As part of Scaff Safe 2024, SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting scaffold safety between October and December.
In NSW construction sites, falls from heights remains one of the leading causes of fatalities. Falls from unsafe scaffolds is a significant contributor. Since 2021/2022, more than 5,200 incidents were reported with the most common injury being ligament, muscle and tendon damage or a traumatic joint injury.
The majority of unsafe scaffolds are the result of improper scaffolding construction, mismatched or damaged components, improper on-site management, or component removal by unlicensed individuals. Scaffolds that are poorly built or not managed properly can pose a serious risk to workers including:
- Being hit by unsecured falling objects
- Being crushed by scaffold collapse
- Falls from heights
- Electrocution, if unprotected from powerlines.
Inspectors will be visiting sites to ensure it is “Scaff Safe” by verifying a plan is in place to manage scaffold safety for each stage of the build. They can offer on the spot fines to individuals and businesses.
SafeWork NSW has several resources available to help manage scaffold safety on construction sites. These include:
- Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard for scaffold safety management
- Scaffold Inspection Checklist for principal contractors and site supervisors
- Using Scaffolds Toolbox Talk to help you talk with workers about scaffold safety.
For more information on construction site safety, contact the RiskTech team on 02 8745 2000.