Data from Safe Work Australia indicate that between 2015 and 2019, 122 fatalities were associated with falling from height. The statistics are damning; therefore, contractors who conduct projects at height should use scaffolding. Scaffolding uses interconnected iron bars that create a platform for workers to stand and work comfortably. In most cases, contractors hire scaffolding, which is the most cost-effective approach. That said, you must avoid certain mistakes when hiring scaffolding to prevent accidents at project sites. Read on for scaffolding rental mistakes that contractors must avoid at all costs.
Failure to Match Scaffolding to Project Requirements
Projects vary significantly; therefore, the scaffolding you rent should match the application for efficiency and safety. Unfortunately, some contractors think any scaffolding can be used in a project site and achieve the same results. However, hiring the wrong scaffolding affects workers' efficiency and safety. For instance, if you are painting or repairing a building with an irregular façade, traditional construction scaffolding will not cut it. In addition, the straight angles on connectors make it challenging to reach curved surfaces and tight spaces. Instead, such a project requires modular scaffolding because the connectors allow workers to join iron bars at different angles. Thus, workers can create scaffolding that conforms to the shape of the façade. Similarly, a bridge repair project requires scaffolding fitted on floaters for easy access to a project.
Failure to Request Installation Personnel
It can be tempting to use your workers to assemble rental scaffolding. However, it is the last thing you should do, even if your workers are experienced in assembling scaffolding. The reason is that scaffolding comes in all shapes, sizes, and engineering complexities. In some cases, workers might take a guesswork approach, leading to disaster. Therefore, it is advisable to ask a rental company to provide installation personnel before signing an agreement. You will realise that some companies offer the service at an extra cost while others offer it as part of scaffolding rental. Whichever is the case, you are better off working with experienced installation personnel who understand leased scaffolding.
Ignoring Logistics
The logistics of delivering rental scaffolding influences safety and project timeline. Notably, renting scaffolding from an out-of-town company brings with it logistical issues. For instance, if delays are experienced, and scaffolding arrives late in the evening, workers might be tempted to assemble the equipment in poor light conditions. Unfortunately, it increases the chances of mistakes and puts workers at risk. On the other hand, a project might delay by a day or two if workers wait until daylight to assemble scaffolding. Thus, you should try as much as possible to rent scaffolding from a local company since logistics are more manageable.
Reach out to a professional to hire scaffolding.
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