Working Safely at Height on Scaffolding

Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in UK construction, and scaffolding sits at the centre of many of those incidents. That is not because scaffolds are inherently dangerous — a well-built, well-maintained scaffold is one of the safest places to work at height. Problems creep in when guardrails get moved, boards get lifted, and harnesses get treated as a box-ticking exercise. Here is what to check before you start.

Know the rules that apply to you

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out a clear hierarchy: avoid working at height where you can, prevent falls where you cannot avoid it, and minimise the consequences if a fall still happens. In practice, that means doing as much as possible from the ground, then relying on a properly constructed scaffold with collective protection such as guardrails before you ever reach for a harness. Personal fall protection is the last line of defence, not the first.

Everyone on site has a role. Employers must plan the work, provide suitable equipment and ensure it is inspected. Workers must use the equipment as intended, report defects and stop if something does not look right. If you are unsure whether a scaffold is safe, do not climb it. Ask.

Guardrails, toe boards and the working platform

On a compliant scaffold, the main guardrail sits at roughly 950mm above the platform, with an intermediate guardrail at around 470mm. Toe boards of at least 150mm run along the edge to stop tools, offcuts and materials being kicked off. Where loose material is stacked, brick guards or similar protection should be fitted above the toe board.

The working platform itself must be fully boarded, with no gaps large enough to trip on or drop tools through. As a rule of thumb, a general-purpose platform should be at least 600mm wide, and 800mm if you are storing materials on it. Never remove a guardrail or a toe board to load materials — use a loading bay or a gate. If a section of protection is missing, the scaffold is not ready for use.

The daily check and the scaffold tag

Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before first use, then at least every seven days, and again after any alteration, extreme weather or event that could affect stability. Many sites use a tag system so you can see at a glance when the scaffold was last inspected and whether it is safe to use.

• Check the tag before you climb — an out-of-date or missing tag is a red flag.
• Look for missing ties, damaged standards, bent ledgers and signs of corrosion.
• Check the base: sole boards, base plates and firm ground beneath.
• Report anything unusual straight away and do not use the scaffold until it is resolved.

Harness and lanyard checks

A harness only works if it fits and is in good condition. Before every use, check the webbing for cuts, fraying, chemical damage and discolouration. Inspect the stitching, buckles, adjusters and the D-ring for wear or distortion. Check the lanyard and shock absorber too — if the shock pack has deployed, the lanyard is finished. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on lifespan and record the date of first use.

Fit matters as much as condition. Leg straps should be snug, the chest strap fastened, and the harness adjusted so the D-ring sits high on your back. Where fall arrest is used, anchor above head height wherever possible to reduce free fall distance, and never use a restraint lanyard for fall arrest. Most importantly, have a rescue plan. Suspension trauma can become life-threatening within minutes, so someone needs to know how to get you down — and you need to know who that is before you climb.

Ladder access and moving between levels

Ladders are for access, not for long periods of work. Set them at roughly 75 degrees — a one-in-four slope — and secure them at the top and bottom. They should extend about a metre above the landing point so you have something to hold as you step off. Check the feet for slip resistance and make sure the ground is firm and level.

Climb facing the ladder and keep three points of contact. Do not carry tools or materials in your hands; use a hoist, a rope or a tool bag. Keep hatches closed when not in use, or guard them properly. If you are moving between levels, plan the route so you are never tempted to step over a gap or climb around a guardrail.

Weather, housekeeping and finishing the shift

Wind, ice, snow and heavy rain all change the risk. Scaffolds can become slippery, debris can blow around, and sheeted sections catch the wind like a sail. If conditions make the work unsafe, stop and report it. After a storm, the scaffold needs re-inspection before anyone goes back on it.

Keep the platform clear as you go. Offcuts, trailing cables and loose tools are trip hazards and drop hazards. Use tool lanyards where there is any risk of dropping something below, and never throw anything off a scaffold. At the end of the shift, leave the platform tidy, check the access points are secure and make sure any defects have been reported. A few minutes of care at the end of the day keeps everyone safer tomorrow.