Health and safety is a priority, particularly for those working within the construction industries. From using tricky equipment and dangerous machinery to climbing precarious structures and working at height, many accidents and injuries can occur. Everyone is at risk when working at height too, and this is especially relevant for those working with scaffolding.
In this blog, we explore some safety tips and things to be aware of when working with scaffolding in various conditions throughout the year, starting with spring and summer. With the longer and warmer days, it can be a lot easier to work in these conditions compared to the colder UK winter months. But there are still things to look out for when working on scaffolding at this time of year.
Sunburn and heatstroke
With the sun seeing the light of day for a lot longer, someone who works outside (a scaffolder, for example) will be exposed to the sun and its UV levels for a lot longer than average. The risk of sunburn is a lot higher, which could lead to more serious problems including skin cancer.
As well as sunburn, the physical exertion from working with scaffolding mixed with heat can cause heatstroke, which could lead to internal damage. It’s important to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade and wear hats with a brim to protect your face and neck from the sun.
Poor air quality
In the summer, air quality decreases because of the reaction between pollutants and heat or sunlight. High pollen and hay fever affect the majority of people in the UK. If you need medication or inhalers, it’s important that you remember to take them and it may be necessary to wear eye and face protection too. If you’re struggling with your breathing or are feeling dizzy, take a break and inform your manager as soon as you can.
Weather
We’ve mentioned the sun, but summer is actually one of the worst times of the year for bad weather. Although only arriving occasionally, summer experiences thunderstorms and torrential rain. It’s important to be prepared and keep an eye on the weather forecasts. Ensure there is a shelter on-site for your workers to go, as they can’t work if there are thunder and lightning that could strike your scaffold structure.
At DH Scaffold Services, we take health and safety very seriously, whatever time of year it is. From supplying high-quality and secure scaffolding to carrying out comprehensive checks and inspections to ensure everyone is safe, we can aid your project today – contact our team today for more information on 01142 300 923.