Working at height is one of the main causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries in the UK.
Almost 3-in-10 of all fatal injuries at work are due to working at height and this refers to any work taking place where a person could fall a distance that can cause personal injury. This could be anything carried out using a ladder, tasks being done on a flat roof, falling through a fragile surface or even falling into an opening or a hole in the ground - the main point is that workers don’t need to fall far to be seriously injured or even killed!
Scaffolding is one of the most common safety elements used for working at height and when it comes to scaffolding erection, most construction companies prefer to outsource this element of a project to a specialist company that has experience. However, a scaffolding company does much more than simply put up the structure for you. Before hiring any scaffolding company, be sure to check them out and investigate previous jobs. In fact, it may even be worth talking to other contractors to find out what they think of the company or to see who they themselves would recommend. Word of mouth can be more reliable than other methods of finding a company, in some cases.
A reputable scaffolding company should provide a range of services to its clients. Just what they offer will depend on the company, but here are a few of the main requirements.
Scaffolding Construction
As the biggest part of the service that a scaffolding company will offer is the actual construction of the scaffolding itself, you should expect trained personnel working on this particular step since it is very important that everything is done correctly.
Design Calculations
Not every project is the same and yours may require a different type of scaffolding than the project down the street and a reputable contractor will assess every element of the build to ensure the design calculations are correct.
Scaffolding Inspection
Once complete, an inspection has to be done before anyone uses the scaffolding the first time and then again, every 7 days, or after a storm or high wind situation that could compromise the integrity of the structure.
Safety Training
Safe use of scaffolding is extremely important. When you’re working so far above the ground, one wrong move could result in severe injury or even death. It’s in the best interests of everyone if that doesn’t happen.
RAMS Certification
This is a document created by your scaffolding company after they conduct risk assessments. This document contains details of the hazards as well as a step-by-step safe working guide that employees, contractors, and others can follow.
Hiring the best scaffolding company is in your best interests. It ensures that you will have the best options available to you and you will be able to create a solid structure that will keep your workers safe. Finding that company and learning which services are provided is all part of the package. Be sure you pick a company with a proven history and safety accreditations to back up the work they will be doing for you.
Blog submitted by Bardic Construction: https://www.bardicconstruction.com/