Supported Scaffolding Safety by OSHA Recommendations

Every day construction is all around us. In order for buildings to go up, however, people must go up as well. Supported Scaffolding is a platform held up by a sturdy system of poles, legs, uprights, posts and frames that allows a worker more freedom of motion while building above ground. The platforms are connected by stairs or ramps for easy access. However, these systems can be dangerous, which is why OSHA has Supported Scaffolding Safety recommendations for us to follow.

To help encourage safety, all scaffolding workers must be trained in the building and use of scaffolds, safe material handling, proper scaffolding placement, and what to do in case of a fall. To help make things even safer, a scaffolding expert is always on the team with special training on scaffolding design and safety regulations. This expert is there to supervise the workers and to answer any questions they may have.

This expert also helps determine if the ground is stable enough to build on, how much weight can be held including workers and tools, helps level out the and clear off the ground before building, and adds screw jacks to the scaffolding to help keep the scaffold level while preventing it from sinking into the mud.

When a scaffold is built, it is very important to only use the correct scaffolding materials. Things such as cinder blocks or construction equipment should not be used as they can slip or break, causing the scaffold to be dangerous. All parts should be made by the same manufacturer and should fit snugly without padding or forcing the pieces together. Everything should be made out of the same material as well as the softest material used can break if mixed materials are used.

Once the scaffolding is built, it is time to add platforms. OSHA recommends that the platforms be of either wood or plastic boards spaced no more than an inch apart. Long areas should have overlapping boards for extra strength. Some extension over the edge of the structure will happen and workers should be discouraged from stepping on the extended areas as the area is unsafe.

A good platform must be wide enough for workers to easily do their jobs and to be able to pass by each other if they need to, should connect to the scaffolding only at right angles, and should have guard rails and other safety measures to help protect the workers. It should not be near power lines.

Between shifts and at the start of the day it is important to check the scaffolding, ramps and platforms for damage. All tools should be removed as soon as you are done with them and all spills should be cleaned up. Protective screens to catch falling items and hard hats are important for safety as well.

Working on scaffolding can be dangerous, however it does not need to be. Well-built scaffolding helps keep workers safe, however, common sense and using safe working practices are the most important part of staying safe while working up on scaffolding.