OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard: What It Is
OSHA definition: OSHA’s scaffolding rules “[aim] to protect workers using scaffolding in construction work. Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on the list of the most frequently cited standards in the construction industry. Scaffold-related fatalities account for a significant number of fatalities in the construction workplace.” (Source)
Simple definition: A scaffold is a temporary structure that allows people to work in areas that are high off the ground or otherwise inaccessible. OSHA’s scaffolding standards lay out safe and proper methods for scaffolding used in construction jobs.
What is Scaffolding?
There are three types of scaffolds commonly used:
- Supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms held up by rigid structural elements such as beams, brackets, poles, legs, or frames.
- Suspended scaffolds are platforms raised by non-rigid means, such as ropes or cables.
- Aerial lifts are elevating devices mounted to vehicles. Examples include extendable boom platforms, aerial ladders, and vertical towers.
OSHA’s scaffolding standard covers each of these kinds of scaffolds, as well as ladders, stilts, protection from falling objects, weather conditions, and other related hazards. The standard is extensive and detailed, specifying everything from fall protection measures to guardrail height to inspections and training.
Why Scaffolding Violations Happen
Scaffolding violations are common because scaffolds are standard construction equipment. The majority (65%) of construction projects involve scaffolds, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Millions of construction workers across the US work on scaffolds every year.
The BLS estimates that 3 issues account for over 70% of all scaffolding accidents:
- Planking giving way when equipment is defective, damaged, poorly maintained, or incorrectly assembled
- Slips and trips due to slippery surfaces, missing protective measures (such as guardrails), and/or inadequate training
- Falling objects
Overall, most scaffolding violations are the result of faulty equipment, dangerous environmental conditions, improper training, or a combination thereof.
What You Stand to Lose When Scaffolding Violations Happen
Direct costs: OSHA penalties can exceed $13,000 per violation—and as much per day for every day the issue hasn’t been fixed by OSHA’s deadline. The fine for a willful or repeated violation can be 10 times as much.
Indirect costs:
- workers’ compensation claims from workers injured by falls or falling objects
- lost productivity during and after an incident
- costs of replacing any damaged scaffolds or equipment
- legal and compliance fees
- decreased morale
- negative publicity and reputational damage
Signs You’re at Risk of a Scaffolding Violation
You work in construction: Scaffolds are commonplace in the construction industry. Every time a worker needs to be elevated, there’s risk involved.
Your equipment has been in use for a long time: As discussed above, faulty and badly-maintained equipment is a leading cause of scaffolding accidents.
Tools and/or materials on the worksite aren’t secured: Any object resting on or above a scaffold can fall and become deadly.
The weather’s bad. Scaffolding is riskier during storms and periods of high wind, as well as immediately after rain or snowfall. Precipitation creates slippery surfaces, increasing the danger of slips and falls.
Your workforce hasn’t been trained properly or consistently: Every worker who works on a scaffold needs to be able to demonstrate knowledge of safe conduct.
The wrong person (or no one) is in charge: OSHA specifies that a “competent person” must be on hand to a) determine whether scaffolds are safe to use, b) direct others in erecting and dismantling scaffolds, and c) conduct training and inspections.
How to Avoid a Scaffolding Violation: Your Prevention Checklist
- Are the right fall protection and/or fall arrest systems in place? Each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system, except those on single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Each employee on a single-point and two-point adjustable suspended scaffold needs to be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail.”
- Are guardrails at the proper height? The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000 can be between 36 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters).
- Is crossbracing at the proper height? When the crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a toprail, it must be between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 meters) above the work platform.
- Are midrails installed correctly? Midrails must be installed approximately halfway between the toprail and the platform surface. When a crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a midrail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5 meters) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform.
- Are footings strong enough? Support scaffold footings need to be level and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold. The legs, poles, frames, and uprights must bear on base plates and mud sills.
- Are platforms fully planked or decked?
- Are scaffolds completely supported? Supported scaffolds with a height-to-base of more than 4:1 must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or the equivalent.
- Can scaffolds bear the necessary weight? Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 6 times the intended load.
- Have ALL employees been trained on proper scaffolding use? Employers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the procedures to control the hazards.
- Are inspections conducted as often as necessary? A competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold components for visible defects—before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity.
Toby Graham manages the marketing communications team at KPA.