Scaffold Hazards

Anyone who has worked alongside heavy equipment and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold knows how difficult it can be. Fall protection and safe access are critical.

Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems for fall prevention and protection are required for workers on platforms 10 feet or higher. Most workers injured in scaffold accidents attribute the accident to factors like the planking or support giving way, or to lack of guardrails or other fall protection. OSHA's most frequently cited serious scaffold violations are as follows:

• Lack of fall protection
• Improper scaffold access
• Use of aerial lifts without body belts and lanyards
• Poor platform construction
• Lack of sufficient worker training

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.