Scaffolding accidents mainly involve people falling, incorrect operating procedures, environmental conditions and falling materials due to equipment failure.

The causes of scaffolding collapse include failures at attachment points, a parts failure, inadequate fall protection, improper construction or work rules, and changing environmental conditions (high winds, temperature extremes or the presence of toxic gases).

Additionally, overloading of scaffolding is a frequent cause of major scaffolding collapse. Individuals exposed to scaffolding hazards include scaffold erectors and dismantlers, personnel working on scaffolds, and employees and the general public near scaffolding. Scaffold erectors and dismantlers are at particular risk since they work on scaffolds before ladders, guardrails, platforms, and planks are completely installed.

Below are the common causes of scaffolding collapse.

#1 Lack of platform strength.

Scaffolding structure must be able to support four times its expected weight load.

#2 Lack of platform stability.

A falsework structure is never to be supported by loose items, like boxes or barrels.

#3 Poor platform planking.

Planks that link platforms together must overlap each other by at least one foot.

#4 A platform that is too narrow.

Elevated platforms must have planking that extends at least 6 inches on either side of the platform edge, and frequently must be wider than that.

#5 Lack of overhead protection.

Dropped tools and debris are common workplace hazards, and temporary structures must be built to avoid them.

#6 Too much clutter on the platform.

Loose tools, building materials, and debris must be removed from the platform as soon as possible to avoid a tripping hazard.

#7 Use of unsafe structure design.

Both lean-to and shore structures are prohibited on construction sites.