Safety is always a top priority when working at tall heights. Scaffolding can present numerous hazards, especially if it isn’t properly put together or if specific safety protocols aren’t followed.

Companies that follow the safety guidelines detailed below should prevent most accidents and injuries resulting from working at certain heights.

Common Scaffolding Hazards

Some of the most common scaffolding hazards include the following:

Scaffold collapses

An incorrectly built scaffold runs a risk of collapse. In addition, carelessness with heavy equipment or materials may cause damage to the supports, overload the scaffold, or otherwise lead to a collapse.

Falling from scaffold

Poor construction without proper guards or failure to use adequate fall arrest equipment could lead to injuries from falls. Typically, any scaffold over ten feet from the ground needs some form of protection from falls.

Struck by falling objects

Items dropped from scaffolds could injure those on lower platforms or the ground. Installing proper toe boards or barricades can prevent injury from falling objects.

Electrocution

Scaffolds built near power lines put workers at risk of electric shock. OSHA regulations require a minimum of ten feet clearance between scaffolds and electrical hazards. If the distance is less than ten feet, the line needs to be shut off.

General Scaffolding Safety Tips

With the most common hazards in mind, we can take a look at the types of safety standards employees and managers should generally follow.

Know local regulations

First off, it’s important to be familiar with local regulations and laws. Each state and city has its own laws governing scaffold safety, and OSHA itself has a set of universal safety rules. Knowing and following these rules is key to preventing serious injury while working on scaffolding systems.

Note potential hazards

Constant vigilance is vital when working at height, and it’s important to inspect the area and equipment for potential hazards. The work area, tools, and scaffolding structure itself all need to be examined at frequent intervals to prevent hazards from going unnoticed.

Also, any time a change in the work area or scaffolding occurs, the structure should be reexamined.

Oversight from a competent person

Any time you build, move, or dismantle a scaffold, you need to have a competent person present to supervise the process. This person should perform daily inspections to check for flaws, hazards, or other issues.

Install proper guards

Guard rails, toe boards, barricades, and other guards can prevent falls or injuries from falling objects. Note that ladders or stairs should also be installed and that rails or poles are not to be used to ascend or descend the structure.

Respect load limits

Scaffolding designs and materials should account for the types of materials and equipment that will be present on the structure. Bringing too much weight onto a given platform can cause it to collapse.

Use consistent parts

When constructing a scaffold, use components that are specifically designed to be compatible. Mixing and matching parts from different manufacturers or those that are built for different loads can compromise the entire structure, leading to a collapse and/or injury.

Scaffolding Safety By Industry

Each industry has unique hazards, and thus specific safety protocols should be followed when using scaffolding in the following areas.

Commercial

Commercial construction scaffolds are used to assist with construction processes, and therefore, heavy materials are typically present.

Tips for commercial construction applications include:

  • Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in and around work areas.
  • Take special care with heavy materials and tools. Get help lifting heavy loads or use hoisting equipment when needed.
  • Mind where heavy equipment is placed. Give scaffolding plenty of clearance.
  • Clear materials and tools from the scaffolding at the end of each shift.
  • Follow all directions from supervisors as well as OSHA regulations.

Industrial

Industrial scaffolds used in manufacturing and maintenance need to follow certain standards. Special safety precautions are also advised.

  • Avoid the use of shore or lean-to scaffolds.
  • Use proper lockout-tagout procedures when using scaffolding to access equipment.
  • Wear PPE at all times.
  • Build scaffolds, including decks and platforms, for durability and skid resistance.

Shipyards

Scaffolds used for shipyard staging need to be able to withstand the atmosphere present near water.

  • Build scaffolds from materials that will withstand exposure to seawater and the elements.
  • Inspect scaffolds regularly to keep them in top condition.
  • Take special care with front edge distance.
  • Handle heavy materials with caution, since marine hanging staging isn’t usually designed to withstand heavy loads.

Government

Scaffolding used in renovations or construction of government buildings must adhere to high standards of safety.

  • Follow OSHA safety standards for scaffolds.
  • Always wear adequate PPE at all times on job sites.
  • Build scaffolds for the loads they’ll have to bear.

Importance Of Training In Scaffolding Safety

One final tip for scaffolding safety is to make sure everyone is fully trained. Having a qualified person on-site will see to it that personnel are thoroughly trained in scaffolding safety before any work begins.

At Scaffolding Solutions, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality scaffolding products and superior safety standards. Our team is comprised of fully trained members in varying levels of scaffolding safety. Each of our scaffolds uses high-quality products and adheres to all OSHA safety standards.

With regular training and instruction being performed, plus updates to training every time circumstances change, your employees are at a lower risk of injury.

Learn More About Scaffolding Safety

Search

Memberships & Associations

Customer Testimonials

Rmb BoswellRmb Boswell ★★★★★ Working with this as Frank representing has been great experience. They paid attention to the needs I requested for support needed for an MRI. They with detailed drawings for me to approve and plan of attack the was perfect .Response from the ownerThanks Robert! We were very excited to partner with you on this important project! Planning and meticulous project coordination in advance of the start of work ensures a smooth and 100% safe work execution. Have a great day! heydy Landaverdeheydy Landaverde ★★★★★ Jeremy WishonJeremy Wishon ★★★★★ Frank was awesome to work with. The service was top notch, got the ball rolling immediately, and got us set up faster than expected. Looking forward to working with them on future projects.Response from the ownerThank you Jeremy! We appreciate your continued partnership and trust. Lynn PierceLynn Pierce ★★★★★ Great service! Exceptional communication! I’m greatly to worked with Scaffolding Solutions.Response from the ownerThank you Lynn! It was a pleasure to partner with you. John WoodJohn Wood ★★★★★ Our heavy mechanical construction company have worked with Scaffolding Solutions for years now. Scaffolding Solutions are amazingly fast, responsive, & professional. They always exceed our expectations! Mr. Frank Giuliano is absolutely the best. Frank is always accommodating, extremely knowledgeable and always “safety first” in his approach to our scaffolding needs. We manage heavy mechanic projects within the transportation industry for Government agencies and Scaffolding Solutions & Mr Giuliano always exceed our clients needs. We highly recommend Scaffolding Solutions & Mr. Frank Giuliano for any, commercial or residential projects, you or your company has. 5 STARS! OUTSTANDING QUALITY WORK! GREAT COMPETITIVE RATES!Response from the ownerThank you, John! We are proud to be your "access partner of choice". Looking forward to many more successful projects to come. Thank you for your business! Hal CoganHal Cogan ★★★★★ Frank and his team with Scaffolding Solutions were great! Even with last minute changes and numerous headaches the day of they still got the job done. I look forward to working with them again!Response from the ownerThank you, Hal! Our goal is to provide the best service, safety and pricing of any other access company in the DMV. Exceeding your expectations is our mission! Hann HannHann Hann ★★★★★ Frank & his team didn't meet our expectations, they exceeded them. Everyone was extremely professionally throughout the project. Communication was over the top. Couldn't have asked for more complete turnkey service. Scaffolding Solutions is top of the list for any scaffold or shoring needs.Response from the ownerThank you! The amazing partnership, friendship and teamwork we have with Hann and Hann is what we're all about. We appreciate your business! rolando Tobarrolando Tobar ★★★★★ Great work & access to all kind of work ...The best in the DMVResponse from the ownerThank you Rolando! Our goal is to provide the best service of any other access company in the DMV. Kevin TaylorKevin Taylor ★★★★★ The team at Scaffold Solutions really got me out of a bind this past week. Set-up scaffold on Saturday morning and came back Sunday morning to take it back down. Communication was great, speed and safety were excellent and price was fair. I appreciate the solid communication and follow-up from their team and they did a great job helping me get the steel installed in the elevator shaft. Thank you!Response from the ownerThank you Kevin! We were very happy to partner with you on this work and "get it done". Safety, communication, speed - and great pricing. You hit the nail on the head my friend! Diana MiraldiDiana Miraldi ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for your 5-star review Diana! Giselle AllenGiselle Allen ★★★★★ I recently had my fourth floor loft terrace enclosed. Scaffolding Solutions, LLC is the only choice you need to ensure your project is successful! Frank Giuliano visited my home and assessed the area, then coordinated with the Patio Enclosure installation manager to build a custom design that was efficient for the project. Frank’s customer service was remarkable. He constantly communicated updates and I felt very comfortable contacting him with any questions. The scaffolding crew only took one day to assemble and disassemble the scaffold without incident. They were pleasant, professional and respectful of my property. Hands down this was the best experience and I definitely recommend Scaffolding Solutions, LLC.Response from the ownerThank you Giselle! We were happy to be able to help you with your project...and are very glad the experience was so positive for you. Have an amazing day! G Man PalenciaG Man Palencia ★★★★★ Joe PodgurskiJoe Podgurski ★★★★★ fernando santos sanchezfernando santos sanchez ★★★★★ el lugar luce muy bonito, la atención muy amableMichael MatiasMichael Matias ★★★★★ Ruff Ryder SincereRuff Ryder Sincere ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Ruff! We appreciate your business and look forward to many more successful projects together! Luis Jomar Rodriguez SanchezLuis Jomar Rodriguez Sanchez ★★★★★ Shannon WalkerShannon Walker ★★★★★ Charles AppichCharles Appich ★★★★★ Richard WhiteRichard White ★★★★★ Chad EssexChad Essex ★★★★★ Andi LopezAndi Lopez ★★★★★ Muy buenoDomonic ClardyDomonic Clardy ★★★★★ David BucciarelliDavid Bucciarelli ★★★★★ Fantastic companyMatthew AlemanMatthew Aleman ★★★★★ i love the work they did at DCJose PietriJose Pietri ★★★★★ Great company and innovative scaffolds!Diana DuVallDiana DuVall ★★★★★ The best service and competitive pricing!Tony BullockTony Bullock ★★★★★ I work hereJoel DiazJoel Diaz ★★★★★ Timmy WilloughbyTimmy Willoughby ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions... All I can say is "WOW". I was impressed with the professionalism, courtesy and efficiency of the complete experience.js_loader