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Construction Accidents - Scaffolding Safety Requirements

By Steve Lombardi

Two more workers have been injured on the construction site of the new K-8 school building under construction in Shenandoah. IOSH (Iowa's version of OSHA) and OSHA will investigate. Radio Iowa reports this is the second accident in which workers have been injured. In this most recent incident some scaffolding collapsed.

Whatever company is the general contractor needs to take charge and enforce safety rules for the protection of the workers. OSHA has specific rules to follow for scaffolding. Here are some general rules to follow when using scaffolding:

General Rules for scaffolding use:

- The wheels must be locked and rigid before climbing on the scaffolding.

- Persons using the scaffolding keep their center of gravity above the scaffolding.

- Scaffolding shall not be moved with someone on it.

- Scaffolding construction shall include all pins, braces and bolts.

- Planks and walk boards shall always be at least 36 inches below the top of the scaffolding.

- People shall not work below or in the fall-zone of the scaffolding.

- The "steps" on the side of the scaffolding shall be in a line.

OSHA has specific rules related to scaffolding use. For the lawyers here is are the relevant sections to review.

1910.28(a)(1)

Scaffolds shall be furnished and erected in accordance with this standard for persons engaged in work that cannot be done safely from the ground or from solid construction, except that ladders used for such work shall conform to 1910.25 and 1910.26.

1910.28(a)(2)

The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds or planks.

1910.28(a)(5)

Scaffolds and other devices mentioned or described in this section shall be maintained in safe condition. Scaffolds shall not be altered or moved horizontally while they are in use or occupied.

1910.28(a)(6)

Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed.

1910.28(a)(17)

Scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard Wire one-half-inch mesh or the equivalent, where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffolds.

1910.28(a)(20)

Tools, materials, and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in quantities to cause a hazard.

1910.28(a)(22)

Wire or fiber rope used for scaffold suspension shall be capable of supporting at least six times the intended load.

1910.28(d)

"Tubular welded frame scaffolds."

1910.28(d)(1)

Metal tubular frame scaffolds, including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., shall be designed and proved to safely support four times the maximum intended load.

1910.28(d)(2)

Spacing of panels or frames shall be consistent with the loads imposed.

..1910.28(d)(3)

1910.28(d)(3)

Scaffolds shall be properly braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, for securing vertical members together laterally, and the cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and aline vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid. All brace connections shall be made secure.

1910.28(d)(4)

Scaffold legs shall be set on adjustable bases or plain bases placed on mud sills or other foundations adequate to support the maximum intended load.

1910.28(d)(5)

The frames shall be placed one on top of the other with coupling or stacking pins to provide proper vertical alinement of the legs.

1910.28(d)(6)

Where uplift may occur, panels shall be locked together vertically by pins or other equivalent suitable means.

1910.28(d)(7)

Guardrails not less than 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent and not less than 36 inches or more than 42 inches high, with a mid-rail, when required, of 1- x 4-inch lumber or equivalent, and toeboards, shall be installed at all open sides on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. Toeboards shall be a minimum of 4 inches in height. Wire mesh shall be installed in accordance with paragraph (a)(17) of this section.

1910.28(d)(8)

All tubular metal scaffolds shall be constructed and erected to support four times the maximum intended loads.

..1910.28(d)(9)

1910.28(d)(9)

To prevent movement, the scaffold shall be secured to the building or structure at intervals not to exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.

1910.28(d)(10)

Maximum permissible spans of planking shall be in conformity with paragraph (a)(9) of this section.

1910.28(d)(11)

Drawings and specifications for all frame scaffolds over 125 feet in height above the base plates shall be designed by a registered professional engineer and copies made available to the employer and for inspection purposes.

1910.28(d)(12)

All tubular welded frame scaffolds shall be erected by competent and experienced personnel.

1910.28(d)(13)

Frames and accessories for scaffolds shall be maintained in good repair and every defect, unsafe condition, or noncompliance with this section shall be immediately corrected before further use of the scaffold. Any broken, bent, excessively rusted, altered, or otherwise structurally damaged frames or accessories shall not be used.

1910.28(d)(14)

Periodic inspections shall be made of all welded frames and accessories, and any maintenance, including painting, or minor corrections authorized by the manufacturer, shall be made before further use.

There are more specific rules but this will give you a place to start. These rules are what IOSH will be using to determine if a violation has occurred and if so how it can be corrected. The GC needs to be applying these same rules.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on July 07, 2008 (boomark / email).