Scaffolding is an improvement over regular ladders. But, unfortunately, the risk of falls and injury remains.

The good news is this: there are plenty of things that construction firms can do to avoid their colleagues getting physically injured while working with scaffolding. Here’s what you need to know.

Read Up On Relevant Regulations And Standards

The UK government regulates how companies can use scaffolding. Firms, for instance, must construct scaffolds according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They must also build them to support sufficient loads, ensure that platforms are fully boarded, and provide access via a staircase or ladder tower.

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure general safety on the construction site. Official guidance is the result of years of experience in what can go wrong on a building site when staff use scaffolding equipment incorrectly. Always refer to it to stay safe.

Train Workers Thoroughly

Workers require extensive training to learn how to use scaffolding safely. They also need reinforcement sessions to keep their standards high.

Effective training covers:

• Scaffold design
• How to put up and dismantle scaffolding products
• How to properly support scaffolds
• The safety gear and harnesses workers need to use on scaffolds
• How much load a scaffold can take before requiring reinforcements
• How to make sure that a scaffold is safe.

Keep Scaffolds Clear Of Clutter And Debris

Clutter is both an injury and a trip risk, particularly on scaffolds. Therefore, it’s essential to remove it from the environment, especially if there is a risk of a deadly fall from a height.

Watch Out For Power Lines

Do not construct scaffolds near energised power lines. If there is a risk of electrocution because workers are rewiring or installing new electronic equipment, use a fibreglass scaffold tower instead of an aluminium one.

Double-Check Scaffolding Before Using It

Colleagues should always double-check scaffolding before using it at the start of every shift. They shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing that just because it looks safe, it is.

To visually inspect scaffolding:

• Make sure that the scaffolding is suitable for the loads it needs to bear
• Check that the footings are level and firm when the scaffolding is loaded
• Make sure that there are no bends, cracks, holes or rust on the scaffolding
• Check that ladder access remains available. Workers should never climb cross-braces.

Install Safety Netting

If deadly falls remain a significant risk, install safety netting around your scaffolding. This way, if a worker does fall from a height, they are far less likely to suffer life-altering injuries or death.

Add Guardrails And Toe Boards

Lastly, your scaffolding should have both guardrails and toe boards on every level. Rails need to be strong enough to prevent falls and withstand loads being placed on them. And toe boards should be high enough to prevent items from rolling off and injuring workers below.

If you want to reduce the risk of falls and injuries posed by your scaffolding, come to us. Our scaffolding tower hire in London is fully compliant and avoids the need to use conventional, unsafe ladders.