SCAFFOLDING “Long way Up, Long Way Down” is the phrase used for the most common accident involving scaffolding. Falls from high places are usually serious. When scaffolds are not upright or used properly, falls can occur. Protecting workers from scaffold related accidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year. A trained “competent person” should be used to supervise all scaffold erections. A “competent person” must be able to take prompt action to eliminate predictable hazards. Logically then, he/she should be within line of site of erection, dismantling or alteration activity. Safe Work Practices and Tips: • Inspect all scaffolds prior to use. Use tagging system, green for “ready to use”, yellow for “caution/use personal fall arrest”, or red for “do not use”. • Each employee working on a scaffold must be trained by a qualified person. • Barricade the area below the scaffold to protect from falling objects. • Make sure of debris nets, catch platforms, screens and toe-boards to protect employees from falling objects. • Do not work on scaffolds outside during stormy or windy weather. • Do not use scaffolds unless guardrails and all flooring are in place. • Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at height of 10 feet or above. Attach the lanyard to secure member of scaffold. • Do not jump from. to. or between scaffolding. • Keep both feet on the decking. Do not sit or climb on the guardrails. • Level the scaffold after each move. Don't extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches. • Do not use scaffold if any rope is frayed, torn or visibly damaged. • Keep scaffold clean of scraps, loose tools, tangled lines or obstructions.