Month: August 2025

This month’s Safety Focus dials in on Scaffolding.

A scaffold is only as good as its foundation. Adequate foundations include base plates, mud sills, and level concrete. Make sure the foundation is inspected and approved daily.

The best way to survive a fall from a scaffold? Don’t have a fall from a scaffold. If you think something isn’t safe, stop and ask before you go. #sps #spsne #safety

Many scaffolding accidents happen during the erecting and dismantling phases. Here are some ways to stay safe while building or dismantling scaffolding:

• Wear fall protection when exposed to a fall greater than 6′. Be cautious of where you anchor.
• Stay on the sound and stable parts of the scaffold while building or dismantling other parts.
• Use ropes to lower components to the ground. This prevents damage.
• Stage materials to minimize fall hazards.
• As always, where approved PPE.

Poor scaffold maintenance and improper use are the most common causes of scaffold-related falls and injuries. Some methods to prevent falls and injuries include inspecting the scaffold before use, placing guardrails at the proper heights, and competent persons building the scaffold correctly and safely. #SPSNE #SPSteam #scaffold #ConstructionSafety

  

Want to learn more? Check out SPS’s Safety Orientation video clip on this topic:

At SPS, August’s Safety Focus is Confined Space.

Confined Space isn’t just a tight space. It’s defined as:
1. Large enough to enter and work inside.
2. Limited means of access and egress.
3. Not designed for human occupancy.

To work in a confined space, you need to have a permit and be trained for confined space work. All permits must be displayed at the entrance to the confined space.

There are different types of hazards in confined spaces, but they should all be considered dangerous. When feasible, all hazards should be eliminated before entry.

Before entering the confined space, make sure you know the rescue plan. Are you a trained person? If you’re not, then you may not attempt a rescue if a rescue becomes necessary. Make sur you know who the trained persons are, and who to call for help if you need it.

Check out our Safety Focus: Confined Spaces video clip below.