5 Scaffolding Hazards to be Aware of Scaffold Safety | October 28, 2022Scaffolding is a staple for many commercial and residential job sites that require consistent aerial access. Though access and shoring scaffolding are necessary for many types of projects, there are several hazards and safety risks that every worker should be aware of. As a leading provider of high-quality scaffold rentals, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows that site safety is crucial for every project. That is why we have compiled a list of 5 scaffolding hazards to be aware of to help you optimize site safety and reduce the risk of injuries.
Learn what PPE is required when working on scaffolding to minimize the risk of injury on the job.
5 Common Scaffolding Hazards and How to Avoid Them
While scaffold systems are invaluable tools for prolonged aerial access, they can pose serious risks if proper precautions are not taken. Common scaffolding hazards include:
1. Falls Due to Insufficient Protection
Safety supplies, such as PPE, fall arrest systems, and guard rails, are all crucial parts of scaffolding safety. The absence of even one of these items can result in severe injuries due to falls. Prior to operation, personnel must be trained in the proper usage of fall protection equipment to minimize the risk of falls. All equipment should be regularly inspected as well to ensure that it is in good working order.
2. Tools, Debris, and Materials
Site personnel frequently handle scaffold tools and materials while working on scaffolding systems. If tools are unsecured or left lying around, they can pose a tripping hazard or fall on other employees, causing severe injuries. Materials such as wood, pipe, nails, or metal can also fall and cause injury, so these should be stored in a safe location and placed on a stable platform.
3. Poorly Assembled or Damaged Scaffolding
Before assembly, all scaffolding components should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that they are free of flaws or damage. Damaged parts can significantly reduce the capacity and stability of a scaffolding system and may even lead to a collapse. Even if all components are in pristine condition, the scaffolding system must be properly assembled to further minimize the risk of damage or collapse.
4. Improper Operation
Untrained employees and improper operation are two of the leading causes of injury and scaffolding damage. Before working on an access scaffolding system, employees need to be trained in fall protection and safe operating practices. Safety standards and knowledge should also be maintained and checked throughout the project to ensure consistency.
5. Overhead or Nearby Electrical Wires
A hazard that many personnel overlook when working at heights is the threat of live power wires and electrical cables. If workers make contact with these wires during operation, they may suffer an electric shock. A minimum of 10 ft should be maintained between scaffolding and potential electrical hazards to minimize the risk of contact.
To learn more about scaffold safety or to inquire about our scaffold system rentals, get in touch with the team at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 1-866-820-6341 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.
Scaffolding is a staple for many commercial and residential job sites that require consistent aerial access. Though access and shoring scaffolding are necessary for many types of projects, there are several hazards and safety risks that every worker should be aware of. As a leading provider of high-quality scaffold rentals, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows that site safety is crucial for every project. That is why we have compiled a list of 5 scaffolding hazards to be aware of to help you optimize site safety and reduce the risk of injuries.
Learn what PPE is required when working on scaffolding to minimize the risk of injury on the job.
5 Common Scaffolding Hazards and How to Avoid Them
While scaffold systems are invaluable tools for prolonged aerial access, they can pose serious risks if proper precautions are not taken. Common scaffolding hazards include:
1. Falls Due to Insufficient Protection
Safety supplies, such as PPE, fall arrest systems, and guard rails, are all crucial parts of scaffolding safety. The absence of even one of these items can result in severe injuries due to falls. Prior to operation, personnel must be trained in the proper usage of fall protection equipment to minimize the risk of falls. All equipment should be regularly inspected as well to ensure that it is in good working order.
2. Tools, Debris, and Materials
Site personnel frequently handle scaffold tools and materials while working on scaffolding systems. If tools are unsecured or left lying around, they can pose a tripping hazard or fall on other employees, causing severe injuries. Materials such as wood, pipe, nails, or metal can also fall and cause injury, so these should be stored in a safe location and placed on a stable platform.
3. Poorly Assembled or Damaged Scaffolding
Before assembly, all scaffolding components should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that they are free of flaws or damage. Damaged parts can significantly reduce the capacity and stability of a scaffolding system and may even lead to a collapse. Even if all components are in pristine condition, the scaffolding system must be properly assembled to further minimize the risk of damage or collapse.
4. Improper Operation
Untrained employees and improper operation are two of the leading causes of injury and scaffolding damage. Before working on an access scaffolding system, employees need to be trained in fall protection and safe operating practices. Safety standards and knowledge should also be maintained and checked throughout the project to ensure consistency.
5. Overhead or Nearby Electrical Wires
A hazard that many personnel overlook when working at heights is the threat of live power wires and electrical cables. If workers make contact with these wires during operation, they may suffer an electric shock. A minimum of 10 ft should be maintained between scaffolding and potential electrical hazards to minimize the risk of contact.
To learn more about scaffold safety or to inquire about our scaffold system rentals, get in touch with the team at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 1-866-820-6341 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.