--- title: Toolbox Talk - Preventing Falls from Scaffolding description: "Toolbox Talk - Preventing Falls from Scaffolding : When scaffolds are not upright or used properly, falls can occur. Protecting workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year. Roofing and Waterproofing Contractor - Texas, Oklahoma Articles and White Papers for Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing" image: https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2225.png --- [ Client Login ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/articles/log-in-to-your-account) [ 877-428-1000 ](tel:8774281000) [ Report a Leak ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/report-a-leak) [![Chamberlin_Logo_Option](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Logos/Chamberlin_Logo_Option.svg) ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com) # Toolbox Talk - Preventing Falls from Scaffolding Posted on: January 25, 2018 6 AM **When scaffolds are not upright or used properly, falls can occur. Protecting workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year.** ### Willie's Story Willie, a construction worker, fell 20 feet from an unsecured scaffold. He had been helping to install metal frames on the outer wall of a residential building when the accident happened. The leaning scaffold was not tied off and had been moving away from the building while Willie was working. He fell to the ground, hitting his head on the second story, and died. - Why did this tragedy happen? How could it have been prevented? - Have you ever fallen from scaffolding and been injured, or have you heard of anyone who has? ### ![Safety First](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2225.png?width=450&height=447&name=2225.png)Remember This - Make sure scaffolding is properly tied off before beginning work. - Always access the scaffolding using ladders, stair towers or ramps. - Use only scaffold-grade lumber as scaffold planks. - Make sure guardrails and toeboards are installed on all scaffolding 10 or more feet above the ground. - Check with your supervisor to make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold). - Check with your supervisor to make sure the scaffold is level and plumb by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills. - Keep scaffold within 14 inches of the building.     #### Subscribe Today! Stay-in-the-know and subscribe to our blog today! ## Related Articles [### Falling Objects Hazards Posted on: January 25, 2018 6 AM > Falling objects from above cause serious injuries and account for fatalities every year. Falling object accidents occur due to a lack of hazard communication, improper storage of materials,... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/falling-objects-hazards) ### [Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing Promotions Posted on: January 25, 2018 6 AM](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/chamberlin-roofing-waterproofing-promotions-two) [Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing wants to congratulate our employees on their recent promotions. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to [delivering more](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/deliver-more/) to our clients.  ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/chamberlin-roofing-waterproofing-promotions-two) [### The Importance of Certified Commercial Roofers & Waterproofing in South Texas Posted on: January 25, 2018 6 AM #### The Importance of Certified Commercial Roofers &Waterproofing in South Texas In the vast and often unpredictable climate of South Texas, the need for reliable, certified commercial roofers and... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/the-importance-of-certified-commercial-roofers-waterproofing-in-south-texas) © 2026 | Chamberlin, Ltd.