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Scaffolding Hazards

Eighty-eight deaths occurred in 2007 as a result of unsafe scaffolding, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The administration reports that in 72 percent of scaffolding mishaps resulting in injury, the blame rests upon collapsing structures, slippery conditions or falling objects. Employers and do-it-yourselfers should follow OSHA guidelines to avoid common scaffolding hazards.

  1. No Supervision

    • Each worker site should have a person in charge of maintaining the safety of the scaffolding during the entire project, advises the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. He must be well-versed in OSHA regulations and be able to take action to fix unsafe conditions. Otherwise, workers' compensation cases and OSHA fines are a real possibility.

    Cutting Costs

    • If renting scaffolding from a business, workers should obtain all parts from the manufacturer, including all accompanying safety parts and features. Eliminating the safety accessories to save money can end up being a costly mistake and result in injury or death.

    Interchanging Parts

    • Workers should not mix scaffolding parts from different manufacturers or types of structures. You should only construct scaffolding with those parts that come with that particular structure to ensure the proper parts and standards are being used.

    Poor Conditions

    • Workers should inspect scaffolding daily for maintenance issues that can result in accidents. They should look for loose, cracked, broken, missing, bowed, corroded or worn parts and replace them immediately. Sound parts--if put together correctly--result in sound construction.

    Excess Weight

    • Workers should estimate how much weight will be placed upon the scaffolding, including people and materials. The scaffolding should hold four times the estimated weight to ensure proper strength, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Suspended scaffolding must be held up by wiring capable of supporting six times the estimated weight.

    Slippery Surfaces

    • Workers should avoid working on slippery scaffolding covered in ice, snow or mud. They should clean up any chemical, food or grease spills immediately, and make sure coworkers are aware of objects blocking their paths that can cause them to stumble.

    Bad Weather

    • Employers must consider the safety of their workers first. Persons on scaffolding are in danger if they are working in stormy or high wind conditions.

    Unsafe Construction

    • Foundations must be firm and smooth to prevent structures from shifting or deteriorating in strength, and workers should gain easy access to the structure. Planking and platforms must be secured down or overlap by at least a foot, and platforms must be a minimum of two boards (18 inches) wide, explains the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Workers should follow OSHA guidelines to provide a safe distance between scaffolding and electrical power lines and contact the electric company to turn off the power, if necessary.

    Neglecting Protective Measures

    • Hard hats should be worn at all times. Toe boards and additional overhead protection increase safety. Workers should follow industry and construction guidelines for proper guardrail installation. Employers are responsible for protecting workers against falls higher than 10 feet, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

    Irresponsible Behavior

    • People should never ride on scaffolding while it is being moved. Movable scaffolding should not be occupied unless the wheels are securely locked in place. Workers should avoid carrying anything while climbing to maintain concentration and balance. OSHA requires workers on scaffolding to take safety training courses.

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