This page asks: how do you prevent scaffold falls? Learn essential safety measures and practices to ensure a secure work environment. From proper installation and guardrails to regular inspections, we provide actionable insights to minimise the risk of scaffold accidents.
Northampton Scaffolders offers bespoke scaffolding hire throughout Northampton, Daventry, Wellingborough and Northamptonshire. Prioritise worker safety and reduce fall related incidents with our practical guidance.
Scaffolding is an effective way for workers to carry out tasks at height. You will see it on almost every project in the construction industry. Used in the wrong way, it can lead to injury or worse. Site managers and supervisors must be aware of the risks and put controls in place to prevent falls and other hazards.
Falls from height are among the most common incidents. Falling objects and scaffold collapse are also frequent causes of injury. Many cases happen because of poor use, overloading, loose materials on platforms or unsafe access. There is also a real risk from overhead power lines.
If employees believe the scaffolding is unsafe, they should refuse to work on it. No person should be told to use faulty equipment. This is why health and safety measures are essential when working with scaffolding.
As an employer, you must ensure everyone can work safely. Start with a clear view of the risks in the work area. Once you understand the hazards, you can put the right protection in place to prevent falls and injuries.
Preventing falls from scaffolding
Falls from height are serious because scaffolding often places workers many metres above the ground.
Every year, workers suffer injuries from falls, and some falls result in death. You can reduce this risk by following HSE regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions.
The steps below explain how to prevent falls, protect workers and ensure scaffolds are used safely.
Plan the work and assess the risk
Good planning saves time and prevents injuries. Before any work starts, complete a risk assessment for the scaffold structure and the tasks at height. Think about the location, the ground, nearby power lines, safe access, the number of workers and the weight of tools and materials. Decide what fall protection is required. Make sure everyone understands the plan and knows how to report problems.
Choose the right scaffolding
Different jobs need different systems. Select scaffolding that suits the height, the load and the site conditions. Check the ground is firm and level. Use base plates and sole boards where required to support the structure. Avoid soft ground and unstable surfaces. Only use components that match the system. Never mix damaged parts or improvise.
The scaffold must be designed, erected and inspected by a competent person who is trained and experienced. That person should supervise the work while the scaffold is in use and during dismantling. The scaffold should be tied and braced to prevent movement and collapse.
Build, inspect and tag the scaffold
A scaffold must be erected to the design. Platforms should be fully boarded with minimal gaps. Fit guardrails and toe boards on every open side to prevent falls and falling objects. Use debris nets or fans where the risk of dropped tools and materials is high. Provide non slip surfaces on access routes and platforms, especially in wet weather.
Inspections are essential. A competent person must inspect the scaffold after it is erected, before first use, at least every seven days and after any event that could affect safety. This includes changes to the structure, high winds, heavy rain or impact. Use a visible tagging system to show the scaffold has been inspected and is safe to use. If a problem is found, mark the scaffold as unsafe and prevent access until repairs are completed.
Control loads and prevent overloading
Scaffolds are designed to support a specific weight. Overloading can lead to failure and collapse. Count the weight of workers, tools, materials and debris. Store heavy materials over standards and transoms to spread the load. Keep platforms clear and tidy at all times. Remove rubbish and excess materials from the work area. Make sure lifting and loading are planned so that people are not struck by falling objects.
Use Fall Protection
Keep The Scaffolding Clean And Organised
Provide safe access and good housekeeping
Workers must reach platforms by safe access routes such as stairs or fixed ladders. Access points should be clear, stable and easy to find. Never climb on guardrails, ties or other components. Do not jump between levels. Keep access routes free of trip hazards. Good housekeeping prevents slips, trips and falls. Tidy as you go, coil leads, and secure loose items.
Use fall protection
Fall protection is essential for working at height. Guardrails and toe boards are the primary controls. Where there is still a risk, use personal fall arrest systems. Harnesses must be attached to suitable anchors that can support the person’s weight and the forces from a fall. Lanyards and connectors should match the task. Safety nets and soft landing systems can provide extra protection. Make sure equipment is inspected, maintained and used correctly every time.
Manage weather conditions
Weather can change the risk at height in seconds. Rain makes platforms slippery. High winds can move sheets, lift materials and affect balance. Ice reduces grip. In poor weather conditions, review the work and stop if needed. Use non slip footwear, keep platforms dry where possible and secure lightweight materials. Restart only when it is safe to do so.
Keep clear of electrical hazards
Scaffolding is often made of metal, which conducts electricity. Plan the scaffold location so there is a safe distance from power lines and other sources of electricity.
Where lines are near the work, contact the owner to isolate or protect them. All power tools must be suitable for outdoor use and checked before use.
Workers should be briefed on the location of cables and the control measures in place.
Train, supervise and inform
Training is crucial. Workers and supervisors must understand the risks of working at height and how to prevent falls. They should know how to erect, use and dismantle scaffolds safely, how to fit fall arrest systems and how to keep platforms safe and tidy. A competent person should provide supervision and make sure the plan is followed. Give clear information and signage on site rules, access routes and emergency procedures. Encourage workers to report hazards, near misses and injuries at once so that action can be taken in time.
Erecting, altering and dismantling
Only trained teams should erect, alter or dismantle scaffolds. Follow the sequence set out by the manufacturer or designer. Keep unauthorised people away from the area while work is in progress. Use safe methods to lift components to height. Never remove ties, guardrails or key parts that support the structure unless the competent person has agreed a safe method. After alterations, the scaffold must be inspected again before use.
Protect people below
Work at height can put people on the ground at risk from falling objects. Control this risk with toe boards, brick guards, debris netting and covered walkways where required. Use exclusion zones and signage under active work areas. Secure tools and materials so they cannot roll, slide or be kicked off platforms. Do not throw items from the scaffold. Lower them safely.
Work near the public and other trades
Where scaffolding is set up in public areas or shared sites, the risk is higher. Make sure barriers and warning signs are in place. Keep safe access for other trades and the public. Coordinate deliveries and lifting so that people are not exposed to hazards. Communicate times when high risk activities will take place and supervise the area.
Maintenance, repairs and change control
Scaffolds wear over time. Components can be damaged by use, transport or weather. Inspect parts before use and remove damaged items from service.
Record inspections, repairs and any changes. If the scope of work changes, review the design and the load class.
Make sure the scaffold still provides the required support. Never push on with a design that no longer suits the work.
Emergency planning and first aid
Plan for emergencies before work starts. Agree how to respond to a fall, a struck by incident or a scaffold collapse. Make sure rescue equipment is available where fall arrest systems are used. Ensure first aid is on site and workers know how to call for help. Rehearse the plan so that people can act quickly and safely.
Legal duties and regulations
Working at height is covered by UK regulations, including the Work at Height Regulations. Employers must ensure risks are controlled and that equipment is suitable and maintained. A competent person must inspect and record findings. Workers must use the equipment provided and follow training. These rules are in place to prevent falls from height and protect employees in the construction industry and beyond.
Why scaffolding safety training is critical
Training helps workers understand the risks and the right way to control them. With proper training, employees can select the correct access method, fit harnesses, use tools safely and keep platforms clear.
Supervisors learn how to plan work, brief teams and check that controls remain in place.
As an employer, you must provide training and time for practice. Refresher training is essential when tasks, equipment or regulations change.
Key reminders for safer use
Make sure the scaffold structure is designed and erected by a competent person. Provide guardrails, toe boards, safe access and non slip surfaces. Control the weight of people, tools and materials on each lift. Keep clear of power lines. Inspect the scaffold at set times and after bad weather. Report damage or hazards at once and do not use the scaffold until it has been made safe.
By planning the work, training employees and inspecting at the right times, you can prevent falls, protect workers and ensure the scaffold is used safely from erection to dismantling. Ensuring strong controls are in place will reduce injuries, improve productivity and help every person go home safely at the end of the day.
At Northampton Scaffolders, we offer a broad spectrum of scaffolding services for our customers in Northampton to hire. Our family-run business is fully qualified and has all the experience to deliver and install bespoke scaffolding and roofing covers. We complete scaffolding solutions for residential and commercial building projects.
