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Scaffolding |
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For
information related to general industry, see OSHA's
Scaffolding page. |
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An estimated 2.3 million
construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on
scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents
may prevent some of the 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths every year (Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS), 2003 and 2004 data for the private sector), at a savings
for American employers of $90 million in workdays not lost. In a recent BLS study, 72
percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either
to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being
struck by a falling object. All of these accidents can be controlled by
compliance with OSHA standards.
Alliances
- Construction.
OSHA Alliance Program. This is one of OSHA's Strategic Management Plan
Focus Areas.
eTools
 Construction. OSHA. A
Spanish
version is also available. Construction can be a safe occupation
when workers are aware of the hazards, and an effective Safety and Health
Program is used. This eTool contains information that helps workers identify
and control the hazards that cause the most serious construction-related
injuries.
 Scaffolding.
OSHA. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of
scaffolds. Hazards are identified, as well as the controls that keep these
hazards from becoming tragedies.
OSHA Standards
Scaffolding hazards are addressed in specific standards
for the construction industry. This section highlights OSHA standards, preambles
to final rules (background to final rules), Federal Registers (rules, proposed
rules, and notices), directives (instructions for
compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of
interpretation of the standards) related to scaffolding.
Highlighted Standards
Construction Industry (29
CFR 1926)
- 1926
Subpart L, Scaffolds
- 1926.450, Scope,
application and definitions applicable to this subpart
- 1926.451, General
requirements
- 1926.452,
Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds
- 1926.453, Aerial
lifts
- 1926.454,
Training requirements. Supplements and clarifies the
requirements of 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) as these relate to the hazards of work
on scaffolds.
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Appendix A, Scaffold specifications. Provides
non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers in complying with the
requirements of subpart L of this part.
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Appendix B, Criteria for determining the feasibility
of providing safe access and fall protection for scaffold erectors
and dismantlers
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Appendix C, List of national consensus standards
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Appendix D, List of training topics for scaffold
erectors and dismantlers
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Appendix E, Drawings and illustrations. Provides drawings of particular types of scaffolds and scaffold
components, as well as graphic illustrations of bracing patterns and
tie spacing patterns.
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1926 Subpart M, Fall Protection
- For additional information on specific state plans or other general
standards, see the general industry
Standards page.
Preambles to Final Rules
Federal Registers
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Safety Standards for Scaffolds Used in the Construction Industry. Final
Rules 61:46025-46075, (1996, August 30 ). Reports that although
specific accident ratios cannot be projected for the estimated 3.6 million
construction workers currently covered by subpart L, estimates that of the
510,500 injuries and illnesses that occur in the construction industry
annually, 9,750 are related to scaffolds.
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Search all available
Federal Registers.
Directives
Standard Interpretations
Hazards and Possible Solutions
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A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry.
OSHA Publication 3150 (2002). Also available as a 2 MB
PDF,
73 pages. Aims to protect workers using scaffolding in construction work.
Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on the list of the most frequently
cited standards in the construction industry.
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Construction -
Pocket Guide. OSHA Publication 3252, (2005). Also available as a 285 KB PDF, 36 pages.
Provides hazards and solutions for the top 10 of the most frequently cited
standards in construction and lists scaffolding as the most frequently cited
standard.
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Supported Scaffold Inspection Tips Quick Card. OSHA Publication 3318,
(2006, September). Also available as a 54 KB
PDF, 2 pages. Provides tips for daily
inspections of scaffolds and scaffold parts, before each work shift, and after
any event that may have caused damage.
- Supported Scaffold Safety Tips Quick Card. OSHA Publication 3286, 26 KB
PDF, 1 page. Defines supported scaffolds, and includes basic safety and
training requirements.
- Pump
Jack/Ladder Jack Scaffold Photo Compliance Guide. OSHA Slide
Presentation, (1998, March), 33 slides. Also available as a 4 MB
PPT*. Demonstrates the application of the OSHA Standards for
pump jack and ladder jack scaffolds.
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Scaffolding. OSHA. Provides
training and reference materials.
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Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines.
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No.
90-110, (1991, August). Alerts workers to the electrocution hazard when
erecting, moving, or working from metal or conductive scaffolds near overhead
power lines.
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Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths Caused by Falls From Suspension
Scaffolds. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Publication No. 92-108, (1992, August). Recommends measures to prevent serious
injuries and fatal falls while working from suspension scaffolds:
Additional Information
Training
Other Resources
- Working Outdoors in Warm Climates. OSHA Fact
Sheet, (2005, September), 26 KB PDF,
2 pages. Provides information on heat, sun exposure and other special
hazards for outdoor workers in warm climates.
- For additional information on related safety and health topics pages, see the general industry
Additional
Information page.
*These files are provided for downloading.
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