HSE Issue Scaffolding Safety Reminder

Last month, Storm Gareth battered the UK with high winds that lasted for several days. As a result, a number of scaffolds collapsed and put many lives in danger.

In light of multiple incidences, HSE issued a reminder to scaffolders of the importance of ensuring that scaffolding is safe and secure, directing them to the official HSE scaffold design checklist.

The checklist is aimed to clarify when a scaffold design is required and what level of training and competence those erecting, inspecting and supervising the scaffolding operations need to have.

It states that: ‘it is the scaffold users/hirers responsibility to ensure that all scaffolding has been inspected following any circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of the installation, e.g. high winds. All scaffolding inspection should be carried out by a competent person whose combination of knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold.’

As we are still expecting to see rain and wind throughout spring, it is important to pay close to scaffolding stability.

You can refer to our previous post on Scaffolding Safety Advice for Autumn and Winter to get an idea of what you need to be aware of during extreme weather conditions because, unfortunately, in the UK seasons typically mean nothing and we need to be prepared for any weather at any time.