When we step outside, our senses are on high alert, picking up everything from the people we pass to the sounds around us. It’s just part of being human, instinctively scanning for potential hazards to keep ourselves safe, often without even thinking about it.
Whether you're visiting a relative, enjoying a leisurely walk, or simply running errands, you’re usually lost in the moment, soaking in that sweet feeling of freedom. Sure, you're aware of the usual dangers like crossing the street, pickpockets, or the occasional public spat but a scaffolding accident? That’s probably the last thing you’d expect, but unfortunately, while it’s unlikely, it’s not impossible.
Scaffolding Accidents: Rare but Real
While we’re happy to report that there were no injuries or fatalities related to scaffolding accidents in 2023, the [1]National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) did highlight two incidents involving the public in 2022.
In one case, an unsuspecting passerby was struck by a 4-meter ladder beam that had been propped up against scaffolding, until it was accidentally knocked over and fell onto the victim.
In another incident, a member of the public ignored workers’ warnings and wandered into the work area, only to be hit by a scaffold tube. In NASC’s [2]2021 report, one incident was reported involving a member of the public which was due to an individual tripping over a foot tie while distracted on their phone. This resulted in the victim suffering a fractured arm.
A Shared Responsibility for Safety
Scaffolding companies have a clear responsibility and duty to provide proper training and invest in high-quality and well-manufactured equipment, though staying safe is also a shared responsibility.
Public members must remain alert and follow safety guidelines around or near construction areas. Distractions are prevalent, and with people becoming increasingly dependent on their mobile phones, some cannot go a few hours without staring down at their devices while carrying out everyday tasks.
According to the [3]University of Nottingham, data taken between 2000-2011 showed that 11,100 walking accidents involved a mobile phone, with over 80% of these accidents involving a fall. Although these statistics are over 10 years old, we cannot help but think of the possibility that these numbers have increased over time due to the advancement of mobile phones and social media, only growing addiction.
Furthermore, extra precautions can be taken to help decrease the risk of accidents and injuries within public areas. Keep reading to learn more about our Top 6 Pedestrian Protection on Scaffolds that you can invest in for long-term protection.
1. 14mm BIGBEN® 2m Scaff’Foam
Protecting workers and the public is at the core of the BIGBEN Heavy-Duty Scaff’Foam. Designed with 14mm wall thickness, it’s built to reduce the risk of injuries caused by trips, slips, and falls around scaffolding sites. With the modern world’s distractions, it’s not usual to see individuals with their heads down and eyes glued to phones. This foam is hi-visibility, with vibrant colours which ensures scaffolding hazards are easy to spot, day or night, in any weather condition.
Its high-density foam delivers exceptional durability, maintaining its shape and providing long-lasting protection. The foam is pre-slit, making installation quick and effortless, so you can spend less time on setup and more on meeting your project deadlines.
The BIGBEN Scaff’Foam is available in five colours, Yellow, Red, White, Orange, and Blue. Match your brands' colours or simply choose a colour that allows you to stand out. BIGBEN is the first on the market to add Green to its range, giving you even more options.
Choose BIGBEN Scaff’Foam for a smart, reliable way to enhance safety, save time, and keep your site looking professional.
Click here to view the 14mm BIGBEN® 2m Scaff’Foam.
2. BIGBEN® Bolt Buddy, Fire Retardant, Yellow, Bag 100
Exposed scaffolding threads and nuts can pose serious risks to both workers and the public. Accidental knocks or falls are all too common, whether caused by someone else’s actions or a simple accident. That’s where the BIGBEN Bolt Buddy comes in, offering the impact protection your site needs to prevent injuries and maintain a safer environment for workers and members of the public.
With 100 caps per bag and designed for reuse across multiple projects, the Bolt Buddy is an incredibly cost-effective safety solution. These caps also shield scaffold threads and nuts from the elements, helping to maintain their condition and preventing brittleness in cold weather thanks to their excellent low-temperature flexibility.
The Bolt Buddy’s thermoplastic elastomer (PTE) material is fire-retardant and highly durable, withstanding temperatures of up to 170°C. This resilience ensures the caps perform equally well in both scorching heat and icy conditions, making them a reliable choice all year round.
Unlike hard plastic alternatives that often crack or split, the Bolt Buddy’s flexible material ensures a comfortable, secure fit that won’t detach accidentally or get blown off. Their bright yellow colour enhances visibility, helping workers and public members to notice them quickly, while also giving your site a professional appearance.
Protect your team, and safeguard your equipment with the BIGBEN Bolt Buddy.
Click here to view the BIGBEN Fire Retardant, Yellow Bolt Buddy.
3. Containment Sheeting, Netting & Brickguards
Working at height comes with unique challenges and risks, not just for the scaffolders working above but also for the unsuspecting members of the public going about their daily routines below.
Dropped tools, flying debris, and particles of dust are all hazards when working on-site, and precautions must be put into place to minimise the risk for both the public and workers. This is where containment sheeting, netting, and Brickguards come into play.
These are specifically designed to allow workers to continue to work in all weathers by reducing the impact of wind and rain, creating a much safer and easier environment to work in. They each have their unique benefits when it comes to pedestrian protection, minimising the amount of dust and debris that may fall or escape the site, and protecting those within the vicinity.
Have a look for yourselves, protect your team, and the public, and minimise the risks.
Click here to view our Scaffold Sheeting collection.
Click here to view our Debris Netting collection.
Click here to view our Brickguards.
4. BIGBEN® Haz Cover
In the hustle and bustle of life, especially in high-traffic areas surrounded by scaffolds, making your project stand out is crucial. You want to showcase your brand while maintaining health and safety standards for workers and members of the public. The BIGBEN Haz Covers are designed to help you work quicker, smarter, and safer.
Say goodbye to the hassle of ties and tape as the BIGBEN Haz Covers are incredibly easy to clip around scaffolding tubes, saving you precious time and effort. With these covers, you can focus on keeping your project on schedule and meeting those tight deadlines.
BIGBEN Haz Covers are not just practical; they’re built to last. Their easy-to-clean design makes them reusable across multiple projects, giving you a cost-effective safety solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.
With custom printing options, you can advertise your services and reinforce your brand identity on every site, whether you’re in a crowded urban space or a high-visibility location.
The BIGBEN Haz Covers come in Red/Black or Black/Yellow for a professional look. Special colours are available upon request, to enquire, contact our friendly team at 01432 346890 or email us at sales@leachs.com. Available in 1m lengths or a compact 450mm size (perfect for fitting between system scaffolding rosettes), these covers are designed to meet your every need.
Prioritise safety and keep your site running smoothly with BIGBEN Haz Covers.
Click here to view the BIGBEN® Haz Cover
5. BIGBEN® CombiCap
When it comes to site safety, reliability is key. The BIGBEN CombiCap is a versatile and practical solution designed to cover the tube ends and fitting threads on your scaffolding. This simple yet effective product enhances safety by covering hazardous sharp ends that could pose risks to workers or the public. At the same time, it protects your materials from exposure to the elements, ensuring they stay in good condition for future use.
The BIGBEN CombiCap is cost-effective and comes in 250 quantities. Built to last, these caps can be reused project after project, making them a smart investment for any site. When the job is done, simply pack them up, and they’re ready to go again.
Available in yellow or blue, the CombiCap allows you to match your site’s branding for a professional appearance. The bright colours also serve as a visual alert, helping to highlight potential hazards and promote safety, especially in compact, busy areas.
Whether you’re safeguarding people, protecting materials, or simply looking to keep your site organised and professional, the BIGBEN CombiCap is the go-to choice for reliability and efficiency. It's safety made simple.
Click here to view the BIGBEN CombiCap.
6. Scaffold Fittings End Caps
Protect your team and the public with our premium dome-shaped fitting end caps, also known as nipple caps. Designed to cover protruding bolt ends, these high-quality caps reduce hazards in scaffolding projects.
Crafted from tough, long-lasting plastic, these end caps are built to withstand repeated use across multiple projects. Their durability ensures they maintain functionality over time, making them a cost-effective and reusable safety solution.
These caps are made from recyclable materials, meeting growing consumer demands for brands to become more sustainable. In fact, in 2022, [4]82% of consumers want brands to prioritise sustainability, highlighting the importance of eco-friendly solutions for businesses.
These fitting end caps are available in eight colours: green, blue, orange, red, white, black, pink, and yellow. They offer flexibility to match your brand identity or simply add some colour to your site.
Click here to view our Scaffold Fitting End Caps.
There you have it, our Top 6 Pedestrian Protection on Scaffolds that you can invest in for long-term protection, for yourself and the public. If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team on 01432 346 890 and we'll happily assist you.
[1] J200185-NASC-Safety-Report-2023-SPREADS-WEB.pdf
[2] NASC-Safety-Report-2022.pdf
[3] Texting-While-Walking-Factsheet.pdf
[4] https://bima.co.uk/do-consumers-care-about-sustainability-in-2023/
