A [1]scaffold tie is a vital connection that provides the safety and security of a scaffold, ensuring it remains stable and prevents collapsing. When properly installed, it strengthens the scaffold against external forces like strong winds or accidental vehicle impacts. Tie testing ensures that a scaffold is safe and secure, therefore, testing these ties offers assurance and peace of mind to workers and clients.
There are [2]various anchor ties available, each designed for specific installations and offering unique strengths and limitations, whether in terms of load capacity or compatibility with base materials. The choice of anchor tie is crucial, as different scaffold structures require specific anchors to ensure they remain securely fastened to the main structure. However, improper installation or using anchors in weak materials significantly increases the risk of scaffold failure.
From missed inspections and faulty planking to dangerous weather conditions and a defective design. It’s no secret that scaffolding is an occupation with its fair share of hazards, and with one of these thrown into the mix, results could lead to many disastrous outcomes, including a collapsed scaffold.
Sadly, scaffold collapses are all too common, with numerous incidents reported annually across the UK and beyond. Although devastating, these events ignite major changes, pushing for stricter regulations and safer practices. By addressing these gaps, the industry is working towards a future where such accidents become increasingly rare, paving the way for a safer, more secure environment for generations to come.
In [3]April of 1978, the deadliest construction accident in U.S.A history resulted in the deaths of [4]51 labourers. During the construction of The Pleasant’s PowerStation in West Virginia, it was decided that instead of the conventional way of building the scaffold from the ground up, the scaffold was instead anchored to the side of the building and attached by concrete that was poured the previous day. The scaffold's height increased just as the building did and grew at a rate of 1.5m (4ft) per day.
Pictured: Image depicting the (left) conventional scaffolding compared to how (right) the workers built The Pleasants PowerStation. Picture Credit: YouTube, The Willow Island Disaster – A Short Documentary by Fascinating Horror.
On the morning in question, the concrete, which had been poured just [5]20 hours earlier, had not been given enough time to cure, along with this, the poor design of the scaffold and large loads that were incompatible with its strength, caused the supports to pull loose from the walls, sending large bits of concrete tumbling towards workers below. The scaffold became loose and broke apart, sending all 51 workers who were on the scaffold at that time, tumbling 170 feet below. There were no survivors.
This disaster brought significant attention to the industry, shedding light on its inherent risks and the critical mistakes that can trigger such devastating outcomes. In response, new regulations were introduced, including mandatory concrete testing before formwork removal and the requirement for comprehensive construction and safety plans. These plans must now be carefully prepared in advance and reviewed by specialists before any work starts.
In Jiangxi, China in 2016, work commenced to build the Fengcheng Power Plant, two [6]1,000-megawatt coal-fired facilities that were to be completed by 2018. However, the top layer of concrete in the tower began to crumble and fall, pulling the steel piping with it. Due to this, the scaffold holding the platform detached, causing the deaths of 74 workers, many of whom were under the age of [7]36. During its investigation, it was also concluded that poor management and a rushed schedule also contributed to the tragedy. The impact of this incident spurred tougher safety regulations in China, with extensive inspections inducted at worksites to stop events like this from ever happening again.
As the examples above demonstrate, scaffold collapses can result from one or several factors. However, using high-quality equipment, detailed plans reviewed thoroughly by professionals, providing a safe working environment, adhering to schedules, and avoiding shortcuts are all essential steps to prevent such incidents. With the ongoing development of equipment and by adhering to proper procedures, laws, and regulations, the occurrence of such disasters will be minimised and become a thing of the past.
[1] https://www.hydrajaws.co.uk/news/why-test-scaffold-anchor ties/#:~:text=18%20July%202018,to%20prevent%20it%20from%20collapsing.
[2] https://scaffmag.com/2020/06/the-importance-of-installing-and-checking-scaffold-ties/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06moeVolGmI
[4] https://www.hseprof.com/2024/11/17/scaffolding-accidents-through-history-shocking-facts-statistics/
[5] https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/04/27/718058.htm
