Scaffolding Safety 101: 4 Sloppy Work Habits That May Get You Injured
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Each year, tens of thousands of people are injured while doing a construction job. Over 10,000 people are injured while working on scaffolding each year. Out of those injured, 80 lose their lives. While some accidents can't be prevented, others were waiting to happen. It's only a matter of time. By following safety procedures and tightening up your work habits, you can avoid these nightmare scenarios. Following are four sloppy work habits that may get you injured.
Using Damaged Scaffold
Many scaffolding accidents can be traced back to broken or damaged components of the scaffolding. Never use a scaffold that is missing planking or guardrails. Before mounting any scaffold, be sure to inspect it. Look for signs of wear and tear on the cables and pulleys. If the scaffold leans or feels unsteady, get off it and address the problem rather than pushing through. You should also always wear your safety harness just in case the scaffolding fails.
Maneuvering the Scaffold
Maneuvering a scaffold correctly takes time. Each time you move it, make sure everyone is off the scaffold. Once in place, you must engage the wheel locks and place wheel blocks if you have a rolling scaffold. When accessing a scaffold, always use a ladder. Do not jump or walk from scaffold to scaffold. Instead, get off the scaffold, walk to the new scaffold, and board it via a ladder.
Failing to Maintain Clean Work Area
Equipment, materials and debris can interfere with the proper function of the scaffold if they are left around the base. The scaffold may get caught on them and pitch to the side, resulting in injuries. If you're in the habit of leaving tools on the floor of the scaffold, stop. Any clutter presents a trip hazard to you and your coworkers.
Failing to Level Scaffold
Scaffolds must be leveled before each use and every time that you move them. If you fail to level the scaffold, it may fail as a result of too much pressure on one or more cables or pulleys. When leveling a scaffold, do not max out the adjusting screws. It may make the scaffold unstable.
Scaffolding makes most construction jobs safer, but only if you use it correctly. Never use damaged scaffolding and pay attention to your work habits. Your life or someone else's may depend on it.
