Humans have a lot of experience with scaffolding.
It was used more than 17,000 years ago so that artists could paint on the ceilings of caves. It has been used throughout history for repairs and construction of buildings large and small.
But from pre-history to the present, working on scaffolding has been hazardous. Although today's steel scaffolding makes it reliable, it shouldn't be taken for granted.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that two out of every three construction workers spend at least part of their workday on scaffolding. Despite advances in design, scaffolding has ranked number 3 in OSHA'S list of most cited violations since 2014.
About 50 workers per year die in scaffolding accidents while 4,500 workers are injured. In one notorious case in 1978, improperly constructed scaffolding collapsed, killing 51 workers. The tragedy prompted renewed focus on scaffolding safety.
Although there are many types of scaffolding, frame construction is the most common on construction sites and the most likely to be taken for granted. With all construction scaffolding, a qualified person, or in some cases an engineer, is required to design, supervise erection and dismantling, and train workers in safety.
Workers must be aware of how to safely enter and exit scaffolding by using provided handrails and ladders. Never should they climb on scaffolding braces.
Weather plays a big part in whether workers should even enter scaffolding. Wet and icy conditions increase the likelihood of falls. Icicles on the form can fall, causing injury. High winds not only increase the likelihood of falls, but also threaten the scaffolding form.
Because scaffolding is usually made of steel, it poses an electrocution hazard. Scaffolding should be designed to be well-removed from power lines. After windy or stormy conditions, the scaffolding should be inspected for downed wires.
If at all possible, workers should tether tools to avoid drop hazards. At all times, workers should remain alert to those working above them.
A tag system can help alert workers to the safety of the structure.
Red: Not safe for occupancy.
Green: Inspected and safe.
Yellow: Safe under certain conditions. Some yellow tags could warn of trip hazards at sections of the scaffold.