The New York City Department of Buildings conducted a safety sweep of the city’s larger and more complex construction sites last month, holding companies accountable for safety violations and issues. It is always important to keep health and safety protocols top of mind, particularly when operating potentially dangerous equipment. Many serious jobsite injuries are related to scaffolding, according to NYC’s 2019-2020 Construction Safety Report.  

Here are a few things to remember to protect yourself and others when working on and around scaffolding. 

Check load limits  

Scaffolding materials and designs are made with specific load-bearing capabilities. Always be conscious of the limit. If you feel that you and your equipment may compromise the load-bearing abilities, trying taking several trips with materials or contact your site manager for a better course of action.  

Inspect scaffolding materials and equipment  

Before setting up a platform for scaffolding, makes sure all of your materials do not have any defects or damage. Ineffective tools and equipment could potentially fail the structural wellbeing of scaffolds. It is imperative for all parts and tools to be compatible and effective before construction gets underway.   

Scaffolding safety courses  

One of the most effective ways to ensure you are prepared to face safety issues on the jobsite is to partake in appropriate safety training. Of course, every worker is required to receive training before working – but additional and more specified courses can help you stay safer while also improving your future job prospects.  

The 4-Hour Scaffold certification is a short and focused way to prepare and teaches you ways to avoid safety hazards while navigating scaffolding materials and projects. The class gives you additional resources to stay safe, while the certifications show employers you are well qualified for scaffold-related projects.