Essential Safety Guidelines for Scaffold Platforms

Scaffolding Safety
English (NZ)

The Problem

Scaffolds are essential tools on many job sites, but they also present serious hazards if not used correctly. Falls, overloading, and unsafe conditions can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Today, we’ll address these problems and discuss practical safety measures to ensure scaffolds remain safe and stable for everyone.

Identify the Hazards

  • Tripping Hazards: Tools, debris, or cluttered work areas.

  • Slippery Conditions: Snow, ice, or wet surfaces.

  • Overloading: Exceeding load capacity or placing heavy materials improperly.

  • Improvised Platforms: Using unstable makeshift solutions like pallets or barrels.

  • Unsafe Weather: High winds, storms, or unstable conditions.

  • Unsafe Climbing: Standing or climbing on scaffold components not designed to bear weight.
    ‍
  • Swinging Loads: Uncontrolled hoisted materials that can destabilise scaffolds.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

Keep Platforms Clear:

  • Maintain tidy work areas by removing tools, materials, and debris that could cause tripping.

Avoid Slippery Conditions:

  • Do not work on snow, ice, or other slippery surfaces unless:

    • A Competent Person has approved removal and confirmed the surface is safe.

Prevent Overloading:

  • Adhere to load limits — platforms should not deflect more than 1/60 of their span.
  • Distribute weight evenly by placing heavy materials near vertical frames.

Work During Safe Weather Conditions:

  • Stop work during high winds or storms unless:

    • A competent Person has deemed it safe to proceed.
    • Workers are protected by fall arrest systems or wind barriers.
  • Only use wind screens if the scaffold is properly secured to handle wind loads.

Avoid Improvised Platforms:

  • Never use pallets, concrete blocks, barrels, or other unstable items as platforms.

Prohibited Ladder Use on Scaffolds:

  • Avoid placing ladders on scaffolds to gain height unless:

    • It’s on a large-area scaffold.
    • Approved by a Competent Person and compliant with WorkSafe NZ requirements.

Avoid Climbing and Standing on Scaffold Components:

  • Never stand or climb on cross-bracing, guardrails, or scaffold parts not designed to support your weight.

Hoisting Swinging Loads Safely:

  • Use tag lines or other controls to stop swinging loads from contacting or destabilising the scaffold.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

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

On a recent site, a worker slipped on a scaffold platform covered with ice. The platform hadn’t been cleared or approved by a Competent Person, and the worker fell, suffering serious injuries. This could have been avoided by following correct inspection procedures and clearing the hazard beforehand.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Keep platforms tidy and free from hazards.

  • Don’t work in unsafe conditions unless approved.

  • Follow load limits and distribute materials properly.

  • Avoid makeshift platforms or unsafe climbing methods.

  • Control swinging loads when lifting near scaffolds.

  • Report unsafe conditions or damaged scaffolds to a Competent Person straight away.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Ensure scaffolds are inspected and maintained.

  • Provide training on scaffold safety.

  • Appoint a Competent Person to oversee scaffold use and approve weather or surface conditions.
    ‍
  • Provide correct tools, equipment, and fall protection gear.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Have you come across any unsafe scaffold conditions recently?"
  • "What steps do you take to keep scaffold platforms safe and clear?"
  • "Does anyone have tips or concerns to share about working on scaffolds?"

Encourage team members to share their experiences and insights.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to following these scaffold safety rules every day. Starting now, check your platform for tripping hazards, slippery spots, and overloading before starting work. Report anything unsafe immediately.

Wrap-Up

Scaffold safety takes vigilance and teamwork. By following these procedures, we can prevent injuries, comply with WorkSafe NZ regulations, and ensure everyone gets home safely. Thanks for putting safety first.

‍

Standards Overview

 Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe NZ guidance:

  • Scaffolds must be built and maintained properly to prevent falls, overloading, and collapse.
  • Only a Competent Person can approve scaffold use during adverse weather or after clearing slippery surfaces.
  • Platforms must support their weight plus four times the intended load.

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.

All Rights Reserved Site App Pro 2025

Last Updated:
May 12, 2025