Here's a structured risk assessment for scaffolding, focusing on practical risk mitigation strategies:

Hazard 1: Falls from Height

• Risk: Severe injury or fatality due to inadequate fall protection.
• Likelihood: High if guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets are missing or improperly used.
• Severity: Critical.
• Control Measures:
  • Elimination: Where possible, perform tasks at ground level to avoid the need for scaffolding.
  • Engineering Controls: Install guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards on all open sides and ends of scaffolding LOCATION_CONTEXT. Ensure proper platform construction with no gaps. Use safety nets for added protection.
  • Administrative Controls: Develop and enforce a comprehensive fall protection plan. Provide thorough training on scaffold safety, including proper climbing techniques and fall arrest system usage. Implement a permit-to-work system for high-risk scaffolding activities.
  • PPE: Require all workers to wear appropriate fall protection harnesses with lanyards attached to secure anchor points.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly inspect scaffolding for damage or missing components. Conduct frequent safety audits to ensure compliance with fall protection measures.

Hazard 2: Scaffold Collapse

• Risk: Collapse of the scaffold due to overloading, instability, or structural failure.
• Likelihood: Moderate if scaffolding is not properly erected, inspected, or maintained.
• Severity: Critical, potentially affecting multiple workers.
• Control Measures:
  • Elimination: Use pre-fabricated scaffold systems designed for the intended load and environment.
  • Engineering Controls: Ensure scaffolding is erected on stable and level ground. Use base plates and mud sills as needed. Properly brace and tie the scaffold to the structure. Implement load limits and ensure they are clearly posted and enforced.
  • Administrative Controls: Use competent personnel for scaffold erection and dismantling. Implement a scaffold inspection checklist and conduct inspections before each shift and after any modifications. Establish exclusion zones during erection and dismantling.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly inspect scaffolding for signs of instability, such as leaning or sagging. Immediately address any structural concerns.

Hazard 3: Struck by Falling Objects

• Risk: Injury from tools, materials, or debris falling from the scaffold.
• Likelihood: Moderate, especially if work is performed above other personnel.
• Severity: Moderate to serious.
• Control Measures:
  • Engineering Controls: Install debris netting or screens to contain falling objects. Use toe boards to prevent tools and materials from rolling off the edge.
  • Administrative Controls: Implement tool tethering systems to secure tools at height. Establish a "no-go" zone beneath the scaffold. Train workers on proper material handling techniques.
  • PPE: Require workers below the scaffold to wear hard hats.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly inspect debris netting and toe boards for damage. Enforce the use of tool tethering systems.

Hazard 4: Electrocution

• Risk: Contact with overhead power lines or electrical equipment.
• Likelihood: Low, but potentially catastrophic if scaffolding is erected near power lines.
• Severity: Critical, potentially resulting in fatality.
• Control Measures:
  • Elimination: Relocate power lines or de-energize electrical equipment before erecting scaffolding nearby.
  • Engineering Controls: Maintain a safe distance from power lines (at least 10 feet). Use non-conductive scaffolding materials (e.g., fiberglass) when working near electricity.
  • Administrative Controls: Conduct a thorough site assessment to identify electrical hazards. Train workers on electrical safety and safe work practices near power lines. Use spotters to monitor clearances.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly inspect scaffolding for proximity to power lines. Enforce safe work practices around electrical hazards.

Hazard 5: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

• Risk: Strains, sprains, and other MSDs due to repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.
• Likelihood: High if tasks are performed without proper ergonomic considerations.
• Severity: Moderate, leading to chronic pain and reduced productivity.
• Control Measures:
  • Engineering Controls: Provide adjustable scaffolding to minimize reaching and bending. Use mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, lifts) to reduce manual lifting.
  • Administrative Controls: Rotate tasks to reduce repetitive motions. Train workers on proper lifting techniques and ergonomic principles. Encourage frequent breaks and stretching exercises.
  • PPE: Provide supportive gloves and knee pads to reduce strain.
• Monitoring and Review: Regularly assess work tasks for ergonomic risk factors. Encourage workers to report any discomfort or pain.