OSHA’s scaffolding requirements are designed to protect construction workers (and passersby in some cases) from falls and other serious hazards when working at elevated heights. These guidelines cover various aspects of scaffold use, from how structures must be assembled to the training workers need before stepping onto one. Below are some of the most important scaffolding guidelines workers and employers should be aware of.
Fall Protection
On most scaffolding setups, workers who are more than 10 feet above the ground need proper fall protection, such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems.
Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.
This requirement does not apply to one-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. However, companies should still evaluate the risk and offer fall protection whenever possible to reduce injuries. In the event you have fallen and gotten injured from a scaffolding accident, contact the Los Angeles scaffolding accident attorney from Grey Law today.
Guardrails
If scaffolding is built after January 1, 2000, the top rail must stand between 38 and 45 inches high for the safety of workers. This helps prevent individuals from accidentally tipping or leaning over the edge.
The top edge height of toprails or equivalent member on supported scaffolds manufactured or placed in service after January 1, 2000 shall be installed between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m) above the platform surface. The top edge height on supported scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000, and on all suspended scaffolds where both a guardrail and a personal fall arrest system are required shall be between 36 inches (0.9 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m). When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (g)(4).
Solid guardrail construction can help minimize fall risks in busy or cramped work environments.
Platform Construction
Any supported scaffold platform should be fully planked or decked. This means there shouldn’t be sizable gaps that could lead to trips or falls.
Where the employer makes the demonstration provided for in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the platform shall be planked or decked as fully as possible and the remaining open space between the platform and the uprights shall not exceed 9½ inches (24.1 cm).
Properly placed planks give workers a stable surface to move around on, limiting potential hazards and improving overall balance.
Capacity
Scaffolding and associated parts must support at least four times the maximum intended load.
Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (g) of this section, each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
For suspended scaffolds, it must be able to bear at least six times that load.
Each suspension rope, including connecting hardware, used on non-adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 6 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to that rope.
This design standard helps ensure that scaffolding doesn’t buckle under the weight of both workers and equipment.
Inspection
A competent person should inspect scaffolds before each shift and after any event that might compromise their safety.
Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.
These regular checks can catch minor issues – like loose planks or damaged rails – before they turn into major hazards.
Footings
The base of any scaffold must rest on level ground capable of handling the load of both workers and equipment.
Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement.
If footings are uneven or soft, the scaffold’s stability can be compromised and create risks for everyone in the area.
What to Do if You’re Injured Due to Employer Negligence
If you’ve been injured because your employer failed to follow scaffold safety rules, it’s important to take action. Start by documenting the details of the incident, including taking photos and gathering witness statements if possible. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. It’s important to make sure there aren’t any hidden injuries, and this will also provide documentation if you decide to file a claim later on.
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate health needs, consider reaching out to a personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer. An experienced Los Angeles work injury attorney can help you understand your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve. If you have questions or need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.