Working at height on scaffolding can be dangerous at times. One false move can cause you to plummet to the ground below or another suffer another type of accident.
There are some scaffolding safety tips you can follow to protect yourself, including these five:
- Proper installation is a must. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation procedure down to every last detail.
- Place scaffolding on stable ground. You want to avoid placing your scaffold on sloped or soft ground, as both conditions increase the risk of an accident.
- Lock the wheels. When the scaffolding is in use, be sure to lock the wheels. This is important no matter if you’re working indoors or outdoors.
- Keep a clean workspace. Cluttered scaffolding can cause an accident, as you’re more likely to trip or knock something to the ground below. Also, be careful of where you place objects on the scaffolding, as you want to keep them away from the edges.
- Wear the appropriate safety gear. This includes, but is not limited to, non-slip shoes, hardhat and gloves. Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to wear a safety harness.
Even if you follow these five scaffolding safety tips, you could still suffer an injury in an accident. For example, a co-worker could drop something from the scaffolding above you, which then strikes you with great force.
If you’re injured in a scaffolding accident, report the incident to your employer and receive immediate medical attention.
If your doctor suggests time away from work to recover, don’t hesitate to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The money you receive can help you financially as you recover.
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