OSHA regulations apply to all types of scaffolds. Many scaffolds collapse as a result of negligence in bracing the scaffold. One of the critical components in erection of a frame scaffold is proper bracing. Negligence in scaffold erection and failure to provide fall protection are two of the top reasons why scaffold accidents occur. Improper Bracing Leads to Scaffold Collapse Accidents The harsh truth is that scaffold accidents are largely preventable. In fact, according to OSHA, roughly 4500 injuries and 50 fatalities occur each year in scaffold accidents. This example is extreme, but these kinds of accidents and injuries happen. Severe brain injuries prevent the worker from ever returning to work.

Due to negligence of the scaffold company, the scaffold collapses, causing the worker to fall and hit their head on a concrete slab below. Even a fall of 6 feet can cause serious, career-ending injuries.įor example, a painter or general carpenter may get to a worksite and begin working on a scaffold. Head injuries and spine injuries are very common in scaffold fall accidents. The reality is that scaffolds are very dangerous. Workers of all trades, including painters, masonry workers, carpenters, etc., use frame scaffolds on a regular basis. They are economical and relatively easy to use because they can be stacked multiple stories. They also come in different widths depending on whether you are working in tight spaces or simply do not need a wide platform, which saves on board costs.Frame or fabricated scaffolds are one of the most common types of scaffolds used in both residential and commercial construction. Find out more about the difference between the major styles here.Įach style of frame scaffolding comes with frame variations such as walk-thru frames for masonry and stucco contractors and climbable ladder frames for building scaffold towers. The differences between these are largely regional and contractor preference since they mostly all function the same way. The most common frame styles are Safeway, Waco, Bil-Jax and Snap On. There are different styles of frame scaffolding, each ones have different diameter tubs, pin sets, heights and locking mechanisms which keep them from integrating with one another.

Frame Scaffolding Componentsįrame scaffolding components consists of the scaffold frame, cross brace, coupling pin, spring clip and some kind of a base whether it is a base plate, wheel, or leveling jack. It is the most commonly-used scaffolding in the construction industry. Frame scaffolding works well for working on straight walls with 90 degree turns and for building scaffold towers. The advantage of frame scaffolding is that is is much easier and faster to assemble than tube and clamp or ring lock/cup lock since the horizontal and vertical components are already fabricated and they frames are connected by cross braces, which snap into place. This is in contrast to tub and clamp and ring lock/cup lock type scaffolding where you have to assemble the vertical, horizontal and diagonal components. Frame scaffolding is a type of scaffolding in which pre-fabricated frames are connected and stacked on top of one another to create a scaffolding structure.

Fabricated frame scaffold brackets