Scaffolding is one of the most essential tools in the world of construction, and it has been used since the beginnings of time. Finding scaffolding for sale is very easy as a result. However, just because something is easy to find, does not mean it is also easy to use. In fact, scaffolding, for all its benefits, also has a huge drawback, which is that it is incredibly dangerous. This is why, if you do intend to use it, you need to put safety at the top of your list.
The Dangers of Scaffolding
What scaffolding does, is allow construction workers to perform their job at a height. Whenever there is height involved in a job, danger becomes present. There are tremendous hazards associated with scaffolding, including trips and falls, construction fails, falling items, and more. This is why it is essential that anybody who uses this type of tool has completed fall protection training. This should be offered on top of scaffolding training itself.
What Is Fall Protection Training?
This type of training looks at a number of dangers that are associated with using scaffolding. This includes issues such as:
- How to create an emergency protocol.
- How to use fall arrest systems.
- How to prevent falls at work.
- How to properly use scaffolding towers and associated construction tools.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has put various regulations in place to ensure people who work on scaffolding have completed fall protection training. In fact, any company that does not offer this to workers before they can use the platform, are in direct breech of regulations. The OSHA works together with the Department of Labor, and they are very strict in terms of their regulations – and for good reason! Hence, if you are a construction worker, make sure you have proof of completion of the training. Employers, meanwhile, need to ensure they have this training in place. Make use of credible platforms such as 360training.com, which is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) which will offer your construction employees OSHA certified training, based on their capacities. This platform will offer OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training courses for entry-level and additional training beyond basics, respectively. So, if you need your employees trained in safe work practices, give this site a try.”
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Every year, many accidents, some of which are fatal, happen here, and they often involve scaffolding in some sort of way. Unfortunately, companies are also under tremendous pressure to complete jobs as soon as possible, and within a very tight budget, and this means corners get cut. It is hugely important that the employee safety is not one of those areas where cuts are made. Not only would this mean you break the law, it is also unethical.
An added reason as to why fall protection training is so important, is because scaffolding towers are regularly used within public areas. If work has to be completed on an existing building, for instance, the general public will also be exposed to most of the risks associated with scaffolding. Falling tools, improper construction, trip hazards, and more, all have to be addressed. Through proper fall protection training, therefore, employees are protected from dangers, but so are innocent bystanders. Clearly, this is something everybody should get behind.