it looks like they got a full squad, no way boss man is paying five dudes to shovel snow off a sidewalk protection. Maybe the "shovel" handles are demo bars for taking the top layer of decking off, looks like the parapets are off already on the street side. Might be one of those rare moments when scaffolding comes down in NYC.
So fall protection can be tough. Whatever you tie off to needs to be ‘approved’ and be able to hold a specific weight. And ideally it’s above you. Since this is a temporary platform, there really isn’t a tie off point provided on that platform. You can’t just tie off to the building wherever you want either. At least that’s my understanding. It’s been awhile since I’ve needed fall protection. I’m not saying they don’t need it, but it’s one of those situations where these guys aren’t just being lazy. Retractable lanyards exist. But if you tie off to that and are like 10’ away from the retractable lanyard and fall off the scaffold, the 10’ you walked will make you a human pendulum and you’ll smash into all sorts of stuff.
It would be very easy for the to put up guardrails. If they are going to continue removing snow that would be the fix. If they are removing the snow to dismantle the structure then it is a bit of a push.
I don't get the downvotes, especially here. Obviously the hazard doesn't just disappear due to the annoyance of making it safe. The hazard remains. The company benefits from the workers' risk. There's a way to do this safely that takes longer, costs more.
Maybe they are cleaning it off finish the scaffold. Or cleaning it off in preparation to take it down. This also might be a scaffold that’s being used not as a work platform, but something to protect the public from work happening overhead above the sidewalk. There is no need for a guardrail if it is T intended as a work platform.
Looking at the picture, they are a pussy hair above 6 feet. Maybe 8, if we squint really hard. Accidents can of course happen, but they are literally at 1st floor height at most.
it looks like they got a full squad, no way boss man is paying five dudes to shovel snow off a sidewalk protection. Maybe the "shovel" handles are demo bars for taking the top layer of decking off, looks like the parapets are off already on the street side. Might be one of those rare moments when scaffolding comes down in NYC.
Actually, it looked like they were digging out equipment and supplies that were buried under the snow. This is Newark
I'll bet it's less than 10 feet.
And there's a shipping container like 5ft below them
So fall protection can be tough. Whatever you tie off to needs to be ‘approved’ and be able to hold a specific weight. And ideally it’s above you. Since this is a temporary platform, there really isn’t a tie off point provided on that platform. You can’t just tie off to the building wherever you want either. At least that’s my understanding. It’s been awhile since I’ve needed fall protection. I’m not saying they don’t need it, but it’s one of those situations where these guys aren’t just being lazy. Retractable lanyards exist. But if you tie off to that and are like 10’ away from the retractable lanyard and fall off the scaffold, the 10’ you walked will make you a human pendulum and you’ll smash into all sorts of stuff.
It would be very easy for the to put up guardrails. If they are going to continue removing snow that would be the fix. If they are removing the snow to dismantle the structure then it is a bit of a push.
Guardrails?? What do you think this is, the Death Star?
They said “we’d be leaning all day”
This is a very long paragraph that is completely besides the point. If you need to walk on top of the scaffold, prepare guardrails.
I don't get the downvotes, especially here. Obviously the hazard doesn't just disappear due to the annoyance of making it safe. The hazard remains. The company benefits from the workers' risk. There's a way to do this safely that takes longer, costs more.
Maybe shoveling the snow is the first step of preparing guard rails
Does not exclude the need for fall prevention.
"Be careful not to fall" isn't really compliance right?
Maybe they are cleaning it off finish the scaffold. Or cleaning it off in preparation to take it down. This also might be a scaffold that’s being used not as a work platform, but something to protect the public from work happening overhead above the sidewalk. There is no need for a guardrail if it is T intended as a work platform.
Leading edge fall prevention/protection is required for edges over a 6 ft drop. See 1926.501
Maybe the employer doesn't care about workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Maybe this is outside of fed osha jurisdiction.
They aren’t engaged in leading edge work. I think you mean unprotected edges.
Sure. It could be both.
If they are close to the unprotected edge (is it 6ft?)
Looking at the picture, they are a pussy hair above 6 feet. Maybe 8, if we squint really hard. Accidents can of course happen, but they are literally at 1st floor height at most.
Jesus, I was expecting at least a sloped roof or something. Leaving disappointed.
There s’nofall protection whatsoever
Snow is soft!
NYC?
NWK
“It would be more unsafe to tie off”
The mental gymnastics these people use.
The snow is the fall protection, obviously.
/s