5 Important Scaffolding Safety Tips

As you make your way down a major street in New York City, you will almost never escape passing by or seeing a scaffolding, or what the city calls “sidewalk sheds.” Call it an eyesore, an inconvenience, or a way to stay dry during a downpour, scaffolding is a part of NYC streetscape. They may be a common sight in NYC, but they are also hotbeds of danger for workers who must perform their jobs from heights and passersby who risk walking underneath the scaffolding.

Although scaffolds pose real hazards to both workers and the public alike, there are effective ways of controlling the risks.

Five important scaffolding safety tips that may prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

1. Preparation and Inspection Before a Project.

Before starting any job, it is important to ensure the scaffolding and equipment are in safe condition and working order. It is also important to ensure the location of where the scaffolding is to be utilized does not pose any dangers, such as overhead lines or obstructions. All guardrails, planks, and decks must be checked to ensure they are properly installed.

2. Provide Adequate Worker Training.

All workers using scaffolding should be properly trained on the scaffolding design and operation. Adequate training can go a long way in avoiding accidents. Some important training issues include:
– Workers having an understanding of how to safely get on and off scaffolding
– Avoiding hazards like falls
– Being able to properly work within load-bearing capacity
– Being able to correctly assemble and disassemble structures

3. Properly Secured Scaffolding.

Even properly erected scaffolding can be dangerous if it is not adequately secured – even one end or component becoming dislodged can be enough to compromise the integrity of the framework. Securing scaffolding greatly varies depending on the system that is used. Thus, workers must know how to properly secure scaffolding using locking systems, brace retention and mechanisms, and other fail-safe methods.

4. Install Guardrails and Check Platforms.

Guardrails must be installed and adequately secured on all scaffolding. OSHA requires that guardrails and personal fall arrest systems be installed if work is to be done on platforms 10 feet or higher.

5. Provide and Use PPE.

It is important for all construction workers who plan to work on or around scaffolding to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

These are only five of many safety precautions that should be taken when working with scaffolding or with any type of equipment on a worksite.

Contact Our New York Construction Accident Attorneys

If you have been the victim of a construction site accident that you believe was caused by another party’s negligence, you need to immediately contact an experienced New York City construction site accident attorney to protect your legal rights and get you the full compensation that you deserve. For more information or to consult with an experienced New York City construction accident attorney, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.