Scaffolding is a critical component of construction and maintenance work, but it can also be hazardous if not properly inspected and maintained. Proper inspection of scaffolding during erection and operation is necessary and required by law. Ensuring worker safety and complying with regulations such as OSHA standards can help prevent jobsite accidents. In this guide, we will discuss who has the authority to inspect scaffolding and what to look out for when doing so.       Why is it Necessary to Conduct Scaffolding Inspections?   Scaffolding is an indispensable temporary facility in construction, decoration and maintenance operations, but its structure is complex and the use environment is changeable. Once a safety hazard occurs, it is very easy to cause a serious accident. Scaffolding inspections are a safety measure required by law and are also the most effective means to prevent accidents such as falls and collapses. The following are the five core reasons why scaffolding inspections must be conducted: Legal mandatory requirements (OSHA/national standards) Prevent fatal falls Ensure structural stability Deal with the impact of environmental changes Improve workers' safety awareness and compliance operations       Personnel Authorized to Carry out Scaffolding Inspections   According to OSHA 1926.450(b), only specially qualified personnel are authorized to conduct scaffolding inspections. This is an iron rule to ensure construction safety. OSHA has three core requirements for qualified personnel: Professional people who have professional knowledge related to scaffolding, can identify scaffolding-related hazards (such as structural defects, electrical hazards, etc.) or are familiar with all the provisions of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L; People with corrective authority, such as those who have the right to immediately stop unsafe operations or those who can enforce corrective measures People with qualification certificates, such as those who have completed OSHA-approved training courses (such as 30 hours of scaffolding-specific training), and companies must retain qualification documents for reference       Does OSHA Require Scaffold Certification?     OSHA does not mandate a specific "scaffolding certification" card or permit. However, it does absolutely require that anyone who inspects, designs, or supervises scaffolding work be a "qualified person" and have received documented training that complies with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L).       The Fundamentals of Scaffolding Safety   The load-bearing capacity of the scaffolding must indicate the maximum load (static load + live load + wind load), and overloading is strictly prohibited (typical violation: stacking too many building materials); The ground load-bearing capacity of the scaffolding site must be ≥50kPa (soft soil requires steel plates), and all vertical poles of the scaffolding system must be equipped with bottom supports and pads; The working platform of the scaffolding must be equipped with a guardrail ≥90cm high, the height of the skirting board ≥15cm, and the safety net must be fully covered (aperture ≤5cm); The personnel who build or dismantle the scaffolding must hold a "special operation operation certificate" or a high-altitude operation certificate (scaffolder category) issued by the housing and construction department, etc. The inspector of the scaffolding needs to be a "qualified person" appointed in writing by the company, or a person who has completed 40 hours of professional training (including load calculation courses).       Responsibilities of Scaffolding Inspection     Different countries and regions have different requirements for how often scaffolding should be inspected for safety: Standard Initial Inspection Routine Frequency Special Circumstances Record Retention US OSHA Pre-use mandatory Before each shift + post extreme weather After modifications/impact/overload 3 years post-project EU EN 12811 Third-party certified Weekly minimum Winds > Beaufort 8 or <-10°C 10 years China GB 51210 Supervisor sign-off Daily pre-shift Post-earthquake/rainfall/7+ days idle Permanent archives ISO 10075 Load-test verified Every 48 hours Material corrosion/deformation 5 years recommended       Who Inspects and Builds Scaffolding?   The safety of scaffolding depends on the standardized construction and inspection by certified personnel. Scaffolding construction personnel: Certified scaffolders who need to complete special operations training or supervised auxiliary workers who have received fall prevention training and basic safety knowledge education Construction supervisors: Project safety officers who have been strictly reviewed, OSHA qualified personnel or EU certified supervisors who hold CISRS advanced certificates People who have the right to inspect scaffolding: Comparison of differences in various regions Inspection Type Who Conducts It? When? Pre-Use Inspection Competent Person (OSHA) / Scaffold Supervisor (EU) Before first use Daily/Routine Check Competent Person or trained inspector Each shift Post-Event Inspection Competent Person (after weather, impacts, or modifications) Immediately after incident Thorough Examination (EU EN 12811) Certified Scaffold Inspector (CISRS/Equivalent) Every 7 days   Qualification requirements for inspectors: Comparison of regional differences -China Must hold a "Construction Safety Officer Certificate" + written authorization from the company High-risk projects require the participation of registered safety engineers   -US/EU OSHA: "Qualified Personnel" designated by the employer (training certificate required) EU: CISRS Inspector Certificate (more than 32 hours of training)   -Special scenarios Cantilever/overload scaffolding must be signed and confirmed by a structural engineer       What Are the Responsibilities of Scaffolding Inspection?   Scaffolding inspection is the core link to ensure construction safety, involving multiple responsible parties. The following are the main core responsibilities of the inspector:   Structural Safety Verification -Check the vertical deviation of the pole (≤1/100 height, GB 51210) -Confirm the torque value of the fastener (ISO standard: 40-65 N·m) -Evaluate the foundation settlement (allowable value <10mm/24h)   Protection System Review: -Guardrail height (upper pole ≥1.05m, middle pole 0.5-0.6m, OSHA 1926.451) -Kickboard integrity (≥150mm, EN 12811) -Safety net tension (droop <1m/3m span) -Document management -Fill in the electronic/paper inspection form (with GPS positioning and timestamp)   Issuance of Three-color Labels: -Green card (passed) -Yellow card (restricted use) -Red card (immediate removal)   After Extreme Weather: -Measurement of temperature deformation of steel pipes (expansion coefficient 11×10⁻⁶/℃ when >40℃) -Checking the pull-out resistance of anchors (increase 50% when wind speed >8)   Scaffolding in Chemical Area: -Weekly corrosion inspection (ultrasonic thickness gauge, scrapped if wall thickness <3.2mm) -Anti-static ground resistance test (<10Ω)   Mobile Scaffolding: -Recheck wheel brake force after displacement (≥1.5 times working load) -Check the effectiveness of locking device       Inspection of the Work Environment   Scaffolding work environment inspection is a key link to ensure construction safety, and a systematic assessment of natural conditions, site conditions and human factors is required. Before inspection: confirm the qualifications of the scaffolding inspector;   Core inspection items -meteorological conditions (real-time wind speed ≤13.8m/s (level 6 wind), precipitation impact <3cm (otherwise suspend work)) -Geological stability (foundation settlement <5mm/8h, ground bearing capacity ≥50kPa (geological report required)) -Electromagnetic environment (high-voltage line distance ≥6m (below 110kV), lightning protection grounding resistance ≤10Ω) -Chemical pollution (corrosive gas concentration H₂S <10ppm (OSHA limit), metal component corrosion rate annual corrosion amount <0.2mm)   High-altitude working environment   Chemical zone environment       How Do You Conduct a Scaffolding Inspection?   Tools to prepare before inspection Torque wrench (check bolt tightness, standard value 40-65N·m) Laser level (vertical deviation ≤1/100 height) Thickness gauge (wall thickness of steel structure after corrosion ≥90% of original thickness)   Inspection location Foundation: hardened ground bearing capacity ≥50kPa Vertical pole: vertical deviation ≤50mm/10m height Scaffolding board: steel fence has no warping, wooden springboard thickness ≥50mm Protection system: upper crossbar 1.2m, middle crossbar 0.6m, skirting board 0.18m       All Workers Must Be Trained in Scaffold Safety Measures   Workers receiving scaffolding safety measures training can reduce the probability of scaffolding accidents. Training Content: -Scaffolding load calculation -Extreme weather response -Properly wear safety belts (hang high and use low) -Identify sources of danger (such as corroded fasteners)       Safe Operation of a Scaffold   Must Do Check personal protective equipment before work (five-point safety belt + non-slip shoes) Pile materials evenly (no single-point concentrated load) Lock the wheel brakes of the mobile scaffold before work   Strictly Prohibited Remove the wall connection without authorization (a project in Shanghai overturned as a result) Climb cross braces (special ladders should be used) Work on icy scaffolding (stop work and de-ice immediately)       Scaffold Inspection Checklist   Daily Check Items: -All fasteners are not loose (torque wrench spot check 20%) -Safety net is not damaged (holes ≤ 50mm) -Ground resistance ≤ 10Ω (special inspection during thunderstorm season)   Weekly Check Items: -Steel structure weld cracks (penetrant flaw detection) -Foundation settlement (total station monitoring, change ≤ 5mm/week)       Final Thoughts   Builders: Must be trained and supervised (OSHA) or certified (EU/UK/AU). Inspectors: Must be a Competent Person (OSHA) or CISRS certified (EU). Records: Keep signed inspection logs (3+ years US, 10 years EU). Complex Scaffolding: Engineer approval required if rated load >125% or unusual design.       FAQ   Who can legally inspect scaffolds? Only a “qualified person” (as defined by OSHA) or a certified scaffolding inspector is authorized to inspect scaffolds.   Does OSHA require inspectors to be “scaffolding certified”? No, OSHA does not issue specific “scaffolding certifications,” but inspectors must:• Be trained in accordance with OSHA 1926.454• Demonstrate competency through documented training (e.g., OSHA 30-hour construction)• Be formally appointed by their employerException: Some states (e.g., California) require additional certification.       Reference   Scaffold Roles and Responsibilities -Princeton EHS —— Princeton University Scaffold Inspection: What You Need to Know —— Essential Site Skills

Why Scaffold Safety Matters   According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), scaffold-related accidents cause two percent of fatal accidents and approximately 4,500 injuries each year in the U.S. Scaffold incidents bring a lot more than human costs which incur heavy costs, including but not limited to medical expenses, legal costs, and liquidated damages for delayed work, etc. Identifying and mitigating causes of scaffold accidents has many advantages, including protecting workers, promoting productivity and maintaining relevancy with safety standards.         Major Factors Causing Scaffold Accidents   There are so many reasons that scaffold accidents happen - the relationship and combination of human error, equipment failure, and unsafe safety practices. Below we will highlight and describe the main causes along with the descriptions, actual consequences, and contributing factors.     1. Manufacturing Negligence     Scaffolding parts (tubes, couplers, brackets, & guardrails) are required to meet higher quality standards and testing to ensure structural integrity. Manufacturing negligence can happen when an effort is made to cut costs, inferior materials, or not enough quality control in the manufacturing process. Poorly constructed or defective parts can result in inadequately constructed scaffolding that will more than likely lead to scaffolding instability. Consequence - Defective parts can cause a sudden scaffold collapse or loss of stability, which could be devastating for the worker at height. Contributing factors - Use of lower-grade steel, improper welding procedures, or failure to test performance of parts under load conditions. Example - As an example, a poorly welded coupler may break due to stress causing a portion of the scaffolding to collapse.     2. Scaffold Design Defects     Even when manufactured correctly, scaffolds with flawed designs can fail to perform safely. Design defects may include insufficient load-bearing capacity, improper bracing configurations, or failure to account for environmental factors such as wind loads, seismic activity, or uneven terrain. Impact: Poorly designed scaffolds may tip, sway, or collapse under normal construction activities, endangering workers and bystanders. Contributing Factors: Inadequate engineering analysis, outdated design standards, or lack of site-specific customization. Example: A scaffold designed without sufficient diagonal bracing may become unstable in high winds, leading to a collapse.     3. Unacceptable Construction     Scaffolds that are improperly built or constructed stand out as one of the main causes of accidents. Construction of scaffolds can go wrong due to different reasons: forgetting to fully secure components, using parts that aren’t compatible, failure to follow information provided by manufacturers as well as erecting scaffolds on unstable work surfaces. Impact: Improperly constructed scaffolds are more susceptible to being unstable, change position or even fail completely when they are loaded. Contributing Factors: Shortened assembly times can be put down to project time constraints and/or add labour constraints and/or reduced supervision. Example: When scaffolds are not properly anchored to the building, the force of workers using the scaffold, and in particular if they are using tools, may be enough to allow the scaffold to shift position even if the workers themselves did not, causing the workers to lose their balance.     4. Insufficient Scaffold Maintenance Scaffolds are exposed to harsh conditions, including weather, heavy loads, and prolonged use, which can cause wear, corrosion, or structural fatigue. Failure to inspect and maintain scaffolds regularly allows minor issues, like rusted tubes or loose bolts, to escalate into major hazards. Impact: Neglected scaffolds become progressively weaker, increasing the likelihood of sudden failures or collapses. Contributing Factors: Lack of maintenance schedules, untrained inspectors, or prioritizing cost savings over safety. Example: Corroded scaffold tubes may buckle under load, causing a platform to give way and workers to fall.     5. Weak or Inadequate Plank Support Scaffold planks provide the working surface for workers, and they must be stout enough to support the weight of the worker, tool, or materials. Weak planks, improper installation, insufficient overlap, or using non-scaffold grade materials, can result in plank failure. Impact: Planks can break, shift or slip and depending on the cause, could result in a worker falling, or workers dropping heavy objects that could injure someone. Contributing Causes: Make-shift planks (i.e. regular lumber), overloading platforms, and poor securing of planks Example: A plank that does not have thickness sufficient may crack under the weight of multiple workers resulting in a worker falling.     6. Lack of Adequate Worker Training     Workers who are not properly trained in scaffold erection and use, as well as safety practices, are more likely to make mistakes that cause accidents. What does a lack of training mean? It could mean that workers do not know the types of scaffolds, load limits, fall protection systems, hazards involved, etc. Impact: Workers who are not trained may neglect safety steps or the proper use of scaffolds which elevates their risk for accidents. Contributing Factors: When there is a lot of worker turnover (poor retention), language barriers or when budgets don't allocate enough for training. Example: A worker may not know that there is a load limit on a scaffold, and they pile materials on it until it collapses.     7. Inadequate Safety Equipment     The lack or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and scaffold safety features (guardrails, toeboards, netting, fall arrest systems, etc.) almost certainly increases the risk of an accident. Safety equipment is essential in terms of minimizing falls and from being hit by falling objects. Impact: The lack of proper safety measures means the workers are at an even higher risk for death or serious injury. Contributing Factors: Cutting costs, lack of enforcement, or workers do not want to use PPE because of discomfort. Example: A scaffold does not have guardrails making it easy for a worker to fall when he/she is much higher than his/her waist from the ground.     8. Untrained, Inexperienced, or Negligent Coworkers Accidents can occur when coworkers lack experience, disregard safety protocols, or act carelessly. This includes failing to communicate hazards, removing safety features, or engaging in unsafe behaviors like horseplay. Impact: One worker’s negligence can create hazards that endanger the entire team. Contributing Factors: Poor team coordination, lack of accountability, or cultural attitudes prioritizing speed over safety. Example: A worker who removes a guardrail to access materials and fails to replace it creates a fall hazard for others.     9. Disregard for Scaffold Safety Standards Ignoring OSHA regulations (e.g., 29 CFR 1926.451), industry guidelines, or manufacturer recommendations leads to unsafe scaffold conditions. This includes bypassing inspections, overloading scaffolds, using damaged components, or failing to implement fall protection. Impact: Non-compliance increases accident risks and exposes companies to legal and financial penalties. Contributing Factors: Lack of regulatory awareness, inadequate oversight, or intentional cost-saving measures. Example: Failing to conduct daily scaffold inspections may allow undetected defects, like loose bolts, to cause a collapse.           How to Prevent Scaffold Accidents   Preventing scaffold accidents requires a proactive approach combining quality equipment, training, and compliance. Below are streamlined strategies to enhance safety. 1. Use High-Quality Scaffolding 2. Ensure Proper Erection 3. Conduct Regular Inspections 4. Use Strong Planks 5. Train Workers 6. Provide Safety Gear 7. Promote Safety Culture 8. Comply with Standards           Conclusion   Scaffold accidents are preventable, caused by things like manufacturing defects, and poor construction and training. Scaffold accidents can be avoided by implementing specific prevention measures. If construction companies utilize the right scaffolding equipment, know how to safely assemble scaffolding, and can create a safety-first mentality, scaffold accident prevention can be addressed to prevent scaffold accidents with less effort and free from changes in behavioral modifications. Consult OSHA scaffold regulations or a safety professional for more direction. Please share this guide with others, so we can make construction sites safer and reduce scaffold accidents.         FAQ   How often should scaffolds be inspected? OSHA requires scaffolds to be inspected before each work shift and after any event that could affect their integrity, such as heavy rain or structural alterations. Daily inspections are standard practice.   What are the penalties for ignoring scaffold safety regulations?   Non-compliance with OSHA regulations can result in fines, project shutdowns, and legal liabilities. Penalties vary based on the severity of the violation, with serious violations costing up to $16,131 per instance (as of 2025).         Read More   Scaffold Injuries —— Findlaw Scaffold Accidents —— Cross and Smith