Scaffolding Sydney
Major Hazards of Scaffolding in Sydney
In a building site, risks are common to the usage of scaffolding just as they are beneficial in the construction of any building—so is the risk attached to scaffolding in Sydney. The hazard of scaffolding in Sydney becomes more extreme when critical safety rules and guidelines are ignored. A study has shown that over 75 percent of construction workers get hurt as a result of scaffold accidents on a building site. These hazards are mostly linked to contractors falling, or getting smacked by a falling object—the worst-case scenario is a scaffolding collapse. To avoid the major hazard associated with the use of scaffolding in the Sydney building site, builders have to ensure that every safety precaution is taken into consideration—as well as, making sure that scaffoldings are properly erected. Taking the proper precautions in erecting scaffolds can help save lives and drastically reduce the major hazards connected to the use of Sydney scaffolding on a building site—also, it helps to reduce unnecessary cost on money, saves time, and energy.
Although, many scaffolding accidents can be suppressed by making sure that proper rules and guidelines are followed by contractors working a building site daily. However, accidents on a building site are inevitable—as they cannot be predicted, whereas they can be reduced when adequate measures are put in place.
Below are the major hazards connected to the usage of scaffoldings in Sydney building site.
Falling
In a building site, most of the scaffolding accidents happen due to falls—contractors falling as a result of not able to maintain balance, slippery rails, and falls of site equipment. Falling is a major hazard as it sometimes results in death, due to the absence of barricades, walls, or improper connections of scaffoldings which may result in the collapse and falling of workers. Falling can also result in unplanned costs, as money is spent on hospital bills as a result of treatment, repairs, and renovations of collapsed building areas—likewise, if a fall leads to death, indemnity will be paid to the family of the victim as a consolation fee.
Scaffolding companies in Sydney, are requested by OSHA to set rules and guidelines for the use of scaffolds, fall barricades should be provided for a scaffold that is at 10 feet high point above the ground level—also, a proper safety belt that supports workers from falling while working should be provided. Adhering to all these safety instructions by the OSHA will help reduce, if not prevent the risk of falling as a result of the use of scaffolding.
Collapsing of Scaffolding
To prevent scaffolding from falling, which can result in severe damages to building equipment, construction workers, and the building itself—it is crucial to properly assemble scaffolds. Firstly, before erecting scaffoldings in Sydney, adequate measures should be put in place such as putting into consideration the total sum of pressure the scaffold can carry, this comprises of equipment and people working on a building site. Also, the heaviness of irons, planks, and other substances used in building the scaffold should be evaluated.
Furthermore, before erecting scaffolding in Sydney ensures that the right tools are used and well put together to prevent collapse.
The Danger of Electric Shock
One of the most dangerous hazards relating to working in a building site is getting electrocuted as a result of electric wires—this risk is mostly overlooked by scaffolding companies in Sydney because they happen on rare occasions. This occurs as a result of the closeness of electricity cables around the vicinity of a building site, when a naked wire comes in contact with an iron scaffold, it might result in the danger of workers getting electrocuted. To prevent this hazard from occurring, a minimum of 10 feet of supporting poles should be erected in the middle of the scaffold and electric wires. Also, an electrical absorber should be installed to reduce the effect of electric shock when contractors are working with certain tools close to the electricity cables.
Weak Scaffolding
When attention is not paid to the usage of scaffolds, it begins to diminish. This can result in the damage of the scaffolding itself and also result in harm to contractors working on a building site. For example, a scaffold that is made of iron can get rust—rusting of iron means that the iron is weak and needs to be removed, changed, or fixed. Likewise, a wooden scaffold gets weak and wears out with time. If adequate measures are not put in place to evaluate the usage of scaffolds daily, if scaffold is not checked to be sure if it can handle pressure and effectively work on a building site–the outcome might result in a serious safety hazard to workers and other important building equipment. A weak scaffolding can result in collapsing—to prevent this from happening, scaffolding companies in Sydney should conduct a regular survey to ensure that scaffoldings are in perfect condition before usage. Equally, all construction workers should be encouraged to make a report when they notice that scaffoldings are not in the best conditions.
Unskilled Workers
Ignorance is one major reason why workers on a building site risk being victims of scaffolding hazards. Sometimes, as a result of workers’ nonchalant attitude to safety measures, they are prone to falling and getting smacked by falling objects—occasionally, workers are not being appropriately educated on the various guidelines and principles associated with the usage of scaffoldings in Sydney building site. Common human mistakes, such as improper usage of safety belts can lead to serious injury and damage to properties.
To prevent workers from getting injured or falling victim to accidents, it is very important to educate them on the proper safety measures to employ while working on a building site. Also, ensuring that workers take notice of every loophole that can result in accidents, and report them for evaluation, repair, or replacement.
Conclusion
In the building industry, many hazards are connected to the usage of scaffolding especially in Sydney—but when adequate measures are established to prevent the occurrence of these hazards, both the workers and equipment used in a building site will be protected from the occurrence of accidents of scaffoldings. Also, when proper procedures are followed, there is a very good chance of preventing accidents—that in many ways might result in unplanned expenses, and this will successfully save time, money, and energy. Furthermore, regular evaluations of scaffoldings in Sydney will help prevent sudden collapse and also help save workers from getting injured.
