WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2022
Here at WMCI, one of our main goals is to build a brighter future in our West Michigan community by attracting a diverse workforce and empowering them with the skills, confidence,
The Importance of Construction Scaffolding Training
Review the Do’s and Don’ts of creating a safe and efficient scaffolding job site.
Scaffolding is one of the most common types of equipment you’ll find in commercial construction. But it’s not as simple as hopping on a scaffold and working on your project.
Not only is there a world of knowledge on the material and types of scaffolds themselves, working on them requires planning, calculating, following procedures, and avoiding hazards. Read on for the lowdown on scaffolds, safety basics, and how you can prepare.
Why scaffold safety training is important
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), about 65% of the construction industry engages in frequent work with scaffolds. Scaffolding accidents result in 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths per year in the U.S. With scaffolds being so commonplace in construction, it’s no wonder that scaffold safety training requirements are absolutely necessary. From erecting to dismantling, it’s crucial that all individuals involved should be highly trained in the most up to date safety practices.
4500
Average Yearly Injuries
50
Average Yearly Deaths
"The biggest benefit that I have learned from my customers is how employees have an opportunity to get answers to questions that everyone assumes they already know. Many times companies hire skilled labor and believe that because of their years in the industry they have scaffolding knowledge. But it's when this assumption is incorrect that we see safety issues."
Brian Munson
WMCI Scaffold Instructor
First, what exactly is Construction Scaffolding?
Scaffolding refers to a platform that supports individuals and construction materials while work is being carried out on a particular structure. While there are many types of scaffolds (single, double, suspended, and trestle, to name a few), they are largely classified into these 3 categories:
- Supported: Most common type of platform, with rigid support from below (using poles, brackets, beams, posts, frames, etc.).
- Suspended: Platform(s) hung overhead with ropes, needle beams, hangers, etc.
- Other: Scaffolds that are machinery and vehicle types, and include man lifts and hoists.
osha has two main types of safety training standards:
Note: registration for WMCI scaffolding courses is currently closed.
osha safety standards of:
User Training
User Training - for any employee who works on a scaffold - meets OSHA regulation 29CFR1935.454a "The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards."
osha safety standards of:
competent person
Competent Person Training - for all employees responsible for the operation of scaffolds - meets OSHA regulation 29CFR1935.454b. "The Employer shall have each employee who is involved in the erecting , disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize and hazards associated with the work in question"
In short, the student successfully completing the user training, meets OSHA standards for training to use/work from the scaffold only. The student who successfully completes the Competent Person Training meets the requirements to erect, dismantle, modify, moving and inspect the scaffold.
Note: there is a third standard OSHA recommends that is focused on retraining if “an employer believes the employee lacks the necessary skill, understanding, or proficiency to work safely.” 1926.454(c)
the do's and don'ts of scaffold work
Receive scaffolding training
from a qualified individual, which includes discussions of various hazards (electrocution, falling, etc.).
Ensure
the scaffold is inspected by a competent individual before working on one.
Always wear a hard hat
and work boots when working on or under scaffolds.
Be aware
of your surroundings, including the people around you.
Review
inspection tags, and the scaffold’s weight capacity.
Use safety harnesses
and lanyards when working above 10ft in height
Don't move or otherwise change
scaffolds without a competent person’s supervision.
Don't leave personal items
on the scaffold as it can be a hazard for your coworkers.
Don't stand on items
If you’re having trouble reaching an area
don't begin work if
any part of the scaffold seems damaged, missing, or otherwise not up to par. Ensure that you consult a Competent Person.
Don't climb
with tools in your hand or on the frame of the scaffold.
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SHAWN MOULENBELT
After college, Shawn built homes in Chicago, became a superintendent in Michigan, worked for the third largest home builder in the United States (Pulte Homes), moved into construct
