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A description of the strength and safety of suspended scaffolds How much more can we do? Will more standards increase the safety of suspended scaffolds? Will training increase the safety of suspended scaffolds? Will more safety features increase the safety of suspended scaffolds? Wait—is there a...

As a prime example, take the standards that relate to the height of toprails in a guardrail system. Here are the numbers: 36; 38; 39; 42; 45; 48. How about the height above the level below when fall protection is required? Here are the numbers: 5 feet; 6 feet; 7 and a half feet; 10 feet; 15 feet;...

As with all scaffolds, there are design, construction, and safety issues with mobile scaffolds. The idea here is to discuss some engineering issues, leaving the obvious safety issues to the “competent person, qualified in scaffold construction.” Now that I think about it, perhaps the safety issues...

I can answer the one question easily: no, safety standards are not there to make your life more difficult. The fact is, they are there to make your life safer. Depending on your age, you may think that they come from ancient history but in reality they are a relatively recent development in...

This group awarded me the D. Victor Saleeby Award at this year’s convention; I am very grateful for the recognition this award represents and truly regret that I was not able to accept it in person. I respectfully submit, however, that there are other members of this association who deserve the...