The HSE has agreed to review the Scaffstep mandate after the pressure we applied. We won because we refused to accept unsafe work methods, so keep watching the site safety briefings to ensure they actually follow through.
March 14, 2012
Final supporters
The new method of erecting and dismantling scaffolding involves the use of a prefabricated platform (scaffstep) which is fixed to a guardrail to allow the scaffolder to fix a handrail generally 2m above the temporary platform. Scaffolders are expected to use the scaffstep whilst wearing a harness which is clipped on to a tube behind them. At the same time they will be handling scaffolding tube above their heads.
The use of the steps makes no allowance for weather or site conditions, ie muddy boots or high winds.
This petition is aims to raise the need for the HSE and other parties involved in bringing this legislation into force, to look again at this method of working.
It is the opinion of the persons signing this petition that the scaff step is not only impractical but has caused accidents, dangerous occurrences and injuries to those forced to use this method of working.
Updates
January 26, 2012
The feedback from the sites is clear that these new methods are creating more hazards than they solve. I am currently compiling your reports on injuries and near misses to present directly to the HSE. Call your local representative today and tell them that safety standards must be practical for the people on the tools.
January 26, 2012
The momentum behind this push proves the industry is fed up with these dangerous working conditions. Post this link on Facebook right now and email our concerns directly to your local representative.
Reached 100 supporters
January 26, 2012
15 Comments
This work practice definitely needs looking into, not spoke to one scaff yet who thinks it works.
My shins are bruised from using these stupid creations, we need to put the "health" back in health and safety
SO, how does the scaffolders man ascend to the next lift when he has completed both hand rails using the scaffstep? And onto a partially boarded lift - as otherwise he is using the Scaffstep to ascend on the outside of the structure! (Not allowed), or up the sway braces? No, the job requires a minimal level of agility and the current Scaffstep is perhaps not an adequate tool for the current market. Even a ladder has it's own limitations as it cannot be tied till you are at the top of it.
Takes too much time in my opinion. 2 men needed on the lift to erect the handrails ideally otherwise its even harder again. Money is time
Even where the users are tall enough, this contraption forces them to stretch and overreach increasing the chances of a fall
Not good for your back
I fully agree that the steps are not safe due to the slippety surface
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The HSE has agreed to review the Scaffstep mandate after the pressure we applied. We won because we refused to accept unsafe work methods, so keep watching the site safety briefings to ensure they actually follow through.
March 14, 2012
Final supporters
The new method of erecting and dismantling scaffolding involves the use of a prefabricated platform (scaffstep) which is fixed to a guardrail to allow the scaffolder to fix a handrail generally 2m above the temporary platform. Scaffolders are expected to use the scaffstep whilst wearing a harness which is clipped on to a tube behind them. At the same time they will be handling scaffolding tube above their heads.
The use of the steps makes no allowance for weather or site conditions, ie muddy boots or high winds.
This petition is aims to raise the need for the HSE and other parties involved in bringing this legislation into force, to look again at this method of working.
It is the opinion of the persons signing this petition that the scaff step is not only impractical but has caused accidents, dangerous occurrences and injuries to those forced to use this method of working.
Updates
January 26, 2012
The feedback from the sites is clear that these new methods are creating more hazards than they solve. I am currently compiling your reports on injuries and near misses to present directly to the HSE. Call your local representative today and tell them that safety standards must be practical for the people on the tools.
January 26, 2012
The momentum behind this push proves the industry is fed up with these dangerous working conditions. Post this link on Facebook right now and email our concerns directly to your local representative.
Reached 100 supporters
January 26, 2012
15 Comments
25 years of scaffolding and never came off a scaffold till I used the Scaff step and I’ve come of it twice
This work practice definitely needs looking into, not spoke to one scaff yet who thinks it works.
My shins are bruised from using these stupid creations, we need to put the "health" back in health and safety
SO, how does the scaffolders man ascend to the next lift when he has completed both hand rails using the scaffstep? And onto a partially boarded lift - as otherwise he is using the Scaffstep to ascend on the outside of the structure! (Not allowed), or up the sway braces? No, the job requires a minimal level of agility and the current Scaffstep is perhaps not an adequate tool for the current market. Even a ladder has it's own limitations as it cannot be tied till you are at the top of it.
Takes too much time in my opinion. 2 men needed on the lift to erect the handrails ideally otherwise its even harder again. Money is time
Even where the users are tall enough, this contraption forces them to stretch and overreach increasing the chances of a fall
Not good for your back
I fully agree that the steps are not safe due to the slippety surface
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25 years of scaffolding and never came off a scaffold till I used the Scaff step and I’ve come of it twice