- The Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 52 fatal falls to lower levels from scaffolding in 2020. All of these can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards.
- According to a recent BLS study, 72% of scaffold accidents can be attributed to one of the following 3 causes:
- Scaffold support or planking gives way due to defective equipment or improper assembly.
- Slipping or tripping while on a scaffold due to factors such as slippery surfaces or lack of guardrails.
- Falling objects hitting either a worker on a scaffold or those below.
- As for the other 28%, scaffold accidents can be caused by:
- Electrocution as a result of scaffolds and equipment being too close to power or utility lines
- Environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and the presence of hazardous substances
- Inadequate fall protection.
- Collapse of scaffold due to overloading
- Most common injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
SOURCES OF HAZARDS:
- Scaffolding is not inspected before use. The scaffolding is altered from previous use and was not reassembled correctly.
- The scaffold was not built by a “Competent Person”
- Workers are not trained on proper access and use of the scaffolding system being utilized or the hazards associated with the scaffolding system provided.
REGULATIONS:
CAPACITY
1926.451(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (g) of this section, each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
USE
1926.451(a)(6) Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with paragraph (a) of this section.
1926.451(f)(7) Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.
1926.451(f)(8) Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials.
1926.451(f)(12) Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed.
FALL PROTECTION
1926.451(g)(1) Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level. Paragraphs (g)(1) (i) through (vii) of this section establish the types of fall protection to be provided to the employees on each type of scaffold. Paragraph (g)(2) of this section addresses fall protection for scaffold erectors and dismantlers.
INSPECTIONS
1926.451(f)(3) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.
CONTROL PRIORITIES:
#1 Do you know who the designated “Competent Person” for the scaffolding is at your worksite? [Identify your competent person(s) for the scaffolding you are required to work on]. #2 Competent Person responsibilities:
- Assure that the design and construction of scaffolds being utilized conform with OSHA requirements.
- Control utilization of a PFAS whenever proper guardrail systems cannot be established or are not maintained when anybody is working higher than 10’ above the next working surface.
- Assure that all personnel wear PFASs correctly. Pretending to comply is putting their life at risk.
- Personally, visually perform an inspection of the entire scaffold structure, scaffold components, and PFAS equipment provided for use. If you have any concerns do not allow anybody to work and initiate a “STOP WORK” condition until all hazards are corrected.
- Assure that structurally sound portions of buildings or other structures are provided and used for anchor points of drop lines for all PFAS.
- Follow scaffold manufacturers’ guidance regarding all application issues.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BASIC SCAFFOLDING:
Here are important Do’s to keep in mind when working on scaffolding:
- Do ensure that the design and construction of scaffolds conform with OSHA requirements.
- Do keep scaffold suspension ropes and PFAS drop lines (lifelines) protected from hot or corrosive substances.
- Do wear personal fall protection equipment.
- Do inspect all scaffolds, scaffold components, and personal fall protection equipment before each use.
- Do use structurally sound portions of buildings or other structures to anchor your drop lines for your PFAS and tiebacks for all scaffolding and specifically for suspension scaffold support.
- Do follow scaffold manufacturers’ guidance regarding the assembly, rigging, and use of scaffolds.
Here are important Don’ts to keep in mind when working on scaffolding:
- Don’t utilize scaffolding that is not inspected before use.
- Don’t be reserved in asking questions if anything does not appear correct.
- Don’t forget to do your own self-check of the scaffolding, PFAS, and anchors.
- Don’t assume that others from previous days or shifts have left the scaffolding safe.
