Ground Rules: Keeping Scaffolds Safe From Below
The Problem
Scaffolding is vital on many construction sites, but hazards don’t only exist above ground. Many scaffold incidents begin at ground level—caused by unstable soil, water build-up, or unsafe behaviour. These overlooked risks can lead to scaffold failure, injuries, or worse. Today, we’ll focus on the essential role workers play in maintaining safe conditions around scaffold bases, and how small actions at ground level can prevent serious incidents above.
Identify the Hazards
- Unstable ground: Saturated soil, nearby excavation, or movement in the ground can compromise scaffold stability.
- Water accumulation: Water from concrete cutting, washing, or poor drainage can soften ground and cause shifting.
- Falling objects: Tools or materials falling from above can injure those working nearby.
- Plant operation near scaffolds: Machinery can strike scaffold legs or cause vibration-related instability.
- Unauthorized alterations: Modifying scaffolds without approval can weaken their structural integrity.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Protection from Falling Objects
- Wear hard hats: A properly fitted safety helmet is your last defence.
- Respect barriers and toe boards: Toe boards, debris netting, and barricades must remain in place.
- Overhead protection: Don’t remove canopies or exclusion zones set up to shield workers from falling objects.
Maintain Ground Stability
- Avoid ground disturbance: Never dig or disturb the soil near scaffold legs without direction from a competent person.
- Monitor conditions: Keep wet activities — like slurry discharge or water blasting — away from scaffold foundations.
- Treat the ground as a foundation: Report any signs of movement, pooling water, or soil erosion immediately.
Manage Water and Drainage
- Keep wet work clear of scaffold bases: Position concrete pours, hose-down areas, or pump discharges well away from scaffolds.
- Drainage checks: Watch for water pooling or redirected runoff during or after rain.
- Report changes promptly: Don’t assume it’s safe — if it looks questionable, notify a supervisor.
Equipment and Vehicle Safety
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep forklifts, diggers, and other plant clear of scaffolds unless authorized access has been planned.
- Use spotters: Always work with a spotter when visibility is limited near scaffolds.
- Check for overhead activity: Before operating equipment, make sure no one is working above.
Avoid Unauthorized Scaffold Modifications
- Do not alter scaffolds: Only a certified person may adjust scaffold components.
- Report issues immediately: If something doesn’t look right, stop work and contact the competent person.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a recent job, water from a wet saw operation pooled around the scaffold base. No one reported it. Overnight, the soil softened, and by morning, the scaffold had shifted noticeably. Luckily, no one was on the scaffold when it moved. This near miss is a reminder that ground-level hazards can lead to high-risk outcomes.
Employee Responsibilities
- Keep the area around scaffolds dry and stable.
- Wear hard hats and respect exclusion zones.
- Never make unauthorized scaffold changes.
- Report pooling water, soil movement, or scaffold instability immediately.
Employer Responsibilities
- Ensure scaffold inspections are carried out by a competent person.
- Provide suitable ground protection and barriers.
- Train workers on scaffold safety — including ground-level hazards.
- Respond quickly to any reported ground or stability issues.
Discussion & Questions
- What water-related tasks do we perform near scaffolds?
- How can we ensure machine operators and scaffold users communicate clearly?
- What warning signs should we look for around scaffold bases?
- What would help improve our hazard reporting process?
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to keeping scaffold bases safe. Starting today, inspect the ground conditions, manage water, and never alter scaffolds without authorization. If you see anything unusual, report it. Your action could prevent a serious incident.
Wrap-Up
Safety doesn’t begin at the top — it starts at the bottom. Keeping scaffold bases clear, stable, and dry protects everyone working above. Thank you for staying alert and making safety a priority.
Standards Overview
Under applicable provincial and territorial health and safety legislation, scaffolds must be safe, stable, and erected on solid foundations. Canadian workplace safety regulations require:
- Scaffold inspections after events such as storms or ground movement.
- Safe access and falling object protection.
- Only trained and competent persons to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolds.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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