Scaffolds

Many scaffold falls occur because the scaffold had inadequate or missing components, such as missing rails or planks, or because it was built with non-compliant gaps.

Only licenced scaffolders can erect, alter or dismantle a scaffold where the risk of a person or object falling is more than 4 metres.

Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) are responsible for ensuring a scaffold is safe, with no falls risks, for the duration of the build.

A group of apartment buildings covered in scaffolding with stair access to each level. A fence surrounds the construction site in the foreground, and the sky above is clear and blue
Scaffold on building

Make sure:

  • the scaffold is inspected before accepting written confirmation (e.g. handover certificate), to be assured the scaffold is complete, safe and compliant
  • the scaffold is inspected at least every 30 days by a competent person
  • there is a plan or clear understanding of how/when the scaffold will be modified as the construction project progresses, so that the scaffold remains safe and compliant throughout the build
  • workers do not access incomplete sections of the scaffold
  • unlicenced workers do not alter the scaffold
  • the scaffold is checked every day, before use, to ensure it is adequate for the work that is planned, and there is no risk of falls, falling objects or scaffold collapse.

Scaffold resources

See more scaffolding information

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