Preventing injury and falls whilst working on scaffolding.

One of the primary functions of scaffolding is to allow construction workers or tradespeople to access difficult-to-reach areas, such as roofers carrying out repairs or window cleaners.

Our scaffolding in Swansea is a tremendous asset and helpful structure, but it also presents various risks and dangers as a result of operating at a height.

An increased risk of serious or fatal injury from falling, the possibility of being hit by falling equipment or debris and the hazard of being close to overhead power wires all raise the chance of electrocution.

When operating at a great height, there is an inherent risk, and those responsible for ensuring the location is safe must take every step to minimise that risk.

Avoid operating at a height unless absolutely necessary
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It's crucial to analyse whether or not you need to work at a height before beginning any project, as working at a height should be avoided wherever possible.

Prior to beginning any task, it is recommended that you conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine any potential hazards and the measures that should be taken to mitigate such risks.
The risk of working at height should be avoided if an alternate option is available or if the risk is too high.

Take a look at your scaffolding

Before any work is done on the scaffolding, it is critical that it be inspected to verify its safety. This examination should be performed shortly after the scaffolding is set up.

If the structure isn't level or isn't braced or attached to the building properly, a professional inspection will find any flaws or threats.
Handrails and crash decks, for example, could be missing from your workplace if you do a thorough inspection.

PPE and proper training should be made available

Again, before beginning work, all employees should be supplied with the necessary training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working at heights.
Thus, workers will be well-versed in their roles, the safety procedures they must follow, as well as how to use protective gear, such as helmets and harnesses, to avoid a mishap or an injury altogether.

Maintain orderly working environments

Not only is it easier to get things done when the workplace is orderly, but it can also keep employees safer.
Poor housekeeping is the most common cause of slips, trips, and falls in all industries, but it is more common in construction, where equipment, working materials, and garbage are frequently left lying around, creating a trip hazard.

If you can get workers to clean up after themselves and maintain the walkways clear, you will considerably lower your risk of an accident.

Observe the environment around you and your surroundings

Strong gusts, which can knock materials and debris off scaffolding and into the ground below, are another source of weather-related mishaps.
Because of this, when harmful weather is forecast, such as high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall, all work from a height should be suspended.

Elevated workers frequently come into contact with overhead power lines, which offer a risk of electrocution
It is important to make sure that workers are aware of the potential dangers so that they can take precautions to avoid them. This should be addressed in any pre-work training and in any risk assessments that may be conducted.

No cutting corners

You must spend the time and effort to guarantee that all of the training, equipment, or inspections that we've discussed are completed to the highest standard.
To avoid making mistakes and putting workers at risk, don't try to save money by buying inexpensive PPE that may not be as effective and don't try to speed things by bypassing the inspection so you can get right to work.

Avoid cutting corners to save time or money at the expense of site safety. Rather, be as thorough as possible, even if it means delaying the project.
Worker's and visitors' safety is paramount, thus consulting with a professional scaffolding firm in Swansea can also be beneficial in ensuring that falls and accidents do not occur on your property.