Putting in place scaffolding is an essential part of the construction, especially when working at heights. However, if construction workers do not make an effort to take precautions, the likelihood of injuries and fatalities is very steep.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are at least 60 deaths and 4500 injuries related to scaffolding mishaps every year. This translates to about $90 million in losses involving lost workdays, fines, and hospital bills. Therefore, it is vital to consider the safety related to scaffoldings of prime importance.
Here are the five safety tips to follow while using Scaffolding Hoist.
1. Proper Training and Inspection
Using scaffolding hoist is not child’s play. Mistakes in hoisting and using the scaffoldings when engaging in construction could lead to severe injuries and a significant likelihood of death.
Thus, to avoid the possibility of such mistakes and the subsequent aftermath occurring, proper training is a necessity. Training will help prepare the workers by giving them techniques on how to set up a sturdy scaffolding, what to do in case of unexpected mishaps, and how to solve any arising problems.
As a construction manager, ensure that only qualified professionals train your workers how to use the scaffolding. Ascertaining the qualifications and expertise of your construction trainers will ensure that you get high-quality training and safety on the construction site. Besides the training aspect, the trainer should also know how to inspect and ensure the quality of the entire structure. With proper inspection, you can be sure that the scaffolding is sturdy.
2. Protective Gear
It goes without saying that when working on a construction site, you must wear some protective gear and PPE. This is even more important when working on scaffolding.
Some of the protective gear and PPE you should have when using and hoisting scaffoldings include hard hats to help protect your head in case of an accident and a fall arrest system to assist in the event of any slip accident.
While all scaffolding must be structured in a manner that helps to avoid injuries, you still need to prepare yourself for the likelihood of injury.
3. Loads
Always cross-check the maximum load a scaffolding can carry before using it. Ideally, when constructing a scaffolding, you need to ensure that it can carry the necessary weight.
So, measure the weight of the equipment, construction supplies, and the workers on top of the scaffolding. After that, always confirm that the load on top of the scaffolding does not exceed what was expected.
Overloading the scaffolding could pose a significant risk to the integrity of the structure and the safety of all persons on the construction site. The load could cause the scaffolding to break or loosen, resulting in damage in the long term.
4. Cleaning Scaffoldings
Cleaning a scaffolding is essential if you want to keep the scaffolding safe and risk-free. Understandably, construction sites are not the cleanest places you can work at. There is often a lot of debris, construction material, water, and sand around the place.
However, you must ensure that the scaffolding is always dry and clean for safe holding. You must also eliminate any factors likely to lead to slippages, such as ice, water, or accumulated mud.
Besides, you must ensure that you never leave any items unattended when using scaffolding. Unattended items could cause a strong possibility of tripping when using scaffolding or may fall off the scaffolding and hurt people working on the construction site.
It may help to check the scaffolding at the end of a construction day to clear out any items. You can also put a system where all construction workers clean themselves as they move around the site.
5. When to Hoist and Use a Scaffolding
The final safety tip surrounds when you can use scaffolding. Before using scaffolding, always confirm that the weather conditions support strong visibility. Therefore, you may want to avoid getting on the scaffolding when it rains, or there is intense fog.
Besides that, only use scaffoldings when there is sufficient light on the construction site. It means that you can use it during the day and night only if you have enough lighting on the site. Lastly, avoid getting on the scaffolding during strong winds, fog, rain or any other harsh condition. Hence, always ensure to check weather updates before proceeding to work.
Final Words
Safety on the scaffolding is essential. Safety starts from training before construction, regular inspections, and measuring the exact load to put on the scaffolding. It extends to also knowing the appropriate time to use the scaffolding, how to clean it, and wearing protective gear. Using the safety tips mentioned above can keep your construction site risk-free and safe.
