Scaffolding safety in construction

Scaffolding activities can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not adhered to. This article aims to assist those that are regularly involved in these activities.

Always ensure that you are aware of all regulations and standards covering the use of scaffolds.

What are the hazards related to scaffolding work that you need to be aware of?

1. Fall risk associated with scaffolding activities

Falls from scaffolding can result from the lack of improper installation of guardrails and failure by employers to ensure that employees use the correct fall protection equipment as required by Construction Regulation 10. This Regulation states that the employer needs to develop a fall protection plan when there is a risk of falling.

The lack of proper access to the scaffold work platform is an additional cause of falls from scaffolds.  Access to scaffolding must be identified before the erection of the scaffold and employees are to be trained and instructed to never climb on cross braces whether it is for vertical or horizontal movement.

    2. Scaffolding collapse

It is essential that scaffolds are erected correctly to prevent scaffolding collapses. Before erecting the scaffold, ensure that the following factors are considered:

• The amount of weight that the scaffold will be required to support.
• The weight of the scaffold itself, materials and workers. 
• Foundation stability, the placement of scaffold planks and the distance from the scaffold to the work surface.
• Tie-in requirements.

These are just a few of the items that must be considered before erecting a scaffold.

Scaffold appointments and requirements

The Construction Regulations 16 and SANS 10085-1 require the following: 

• "Competent" person appointed in writing as a Scaffold Team Leader.
• "Competent" person appointed in writing as a Scaffold Erector.
• "Competent" person appointed in writing as a Scaffold inspector.
•  Weekly inspections, inspections after inclement weather and inspections after major alterations.
• The Register must be kept up to date.

It is important to include all appropriate health and safety measures when planning scaffolding activities.  

Improper construction and erection of scaffolding can lead to a total collapse of the scaffold or falling objects –either of which can be fatal.

Management of falling objects

THE FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) statistics show that 32% of all construction-related compensated injuries are related to being struck by falling objects.

Employees on scaffolds are not the only employees exposed to scaffold-related hazards.  Employees on the ground and on lower work platforms have been injured or even killed by falling materials or tools that were not properly secured to the scaffold working platforms.

The OHS Act and the Construction Regulations require that employees on the ground and on lower work platforms are protected from falling objects in one of two ways:

• Install the required number of toe boards and where possible, install catch-netting to work platforms to prevent items from falling.
• Erect barricades that physically prevent individuals from walking under scaffolding activities.

Caution or Danger tape is used widely in the construction industry to keep people away from overhead hazards, but this is often disregarded or taken down creating struck-by hazards.  A more effective system such as plastic mesh or solid barricades is generally recommended and much easier to maintain.

The public may be at risk of falling objects if they are able to access an area in which scaffolding activities are taking place. Therefore, the Construction Regulations require walkways to be created to prevent the public from being too close to scaffolds. Regardless of the type of safety measures implemented, it is important to post warning safety signs indicating that work is taking place above.

Inspection

Inspections related to the use of scaffolds must start with a site walkabout of the work area to check for workplace hazards such as excavations, lay of the land, earth fills, electrical wiring, and unguarded openings. Once the hazards are identified, they should be immediately eliminated or controlled.

Before use, scaffolds must be inspected for damage or alterations. In addition, the materials used in scaffolding activities must also be examined.

Never use scaffolds or the materials involved in scaffolding activities if they are defective or damaged in any way.  You should also inspect scaffolds when:

• Anything happens that might affect their structure.
•  They are assembled.
• They are changed or altered.
• They are moved.
• They are disassembled.

Management of weight loading of scaffolding

Weight supported by a scaffold plays a major role in accidents in the workplace. That is why the designer’s recommended load rating should never be exceeded. It is also important to note that supported scaffolds should be able to support not just their weight but at least four times the maximum intended load.

General safety tips

The following recommendations should be adhered to: 

• The foundation must be firm, stable and adequate for the load.
• Place scaffolds on stable ground.
• Ensure adequate bracing that is sufficiently secured as per design criteria.
• Use sufficient platform boards, ensure that they are in a suitable condition and ensure that they are secured.
• There should be adequate handrails and they should be at the correct height.
• Toe boards should be provided and secured.
• There must be adequate access ladders. 
• Sufficient stairs must be provided and secured.
• The area directly under scaffolding activities and the surrounding area must be clear of material and rubble.
• Sufficient and appropriate “safe for use”/ “unsafe for use” signs should be strategically positioned.
• The height to base ratio must be correct.
• Do not partially construct or partially dismantle scaffolds except for normal work stoppages e.g. over weekends.
• Never leave a scaffold in an unsafe condition.
• Never move or alter a scaffold while work is in progress.
• Openings and hatchways in floors below working platforms must be boarded over.
• Essential openings must be provided with toe boards and guardrails.
• No scaffolding activity must occur when the wind speed is greater than 40 km/h, during electric storms, or when rainfall is above 40 mm/h.

For assistance and advice on scaffold management, please contact the Association.

Neil Enslin

Head: Occupational Health and Safety

Sources:

SANS 10085-1
Construction Regulations 2014
MBSA Audit System 2023