Unsafe scaffolds can be fatal

SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting scaffold safety between October and December, as part of Scaff Safe 2024.

What are the risks?

Scaffolds that are poorly built or not managed properly by principal contractors/site supervisors can pose a serious risk to workers including:

• falls from heights
• being hit by unsecured falling objects
• being crushed by scaffold collapse
• electrocution, if unprotected from powerlines.

Most scaffolds that are unsafe are because they were poorly erected, the components were mis-matched or in disrepair, they were mis-managed on-site, or because unlicenced workers removed components.

Employers have duties to keep workers safe

Employers must ensure scaffolds are in a safe working condition for the duration of the construction project/work, including managing alterations to the scaffold as the construction build progresses. 

This means:

• inspecting the scaffold before accepting written confirmation (for example handover certificate), to be assured they have a complete, safe and compliant scaffold
• having a plan to ensure scaffolds remain safe and compliant as the build reaches each new stage
• ensuring scaffolds are checked by a competent person at least every 30 days
• ensuring scaffolds remain complete, with no missing components that make them unsafe or that workers could fall through
• ensuring workers on scaffolds are protected from powerlines. Talk with the network provider to check the safe working distance or if hoarding is required
• stopping workers accessing incomplete or unsafe scaffolds
• stopping unlicenced workers from removing scaffold components.

Only licenced scaffolders can erect, alter and dismantle a scaffold

Many workers think they can remove scaffold components if they are in the way, in order to “get the job done”.

Unfortunately, when this happens the structural integrity of the scaffold can be compromised and the missing components can create collapse risks or gaps for workers to fall through.

Only licenced scaffolders can erect, alter or dismantle a scaffold where the risk of an object or person falling is more than 4 metres. 

Inspectors can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $4,500 per non-compliance, for not managing the risk of scaffolds, falls from heights risks and/or alterations by unlicenced persons.

Check if a scaffolder's licence is valid at Verify.Licence NSW.

Where to get help

SafeWork NSW has a number of key resources for employers and site supervisors 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 Talkto help you talk with workers about scaffold safety.

For more information, see the scaffolding safety page on the SafeWork NSW website.