Scaffolds Expert EXPOSES Top Safety Mistakes

It's hard to believe how often construction workers lose their lives in falls, and many who survive are left permanently disabled. On scaffolding, these accidents can sometimes be blamed on bad design or poor construction. But most of the time, it's about improper use or poor maintenance-things we can actually control.
Smart workers stay safe by keeping their feet on solid ground, or in this case, a well-maintained scaffold. Here’s a daily checklist to help ensure your scaffold is safe:
Make sure platforms are tightly boarded, fenced, securely fastened, and fully planked.
Confirm that the scaffold is built on a level foundation with base plates or mud sills if needed.
Ensure the footings can handle the loaded scaffold without sinking or shifting. The scaffold should support four times the maximum intended load.
Don’t use random objects like boxes, barrels, or bricks to set up the scaffold. Only use proper scaffold parts.
Clear away tools and leftover materials at the end of the day-don’t leave stuff stockpiled.
Avoid overloading the scaffold. Keep materials over the strongest support points.
If your scaffold is taller than four times its base width, it needs to be secured with guy wires, tie wires, or braces to prevent tipping.
Always use a proper ladder, ramp, stairway, or metal frame to access the scaffold-never climb the cross bracing.
Check that top rails are 38-45 inches high, midrails are halfway between, and toe boards (3-1/2 inches high) are in place around open sides.
Other things to keep in mind:
During storms or high winds, stay grounded. In winter, clear off ice and snow before using the platform, and put sand on wet planks for traction.
Protect the scaffold from being hit by equipment or materials. When hoisting items, use a tag line to control them.
Keep platforms and the area around scaffolds free of debris, unused equipment, and anything that could cause you to slip or trip.
This Toolbox Talk is for guidance and helps employers comply with safety and health regulations. However, We does not guarantee that it fully meets all
local, state, or federal rules, nor that it covers every safety regulation needed in every situation. Employers must review and verify the content before sharing it with employees.
By using this Toolbox Talk, all parties agree that We are not responsible for any injuries, deaths, or damages related to its use.