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.
- Unauthorised Alterations: Modifying scaffolds without approval can weaken their structural integrity.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Equipment and Vehicle Safety
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep forklifts, diggers, and other plant clear of scaffolds unless authorised 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.
5. Avoid Unauthorised 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 unauthorised 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 authorisation. 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 the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, scaffolds must be safe, stable, and erected on solid foundations.
WorkSafe NZ requires:
- Scaffold inspections after events like storms or ground movement.
- Safe access and falling object protection.
- Only trained and competent persons to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolds.
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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