Scaffold Inspections — Your First Line of Defense on the Jobsite

Even the best-trained crews and highest-quality scaffolding can become a hazard if inspections are skipped or rushed. Scaffold inspections are a critical step in keeping your jobsite safe, maintaining compliance, and avoiding costly downtime. At Southwest Scaffolding, we’ve seen how consistent inspections prevent accidents and keep projects moving efficiently.

Why Scaffold Inspections Matter

Scaffolding is a temporary structure exposed to constant change. Weather, shifting ground, material loads, and ongoing modifications can all compromise stability.

Regular inspections help:

• Catch loose connections before they fail

• Identify damaged components before anyone climbs on them

• Ensure fall protection systems remain properly installed

• Confirm load limits aren’t exceeded

OSHA requires scaffolds to be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity.

From a business perspective, inspections reduce:

• Jobsite shutdowns and downtime

• Insurance claims

• Lost-time incidents

• Rework caused by unsafe access

Who Should Inspect Scaffolding?

Scaffold inspections fall under the responsibility of a competent person — someone trained, experienced, and authorized to identify hazards and take immediate corrective action.

This person should have authority to:

• Stop work if unsafe conditions are found

• Require repairs or adjustments before use

• Document inspections and corrective steps

On larger jobs, this may be a safety manager, foreman, or superintendent. On smaller projects, it’s often the lead installer or contractor. Regardless of title, the authority must be real — not just on paper.

What to Look for During an Inspection

A thorough inspection goes beyond a quick glance. Inspect every part of the scaffold system, from the ground up:

1. Base Plates and Ground Conditions

• Are base plates properly seated?

• Is the ground level, compact, and free of erosion?

• Are mud sills or support pads in place where needed?

2. Bracing and Tie-Ins

• Are pins, clips, and locking devices installed correctly?

• Are components free of cracks or damage?

• Is all bracing complete and secure?

• Are tie-ins properly anchored at the correct intervals?

3. Platforms and Guardrails

• Are planks fully decked and secured?

• Are there gaps that could create trip hazards?

• Are guardrails, midrails, and toe boards in place?

4. Access Points and Ladders

• Are ladders, stair towers, or access routes properly installed?

• Are pathways clear and unobstructed?

5. Weather-Related Risks

• Have high winds, rain, ice, or freezing conditions affected stability?

• Has the scaffold been inspected after storms or extreme temperatures?

Daily vs. Weekly vs. Post-Event Inspections

Daily Inspections: Before each shift, a competent person should walk the entire scaffold system to verify safety.

After Modifications: Any time scaffolds are raised, extended, or partially dismantled, they must be reinspected.

After Weather or Accidents: Severe weather, impacts, or material strikes can compromise structural integrity. Stop work and inspect immediately.

Documentation Best Practices:

• Keep a log of date, time, and competent person performing the inspection

• Note issues found and corrective actions taken

• Maintain logs for OSHA compliance, insurance, and future planning

How Southwest Scaffolding Helps

At Southwest Scaffolding, we don’t just supply scaffolds — we help crews understand and inspect them properly.

We support inspections by:

• Providing system-specific setup and inspection guidance

• Helping identify critical inspection points for different scaffold types

• Offering recommendations for safer, more efficient configurations

Our goal is to help crews catch problems early — before they become incidents.

Final Thoughts

Scaffold inspections are more than a requirement — they’re a daily commitment to safety, efficiency, and professionalism. Crews that inspect together build trust, accountability, and a culture where everyone goes home safe.