Depending on your profession and industry, you may find yourself working on scaffold almost every day of the week. Even though this makes your job easier because you don’t have to constantly move the ladder when working at height, it also increases the risk of being involved in an accident.

Since a scaffold accident can happen at any time, you need to prepare accordingly. Here are some tips that can help reduce the risk of getting hurt in a workplace accident:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when building and taking down scaffolds
• Never work on scaffolds in wet and/or windy weather
• Make sure the scaffold is erected on level, solid ground
• Do not climb on scaffolding that is leaning or wobbling
• Never add too much weight to scaffolds
• Don’t leave any debris laying on the floor of the scaffold, as this can act as a trip hazard
• Do not use scaffolds until all of the floors and guardrails are in place
• Get down from the scaffold if you need to move it from one spot to another
• Never use unstable objects to support scaffolds
• Get into the habit of using safety belts at all times, even when you are not working high off the ground
• Never attempt to jump from one scaffold setup to another
• Never lean out of the scaffold
• Refrain from horseplay when working on scaffolds
• Never attempt to move scaffolds when there is a person on board
• Remove all tools from the scaffold before moving it to a new location
• Lock the wheels before using the scaffold

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to using a scaffold or have been doing so for many years, it may be difficult to get into the habit of following these safety tips. However, neglecting to do so increases the likelihood of an accident and injuries.

If you are hurt in a scaffold accident, call for immediate help. You should also report the incident to your employer, letting them know that you were injured on the job.

Once you receive treatment and begin to recover, learn more about how to file a workers’ compensation claim. Doing so will help you make ends meet financially during this difficult time.