Masonry Magazine July 2003 Page. 22
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
Adjustable Scaffolding
Safety
Benefits
By Eugene Sak
Chairman, Adjustable Scaffold Council
Scaffold Industry Association
Over the last 50 years, many masons using adjustable scaffolding have realized increases in productivity. Often overlooked, however, are the special benefits received by mason contractors in job site safety.
SAFETY IS A PRIMARY CONCERN OF CONSTRUCTION companies, managers and developers. Preventative measures and safety planning are increasingly part of the day-to-day management of construction job sites. Adjustable scaffolding can be one way for mason contractors to increase the job site safety for their crew.
Reduced Mason Injury and Stress
One way that adjustable scaffolding increases safety at the job site is by reducing injury and stress by providing a larger workspace than traditional tubular scaffolds provide. The adjustable scaffold's work decks have two distinct levels: a mason's deck and a laborer's deck. The mason's deck is lower than the laborer's deck in order to provide the mason a more comfortable and efficient range of motion. That motion is operating between the knees and chest, a range that reduces fatigue and muscle movement and thereby inherently lowering the potential injury to the back and other muscle groups.
Reduced Erector & Labor Injury and Stress
Adjustable scaffolding reduces potential injury and stress by providing a work platform that elevates with work progress. This feature enables the masonry materials and tools to remain in place while the scaffold is elevated. The feature eliminates board "jumps," extra material handling and other wasted motions. Simply put: "Time not used means workers not injured!"