3 WAYS TO IMPROVE SCAFFOLDING SAFETY AT A JOB SITE
June 28, 2019
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 2.3 million construction workers
— or 65 percent of the industry — work on scaffolds. It is a dangerous job: 4,500 scaffold-related injuries and 60 scaffold-related deaths hit job sites in the U.S. each year. That adds up to $90 million in lost work days.
As a site manager, one of your main priorities – in addition to delivering customer satisfaction – is scaffolding safety. Once scaffolding goes up, it is not just a set-it-and-forget-it addition to the job site. So, how can you effectively protect your crew on your next job?
1. Use High-Quality, Properly Installed Equipment
Of the workers injured in scaffold-related accidents, 72 percent attributed the incident
to either the planking, support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object.
What does that tell us? Well, for starters it indicates that the scaffolding in use may not be properly designed and deployed. A poorly designed scaffolding system can have disastrous consequences. If your job requires non-slick surfaces or special materials, any missing component could mean injury or worse for your team members.
Train your employees to recognize deficient, noncompliant and/or damaged structures, including missing essential safety components like Toeboards, Planks, or Guardrails. Also, consider working with a scaffolding manufacturer that provides application engineering to ensure you have the correct equipment for your project requirements.
2. Ensure Proper Training
A key scaffolding safety issue is whether or not the scaffold has been erected by trained professionals. Erection and dismantling must be done by competent persons to ensure a solid work space for overhead workers and a solid foundation to keep the scaffold stable.
In addition to being trained and up to date on OSHA requirements, all workers must be properly trained on setup, construction of scaffolding, how to handle materials and load capacities. Proper training should also be given on the type of scaffolding they are working on and the complexity of the scaffold being erected or dismantled.
3. Keep the Site Clean and Organized
You have likely heard the saying, “A clean job site is a safe job site. Still, “Housekeeping” is one of the most cited OSHA safety infractions. People who tend to leave a mess have a higher chance of tripping over equipment or slipping over messy work areas and causing accidents. Make sure all workers follow standard procedures to secure the job site before leaving for the day. This might include dewatering, removing debris, and ensuring all equipment is properly and securely stored.
4. Keep Your FLRA Updated
Refer back to your field level risk assessment (FLRA) on a periodic basis to identify hazards that may not have been previously documented. Review processes for material handling, power lines, inclement weather, and load-carrying capacity to keep these potential hazards top of mind and add to the list when needed. As workers get accustomed to a job site, they are less likely to be on alert to potential safety issues. A regular review of your FLRA can help prevent oversight and avoid simple mistakes that could affect job site safety.
No matter where you are or what job you are on, safety is nonnegotiable. If you need scaffolding that you can trust to get the job done while protecting the safety of your workers, please contact us
online today or call the branch office closest to you. We’ll begin the process of finding a scaffolding solution that meets your unique needs.
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AT-PAC expands presence in Latin America — with Mexico established as key operational hub AT-PAC, one of the world’s leading scaffolding solution providers and part of umdasch Industrial Solutions, announces the launch of its new operation in Mexico. With this development, AT-PAC strengthens its industrial footprint in Latin America, offering immediate availability of AT-PAC Ringlock System Scaffolding, applied engineering support, and direct operational readiness for high-performance industrial projects. Mexico City, 08.01.2026. Well established across the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, the UK and multiple LATAM regions, AT-PAC now advances into Mexico — a strategic market with growing industrial demand and large-scale operational potential. The expansion aims to support EPCs, asset owners and contractors with local inventory, engineering guidance and high-efficiency industrial access solutions. AT-PAC guides customers through the full lifecycle of an industrial scaffolding project — from engineering, documentation and planning, to material supply, field support and digital asset control. The core objective remains unchanged: safety, precision and performance in industrial environments. Direct value for the Mexican market According to Isaac Tovar, Commercial Director Mexico, the company’s arrival represents more than material access — it is a technical and operational support system designed to prevent downtime; "Every industrial challenge in Mexico becomes our mission. We respond with engineering, local availability, and specialized technical support to ensure continuity and efficiency in every project." With inventory positioned locally and a dedicated commercial and engineering team, Mexico now gains faster turnaround capabilities for high-demand industrial operations. Looking ahead For Rodrigo Arce, Regional Director LATAM, this is only the beginning of AT-PAC’s long-term vision in the region; "Mexico is a strategic point for Latin America. This operation strengthens capacity, accelerates response and establishes a new industrial scaffolding standard for the region." Alongside material availability, the Mexico hub will offer: ✔ Ringlock System Scaffolding for sales & rental ✔ Engineering, design & technical planning for industrial access ✔ On-site support and safe execution consulting ✔ Hi-Vis Scaffold Management Software for digital control and traceability ✔ Technical documentation, training and operational partnership
We are shaping the future of scaffolding
For nearly a decade, AT-PAC's Baton Rouge branch has been a cornerstone of our southern U.S. operations, proudly supporting projects across Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi. Known for their dependable service and deep industry knowledge, the Baton Rouge team continues to strengthen AT-PAC's presence in the region - helping customers keep projects on track and on time. Under the leadership of Branch Manager Jeremy Smith, this experienced team has built lasting relationships through reliability, responsiveness, and a hands-on approach. Their recent move to a larger, upgraded facility marks an exciting new chapter - expanding their capacity to serve more customers, more quickly than ever before. Hear from Jeremy below about the team's new space, their commitment to customers, and how Baton Rouge continues to raise the standard across the South. Ready to reach out to the team? Contact them here .