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Best Practices for Using Scaffolds
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Falling is the leading cause of death in the residential construction industry. Almost all jobsites have scaffolds, precarious edges, and openings workers could fall through. If these edges and openings aren’t guarded, or if workers aren’t wearing fall protection, workers can fall, sustaining injuries ranging from sprains and concussions to death. Workers using scaffolds should have a way to get on and off the scaffold, and be able to work and get around without falling.
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1. Make sure trades can access scaffolds. Trades working on scaffolds are most likely to fall from a scaffold when they’re climbing on or off. Never let anyone use the cross braces to enter or exit the scaffold platform. Every scaffold should be equipped with a ladder, ramp, or stairway for access. |
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2. Make sure trades are protected from falling from unprotected sides of the scaffold. The open edge of the platform shouldn’t be more than 14 inches from the face of the work unless the workers are using PFAS’s. The exception: the edge can be 18 inches from the face for plastering and lathing work. |
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3. Make sure trades can access special scaffolds, like ladder jacks. One type of special scaffold, a ladder jack is a simple scaffold that consists of a platform resting on brackets that are attached to a ladder. While it can be tempting to access the ladder jack using one of the support ladders, only climb on or off the ladder jack using a separate, safe ladder. And if you’re above 10 feet, don’t forget your PFAS’s! |
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NOTE: The information contained in this article isn’t a substitute for the OSHA standard. To make sure your jobsite is safe and complies with OSHA standards, contact OSHA.
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