Title: Introduction to Scaffold Safety
Type: Lesson
Scaffolding is essential for working at height — but it’s also one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in construction. Falls, collapses, and unsafe access contribute to serious incidents every year.
According to OSHA, scaffold-related incidents account for 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths annually — most of which are preventable.
The federal regulation for scaffolds is found in OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L, which:
Defines requirements for scaffold design and use
Identifies when fall protection is required
Outlines inspection, training, and competent person responsibilities
All workers who erect, use, or dismantle scaffolding must be trained in hazard recognition and safe use procedures.
Falls from elevation (lack of guardrails or fall protection)
Scaffold collapse (improper assembly, overloading)
Falling tools or materials (inadequate toeboards or netting)
Electrocution (working too close to power lines)
Slips and trips (muddy planks, cluttered platforms)
Employers must ensure scaffolds are properly designed and constructed
Workers must follow all safety procedures and report defects
A Competent Person must inspect scaffolds and oversee erection/dismantling
Scaffold safety is everyone’s responsibility. One misstep — a missing pin, an overloaded platform, a wet plank — can cause a fall or collapse. Start every shift by checking your scaffold and surroundings.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 2: Types of Scaffolds & Common Uses, where we’ll explore different scaffold systems and when to use them.