do you have to wear a safety harness on scaffolding

When you're working on scaffolding it's important you wear appropriate PPE to keep yourself and others safe. But do you have to wear a safety harness on scaffolding? Today we're going to answer the question - do you have to wear a safety harness on scaffolding? so that you can make sure you're working safely at all times. 

 

What are the dangers of working on scaffolding?

There are lots of dangers to be aware of when you're working on scaffolding. Not only are you at risk of falling and injuring yourself, but you can also cause significant harm to others around you if you're not careful. Some of the main dangers of working on scaffolding include:

  • Falling from height
  • Injuries caused by falling tools and objects
  • Electrocution
  • Accidents relating to inadequate PPE
  • Injuries relating to poor scaffold tower construction

The list goes on, but these issues should be at the forefront of your mind when you're preparing & carrying out a risk assessment for any scaffolding job. There's also a range of safety equipment you can purchase, including a safety harness & tool lanyards, that will help to minimise some of the risks associated with scaffold towers. 

Are safety harnesses essential?

The short answer is - yes! Safety harnesses are an essential piece of equipment if you plan to work on a scaffold tower for any period of time. A fall from four metres or higher could be life-threatening. A safety harness should be worn to ensure that you don't fall and injure yourself or others.

But how do you know which safety harness is best for scaffolding? We'd always recommend choosing a full-body harness when you're working on scaffolding. These safety harnesses distribute the force of a fall evenly across your body, which reduces the chances of a spinal injury. 

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What other PPE do I need?

Some other PPE that we recommend using when you're working on scaffolding includes tool lanyards, safety helmets, and hi-viz jackets. When used together, PPE will help ensure that you don't have any accidents while you're at work. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of some of this personal protective equipment.

Tool lanyards

Tool lanyards are designed to keep tools and equipment secure while you're working on scaffolding. By securing your equipment to your body or to the scaffold using a tool lanyard, you are guaranteeing that it won't fall from height and injure someone below. For that reason, tool lanyards are also considered essential when you're working at height. 

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Safety helmets

Safety helmets are there to protect you from falling objects and debris. Injuries to the head and neck can be life-threatening, so it's important that you wear appropriate headgear when you're working at height. Most safety helmets come in bright colours making it easier for your colleagues to see you too!

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Hi-vis jackets

If you've ever worked on scaffolding before, you'll know that hi-vis is a vital part of your attire. It ensures that all of your colleagues can see you, even in low-light situations. Here at Safety Harness Direct, we offer a wide range of hi-viz products to help keep you safe while working on scaffolding. 

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So there you have it. If you've been wondering whether you have to wear a safety harness on scaffolding - now you know! You can shop a wide range of safety harnesses that we've hand-picked for scaffold environments by clicking the button below.

Safety Harnesses for Scaffolding >