Scaffolding is a vital tool for every construction worker. When a robust and stable scaffolding is on-site, there is no limit to the extent builders can achieve their aesthetical projections. Indeed, one of the most appealing advantages of scaffolding is to help construction workers to reach the seemingly impossible places to perform some tasks. Click here to read more about Scaffolding Companies in Sydney.
For instance, roofers can climb the roof of a High-rise building to make some repairs; cleaners can go all the way up to do some cleaning works at the top of the building and the likes.
In a nutshell, scaffolding is a beneficial tool and a great asset for every building contractor. If they know how to install and use it properly, it can help them work faster, better, and most importantly, deliver according to expectation or even beyond.
However, as good as scaffolding can help a construction site, it also comes with its risks. Since it is all about working at a height, scaffolding can cause specific life-threatening injuries that can incur huge damages on the project or even stop the work for a while. Or, what do you think can happen if workers fall from a very high scaffolding? It can result in death.
Indeed, there is a lot of risks and dangers associated with scaffolding. For example, there is a risk of fatal injury from falling; falling tools may hit somebody else below the scaffolding. In addition, there is a risk of being close to powerlines which might result in electrocution and many others.
And, it doesn’t have to be that you fail in the process of erecting the scaffolding. Many other factors can lead to scaffolding hazards such as explosion, harsh weather conditions, falling off some tools and materials, inferior quality scaffolding materials, and more.
However, it may delight your heart to know that all scaffolding hazards are preventable. As a scaffolding company, all you have to do is follow the rules and regulations guiding the use of scaffolding in Sydney. If you do, you will save many construction workers from the dangers of working at a height.
As a scaffold inspector, you have many responsibilities to ensure that the scaffolding is at its best working condition and that a construction site is a safe place for workers. Also, you would have to make sure that you strictly adhere to standard safety precautions to reduce the risk of being a victim of scaffolding hazards.
Now, what are the necessary steps to take to prevent scaffolding hazards in a construction site? Read on to unveil the essential safety secrets. Visit http://abrahamshouse.org/how-to-build-a-scaffolding-structure-in-sydney/ to read about How to Build a Scaffolding Structure in Sydney.
How To Prevent Scaffolding Hazards In a Construction Site
1. Warn against working at a height
Sometimes, workers don’t necessarily have to climb scaffolding before they could do some works. In that case, try as much as possible to instruct workers to avoid working at height when the job demands do not require such an action.
Before the work begins for the day, you may have to assess whether that day’s tasks would require scaffolding. If not, it is safer to push the scaffolding aside perform each task accordingly.
The idea is to avoid using scaffolding wherever and whenever possible. And if you cannot change the situation, you can sit down with your scaffolding crew and the construction workers to discuss how they can put some safety measures in place to reduce the risk of scaffolding hazards.
2. Inspect the scaffolding
It is one of the paramount duties of scaffolding companies to ensure that the scaffolding is in its best working conditions before any construction worker can attempt to use it.
Ideally, scaffolding inspectors need to carry out scaffolding inspections immediately after they erected the scaffold to ensure that it is safe and fit for use. Mind you; scaffolding inspection is not something you do for one day and cease. Instead, you have to keep inspecting the scaffolding every day before the work commences.
As a professional scaffolding inspector, you should be able to identify all the weaknesses in the structure. For instance, you need to check if the scaffolding is well balanced on the ground or adequately braced. Constant inspection will also enable you to identify any missing parts in the scaffolding.
3. Conduct adequate training for the workers
Before the day’s work starts, it is ideal for you to give all the workers on-site the necessary training to work on a height successfully. Having done that, you will rest assured that they are all aware of their responsibilities and every safety measure they need to follow to prevent scaffolding hazards.
Besides, you will also need to teach them how to properly use their tools and equipment when they are up there on the scaffolding. Finally, all workers need to know how to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets, fall arrest kits, and more.
4. Ensure that the workspace is safe and clean
A clean workspace will make work easier and better; it will keep the workers safe as well. But, on the other hand, a dirty work environment encourages slips and falls. Particularly in a construction site where debris and working tools can litter everywhere, the trip hazard can be inevitable.
To keep the work environment clean, you can encourage all the workers to maintain adequate personal hygiene and keep the walkways clear for easy movement around the worksite.
5. Watch the weather
Weather is another factor that can result in severe scaffolding hazards. Harsh weather conditions such as strong winds can blow away debris off the scaffolding to the ground. As a result, it’s critical that you first do a detailed weather assessment before allowing workers to begin work.
It can also be dangerous to work during snow, thunderstorm, and heavy rain. It wouldn’t only lead to scaffolding hazards but can also delay the entire project.
Final Words
Above all, you must take your time to carefully adhere to all the above-listed safety precautions before workers bounce to the site. As a scaffolding company, you need to have a seasoned representative that can give out proper training to workers on-site and provide guidance whenever necessary. Providing a safe working environment for construction workers can also improve the image of your company.