WORKCOVER NSW has reminded the construction industry to ensure adequate risk assessment and safety control measures are in place when working with suspended scaffolding.
According to WorkCover NSW, it developed the Safety Alert after a 70 year old man died on 10 March 2009. The worker fell 20m from a swing stage scaffold at Maroubra Seals Sports and Community Club.
The man and a 64-year-old co-worker were painting the rear of the club when one end of the suspended scaffolding collapsed. The co-worker was rescued after being suspended from a fall arrest device.
Swing stage scaffolds are generally used as a work platform and usually have cradles supported by a single row of suspension ropes. To enhance safety, employers should implement specific safe work procedures tailored to each job.
Scaffold hoists should contain a single rope protective device, or a second rope to hold the scaffold in case of a winch malfunction. Additionally, there should be proper use of fall arrest devices.
Additionally, there should be thorough inspection of all equipment such as the suspended platform, winches, ropes, fall arrest devices and counterweights prior to every use. The equipment should be regularly maintained and repaired.