Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #3 – Falls from scaffolding?
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Focus Four-Falls
The following are links to all of the items in this collection:
Documents
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #1 – Falls through skylights and holes?
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #2 – Falls from debris piles?
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #3 – Falls from scaffolding?
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #4 – Falls from aerial lifts?
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #5 – Falls from equipment
- Focus Four Toolbox Talks, Module 1 – Falls, Talk #6 – Falls from ladders
- Getting the most out of the IUOE Toolbox Talks
Summary Statement
A toolbox talk on preventing falls from scaffolding. Includes questions to ask, an incident to discuss with images, and a place to record questions the trainer would like to ask about the incident. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
How do we prevent falls from scaffolding?
Ask the following questions and give time for answers.
- What are the hazards? Falls due to working on scaffolding
- What are the results? Broken bones, head injuries, internal damage, death
- What should we look for? Unleveled scaffold, improper base, inadequate access, not fully planked, use of baker scaffolds, fall protection, power lines, workers on guard rails.
Relate this incident or, better, one you know. Ask for lessons learned.
Actual Incident: On December 22, 2003, a siding installer was putting siding on an apartment building when the pump jack scaffolding on which he was standing failed and he fell 27 feet to his death on an asphalt driveway below.
Ask the following question and ensure every item is covered.
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| 2007 accident at the Deutsche Bank, NYC. Photo: New York Times. |
How do we prevent these results?
- Scaffolds must be erected, moved, or dismantled under the direct supervision of a competent person.
- Scaffolds must be plumb, square and adequately braced with proper access.
- Scaffolding must be erected on stable foundation.
- The work deck must be fully planked.
- Guardrails must be installed on scaffolding over 10’
- Scaffolds with height to base ratio greater than 4:1 must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means.
- Baker-type scaffolds require special scrutiny.
Ask the following questions about scaffolds on this site and ensure every item is covered.
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| Example of poorly constructed scaffolding. Photo: courtesy of Robert Carr. |
Let’s talk about this site now.
- What items should be checked when scaffolds are used? Involvement of a competent person, plumb, square, adequately braced, proper access, stable foundations, etc.
- How do you access the scaffolds here?
- Is fall protection available and guardrails in place?
- What do you do if you spot a scaffold fall hazard?
Record questions below that you want to ask about this site.
