COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Accident Prevention Strategies in Scaffolding Work course. This program has been developed to provide you with the knowledge, practical skills, and regulatory understanding required to prevent accidents in all phases of scaffold erection, use, and dismantling.
Scaffolding is consistently identified as one of the highest-risk activities in construction, and scaffold-related incidents in Australia often result in serious injury or death. By applying structured accident prevention strategies, scaffold teams can significantly reduce the risk of falls, structural failures, and falling objects while ensuring legal compliance and fostering a culture of safety across all worksites.
The course begins with an overview of the significance of accident prevention in scaffolding. Participants will examine the most common causes of incidents, including falls from height, component misuse, overloading, and poor communication. Emphasis is placed on both the legal responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and the moral duty of care that workers and Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have to protect each other on-site.
Accident prevention begins with hazard recognition. This section focuses on identifying key scaffold-related hazards such as falls during erection, collapse from improper assembly or loading, and falling objects that endanger workers below. Participants will learn how to anticipate these risks based on the work environment, task design, and equipment use.
A structured risk management approach underpins all scaffold safety measures. This section introduces the four-step process—identify, assess, control, and review—and teaches how to apply a scaffold-specific risk assessment template. Assigning roles and responsibilities for hazard control ensures that every worker contributes to a safer scaffold environment.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a critical planning and compliance tool. Participants will learn how to develop task-specific SWMS for scaffold erection and dismantling, ensure every team member reads and signs the document, and keep the SWMS current in response to scope changes, weather conditions, or site modifications.
Planning scaffold work with safety in mind reduces the likelihood of incident. This section explains how to review drawings and sequencing, avoid congestion through staging, and coordinate with other trades to prevent interface risks such as mobile plant movement or overhead conflicts.
Site-specific hazards must be assessed before work begins. Participants will learn how to conduct pre-start assessments to check ground stability, access conditions, and environmental risks such as overhead powerlines or adverse weather. Key findings should be communicated at daily pre-start meetings to reinforce team awareness.
Accident prevention also relies on proper equipment selection. This section outlines how to inspect scaffold components for compliance with Australian Standards, identify damage or wear, and immediately quarantine non-compliant parts to prevent their use in the structure.
Erection practices must prioritise safety and stability at every stage. Participants will be trained to follow a sequential approach, maintain structural integrity with proper bracing and tie-ins, and install full edge protection—including guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards—before platforms are used by others.
Preventing falls is a primary objective. This section focuses on the implementation of compliant fall arrest systems (e.g. harnesses, anchor points), built-in scaffold safety features, and ensuring that access systems are in place before work proceeds to higher levels.
Manual handling injuries are a common and preventable risk. Participants will learn how to lift and carry scaffold components using correct posture, plan handling routes, and use mechanical aids or team lifts to reduce strain and overexertion.
Falling objects pose a serious hazard to workers and the public. This section provides guidance on the use of mesh guards, kickboards, containment sheeting, tool lanyards, and exclusion zones to prevent debris and tools from endangering anyone beneath or around the scaffold structure.
Scaffold overload can result in collapse or platform failure. Participants will learn how to calculate working load limits (WLL), manage material storage safely, and confirm that bracing, ties, and baseplates are properly installed in accordance with scaffold design and load charts.
Weather conditions significantly affect scaffold safety. This section explains how to monitor wind speeds and other environmental factors, secure scaffolds during storms, and suspend work during lightning events or poor visibility. Scaffolds must be assessed after adverse weather before work resumes.
Unsafe behaviour on scaffolds must be actively discouraged. Participants will explore safe usage rules, including prohibiting running, jumping, and overreaching; requiring appropriate PPE; and ensuring scaffold users are trained not to modify, remove, or alter scaffold components.
Dismantling scaffolds must be approached with the same level of planning as erection. This section provides strategies for reverse sequencing, maintaining exclusion zones, and safely stacking and lowering components to ground level without creating drop hazards or unstable piles.
Emergency readiness is vital for prevention and response. Participants will learn how to respond to incidents such as falls or scaffold collapse, activate emergency protocols, provide first aid, and isolate unsafe structures while notifying relevant authorities.
Finally, building a proactive safety culture is the key to long-term prevention. This section encourages open hazard reporting, near miss documentation, and the recognition of safe practices. Team leaders will learn how to promote accountability, safety-focused communication, and shared responsibility across scaffold crews.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge, hazard control strategies, and preventative mindset required to reduce accident risks and uphold the highest standards of safety across all scaffolding operations in accordance with Australian WHS legislation.
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 Accident Prevention in Scaffolding
- The significance of preventing accidents in high-risk scaffold environments
- Common causes of scaffold-related incidents in Australia
- Legal and moral responsibilities of workers and PCBUs
2. Understanding Scaffold-Related Hazards
- Falls from heights during scaffold erection or use
- Structural collapse due to improper assembly or overloading
- Falling tools, components, or debris onto workers below
3. Risk Management Fundamentals for Scaffold Safety
- Applying the risk management process: identify, assess, control, review
- Using a scaffold-specific risk assessment template
- Assigning responsibility for hazard control across scaffold teams
4. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Site Procedures
- Developing and reviewing SWMS for scaffold tasks
- Ensuring all personnel read, understand, and sign SWMS
- Keeping SWMS updated with changes in scope or conditions
5. Planning Scaffold Work for Safety
- Reviewing scope, drawings, and job sequencing
- Identifying interfaces with other trades and plant movement
- Staging scaffold activities to avoid congestion and unsafe overlap
6. Conducting Pre-Start Site Assessments
- Assessing ground conditions, access points, and load-bearing capability
- Identifying environmental risks such as overhead powerlines, wind, or wet weather
- Communicating hazards and controls at daily pre-start meetings
7. Selection and Inspection of Scaffolding Equipment
- Ensuring all scaffold components meet Australian Standards
- Inspecting for damage, distortion, or incompatible parts
- Quarantining defective equipment from work zones
8. Erecting Scaffolding Safely and Sequentially
- Maintaining stability throughout all erection stages
- Using full edge protection: guardrails, mid-rails, toe boards
- Preventing partial scaffolds from being used prematurely
9. Fall Prevention and Protection Strategies
- Implementing compliant fall arrest systems
- Using scaffolding with built-in fall protection features
- Ensuring access platforms are installed before upward work begins
10. Managing Manual Handling Risks in Scaffold Assembly
- Lifting heavy or awkward components with correct posture
- Using team lifts, trolleys, or mechanical aids
- Planning material handling zones to avoid overexertion
11. Controlling Falling Object Hazards
- Installing mesh guards, kickboards, and containment sheeting
- Using tool lanyards and drop zones
- Restricting access beneath active scaffold areas
12. Preventing Scaffold Overload and Structural Failure
- Calculating working load limits (WLL) based on design
- Monitoring material storage and access loading on platforms
- Ensuring bracing, tie-ins, and base plates are properly installed
13. Managing Scaffolding in Adverse Weather Conditions
- Monitoring wind speeds and forecasts for safe operating thresholds
- Securing partially erected scaffolds during storms or shutdowns
- Suspending work during lightning or visibility-reducing conditions
14. Safe Use and Behaviour on Scaffolds
- Preventing horseplay, running, jumping, or overreaching
- Ensuring proper footwear and PPE is worn at all times
- Training users to avoid altering or removing components
15. Scaffold Dismantling Accident Prevention
- Following the correct reverse sequence from erection
- Maintaining exclusion zones during dismantling
- Safely stacking and lowering components to ground level
16. Incident Response and Emergency Procedures
- Responding to scaffold collapse, fall incidents, or injuries
- Initiating site emergency protocols and first aid
- Isolating unsafe structures and notifying relevant authorities
17. Promoting a Culture of Safety and Prevention
- Encouraging hazard reporting and near miss documentation
- Recognising safe practices and proactive behaviour
- Embedding safety into team communication and leadership
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”.