Scaffolding Work Risk Assessment
Scaffolding gives workers access to hard-to-reach places — whether it’s painting a wall, laying bricks, or doing inspections at height. But every scaffold comes with a risk: collapse, slips, or deadly falls.
That’s where a scaffolding work risk assessment comes in. It’s a process that helps you identify these dangers in advance, decide on controls, and make sure the scaffold is safe before anyone climbs up. Safety isn’t just about having scaffolding — it’s about having safe scaffolding.
Legal Standards and Guidelines
OSHA Scaffold Requirements (29 CFR 1926.451)
OSHA mandates specific rules for scaffold capacity, design, fall protection, and competent person inspections.
UK Work at Height Regulations 2005
In the UK, all work at height — including scaffolding — must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent workers.
Indian BIS Code IS 2750 and IS 3696
IS 2750 outlines safety for steel scaffolds, while IS 3696 Part 1 and 2 provide scaffolding construction and access guidelines.
Types of Scaffolding
Tube and Coupler Scaffolding
Traditional system using pipes and clamps. Versatile but labor-intensive.
System Scaffolding
Pre-engineered, modular designs like Cuplock or Kwikstage. Fast to erect and safer with built-in features.
Mobile Scaffolding
Mounted on wheels. Ideal for indoor or maintenance jobs but needs proper locking to prevent movement.
Suspended Scaffolding
Hangs from roofs or overhead structures — commonly used for window cleaning and painting high-rises.
Common Scaffolding Hazards
Falls from Height
The most common and dangerous hazard. Missing guardrails or improper use of PPE can lead to fatal accidents.
Scaffold Collapse
Poor design, overloading, or weak foundations can cause the entire structure to fail.
Falling Tools or Materials
Unsecured items may fall and injure workers below.
Contact with Overhead Power Lines
Especially risky during scaffold erection near live electrical lines.
Slips and Trips on Scaffold Platforms
Uneven boards, tools lying around, or wet surfaces create trip hazards.
When is a Scaffolding Risk Assessment Required?
Before Erection and Use
Always assess site conditions, load requirements, and tasks before installation.
After Changes or Modifications
New loads, added levels, or changes in layout require a fresh risk review.
After Severe Weather Events
High winds or heavy rain can affect scaffold stability — reassess immediately.
During Routine Inspections
Periodic checks by a competent person must include a review of the existing risk assessment.
Key Elements of a Scaffolding Risk Assessment
Step 1 – Identify Hazards
Look for missing guardrails, improper footings, exposed power lines, or untagged scaffolds.
Step 2 – Identify Who Might Be Harmed
This includes scaffold users, people below, and nearby workers.
Step 3 – Evaluate Risks and Choose Controls
Rate each hazard by likelihood and severity, then select appropriate control measures.
Step 4 – Record and Communicate
Use a risk assessment form and share findings during toolbox talks or site inductions.
Step 5 – Review and Update
Update after any incident, environmental change, or project modification.
Scaffolding Risk Control Measures
Use of Guardrails and Toe Boards
Prevent falls and stop materials from rolling off edges.
Fall Protection Equipment (Harnesses, Lifelines)
Especially needed for tall scaffolds or where guardrails are absent during erection.
Load Capacity Adherence
Never exceed the scaffold’s designed load — consider workers, tools, and materials.
Access Ladders and Safe Entry
Provide secured ladders or stair towers. Climbing bracing or scaffold frames is dangerous and prohibited.
Scaffold Tagging System
Use green, yellow, and red tags to indicate scaffold status: safe, incomplete, or unsafe.
Hierarchy of Controls for Scaffolding Work
Eliminate – Use Alternatives When Possible
Can the task be done from the ground using poles or mobile lifts?
Substitute – Use MEWPs Where Safer
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms can sometimes reduce scaffold use.
Engineering Controls – Platforms, Guardrails
Physical safeguards to prevent falls and collapses.
Administrative Controls – Training, Supervision
Toolbox talks, scaffold user training, and qualified supervision are crucial.
PPE – Safety Harness, Hard Hat, Non-slip Footwear
Last line of defense. Must be worn and maintained properly.
Scaffolding Safety Tips
Daily Pre-Use Checks
Look for loose planks, missing pins, or signs of corrosion.
Never Overload the Scaffold
Stick to manufacturer limits and distribute load evenly.
Maintain Three Points of Contact
When climbing or moving on scaffolding, always maintain contact with two hands and one foot — or two feet and one hand.
Scaffolding Risk Assessment Template
Important Fields to Include
- Project name and location
- Scaffold type and height
- Identified hazards
- Control measures
- Load ratings and materials used
- Tagging and inspection status
- Authorized personnel
- Review and sign-off dates
How to Use the Template Effectively
Fill before erection, update daily or weekly, and store copies with site safety records. Use it as a briefing tool for new scaffold users.
Scaffolding Work Risk Assessment
General Information
- Project/Site Name: XYZ Mall Expansion Project – Phase 2
- Assessment Title: Risk Assessment for Scaffolding Work
- Location: External façade, North Wing
- Assessed By: Mahendra Lanjewar (Safety Officer)
- Assessment Date: 01 July 2025
- Review Date: 01 October 2025
- Activity Description: Erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolding for external plastering and painting work (G+4 floors).
Scaffolding Risk Assessment Table
| Task | Hazards Identified | Persons at Risk | Risk Rating (Before Control) | Control Measures | Risk Rating (After Control) | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Erecting scaffolding | Collapse due to improper base or unstable ground | Scaffolders, nearby workers | High | – Ensure solid and level ground base – Use base plates and sole boards – Erect only by trained and competent scaffolders – Supervise all erection work | Medium | Scaffolding Foreman / Safety Officer |
| 2. Working on incomplete scaffolding | Fall from height due to missing guardrails or platforms | Scaffolders and other site workers | High | – Prohibit access until scaffolding is complete and inspected – Install guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards before use – Display warning signs (“Do Not Use”) | Low | Supervisor / Safety Officer |
| 3. Overloading of scaffolding platforms | Scaffold collapse or failure | Scaffold users | High | – Adhere to manufacturer’s load capacity – Distribute loads evenly – Use platform boards with correct thickness and support – Regular inspections | Low | Site Engineer |
| 4. Falling objects from scaffolding | Injury to people working or walking below | Ground workers, passersby | High | – Install toe boards and debris nets – Use tool lanyards – Barricade and restrict access to areas below – Wear hard hats | Low | Safety Officer |
| 5. Access and egress to scaffolding | Slips, trips, or falls using unsafe access methods | All scaffold users | Medium | – Provide safe access ladders or stair towers – Keep ladders secured – Maintain 3-point contact – Avoid climbing on scaffold frames | Low | Foreman |
| 6. Dismantling scaffolding | Falling components or collapse | Scaffolders, other nearby workers | High | – Follow reverse erection sequence – Remove materials systematically – Use taglines and team coordination – Supervise the entire activity | Medium | Scaffolding Foreman / Safety Officer |
Risk Rating Matrix
| Severity | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Minor injury | 1 – Unlikely | Low |
| 2 – Lost time injury | 2 – Possible | Medium |
| 3 – Major/fatal injury | 3 – Likely | High |
Note: Risk Rating = Severity × Likelihood
Additional Notes
- Training Provided: All scaffolders are certified and trained in safe erection and dismantling techniques.
- Inspection Requirement: Scaffolding must be inspected daily and after weather events by a competent person.
- Tagging System: Use green tags for safe scaffolds, red tags for incomplete or unsafe structures.
- PPE Required: Helmet with chinstrap, safety harness (for heights above 2 meters), gloves, safety shoes.
Review and Sign-Off
| Name | Designation | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rupesh Wasnik | Safety Officer | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Sunil Verma | Project Manager | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Rajesh Mehta | Scaffolding Supervisor | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
Conclusion
Scaffolding accidents don’t “just happen” — they happen when we skip the basics. A solid scaffolding risk assessment is the foundation of safe height work. It’s more than a checklist — it’s your team’s lifeline. Inspect thoroughly. Control risks. Communicate clearly. Because when it comes to scaffolds, what goes up must come down — safely.
Work at Height Risk Assessment
4 Steps of Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Risk Management 101: Conducting Effective Risk Assessments
FAQs
1. Who is allowed to inspect scaffolding?
A competent person — trained, experienced, and authorized to inspect scaffolding safely.
2. How often should scaffolds be inspected?
- Before first use
- Every 7 days
- After any alteration or severe weather
3. Are harnesses always required on scaffolds?
Not always, but they are mandatory during scaffold erection/dismantling or when guardrails are missing.
4. What is a scaffold tagging system?
A color-coded label system to indicate scaffold status: Green (safe), Yellow (restricted), Red (unsafe).
5. What’s the most common cause of scaffold accidents?
Falls from height, usually due to missing guardrails, overloading, or poor access.
