SafeWork NSW Inspectors targeting unsafe scaffolds and unlicensed workers.
A useful read and provision of guidelines for anyone involved with scaffolding on site.
Written and provided by SafeWork NSW.
"On 1 April 2019 a young construction worker died, and another worker was seriously injured as a result of a major scaffold collapse on a construction site at Macquarie Park, Sydney.
This tragic incident reminds construction site managers of the potential dangers of scaffolding, and the need to continuously monitor scaffolding on site to ensure it is safe, built as designed and compliant.
OPERATION SCAFF SAFE
SafeWork NSW has a zero tolerance for construction companies who put workers lives at risk by permitting unsafe scaffolds on their sites. Inspectors can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 for each instance where workers are exposed to the risk of falls. On-the-spot fines can also be issued to workers undertaking licenced scaffolding work without the appropriate high risk work (HRW) scaffolding licence, and employers who let their workers do so.
Throughout 2019, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will continue to target scaffold compliance on NSW construction sites focussing on ensuring;
- scaffolds are built to Australian Standards and are not missing components
- those erecting, dismantling or altering scaffolds (where the risk of an object or person falling is 4 metres or more) hold the correct HRW scaffolding licence,
- scaffolds remain safe and compliant throughout the build process.
Site supervisors should regularly check the compliance and safety of the scaffold, ensuring:
- the scaffold is built to the drawings or design
- the scaffold is built on solid foundations
- the scaffold has safe access and egress to the working decks
- scaffold decks are fully planked and have adequate edge protection (guardrails, midrails and toeboards)
- the gaps between the working deck or hop-ups and the building face are less than 225mm (horizontal)
- there are adequate ties to the building
- loads are within the scaffolds duty rating/loading
- there is vehicle access protection installed at vehicle entry points
- the scaffold can withstand the additional wind loads when containment sheeting is used
- containment sheeting is fire resistant to a flammability index of 25 or less (or equivalent).
The scaffold needs to be regularly inspected and maintained by a licenced scaffolder to ensure it remains compliant throughout the duration of the project and an inspection/handover certificate re-issued by the scaffolder to the principal contractor.
The risk of workers altering the scaffold without the appropriate HRW licence needs to be managed on site through regular safety inspections, site inductions, ongoing consultation, providing clear site rules, and ensuring adequate site supervision".
See the below linked and attached scaffold safety resources:
For more information about how to work safely with scaffolds, see the SafeWork website or call 13 10 50.
