Safety on scaffolding in the rain.

​According to the findings of the NASC Safety Report 2021, "Slips and Trips" have been the most common cause of injury for the past 16 years in a row.

Rain makes the platforms of scaffolding slick, makes the scaffolding unstable (if it hasn't been erected properly) and makes working conditions substantially more difficult. Here are some of the tips that Scaffolding Swansea live by.

1. Refrain from making use of the scaffolding.

If it is raining, snowing, or sleeting outside, you should not use scaffolding because this is the easiest and safest piece of advice. Call off work until the inclement weather passes, if you are able to do so. Not only will it safeguard worker safety, but it will also protect worker health, morale, and productivity.

2. When ascending, take your time and don't rush.

Although it seems patently clear, it is surprisingly simple to ignore. When climbing, it is imperative that you exercise extreme caution at all times and resist the urge to move quickly at any point. Always be cautious when climbing, especially after it has rained, even if the precipitation has ceased.

During the fall and winter months, the rungs of scaffolding are more likely to become slick.

It is an obvious sense, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only lift one foot off the ground when you are certain that the other foot is stable.

3. Rotate each of the planks.

Scaffolding boards that are slip-resistant are used by some companies; however, if you feel that the planks are becoming too slippery, it is recommended to turn them over (if able). A board tends to get more slippery as time goes on, so keep a close check on it after it has been raining for several hours.

4. Sweep up more often.

Before beginning your task, clear the area of any standing water, ice, snow, or leaves. Have you ever slipped on a leaf because it was wet? You are aware of how dangerous this may be, and the dangers posed by ice need no further explanation.

5. Conduct more frequent inspections of the scaffolding.

The scaffolding you use should be resistant to the elements, but you can never say for certain that it is fully immune to the impacts of things like rain or snow. After any instance of severe weather, the scaffolding structure as a whole, together with all of its constituent parts, needs to be inspected. You should have a company that specialises in scaffolding do this for you.

6. Take a break more often.

We may become more prone to make mistakes when we're cold, wet, or frustrated as a result of the bad weather. In order to keep up the productivity of the workers and ensure their safety, it is a smart idea to take more frequent breaks when it is raining.

7. Provide a foundation for the scaffolding's feet.

After prolonged or intense rainfall, the terrain on which scaffolding constructions are placed may become unstable and cause problems. The ground beneath our feet can shift, become slick, and even sink. The feet of the scaffolding should be put on a solid, level support, like wood, to prevent the scaffolding from sinking.

8. You should look at the forecast more frequently.

It is important to check the weather prediction every day during the fall and winter months, and employers should be ready to delay work if it is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of their employees even if it affects the scaffolding cost.