Common Scaffolding Hazards and 5 Proven Ways to Improve Scaffolding Safety in Construction Projects

Scaffolding accidents are a leading cause of fatalities and injuries in the construction industry. Despite advances in technology and increased regulations, these accidents remain all too common —though they are often preventable. Reducing scaffolding-related risks not only protects workers but also helps companies and owners avoid costly legal claims, delays, and reputational damage.

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents

1. Falls from Height

2. Falling Objects

3. Scaffold Structural Failure

4. Platform Hazards

5. Electrocution Risks

6. Lack of Training and Oversight

With better planning, modern tools, and a commitment to best practices, these hazards can be avoided or minimized.

Whether you’re managing a large-scale industrial project or a smaller construction site, improving scaffolding safety should be a top priority. Below, we’ll explore five proven strategies that can reduce risk, improve compliance, and safeguard your workforce.

1. Provide Proper Training and Supervision

Proper training is the foundation of scaffolding safety. Workers should understand how to safely erect, use, and dismantle scaffolds and know what to do if they spot a hazard. Training should cover topics such as fall prevention, load limits, access requirements, and jobsite hazards including power lines, proximity to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and unstable surfaces.

Supervisors must also be trained to recognize unsafe practices and intervene before accidents occur. Regular refresher courses and on-site supervision ensure safety protocols are followed daily. This helps maintain compliance and fosters a safety-first culture.

2. Use the Right Scaffolding Materials and Equipment

Choosing the appropriate type of scaffold and material for each job is essential to maintaining safety. Different scaffold types—tube and fitting, system scaffolds, suspended scaffolds—are designed for specific applications and loads. Using the wrong type can lead to instability, structural failure, or noncompliance with safety regulations.

In addition, all scaffolding materials must meet structural and safety standards. Using faulty, corroded, or mismatched parts significantly increases the risk of collapse or injury. Components should be regularly inspected, properly maintained, and stored correctly to verify they remain safe and reliable on-site.

Read more: The Four Types of Scaffolding Materials

3. Inspect and Maintain Scaffolds Regularly

Routine inspections are essential. Knowing how to inspect scaffolds properly can prevent many common issues, such as unsecured planks, unstable base plates, or missing guardrails.

Inspections should be done:

• Before each shift
• After any modifications
• Following adverse weather
• At scheduled intervals per your local regulations

A documented inspection process promotes accountability and ensures any issues are addressed immediately.

4. Follow All Applicable Codes and Electrical Safety Standards

Different regions have their own scaffolding and electrical safety regulations, including required clearance distances from power lines. It’s essential to:

• Know and follow these guidelines
• Identify and mark overhead hazards
• Ensure appropriate professionals de-energize lines or workers must maintain required distances from lines when working nearby

Staying compliant not only reduces the risk of injury or electrocution but also protects your business from legal and financial penalties.

Helpful regional safety resources:

• United States: OSHA  
• Canada: CCOHS 
• United Kingdom: Health and Safety Executive
• European Union: EU-OSHA 
• New Zealand: WorkSafe NZ 
• South Africa: Department of Employment and Labour 
• Australia: Safe Work Australia

Make sure your team has easy access to these resources and incorporates them into daily operations.

5. Use Scaffolding Design and Visualization Software

Outdated, paper-based scaffold plans can lead to miscommunication and errors, especially when changes aren’t shared across teams. This disconnect between scaffold designers, erectors, and users can introduce serious hazards and delays.

Design software like Avontus Designer^® lets you create, update, and share scaffold designs. You can simulate the entire structure in 3D, calculate a bill of materials, and ensure your design meets safety standards before work begins. Plus, any revisions made to the design will be instantly reflected in the bill of materials, ensuring your crew have all the parts needed to build a safe scaffold.

Then, use Avontus Viewer^® to share scaffold drawings in 3D and virtual and augmented reality. Your crew can explore scaffold designs on-site, identify fall risks and clearance issues, and improve access and planning before assembly even starts.

These tools significantly minimize the risk of scaffolding-related accidents by improving communication, planning, and compliance.

Final Thoughts: Put Safety First

Investing in scaffolding safety is more than just checking boxes—it’s about protecting lives and building a responsible jobsite culture. With the right training, materials, inspections, and modern technology, you can prevent accidents and maintain worker safety.

To stay compliant and minimize risk:

Want to Improve Safety and Efficiency?

See how Avontus Designer and Avontus Viewer can streamline your scaffold planning while improving visibility and safety on your projects.

Contact Us to schedule a free demo or learn more.