Scaffolding incidents are almost always preventable with a consistent pre-use inspection routine. Before any crew steps onto a platform, a supervisor should confirm the following: the scaffold has been erected by a competent crew, base plates sit on firm and level ground, all bracing and ties specified in the design are in place, guardrails and toe boards are fitted on every open edge, and platforms are fully boarded with no gaps.
Beyond the structure itself, check that the scaffold tag at the access point is current and signed, that load limits posted match what will actually be placed on the platform, and that access ladders are secure and extend the required height above the platform.
Finally, reinspect after any incident that could affect stability — high winds, a nearby impact, or partial dismantling — before allowing work to resume. A five-minute check prevents the vast majority of scaffold-related incidents on site.