Nearly 20% of all fatal falls involve scaffolding and falling from height. Before you attempt to even go near scaffolding, regardless of whether your work colleagues or boss tries to make out like you are a softie. Ensure that the following steps are followed. At the end of the day it is your life that you are putting at risk by doing the job, so it makes sense to keep all risks to a minimum.
- Ensure that you have been properly trained to use scaffolding
- Ensure that the scaffolding that you will be working on has been constructed by a qualified company or individual. This should always be documented.
- Fully inspect the scaffolding yourself, and ensure that it can withstand a great amount of weight.
- Ensure that the scaffolding has an alternative exit route.
- The scaffolding should always be level and not have any obstructions.
- You should avoid working in severe weather conditions. If you are going to work in cold weather conditions you should always wear good quality thermal gloves as the scaffolding poles can get very cold in the winter.
- Ensure that you are wearing the correct protective clothing such as high visibility & workwear
- Ensure that you are wearing non slip steel toe cap safety boots.
- Ensure that you are wearing high quality fall arrest equipment such as a full body harness, and ensure that the scaffolding has guard rails to help prevent falls.
- Wear a hard hat with a ratchet and reversible cradle which allows the helmet to be worn with the peak at the back.
For a large range of Safety Supplies, visit the Safety Savers website.
