Loss Prevention 26 Mar, 2025 The Dangers of Working at Height on Scaffolds Marcus Winchester Loss Prevention Officer Scaffolds are versatile working platforms that play a crucial role in various shipboard operations, enabling crew members to perform critical maintenance operations in hard to access areas on board. Download PDF Recently, aboard a member's vessel, hold maintenance was being conducted by crew members whilst the vessel was at sea. The operation was planned with the use of scaffolds to enable the crew to be able to paint hard to reach parts of the hold. A toolbox talk had been conducted and the necessary risk assessments and permits to work aloft had been completed prior to the commencement of maintenance. The scaffolding was assessed to be in an otherwise very good condition prior to commencing the work. Work soon commenced and after a while, it had been determined that the scaffolding would need to be repositioned to begin paint another section of the hold. Two crew members who were assisting then began to move the scaffold assembly. Shortly thereafter and with a crew member still atop the scaffold, the scaffold collapsed and fell which resulted in the fatality of the crew member. Whenever scaffolds are in the process of being moved, no crew should remain on the scaffold owing to the heightened instability of the platform whilst it is being moved and the risk of falling from height posed to the crew.  It is a reminder of the importance of ensuring key precautions are taken when using scaffolding on board including: Carrying out thorough dynamic risk assessments that consider the full scope of the operation, including changes in operational circumstances and not just the initial rigging of the scaffold. These should account for planned movements and the eventual disassembling of the scaffold. Conduct toolbox talks referring to working at height procedures within the SMS to cover key safety aspects, drawing attention to the main hazards involved and