Successful completion of a scaffolding construction project depends on how a contractor follows safety standards. When standards are followed precisely, it boosts employee productivity and lets contractors complete projects on time without any liability. On the flip side, not following safety standards in scaffolding construction projects always leads to fall accidents, unfortunate events, and project delays. Safety in a scaffolding project shouldn’t be taken lightly, as overlooking safety poses life-threatening risks and directly impacts project success and efficiency. Before you understand the importance of safety standards in scaffolding construction, it’s time to look into:
Scaffolding Safety Facts and Statistics
Here are some facts and figures related to scaffolding safety aspect:
Three main causes behind 72 per cent of scaffolding incidents are loose planks due to defective equipment or improper assembly, slipping and tripping due to slippery surfaces ,lack of guardrails and falling objects hitting either a worker or those who are under a scaffold. (BLS study)
Approximately 28 per cent of scaffolding accidents are electrocution as scaffolding and equipment are installed too close to power or utility lines; environmental factors such as wind, rain or the presence of hazardous substances; improper fall protection; and scaffolding collapse due to overloading. Source
As per OSHA, 900 construction site fatalities happen every year.
As per BLS, around 60 scaffold-related accidents lead to 60 deaths and 4500 injuries every year.
Why Safety Standards Are Important in Scaffolding Construction:
Here is why safety standards should always be followed during scaffolding construction:
Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Every construction site poses significant risks that usually apply to workers working at height on a scaffold. The best way of risk management for workers is to implement strict safety protocols such as regular scaffolding inspection, careful installation of the scaffold by an expert, and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE). When a construction site doesn’t implement proper safety measures, then it becomes unsafe for workers and always leads to some serious issues, such as
Traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and lacerations. Contractors expose workers to unfortunate hazards or life-altering risks by not following safety standards in scaffolding construction sites.
The implementation of comprehensive safety measures includes thorough training for workers involved in scaffold-related tasks. Training programs should cover proper assembly and disassembly of scaffolding components, recognizing potential hazards, and understanding the correct usage of safety equipment. A well-trained workforce is better equipped to identify and address potential risks, fostering a culture of safety within the construction site.
Compliance with Safety Regulations
It is important to follow safety standards in scaffolding construction because it helps project managers comply with industry safety guidelines, rules, and regulations. Overlooking this compliance factor always leads to legal liabilities and penalties. Following these standards is also an ethical duty of contractors and project management. When you follow these standards, you prevent legal consequences while minimizing the risks of accidents.
Regulatory frameworks of the UAE set forth specific safety standards for scaffolding installation, use, inspection, dismantling, component requirements, and designs. These standards ensure that every scaffolding follows its load-bearing capacity during installation and use as per project requirements and must have a fall arrest system and guardrails to render a safe working environment. Non-compliance with these safety standards exposes your project to legal consequences that could be penalties, fines, and complete project shutdown.
Following these standards go beyond legal compliance. It is basically your commitment to follow ethical business practices where you demonstrate that you prioritize the well-being and safety of workers. When every construction contractor follows minimum regulatory requirements, it raises industry standards as well.
Cost Saving Investment
When contractors invest time and money on safety measures implemented on a scaffolding work site, they get a return on this investment in the form of cost savings. This investment might seem like an added expense at first, but basically, it helps you prevent medical expenses, legal fees and potential fines due to scaffolding-related accidents and injuries. You can mitigate risk and prevent extra costs related to accidents by following safety standards at the workplace.
Boost Employee Productivity
Safety at the worksite increases worker productivity level. When workers know that you care about their safety and implement all the safety measures, they feel secure at the workplace. Safety risks don’t distract from the work at hand. They feel secure and work efficiently. As a result, the project was completed on time and without any unnecessary delay. On the flip side, when workers get distracted due to unsafe workplaces and serious health risks, they won’t be able to complete it within a given deadline. It leads to project delays due to high absent rate and low morale.
Every scaffolding contractor must understand the psychological impact of working at height without proper safety measures. Imagine standing at the tip of a skyscraper without a fall arrest system or guardrail; this imagination will increase your anxiety and fear. An anxious worker won’t be able to perform productively. However, when you know that you are fully secure while working at height, you experience peace of mind and thereby fully focus on the task at hand.
When it comes to establishing a collaborative and cohesive work environment, safety becomes a powerful motivator for workers. A scaffolding construction site with proper safety measures has a positive effect on the perception of employees who know that you care about their safety and well-being. It’s how they fully commit to a task and stay proactive to ensure their safety and those who are working around them.
Build Positive Image and Reputation
UAE regulatory authorities always put construction companies and contractors under the radar and constant scrutiny. The reputation of a construction company completely depends on successful project execution. Scaffolding accidents and safety lapses directly impact the reputation of construction contractors, project management and companies. Scaffolding death and accidents isn’t just financial loss for them; it also impacts their likelihood of securing future contractors. UAE construction firms need to implement scaffolding safety measures to set their positive image and reputation. News of accidents and safety violations spread rapidly in this world of social media, and such news adversely impacts a company’s image. A single security lapse at the workplace leads to public backlash, legal battles and financial liabilities. Securing future contracts isn’t just one simple outcome of safety compliance; another plus point of setting a positive public image to attract top talent and secure partnerships.
