Let’s Talk Scaffold Safety
What is a scaffold? Need to know
A scaffold is any temporary elevated platform Fall protection, either personal fall-arrest systems or
(supported or suspended) and its supporting guardrail systems, must be provided on any scaffold
structure (including anchorage points), used to hold 10 feet or more above a lower level to protect
workers, materials or both. workers from falling to a lower level. Falling object
protection is also required.
How does it work?
A supported scaffold (typically a frame scaffold) is Scaffold Basics
the most commonly used. It has one or more Set on a firm, stable, level base.
platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, Set-up level. Brace to prevent swaying &
poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid displacement.
support. Supported scaffolds include system Assemble per the manufacturer’s instructions
scaffolds (fixed connection points at predetermined using ALL parts provided.
levels) and mobile scaffolds. Chock or lock wheels on mobile platforms.
Use guardrail systems on all open sides and ends.
Types of Hazards Top rail, mid-rails, toe boards, entrance gates
Worker falls are the number one scaffold hazard. Do not overload the scaffold weight limit.
Scaffolding general requirements are among the top Set a minimum 10 feet from overhead power lines.
10 OSHA violations. Additionally, electrical hazards Fully plank work platforms; minimum 18” width.
from overhead power lines and the use of power Keep platform/deck clear of debris, excess clutter
hand tools expose workers to electrocution risks. A and slip hazards.
person receiving an electrical shock can easily lose
his/her balance and fall. Scaffold Use
Do NOT attempt to move the scaffold when on it.
Injury examples: Do not use in high winds.
An employee fell through an open gate on the Climb only on the built in ladder.
scaffold platform when leaning over to install a NEVER use cross braces for climbing.
tarp over the top of a grain semi-trailer. He struck Do not rock the scaffold.
his head on the concrete floor dying 2 days later Do not lean out of the scaffold.
from a subdural hemorrhage and stroke. Do not climb on the guardrails.
An employee moved a mobile scaffold while
Do not increase scaffold height by standing on a
working on it. It became unstable and the worker
barrel, ladder, box, etc. placed on the deck.
to fall to the ground broke his neck and died.
Wear a hardhat.
Let’s Talk about our Worksite
1. Are we inspecting scaffolds before each use to ensure they are stable and secure?
2. Are we receiving adequate training on scaffold hazards before use?
3. Do we know the weight limits for the scaffolds and not exceeding them?
4. Are we using appropriate hazard control methods to prevent incidents like those
described?
Grain Handling Safety Coalition 5/2019 Material produced under grant # SH-05033-SH8 from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Scaffold Safety
Why trust your life to this?
Use safe scaffolds!
Remember
Inspect scaffold before use
Set up level on firm base
Lock or chock wheels
Guard against falls
Do not increase height
Keep clear of debris
Grain Handling Safety Coalition 5/2019 Material produced under grant # SH-05033-SH8 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
U. S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, nor does mention of trade names,
commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Government..
Scaffold Safety Supplement
Scaffold requirements for General Industry are found under the
OSHA construction standard 1926 Subpart L (Scaffolds).
General Information
Workers using personal fall arrest systems on scaffolds must be tied off to appropriate anchor points.
Inspect guardrails, connectors, fastenings, footings, tie-ins, bracing and planking before using scaffolds.
Remove damaged scaffolds from service immediately.
Scaffolds must support the structure and 4 times the intended work load or not exceed the rated capacity.
Pile necessary materials over ledger and bearer points.
Scaffold planks must be cleated or secured, or extend over the end supports a minimum of 6 inches but no
more than 12 inches.
Do not use unstable objects as work platforms or to support scaffolds such as barrels, boxes, kegs, horses,
ladders, loose tile blocks or piles of bricks, A-frames, etc.
Always remove snow and ice before using. Use sand on wet planking to provide more secure footing.
Use rolling scaffolds on level surfaces only. When not being moved, caster breaks must be locked. When
moving the scaffold all loose materials must be secured and the route should be free of holes and overhead
obstructions.
Additional Injury Examples
A worker was killed and another suffered a broken wrist, laceration over his left eye and concussion when
the two-tiered mobile platform approximately 12 feet tall with no outriggers or railing attached tipped over
and the workers fell to the ground.
Workers were erecting a 4 tier high frame near an energized, uninsulated power line (13.2 kV phase to
phase). The minimum required clearance distance of 10 feet was not maintained. Only the last few pieces of
guardrail needed to be installed, when an employee inadvertently contacted the power line with a 7-foot long
piece of metal scaffolding. The employee was electrocuted and died.
An employee was standing on the 4th step of a a closed 6 ft step ladder that was leaning against a beam.
The step ladder had been set on the platform of a mobile scaffold set at a height 5 feet 7 inches above the
concrete floor. The employee slipped and fell approximately 9 feet head first to the concrete floor and was
killed by fatal impact to the head.
An employee was working from a step stool that was on a mobile scaffold system. The employee lost his
balance and fell approximately 7 feet to the ground when the stool shifted. The employee struck his head on
the concrete floor and was killed.
Additional Resources
OSHA scaffold e-tool - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/scaffolding/gen_req.html
OSHA scaffold fact sheets –
https://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.athruz?pType=Industry&pID=188
OSHA scaffold quick card - https://stopconstructionfalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/OSHA-Quick-
Card-Supported-Scaffold-Safety-Tips.pdf
A variety of scaffold resources can be found at elcosh.org and https://www.cpwr.com/
Grain Handling Safety Coalition 5/2019 Material produced under grant # SH-05033-SH8 from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
