COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Risk Management in Scaffolding Setup & Removal course. This program is designed to provide you with the practical skills and regulatory understanding required to identify, assess, and control risks associated with scaffold erection and dismantling.
Scaffolding operations present some of the most serious hazards on a construction site—including falls from height, structural collapse, falling objects, and manual handling injuries. Effective risk management is not only a legal requirement under Australian WHS legislation, but a critical part of ensuring worker safety, maintaining site productivity, and protecting organisational compliance.
This course begins by outlining the purpose of risk management and the significant role it plays in scaffold operations. Participants will explore key hazards common to both scaffold setup and removal, and review their duties under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, which mandate the implementation of proactive, documented, and monitored risk controls in all high-risk construction work.
Understanding the principles of risk management is essential. This section introduces the four-step process: identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and review effectiveness. Participants will learn how to apply these principles across every stage of scaffold work, from delivery and erection to final dismantling and site demobilisation.
A clear understanding of the project scope and site-specific conditions is required to tailor risk controls appropriately. This section covers how to review scaffold drawings, determine scaffold type and height, evaluate site terrain and environmental challenges, and align scaffold planning with client expectations and construction timelines.
Before scaffolding begins, the site must be inspected. Participants will learn how to conduct pre-setup inspections to assess ground stability, overhead clearance, access points, and environmental hazards such as slope, wind exposure, or restricted movement zones that could impact safety.
Hazard identification is central to risk management. This section explores the most common risks during scaffold erection, including falls from incomplete platforms, incorrect use of components, manual handling injuries, and interface risks with other machinery such as forklifts or cranes.
Assessing the severity and likelihood of risks helps prioritise control measures. Participants will learn how to use a risk matrix to evaluate potential outcomes, assign risk ratings, and communicate the findings to the scaffold crew and site supervisors. High-risk activities must be addressed immediately with robust controls.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are mandatory for scaffold work. This section explains how to prepare task-specific SWMS that document hazards, controls, PPE requirements, and safe sequencing. Reviewing and signing SWMS with all personnel before work begins ensures legal compliance and shared understanding.
The selection and inspection of scaffold components is a critical control. Participants will learn to verify compliance with AS/NZS standards, inspect base plates, standards, transoms, ledgers, platforms, and ties for damage or compatibility, and quarantine any substandard equipment prior to use.
Scaffold erection must follow approved procedures. This section provides instruction on constructing scaffolds sequentially from a stable base, installing required bracing, edge protection, and platform decking, and using personal fall protection equipment where required by law or site policy.
Exclusion zones protect others on site from falling objects or structural failure. This section explains how to calculate drop zones, install barriers and signage, and control access until scaffold erection or dismantling is safely completed and verified by inspection.
Environmental risks must be actively managed. Participants will learn how to monitor weather conditions, particularly wind speeds, and how to suspend work during lightning, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures. Incomplete scaffolds must be secured appropriately during sudden weather changes.
Manual handling of scaffold components introduces ergonomic risks. This section outlines how to plan material transport, use mechanical aids, avoid repetitive strain injuries, and implement team lifting strategies to reduce overexertion.
Working at heights requires engineered controls. Participants will learn how to use compliant access systems such as stair towers and ladders, install edge protection and harness anchor points, and ensure all fall protection equipment is certified and regularly inspected.
Scaffold dismantling must be planned to control risk. This section outlines how to sequence dismantling to avoid collapse, manage the drop and securement of disassembled components, and maintain exclusion zones until the area is verified as safe.
Emergency preparedness is vital for risk control. Participants will be trained to identify possible emergency scenarios, ensure ready access to first aid and rescue equipment, and follow evacuation and reporting protocols in case of collapse, injury, or other critical incidents.
Incident reporting supports learning and prevention. This section guides participants through reporting near misses, completing incident investigations, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. SWMS and procedures must be updated to reflect any lessons learned.
Risk controls must be regularly reviewed and audited. Participants will learn how to conduct scaffold audits, safety inspections, and behavioural observations, and how to document findings and implement site-wide improvements through structured review cycles.
A safety-first culture ensures long-term compliance and wellbeing. The final section focuses on encouraging open communication, recognising workers who demonstrate leadership in hazard control, and embedding a proactive attitude toward safety and risk awareness in scaffold teams.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the risk assessment tools, legal awareness, and practical strategies required to ensure that scaffold setup and removal tasks are carried out safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Australian WHS legislation and scaffolding best practice.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Risk Management in Scaffolding Activities
- The purpose and importance of risk management in scaffolding
- Key hazards associated with scaffold setup and dismantling
- Legal duties and obligations under WHS legislation
2. Understanding Risk Management Principles
- The four-step risk management process: Identify, Assess, Control, Review
- Differentiating between hazards, risks, and control measures
- Applying risk management to each stage of scaffolding work
3. Reviewing Project Scope and Site Conditions
- Understanding scaffold type, height, and location
- Identifying site-specific challenges: terrain, access, weather
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and client expectations
4. Conducting Pre-Setup Site Inspections
- Identifying ground conditions and load-bearing capacity
- Checking for overhead services, environmental hazards, and obstructions
- Confirming site access and work zone stability
5. Hazard Identification for Scaffold Erection
- Common risks: falling from height, falling objects, structural collapse
- Manual handling, slips, trips, and incorrect component usage
- Interface risks with cranes, forklifts, and mobile plant
6. Assessing Risk Severity and Likelihood
- Using a risk matrix to assess probability and consequence
- Prioritising controls based on risk rating
- Communicating findings to the scaffold crew and supervisor
7. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Scaffold Work
- Preparing task-specific SWMS in accordance with legislation
- Outlining hazards, controls, PPE, and step-by-step procedures
- Reviewing and signing SWMS before commencing work
8. Selecting and Inspecting Scaffolding Equipment
- Verifying condition and compliance of scaffold components
- Checking base plates, ledgers, transoms, platforms, and ties
- Identifying damaged or incompatible equipment and removing from use
9. Implementing Safe Scaffold Erection Procedures
- Erecting scaffolds sequentially from stable foundations
- Installing bracing, guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards
- Using harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems as required
10. Establishing and Managing Exclusion Zones
- Calculating fall zones and drop zones
- Installing barriers, signage, and overhead protection
- Controlling site access and monitoring unauthorised entry
11. Managing Weather and Environmental Risks
- Monitoring wind speeds, rain, lightning, and heat exposure
- Suspending or rescheduling work in unsafe weather
- Securing incomplete scaffolds against environmental impact
12. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risk Controls
- Planning the transport and handling of scaffold components
- Using mechanical aids, trolleys, or lifts where appropriate
- Reducing repetitive strain and overexertion through team lifting
13. Working at Heights: Control Measures and Access
- Using proper access systems: stair towers, ladders, scaffolds
- Preventing edge falls through engineered fall prevention
- Verifying that fall protection equipment is certified and maintained
14. Scaffold Dismantling Risk Management
- Sequencing dismantling to maintain structural integrity
- Managing material drop and storage during disassembly
- Continuing exclusion zone controls until dismantling is complete
15. Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning
- Identifying emergency scenarios: falls, collapses, entrapments
- Access to first aid kits, rescue equipment, and emergency services
- Ensuring workers know evacuation and reporting procedures
16. Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- Reporting near misses, injuries, or scaffold-related hazards
- Conducting root cause analysis and corrective action planning
- Updating risk controls and SWMS based on investigation findings
17. Reviewing and Auditing Risk Controls
- Conducting scaffold audits and safety inspections
- Monitoring worker behaviours and compliance with controls
- Recording findings and implementing continuous improvements
18. Fostering a Safety-First Culture in Scaffold Teams
- Encouraging open communication and hazard reporting
- Recognising safe work practices and leadership in risk management
- Embedding risk awareness into training and team culture
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.