How Suspended Scaffold Falls Occur
Workers fall from suspended scaffolds when components fail, planks break, handrails give way, and scaffold supports collapse.
Fall From Scaffold
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 564 fatal falls to a lower level in 2019. Among those were falls from scaffolds. However, most scaffold accidents can be ultimately traced to a lack of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) because workers are untrained or improperly trained.
Scaffold workers must be trained on the requirements and safe practices to recognize fall hazards and to control or minimize the hazards. Below are some required topics and safe work practices that should be a part of scaffold safety training.
Required topics for supported scaffold safety training include:
- scaffold load capacity and the types of loads appropriate for the scaffold;
- when fall protection is required, the appropriate protection to use, and how to use it;
- how to use scaffold components;
- how to reach access areas;
- how to protect those below the scaffold from falling objects; and
- how to avoid electrical hazards.
Supported Scaffold safe work practices
- Use ladders or stairs to reach platforms that are more than 2 feet above or below the access point.
- Don't climb cross-braces to reach a scaffold platform.
- Scaffolds must be able to support their own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. The maximum intended load includes workers, equipment, and supplies.
- Platforms must not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when they are loaded.
- Platforms must be fully decked or planked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports.
- Don't use damaged scaffold components; repair or replace them immediately.
- Make sure a competent person inspects the components before each workshift.
- Don't modify components.
- Scaffold components made by different manufacturers may be mixed, provided they fit together without force and maintain structural integrity.
- Watch for slippery surfaces. Don't work on platforms covered with snow and ice.
- Stay off scaffolds during storms and strong winds unless a competent person determines that it's safe.
- Scaffolds must be erected, dismantled, or moved only under the supervision of a competent person.
- The competent person must be on site to direct and supervise the work.
- Keep a minimum safe clearance distance according to the table below from power lines and any other conductive source. Some overhead power lines are installed with a covering that insulates the voltages in the line. The insulation usually deteriorates over time.
| INSULATED LINES | Voltage | Minimum Distance | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 300 v | 3 feet (0.9 m) | |
| 300 v to 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) | |
| More than 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) plus .4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv | 2 times the length of the line insulator, but not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) |
| UNINSULATED LINES | Voltage | Minimum Distance | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 50 v | 10 feet (3.1 m) | |
| More than 50 kv | 10 feet (3.1 m) plus .4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv | 2 times the length of the line insulator, but not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. Which of the following topics is required in supported scaffold safety training?
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