Kentucky agency launches free scaffolding safety course

Frankfort, KY — A new virtual scaffolding safety course from the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Division of Education and Training is aimed at helping employers protect workers from fall hazards.

The free Introduction to Scaffolding course – available in English and Spanish – helps learners recognize different scaffolding classifications, from supported vs. suspended to movable vs. vehicle mounted. It also covers the application of OSHA’s 1926 Subpart L standard, as well as various components of scaffolds (poles, braces, ties, platforms and footings).

Other course elements:

• Types of terrain and how to ensure an adequate firm foundation
• The two classifications for footings, along with proper and improper footing examples
• Types of materials that can be used for platforms and specific construction requirements
• How the American National Standards Institute’s A92.2-1969 standard has been incorporated into OSHA’s aerial lift standard
• Common jobs that use mobile scaffolds, which are set on wheels or casters

According to KYSAFE, 2.3 million construction workers use scaffolding. Implementing key elements of the OSHA standard could prevent nearly 10,000 injuries and 79 fatalities.

In 2022, 865 workers were killed as a result of slips, trips and falls, data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows. More than 80% of those deaths were associated with falls from a higher level.