How To Keep Your Employees Safe When Using Scaffolding For Your Business
If you are planning on doing remodels for your business, you may need to invest in some scaffolding equipment. Like with any construction work, there's always risk for injury. However, so many injuries can be avoided with good practices by employers and employees. Here are some tips to keep your employees or construction workers safe on scaffolding.
1. Have an Experienced Industrial Equipment Manufacturer Help
A common mistake is cutting corners when it comes to setting up scaffolding. Unless you have a background in construction, you should leave the setup to the professional manufacturer. If you set up the scaffolding by yourself, supports and planking could give way and cause injury or death.
Some people want to set up the scaffolding themselves to save costs, but a better way to save costs is to
- Rent the scaffolding: Once you have estimated the total time you will need the scaffolding, you can look at rental rates by day, week, or month.
- Rent or buy in bulk: Instead of purchasing inexpensive framing sections from separate companies, try to buy or rent a complete kit from one manufacturer. You can often get a discount this way
- Use secondhand scaffolding: Secondhand scaffolding can be safe; just make sure you inspect the kit before using it. Look for any areas of corrosion, as these parts can decrease structural integrity.
2. Review OSHA Rules and Educate Employees
Data collected between 2005 and 2010 showed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited workers for scaffolding violations more than for any other guideline. Thousands of workers are injured, and sixty workers die every year from rule violations. While initial OSHA training may cost you money, it will save you much more money in the long run.
After about an hour of scaffolding compliance training, your employees can get a certificate, and they will understand how to safely work with this equipment. During training, they will learn how to
- Inspect planking before and after each use. For instance, cross braces should not be blocked by lumber or other construction equipment
- Safely access a work platform with a ladder (scaffolding framing is not designed for climbing)
- Carry materials and loads without stressing the scaffold's load-bearing capabilities.
Ask your scaffolding manufacturer or an OSHA professional about training requirements. The person teaching your employees should understand OSHA guidelines and how to deal with hazards—like scaffolding around electrical components.
3. Perform the Work During Slow Hours or After Hours
While your workforce can be expertly trained on all the safety guidelines, accidents can still happen, since you cannot anticipate what customers will do. If you have to work during business hours, make sure that the scaffolding is clearly cordoned off with cones, caution tape, and signs. Clearly marking the area will protect your customers from danger and protect you from liability issues due to negligence.
If the work area cannot be adequately partitioned, it's in your best interest to only work on slow business days or even after hours. If employees are doing work outside of regular business hours, you may need to consult with your state's laws and human resources about payroll and overtime rules.
4. Make Sure Employees Are Properly Outfitted
Slips and falls are a common workplace injury that can also happen on scaffolding. In order to avoid this problem, make sure your employees are wearing non-slip shoes. Shoes should have a good pattern on the sole to help with grip, as well as firm ankle and instep support.
Besides good shoes, be sure that your employees wear:
- Gloves and a jacket during inclement weather
- Safety goggles
- A helmet with a chin strap
- A high-visibility vest
- Clothing with zippers to keep items from falling out of their pockets
It's important that their clothing loose enough so that they can work easily, but not so loose that ties or fabrics can become snagged on scaffolding.
If you keep all of these tips in mind and work with an industrial professional that manufactures scaffolding, you will be able to protect your employees and business.