Temperatures have dropped considerably over the past few weeks, with winter definitely on the way it’s important to know how to safely use scaffolding in colder conditions.

Network Scaffold are experienced providers of scaffolding in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with our structures hired for both domestic and commercial projects.
Potential falling snow and ice plus low temperatures are just a handful of the issues construction workers face on the job every day. Making sure your site is safe with routine checks and procedures when unpredictable weather hits is a must for site managers.

In our latest blog, we are going to share some essential tips for scaffold safety.

Seven Ways to Prevent Injuries On-Site

1. Follow Maintenance Procedure – Before mounting scaffold, inspect it to ensure the boards are sound and nothing is visibly damaged. If the weather is stormy or windy do not work on scaffolds outside, as this is one of the most common causes of accidents. If employees continue to work in rain, sleet or snow, they will be putting their lives at risk as the boards can become slippery and lead to slips and falls.
2. Train Your Employees – As the Site Manager, it’s your job to keep your staff trained, as scaffolding or any other site equipment shouldn’t be used without sufficient training.
3. Worksite Inspection – Days on-site should begin with an inspection to make sure all snow and ice have been eliminated from surfaces where employees are working or passing through. Continuous inspections should also take place during the day to ensure that no ice has built upon the scaffold. Remove icicles that pose a safety hazard or tape off areas underneath them if they cannot be removed. Next, check all heaters and train employees on safely using heaters and generators and keep combustible materials away from the heaters.
The complete structure of the scaffold will be built to withstand the weight of snow and ice, but this may not always be the case during stages of the construction. If you have received sudden or heavy snowfall, check that that partial structure can withstand the extra weight of the snow without posing any threat to workers.
4. Proper Weather Wear – Frostbite is a major issue in colder climates and temperatures, so in winter it’s best to wear non-slip shoes or boots but never wear snow spikes or chains. If you fell over you could hurt yourself plus your co-workers nearby.
5. Keep it Clean – Keep tools and equipment out of the way to keep your workplace clean which in turn, reduces slips and falls.
6. Guardrails – Make sure scaffolds have guardrails to hold onto and prevent falls when being lifted and let down.
7. Lock Scaffold Wheels – Always lock the scaffold’s wheels when the structure is firmly on the ground.

Scaffolding in Staffordshire Specialists

Network Scaffold are the specialists for scaffolding in Staffordshire, from our base near the Toyota plant in Derby. If you have any questions about our scaffolding, please get in touch today.