Building Safe Scaffold Platforms

Scaffolding Safety
English (NZ)

The Problem

Scaffold platforms are essential for working safely at heights. However, poorly built platforms are a leading cause of falls and injuries. Issues like missing planks, gaps, unstable overhangs, or unsecured platforms can lead to serious accidents. Today, we’ll cover how to build and maintain scaffold platforms safely, ensuring they meet WorkSafe New Zealand requirements and provide a stable working surface.

Identify the Hazards

  • Insufficient Planking: Missing or incorrectly installed planks create unstable surfaces.

  • Excessive Gaps: Gaps between planks or between the platform and uprights can cause trips and falls.

  • Improper Overhang: Overhanging platforms not properly secured may tip, slide, or collapse.
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  • Overlapping and Abutting Issues: Poorly joined planks can move, leading to instability.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

Fully Planked or Decked Platforms

  • Ensure platforms are fully decked between the front uprights and guardrails.
  • Use only approved scaffold-grade timber planks or manufactured decking.
  • Planks must be inspected for damage or defects before use.

Spacing Between Planks and Standards

  • Keep gaps between adjacent planks and scaffold standards to no more than 25 mm.
  • Exception: Larger gaps only if deemed necessary by a Competent Person and additional fall protection is used.

Front Edge Distance

  • The front edge of the platform must be no more than 350 mm from the face of the work.
  • If this limit is exceeded, fall protection (such as guardrails or a personal fall arrest system) must be used.

Platform Overhang and Restraint

  • Platform ends must extend at least 150 mm over the supports and be restrained to prevent movement.
  • Overlapping planks must:

    • Be joined only over supports.
    • Overlap at least 300 mm unless secured by other means.

  • Cantilevered Platforms (overhangs):

    • Must be properly designed and installed to prevent tipping.
    • Require engineering sign-off for long overhangs or unusual loads.

Abutting Scaffold Planks

  • When planks are butted end-to-end to form a longer platform, each end must rest on a separate support unless otherwise approved.
  • Hook-on platforms or purpose-built solutions are acceptable.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

Recently, a worker fell 3.5 metres from a scaffold after stepping on a plank that was not properly secured. The plank shifted, creating a gap and causing the worker to lose balance. This incident could have been prevented with a proper pre-use inspection and securing all planks.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Ensure scaffold platforms are fully planked and inspected before use.

  • Report any gaps, unstable planks, or missing restraints to the Supervisor or Competent Person.

  • Only use scaffold-grade planks—never use makeshift materials like pallets or untreated timber.
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  • Do not work on an incomplete or improperly constructed scaffold.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide safe, compliant scaffolding components.

  • Train workers on scaffold platform safety and fall protection.

  • Ensure regular inspections by a Competent Person.

  • Immediately correct any unsafe conditions.

Discussion & Questions

  • Have you ever seen scaffold planks shift or come loose?

  • What’s your process for checking planks before starting work?
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  • How can we make platform inspections more consistent as a team?

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to inspecting every scaffold platform before use. Ensure planks are properly installed, secured, and free of hazards. If something doesn’t look right, stop and report it—don’t take risks.

Wrap-Up

The scaffold platform is your foundation when working at height. A well-built platform helps prevent falls and keeps you safe. Let’s work together to follow WorkSafe guidance and protect each other.

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Standards Overview

  • WorkSafe NZ regulations (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated guidelines) require scaffold platforms to be securely constructed, fully decked, and maintained in safe condition.
  • Scaffolding must comply with the AS/NZS 1576 series of standards and be erected and regularly inspected by a Certified or Competent Person.

Disclaimer

These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.

The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.

It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.

The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

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Last Updated:
April 28, 2025