The construction industry is high-risk in terms of safety. Many accidents happen in different forms, and most commonly they are related to structures and scaffolding.
In fact, the hazards relating to falls are the leading cause of workplace deaths among construction workers. They are responsible for roughly 40 percent of all construction worker fatalities. It is, therefore, vital that all construction workers and managers do what they can to improve construction worker safety on scaffolding.
Make sure that the scaffolding has been inspected before working on it
A best practice as a construction worker is to always make sure that the scaffolding you are about to work on has been inspected by a competent person that has made sure that the structure is completely safe.
Always wear the appropriate equipment
A hard hat should be worn at all times when working on or near scaffolding. You also have the responsibility to report any inadequately dressed people to your supervisor to ensure that they are safe.
Never overload the scaffold
One of the most common ways in which scaffolding can be damaged or can collapse is when it has been overloaded with weight. You should make sure that you are informed of the maximum load that can be held by the scaffolding. In addition, you should always avoid using the scaffolding if you believe that it has been overloaded or tampered with.
If you have been injured on a construction site or you are concerned about the safety of your workplace, you should take the time to inform yourself of your rights. Any work-related injuries are likely covered by workers’ compensation.
Source: Construct Connect, “The Do’s & Don’ts of Scaffold Safety in Construction,” accessed March 21, 2018