How to Stay Safe While Using Scaffolding
Scaffolding is used in building and construction on a daily basis. However, unfortunately scaffolding presents many risks, accounting for 40% of all fatalities in construction each year.
It is a fact that many people do not know how to use scaffolding in a way that is safe and will reduce the likelihood of injury. So, to help you out, we have written this article listing the ways in which you can stay safe while using scaffolding.
Inspect Your Scaffolding Before Use
Every time you use scaffolding, you must inspect it. In fact, scaffolding that is used on a regular basis for construction projects should be inspected every 7 days. Always inspect scaffolding if it is exposed to bad weather conditions that are likely to cause deterioration.
An inspection of the scaffolding should be carried out by a person with the relevant knowledge, training, and experience to ensure that the scaffolding is in good condition.
How to Prevent Falls While Putting Up Scaffolding
Preventing falls while putting up scaffolding is an extremely important job and not only ensures the safety of yourself but also of your team members. The best ways to reduce fall risks is to use advanced guardrails, special tools and equipment, or safe methods of work.
All those erecting scaffolding should be supervised by a competent person who has received the appropriate level of training relevant to the type of scaffolding they are using.
Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
Being aware of all the risks is one of the best ways to stay safe while using scaffolding. Before work has even started on your construction project, it is vital you complete a thorough risk assessment. This involves identifying any potential risks or hazards and then the appropriate measures in place to remove or reduce those dangers.
Risk assessments are crucial for the safety of your workers and the clients you are working for. But it is also an important legal requirement. Therefore, ensure you carry out all the necessary checks to meet your legal and contractual obligations.
Keep Your Working Environment Organised
One of the biggest and, often, most avoidable causes of accidents in the construction industry is an untidy and disorganised working environment. Tools or materials that are left lying around on the ground are huge hazards as construction workers could trip or fall over them. What’s more, tools left lying around could drop from the scaffolding above and hit people walking by below.
Keep your workplace tidy, free from clutter, and you can considerably reduce the likelihood of accidents from occurring.
Undertake the Proper Training
When working on a construction site, the proper training is incredibly important and paramount to the effective and safe working of a construction space. Not only will the proper training ensure everyone understands the best and most safe practices on site, but it will also keep your team up to date with the relevant Health and Safety legislation.
Hire Equipment with the Proper Training
When using new equipment, it is important you know how to use it properly and safely. At Mteevan Hire we ensure that every one of our customers knows how to use our equipment.
If you would like to know more about tool hire and the services we provide customers throughout the UK, call our team at Mteevan Hire today for more information.