Health & Safety Training Ltd

The Health and Safety Kit: Scaffold Safety

Trusted reviews from Reviews.io

Read our - reviews

The Health and Safety Kit: Scaffold Safety

Scaffold SafetyWorking with scaffold presents many different hazards, from falls from heights to accidents during the erection or dismantling of the scaffold structure.

A report into the safety of scaffold in 2013 found that those working on scaffolding were most at risk of injury, with scaffold accidents making up 52% of injuries reported in their sector (labourers were a close second making up 35% of injuries).

As such, it is essential that any business owner or manager that oversees scaffold erections, or works on the structures once complete, understands the risks associated and how to avoid them.

The Hazards

  • Falling from heights

One of the biggest causes of accidents, and the one with the most harmful consequences, revolves around working at heights. Whether as a specialist scaffold engineer or a construction worker, if the distance to the ground is enough to cause a personal injury, precautions must be taken to provide protection from this risk.

  • Accidents with tools

During the erection or dismantling of a scaffold structure, the scaffold workers will be expected to use a variety of hand tools and equipment to properly do their jobs. If used incorrectly, these tools can cause injury to the workers.

  • Falling object injuries

Another major cause of accident is falling objects. Materials, waste and tools that are dropped or knocked over the edge of the working platforms can fall onto people working or passing by below.

  • Faulty safety equipment

Safety equipment and PPE is essential for workers, but it is only effective if the workers know how to choose the right equipment for the right job, how to use it appropriately and how to properly inspect and maintain it before each use.

  • Scaffold collapse   

One of the most deadly hazards associated with scaffold structures is the sudden collapse of the structure itself. Depending on the type of work being undertaken and the amount of people using the scaffold, this can lead to a lot of injured workers. But because of the heightened risk there is increased legislation regarding the design and safe construction of scaffold, to ensure this doesn’t happen.

The Law

The first and most important piece of legislation all employees must adhere to is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which places the responsibility for the safety of the workers on the employer or manager of the operation. As such it is essential that all managers are aware of their duties, especially in relation to risk assessments and adequate training.

Also relevant is the Work At Height Regulations 2005, which applies to any work undertaken by employees at a height that could cause injury if a fall occurred. So whether you’re in charge of the design, erection and dismantling of the scaffold, or directing the workforce utilising the scaffold to complete their work, you have a duty of care to make sure all activities and work are properly planned, supervised and conducted by competent people.

Your Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the person overseeing the design, erection and dismantling of the scaffold and the person overseeing the planned work utilising the scaffold, are very similar:

  • Ensure the design of the scaffold structure is safe and appropriate for the work planned
  • Assess all the risks involved and take reasonable steps to reduce or eliminate them
  • All scaffold engineers must be appropriately trained in the construction of scaffold, to follow the exact design
  • Ensure all workers are appropriately and legally trained to work at heights
  • Take steps to stop objects falling during the construction of the scaffold or any later work, such as safety netting
  • Avoid work at height by doing as much as possible from ground level
  • Provide safety equipment such as harnesses and handrails
  • Ensure all safety and scaffold equipment is inspected and maintained before each use by a competent person
  • Plan for emergencies and create a plan of action in case of accident or fall.

Available Training

Whether you’re an employer, site manager or building owner, one of the best steps you can take to ensure you have fulfilled your legal obligations to the safety of your workers is to provide everyone with adequate and thorough training.

Mobile Scaffold Tower Course – As we know, scaffold engineers are at a heightened risk of accident and injury due to the nature of their work, so it is essential to undertake training that will keep your business operating within the Work at Height Regulations 2005. This will give them the skills they need to design, assemble, alter or dismantle scaffold towers, ensuring they are competent and legally able to carry out their work.

Safety Harness Use & Inspection – Even if your workers aren’t involved in the construction of the scaffold, they still need to be trained to work at heights safely and using the right safety equipment. Training on how to identify the correct harness for each task and knowledge of the health and safety legislation surrounding it will satisfy your own legal requirements. It will also pass on information that will allow your workers to take responsibility for their own safety and those working around them.

 

The team at Health and Safety Training Ltd have years of experience training groups and individuals working with scaffold and at heights. For any more information about the training we provide or to discuss your requirements for a tailor-made training course, simply get in touch today. 

Becoming a Forklift Trainer Will Youth Unemployment ever Recover?
Menu Courses 0191 644 0332 0191 644 0332
Top

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.

More Information Accept All Cookies