Scaffolding safety is of prime importance. By definition, these construction tools can either prevent or cause dangerous conditions at the construction site, depending on how well they function, and the way they are used.

Working hazards or faulty equipment can have a dramatic impact on productivity and profit. Unsafe conditions not only reduce the enthusiasm of workers on the construction site but can also cause an accident to evolve into a costly lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim.

A holistic approach to scaffolding safety on the job site must take into account external threats, visitors, and the surrounding environment. Here are five steps to proactively create a safe construction site before erecting scaffolding.

1. Get Proper Safety Equipment

Proper safety equipment is essential to set your construction site up for success. Make sure to invest in high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

2. Making a Rescue Plan

A rescue plan should be mapped out for workers to refer to throughout the E&D process. Creating this before erecting scaffolding gives you time to add the proper materials to your inventory to have them on hand in the case of an emergency.

3. Make a Field Level Risk Assessment

A field level risk assessment is used to examine operational and procedural systems on a daily basis to identify hazards that may be necessary to protect workers at the construction site. By completing an FLRA prior to any work being done on site, possible risks and hazards are identified early and procedures can be put in place to suggest ways for controlling risks and keeping the site safe.

4.Evaluate Construction Site Conditions

Ground conditions must be evaluated to ensure an adequate E&D process can proceed. However, geotechnical concerns like erosion potential or a high water table are not seen by the naked eye.

5. Get your Staff Trained

When OSHA revised scaffolding safety standards in 1996, studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 25% of workers involved in scaffolding accidents had not received safety training. As a manager, you can reduce the risk for your crew by conducting proper OSHA and equipment-specific safety training. OSHA training is designed to protect employees from common hazards such as falls, falling objects, structural instability, and overloading.