ASPEN RENT-ALL BLOG

With all of the potentially dangerous situations to be encountered on the job site, fall prevention could be one of the most important preventative safety measures people who work in the field of construction can concern themselves with. Taking into account that heights are more often than not a factor with this type of work, Kee Safety, a global supplier of components and custom systems for railings, barriers, roof edge protection and fall prevention, has compiled a list of 5 useful safety tips when scaffolding that are designed to help contractors “stay proactive about scaffolding safety”.

Tip #1: Slow down or consider efficiency building alternatives

Though the pace at which work is done on a job site is often important concerning projects and budgets, safety should always come first. Trying to rush through something could bring about costly mistakes that wind up setting the job back farther. According to Kee Safety, focusing on greater efficiency doesn’t have to compromise your safety.

“You don’t have to sacrifice speed for safety, as long as you’re working at the highest level of efficiency and being safe plays its own role in this process,” says president at Kee Safety – North America Mike Mumau. “Invest in techniques and tools that allow for greater efficiency so that safety isn’t compromised in order to get the project done on time. Consider organization, communication and time management training to ensure efficient working methods are being used.”

Tip #2: Always keep your workplace organized

Keeping the workplace organized can help to avoid slip, trip and fall hazards. Keep tools organized while working with scaffolding, as it can reduce the risk of them falling from scaffolding as well as make moving around on the scaffolding safer for workers.

Tip #3: Identify Hazards

Prior to the work starting and throughout the project’s completion it’s important to identify possible hazards and solutions. For instance, if you’re working near power lines then you’d want to keep scaffolding far away enough to prevent electrocution risks. If the scaffolding needs to be moved during the project, plan out a course of action before each erection.

Tip #4: Proper Training

Workers need to be trained and up to date with OSHA requirements. “Training in the setup and construction of scaffolding can ensure a solid work space for overhead workers and guarantee a rig that will not inadvertently collapse from instability,” according to Kee Safety.

Tip #5: Review The Site

In addition to identifying hazards, always keep an eye out for possible hazards as doing so can keep accidents at bay. Workers will become more comfortable on the job as the work continues, which can lead to some inadvertent as well as blatant neglect in regard to safety. “Before work begins, make sure a qualified professional has checked that scaffolding or platforms have been set up correctly and include all relevant safety precautions, such as the passive or collective railing systems preferred by OSHA to protect workers at heights,” Kee Safety says.