Several accidents and near misses have occurred annually when platform ties have not been installed on scaffolding, even though the law has required the locking of platforms in Finland since 1998. According to Government Decree 156/1998 “Use of scaffolding and fall protection structures in construction work”, which entered into force at that time, scaffolding work platforms must not move or rise from their base, meaning that they must be locked to the structure.
Scaffolding manufacturers have been using platform ties since the 1980s. According to manufacturers’ operating instructions, work platforms must be secured with ties. The instructions do not specify which platforms should be locked, but simply all. There is no “not mandatory” option in the instructions, even if some scaffolders make us believe so. I have asked them to prove their claim – none of them has yet provided proof indicating that platform ties can be omitted.
Referring to the established installation method
In the scaffolding inspections we have carried out, a peculiar explanation has been given for the missing of platform ties: “established installation method”. The absence of platform ties is explained by stating that they have always been omitted.
All parts required by law and the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be installed on the scaffolding. This is simply uncompromising, as only properly constructed – that is, compliant and properly inspected – scaffolding can guarantee occupational safety, as stated in the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Saying that building scaffolding will take “a long time”
The omission of platform ties has also been justified by stating that the construction of scaffolding would take too long if ties were installed on the scaffolding. In the video below, you can see the truth about how long it takes to install a platform tie on the U wall plates. The platforms intended for round runners have an integrated locking latch for even faster installation, that is, lock activation.
Even if the installation takes any time whatsoever, it is in no way acceptable that the time saved by not installing platform ties would take precedence over the law and occupational safety. The party constructing the scaffolding must comply with Finnish legislation and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. In other words, scaffolding without platform ties must not be approved for use.
Unlawful instructions from scaffolding clients
Scaffolding clients should also understand that they cannot instruct scaffolders to omit platform ties. There have been cases where the client/main implementer has instructed their scaffolding supplier to omit platform ties. This is illegal and, if an accident occurs on scaffolding, the person giving such instructions has deliberately impaired occupational safety.
A couple of years ago, a company called our scaffolding inspector. The person first asked bluntly, “Who is responsible for the safety of the scaffolding?” Our inspector replied: The scaffolding’s client/main implementer. Then the person asked, “Do you need to install platform ties on the scaffolding?” The answer was: “Yes.” After a moment of silence, the person replied “Thank you, that’s all…”
The company in question had instructed its scaffolding supplier not to install platform ties to save time. A scaffolding tower had been erected on the roof of a plant, and storm winds had lifted the platforms, causing them to fall and damage the roof and equipment located there. Fortunately, there were no people below.
Special hazard of short platforms
Near misses and accidents involving work platforms coming off have usually been caused by long work platforms falling due to strong winds or when the platform has been accidentally pushed from below. Short platforms also have the same problems as long platforms, and the platforms tipping sideways when stepped on increases the likelihood of an accident even further.
In 2020, there was a case where short platforms had been secured with 1.5 mm wire and a person stepped between two short platforms. The platforms turned like the doors of a saloon, but the person saved themselves from falling by spreading their arms and hanging on with their hands. The accident resulted in “skier’s thumb”, in which the thumb was over-extended towards the arm. The person could also have fallen to the bottom of the tank, but in this instance they got away with a minor injury compared to that.
The authorities’ supervision requirements have now taken a stricter line for the installation of platform ties. Sites have been closed due to the absence of platform ties and opened only when the ties have been installed.
Let’s make construction sites safer in an easy way!
Author:
Janne Parantainen
Scaffolding safety instructor
+358 44 236 2030
janne.parantainen@patera.fi
