THE DANGER OF FALLS FROM SCAFFOLDS

One of our co-workers fell from a scaffold 20 feet to the ground. He was working on top of the 3rd jack which had posts and safety rails. The rails were removed, and then he tripped on a brick falling through the area where the safety rails were removed.

Working from scaffolds, we know to have all the safety rails in place, front, back and sides. When we do that we are protected, but the problems come in when we start reaching beyond or removing the safety rails. Here are some things that will help us remain safe in all situations:

• Always wear a harness and lanyard when on a scaffold
• Plan ahead, i.e.; Will I need a lifeline, yoyo, how many exposed people, etc.
• If I have a question on fall protection… ask!
• If there is the slightest doubt whether I should tie-off…Tie-off!
• If I must remove/modify a safety rail…Tie-off!
• If I must remove/modify scaffold boards… Tie-off!
• If I am erecting/dismantling the scaffold… Tie-off!
• If I am working on a leading edge… Tie-off!
• If I am working in a window or door opening… Tie-off!
• If I am 6 feet or more above a lower level with out rails… Tie-off!

Wish the Superintendent would have caught and terminated the employee 2 minutes before he fell. The employee would be better off terminated than laying in a heap at the bottom of a scaffold. Remember that is our policy… termination for fall protection violations!