Top Causes of Scaffolding Falls and How to Prevent Them

Top Causes of Scaffolding Falls and How to Prevent Them

Each year, scaffolding accidents lead to approximately 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths in the United States. Falls from scaffolding account for roughly 25% of fatal falls from all working surfaces. Given these alarming statistics, understanding the primary causes of scaffolding falls and implementing effective prevention strategies is crucial for ensuring worker safety on construction sites.

Understanding the Risks: Why Scaffolding Falls Occur

Scaffolding provides temporary support for workers, materials, and equipment at elevated heights. While essential for various construction, maintenance, and repair projects, scaffolds pose significant risks if not properly erected, maintained, or used. Several factors contribute to scaffolding falls, each demanding specific attention and preventative measures.

Top Causes of Scaffolding Falls

  1. Improper Scaffold Erection:

    • The Problem: Scaffolds that are not assembled correctly are inherently unstable. This includes failures to properly install all attachment points, necessary bracing, and guardrails.
    • Prevention:
      • Ensure that scaffolding is erected by competent professionals who are knowledgeable about safety guidelines.
      • Use base plates and leveling jacks on firm, level ground.
      • Install diagonal bracing for lateral stability.
      • Secure all couplers, braces, and pins.

  2. Lack of Fall Protection:

    • The Problem: Absence of adequate fall protection measures such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems significantly increases the risk of falls.
    • Prevention:
      • Install guardrails on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms that are 10 or more feet above the ground. Top rails should be between 38 and 45 inches high and withstand at least 200 lbs of force.
      • Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) including harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines, especially on suspended scaffolds or when guardrails are not feasible.
      • Ensure proper use of PFAS with secure anchor points that can support at least 5,000 lbs.

  3. Scaffold Instability:

    • The Problem: Unstable scaffolds can result from several factors, including being erected on uneven ground, using inadequate materials, or failing to secure the scaffold to a stable structure.
    • Prevention:
      • Ensure the scaffold is erected on firm, level ground. Use base plates and mud sills on soft ground to spread the load.
      • Tie scaffolds to the structure at intervals: Vertically every 20-26 feet and horizontally every 30 feet.
      • Regularly inspect the scaffold to ensure it remains plumb and square.

  4. Overloading:

    • The Problem: Exceeding the scaffold’s maximum load capacity can cause structural failure and collapse.
    • Prevention:
      • Know the scaffold’s load capacity and never exceed it.
      • Distribute weight evenly across the platform.
      • Avoid stacking heavy materials near platform edges.

  5. Defective Equipment:

    • The Problem: Using damaged or poorly maintained scaffolding components can lead to failures.
    • Prevention:
      • Regularly inspect all scaffolding components for defects such as cracks, bends, rust, or broken welds.
      • Replace any damaged parts immediately.
      • Ensure that all equipment meets safety standards and is appropriate for the intended use.

  6. Slipping and Tripping Hazards:

    • The Problem: Slippery surfaces, clutter, and debris on the scaffold platform can cause workers to lose their footing.
    • Prevention:
      • Keep the work area organized and free of debris, tools, and materials.
      • Use scaffold planks that provide a non-slip surface.
      • Incorporate safe access: Use designated access points, such as stairs or ladders, to reach the platform; never climb on frames or braces.

  7. Inadequate Training:

    • The Problem: Workers who are not properly trained on scaffold safety are more likely to make mistakes that lead to falls.
    • Prevention:
      • Provide comprehensive training on how to erect, use, and dismantle scaffolds safely.
      • Educate workers on identifying and controlling fall hazards.
      • Ensure workers understand the importance of following safety protocols and using personal protective equipment (PPE).

  8. Falling Objects:

    • The Problem: Tools, equipment, or materials falling from the scaffold can strike workers below.
    • Prevention:
      • Use toe boards at least 3.5 inches high to prevent objects from falling.
      • Install screens or debris nets to catch falling objects.
      • Secure tools and materials to prevent them from being dislodged.

  9. Electrical Hazards:

    • The Problem: Scaffolds erected near power lines can expose workers to the risk of electrocution.
    • Prevention:
      • Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from energized power lines.
      • Use non-conductive scaffolding materials when working near electrical sources.
      • De-energize or insulate power lines whenever possible.

  10. Weather Conditions:

    • The Problem: Inclement weather such as wind, rain, snow, and ice can make scaffolding work more dangerous.
    • Prevention:
      • Avoid working on scaffolds during high winds or severe weather.
      • Use wind screens to reduce the impact of wind.
      • Ensure that the scaffold platform is free of ice and snow.

Implementing a Proactive Safety Strategy

Preventing scaffolding falls requires a comprehensive approach that includes:

  • Regular Inspections: Conduct thorough inspections of scaffolds before each shift and after any event that could affect their stability.
  • Competent Supervision: Ensure that a competent person oversees all aspects of scaffold erection, use, and dismantling. A “qualified person” means being knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved, and the means to control the hazards, by reason of education, training, experience, or a combination thereof.
  • Proper PPE: Enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats, non-slip footwear and safety harnesses.
  • Adherence to OSHA Standards: Comply with all relevant OSHA scaffolding regulations, including those related to guardrails, fall protection, access, and training.
  • Safe Access: Provide safe access to get on and off the scaffold, such as a ladder. OHSA scaffold ladder regulations require that safe entry and exit be provided whenever scaffold platforms are more than two feet above or below a point of access. Crossbraces may not be used as a means of access under any circumstance.

The Legal Aspect

Construction companies should train workers on how to set up scaffolding according to safety guidelines and ensure all setups are properly supervised and fully inspected prior to use. Scaffolding should be set up only on stable ground or surfaces. Whenever a scaffolding platform is more than 10 feet above a lower level, construction companies need to install guardrails or a fall arrest system for the protection of their workers.

Conclusion

Falls from scaffolding are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. By understanding the top causes of these incidents and implementing effective prevention strategies, construction companies can create a safer work environment for their employees. Regular inspections, proper training, adherence to safety standards, and the use of appropriate protective equipment are essential components of a comprehensive scaffolding safety program.

Do you have questions about your rights after a scaffolding accident? Contact us today for a consultation.