Category: Safety News

Safety News

Scaffold Safety

Scaffolds can tip over, collapse, or you can fall through improper planking. When at the job site, you should be able to recognize hazards while setting up, using and taking down scaffolding.

Here are some tips to help you and your employees stay safe:

• use guardrails or personal fall arrest systems when scaffold platforms exceed 10 feet
• working platforms and decks must be fully planked with no more than a 14 inch gap from the building or wall
• scaffold planks are to be overlapped on a support at least 6 inches, but not more than 12 inches
• do not use planking with knots, holes, cracks or rot
• inspect scaffolds and scaffold parts each day, before and after each shift
• check footings to see if they are level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold
• use 2 x 4 material as a guardrail in addition to scaffold X frames
• make sure that tools and materials are at least 10 feet away from power lines
• check metal components for bends, cracks, holes, rust, welding, splatter, pits, broken welds and non-compatible parts
• tie the scaffold back to the building at every 20 feet of vertical height
• do not use scaffold end frames and legs without base plates
• scaffold base plates must be nailed to mud sills on a firm foundation to prevent shifting
• never set up end frames on concrete blocks or stacks of lumber, as they are unstable
• provide a good path for drainage so water does not damage the scaffold footing

Keeping Your Workplace Safe & Sound

Safety in the workplace is critical for several reasons. First, it helps prevent accidents and injuries, which can cause physical harm to employees and result in fines and legal consequences for the employer. Second, a safe work environment promotes productivity and reduces the number of sick days taken by workers. It can also help improve morale and job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates.

How to Achieve Safety in the Workplace

To achieve safety in the workplace, it’s important to follow certain guidelines, i.e., ensuring all employees have received adequate training on procedures and protocols. This includes training on the proper use of equipment and machinery, as well as emergency procedures in case of accidents or incidents.

Additionally, it is important to regularly assess and address potential hazards in the workplace, such as faulty equipment or unsafe working conditions. Encouraging open communication between workers and management can also help to identify and address safety concerns.

Workplace Safety Tips

1. Use appropriate PPE for the job at hand.
2. Maintain a clutter-free workspace.
3. Train employees on safety procedures and protocols.
4. Conduct regular safety audits to identify potential hazards and make necessary improvements.
5. Encourage open communication. Workers should feel comfortable reporting any safety concerns to management, and management should take those concerns seriously.