3 Safety Tips for Working with Scaffolding

Building, Access and Guardrail Requirements

1. Training and ‘Qualified Person’ Requirements

• Under OSHA regulation, scaffolds must be designed by a “qualified person” and must be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Therefore, contractors must ensure that only properly trained workers build, modify, or move scaffolds, and that the qualified person supervises each of these activities.
• Before working on a scaffold, employees must be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards.
• OSHA regulations define a qualified person as "one who -- by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience -- has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project."

2. Scaffolding Access and Platform Requirements

• When platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access, workers must use ladders or other designed means of access (e.g. ramps, walkways, other scaffolds) to climb on and off the scaffold. Acceptable ladders include portable ladders, stair towers, and stairway type ladders.
• Each platform on each “working level” of a scaffold must be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and guardrail supports.
• The space between adjacent platform units and the space between the platform and the uprights must be no more than 1 inch wide, except where the contractor can demonstrate a wider space is necessary.

3. Scaffolding Guardrail and Falling Object Requirements

• Employees on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level be protected from falling. Guardrails are typically used to fulfill this vital requirement.
• Where used, guardrails must be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms and, generally, toprails must be installed between 36-38 to 45 inches above the platform surface. Toprails must be able to withstand certain amounts of pressure (depending upon the type of the scaffold). Additional requirements for midrails, vertical members, and other components are specified in 29 CFR 1926.451.
• Contractors must also mitigate the potential hazard of falling objects by barricading the area below scaffolds and restricting workers from entry. Toeboards must be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet above lower levels. Toeboards must be at least 3.5 inches high and securely fastened at the outermost edge of the platform (with no more than 0.25-inch clearance above the platform).

Authors Note: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Travis S. McConnell is a construction law attorney with Cotney Construction Law, LLP. McConnell’s legal practice focuses on all aspects of construction law. He works extensively on matters relating to OSHA defense, which includes the management and development of safety and health strategies for construction contractors across the United States. McConnell’s OSHA practice concentrates on litigation and the appeals of citations involving catastrophic construction-related accidents. For more information, contact: Travis McConnell, tmcconnell@CotneyCL.com.