Scaffolding Safety Tips to Prevent Construction Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that as many as 2.3 million construction workers use scaffolding regularly. When workers do not erect or use scaffolding properly, falls and other accidents can occur. Workers and supervisors should follow several basic scaffolding safety tips to reduce the risk of these accidents.
- Avoid using unstable objects to support scaffolds. Workers should not use boxes, bricks or similar objects for support.
- Scaffolding must always have midrails and guardrails. Another safety feature required by OSHA is toeboards, which prevent materials from falling off the scaffold and hitting people on the ground.
- Workers should erect scaffolds a minimum of 10 feet from electric power lines to reduce the risk of electrocution and other accidents.
- A “competent person” must supervise the assembly, movement and dismantling of scaffold. This person must inspect scaffolding regularly and train employees on how to use scaffold properly.
- If a worker notices damaged or loose braces, screw legs, brackets or other scaffold components, he should report them immediately. These components should be immediately replaced or repaired.
- Workers should take care to keep rope away from heat sources to reduce the risk of fires.
These safety tips should help construction workers protect themselves from falls and other scaffolding injuries. However, workers cannot always avoid accidents caused by the negligence of others. The Tucson scaffold accident attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. have the experience needed to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of income. Call us at 1-602-457-6222 for answers to your questions and advice on how to proceed.
