The safety requirements for employees working on scaffolds as defined by OSHA are often overlooked by many. This could essentially be the difference between life and death falls.
Without a doubt, scaffolds should be able to hold it’s own weight and four times the maximum intended load applied. In addition to this, OSHA states that “each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system.” However, those who are on a single-point or two-point adjustable scaffold are required to be protected by a personal fall arrest system as well. Making sure construction companies understand when each requirement is needed is essential to the safety and protection of their workers.
In addition, employers are required to train scaffold employees on the hazards and dangers. As well as, how to minimize the risk of injury as well as, proper procedures to follow. Without the proper training of employees who use scaffolds, companies are not taking full advantage of the safety equipment required.
Overall, following scaffolding regulations are essential to protection of employees. The training on these systems are absolutely imperative and should never be overlooked.
For more information on fall protection, fall safety training, and procedures, please visit FallSafety.com where safety is #1.