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Requirements for Scaffolding Designs to Avoid Construction Accidents

Construction site is one of the most dangerous work environments in United States. According to statistics, approximately 1,300 fatalities are related to construction accidents annually.

One of the common causes of accidents in construction areas is faulty scaffoldings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) stated that in 2007, there were 88 fatalities caused by defective scaffolds.

Construction workers who experience accidents while on duty can file for compensation claims due to the existence of construction liability provisions. Injuries inflicted through faulty scaffoldings are caused by the construction employer’s negligence.

In California, specific guidelines for scaffoldings are included in the state’s Construction Safety Orders. According to the instructions, scaffolds shall be provided for the purpose of working safely when a construction work cannot be done by workers standing on permanent or solid ground.

The scaffold’s design and construction were specified in the California Code of Regulations. Included in the instructions are:

  • Scaffolds should be made of wood or other suitable materials like steel. If the materials other than wood, or if differ from the specified design stated in the guidelines, the scaffold and its parts must have a degree of strength and safety equivalent to the prescribed
  • Each scaffold should be designed and constructed with the use of a dead load safety factor that will ensure the supports, and can withstand its own weight and four times the maximum working load.
  • The maximum weight of the loads of a scaffold is also determined in the orders. Maximum load weights were categorized in five categories: light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, special-duty, and engineered scaffolds.
    • Light-duty scaffolds: 25 pounds per square foot of work platform
    • Medium-duty scaffolds: 50 pounds per square foot of work platform
    • Heavy-duty scaffolds: 75 pounds per square foot of work platform
    • Special-duty scaffolds: excess of 75 pounds per square foot should be determined by a qualified Civil Engineer registered in California and experienced in scaffold design
    • Engineered scaffolds: should be determined by California-registered civil engineer and experience in scaffold design