SafeWork inspectors across Australia are shining a spotlight on scaffold safety through the “Scaff Safe 2024” campaign, underscoring the essential role that scaffolding practices play in preventing accidents on-site.  
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With falls from heights a leading cause of fatalities in construction, scaffold safety is a critical focus area. The campaign reflects a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe practices and serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility across the industry for protecting workers and maintaining safe environments.
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In recent years, increased inspections and fines have already led to improvements, with incident numbers dropping and compliance on the rise. However, the stakes remain high: scaffold safety needs to be a core part of every construction site to protect workers and ensure efficient project flow.
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Recognising the risks of unsafe scaffolding

When scaffold safety protocols aren’t strictly followed, risks can quickly escalate. The most common hazards include:

• Falls from incomplete or poorly assembled scaffolds: Risks can increase when scaffolds are assembled incorrectly or modified by unlicensed trades.

• Misuse of scaffolds: Standing on rails or using makeshift platforms can heighten the chance of falls.

• Scaffold collapse: Overloading or using unsuitable materials can compromise stability, endangering everyone on-site.

• Falling objects: Tools or materials dropped from height put those below at risk.

• Scaffolds impacted by vehicles or cranes: Moving equipment poses additional dangers to scaffold integrity.

• Injuries during setup or dismantling: Scaffolders face specific hazards in these stages without sufficient safeguards.
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The Scaff Safe campaign promotes managing these risks proactively. SafeWork’s enforcement approach includes on-the-spot fines of up to $900 for individuals and $4,500 for businesses, with the aim of creating safer environments across the industry.
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The importance of scaffold standards

Standards can play a key role in supporting safe scaffold use and compliance. The AS/NZS 1576.1, Scaffolding - general requirements standard, covering scaffold design and operational requirements, is widely used across Australia to guide safe scaffold installation, inspection, and maintenance practices. This standard plays an important role in setting clear requirements that can reduce the risks associated with scaffold construction and use.  
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Henrietta Tan, Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, highlights, “Standards can provide a solid framework to support scaffold safety across every stage of construction. Access to these resources promotes best practices and helps create secure worksites.”

‍How standards can add value to every site

Integrating scaffold safety standards into everyday practices can help enhance not only worker safety but also operational efficiency. Compliance with scaffold standards can foster confidence on-site, reduce risks of project delays, and reinforce a reputation for safety. With the right resources on hand, sites can help minimise unnecessary hazards, support efficient workflows, and maintain momentum across construction phases.
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Discover scaffold safety resources for safer sites

For additional resources for creating a safe work environment, purchase the Scaffolding Essentials Set and Work at Height Set via the Standards Australia Store and our participating distribution partners. These curated content sets of commonly referenced standards look to support scaffold safety across construction sites, helping companies to uphold high standards and reduce risks. By prioritising scaffold safety, sites can build a responsible culture that safeguards both workers and projects.

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