Ladder and scaffolding safe practices on a constructing site.

Scaffolding and ladder basic safety on a constructing site.

Through being a no win, no fee accident at work law office, we encounter many injured claimants that have hurt themselves on a badly managed construction site. A large proportion of construction accidents occur as a result of people falling from scaffolding or ladders. As a way to reduce the risk of harm, there are a lot of steps that employers may take to further improve building site safety, particularly in relation to performing on a scaffold or from height using ladders.

Ladders and stepladders should be the last measure for a construction site worker. Put simply, it is best to explore whether scaffolding or similar would be more suitable as well as safer to use. If ladders must be used, then employers must measure the risks associated with any particular task. Anyone using a ladder at work must receive appropriate training and be competent in the job they are doing.

The ladders employed for the job must be clear of any defects and also be fit for purpose. You should secure the ladder against a robust surface and not on fragile, unstable ground. The ladder should be secured at the top and bottom to prevent it slipping sideways or otherwise moving from its fixed position.

Attempt to avoid climbing to the very top of the ladder, in reality, if you need to use the top three rungs, then the chances are that the ladder is too short for the task you are hoping to complete. Whenever possible try and make sure that the ladder extends at least a metre above the landing place or the point at which you intend to perform the job.

It is worth noting that over a four-year period, the Health and Safety Executive recorded 36 deaths resulting from people falling from ladders.

Scaffolding safety factors are a topic that needs much consideration by the site management. Any scaffolding that's erected, need to be constructed by competent people. All sections should be secured with base plates. The framework must include guard rails and toe boards in order to avoid workers from falling. The wood boards must be flat and any walkways hazard free. Consequently there should be no raised edges or gaps within the scaffolding structure. You must have effective barriers and warning notices in place to prevent people making use of a scaffolding section that is incomplete or unsafe. The scaffolding itself ought to be sufficiently strong enough to support the heaviness of materials and also the weight of the workers who are using it. If any areas of the scaffolding have wheels then those wheels need to be locked when the platform is in use. Always refer to the instructions offered to you through the scaffold contractors and make sure that staff are adequately trained at all times.

No unauthorised person or member of the public should certainly access the site or the scaffolding area. Allowing access in this way, may lead to a criminal prosecution against the site managers if an accident or injury occurs.

It is crucial that all members of staff and every employer on a building site fully understands the dangers which exist within this particular workplace. There are still over 50 deaths every year in the United Kingdom due to accidents on construction sites and so security measures therefore have to be enforced rigidly.