately supported section of the construct or a miscalculation of how much weight the platform can hold. Even a perfectly built scaffold should be regularly checked over to ensure that no defects have come into play. Ideally, you will use PADS Group to carry out these checks.
Risk 3 – Ineffective Safety Equiptment
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is always necessary. This should include hard hats, strong and sturdy non-skid work boots and potentially tool lanyards. Without these items, the opportunity for injury and accidents is going to be substantially higher. It’s also vital to reconsider all the safety equipment specifically used for and on the scaffolding; for example, harnesses, handrails and safety nets.
Risk 4 – Challenging Weather
It’s paramount to remember that difficult weather brings enormous risk to the safety of workers. The scaffolding should be checked to ensure it is secured and correctly tied if more supports are required, and a competent entity will need to thoroughly inspect the scaffolding before use for any breakages. Work should be avoided entirely if the conditions are too dangerous; adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice, snow and strong winds are a no-go. Worn wood planking becomes extremely slippery under these conditions, and so if your team is continuing on site be sure to get rid of any snow, ice, mud or wet leaves before commencing a job.
Risk 5 – Falling Materials
Those working on the scaffold are not the only ones exposed to major risk. Materials and tools can fall from scaffold platforms and seriously injure (or kill) individuals working or passing below. It will hardly come as a surprise that these people need protecting. Netting and toe boards can be installed to prevent equipment from falling to lower level working areas or the ground, and you can also use barricades and shrink wrapping to physically separate activity on the scaffold platforms from anyone beneath.