Top 5 Reasons to do Scaffolding Training

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When you work in construction, there are some jobs that you just can’t complete with your feet firmly on the ground. To ensure you’re well prepared when these jobs pop up, it’s a great asset to have a scaffolding licence up your sleeve. Being able to assemble and dismantle scaffolding properly will mean you can integrate those jobs seamlessly into your schedule and confidently work from a height whenever you like.

Take on more tasks

Assembling scaffolding is considered a high risk activity by Worksafe and requires a licence if a person or piece of equipment could fall 4 metres or more from the scaffold. Holding a scaffolding licence will mean you can complete tasks that fall into this category, which could be anything from fixing windows on the second storey of a house to setting up a concert stage. By expanding the scope of projects you’re able to take on, you can diversify your income streams and make yourself more attractive to clients.

Save time and money

If a scaffolding job pops up when you don’t hold a licence, you’re legally required to find a registered scaffolder to erect and dismantle the scaffold. In addition to this, the work you do will also need to be supervised by a scaffolder who is registered in the appropriate class. Worksafe has put together a fact sheet outlining the tasks scaffolders are permitted to complete in each of the licence classes. So even though you’re allowed to complete the job yourself, you need to spend time finding a suitable scaffolder and pay them to supervise your work for the duration of the project. Being able to erect and supervise the use of the scaffold yourself will enable you to cut out this middleman and complete the project in a much more efficient way.

Create a safe work environment

Arguably the most important thing about completing scaffolding training is ensuring that both you and your co-workers can work safely around scaffolds. It will give you peace of mind that the scaffold you’ve constructed is sturdy and reliable, as well as enabling you to ensure that all people behave safely atop it. Work-related injuries and fatalities have been steadily decreasing in Australia over the past decade, so reducing the risk of nasty accidents happening on your worksite will help ensure these numbers keep declining.

Expand employment opportunities

Like any profession, the more skills you have under your belt the better your job prospects will be. Scaffolding training will be valuable to potential employers and clients because it expands the range of tasks you will be able to complete for them. It will also add to your credibility by demonstrating that you take safety seriously, which is a great asset to anyone employing workers in the construction industry.

Pass on knowledge

By completing your scaffolding training you’ll be able to pass on the knowledge you learn to your colleagues and the next generation of construction workers. Not only will this encourage others to undertake scaffolding training or other professional development courses, it will help build an industry culture that takes safety seriously and actively discourages complacency around scaffolds. By making this a top priority, we can make the construction industry a much safer place for everyone.