Safety with access scaffolds: development of a prototype decision aid based on accident analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Accidents involving temporary access systems, particularly temporary scaffolds, account for a large proportion of injuries in the construction industry worldwide.


METHODS
This paper outlines the development of a prototype decision aid (SCAFPASS, an abbreviation for Scaffold Planning Aid for System Safety) to promote access scaffold safety. It was guided by an examination of the root-causes and management deficiencies apparent in: (a) paper-based files of 186 access-related incidents held by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK; and (b) computer-based files of 2,910 incidents appearing in the HSE database between 1997 to 2000.


RESULTS
The more frequent root-causes included the fitting of defective components, unauthorized modification of the structure, omission of barriers, and errors resulting in simple, readily detectable structural faults. Common managerial deficiencies included failure to control risk, unsafe methods and procedures, and inadequate training and supervision.


CONCLUSIONS
SCAFPASS aims to avoid these root-causes by improving safety management from the outset and throughout all phases of a project.
Whitaker
Sean M
SM
School of The Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, Scotland, Edinburgh, UK.
Graves
Rod J
RJ
James
Malcolm
M
McCann
Paul
P
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D012308:Risk Management; D013597:Systems Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology