Loose Scaffold Board – Wrong Coupler

The scaffolding team on a North Sea installation observed a loose scaffold board on a habitat roof. An intervention was made before any harm could be caused because of the work environment conditions, e.g. adverse weather.

The Scaffolding Focal Point observed the incorrect single coupler for securing scaffold boards had been utilised hence the reason the board was loose.

Lessons Learned:

Scaffolding personnel must ensure they are in possession of and use the correct equipment/tools for the job at all times. Whilst both couplers below are fit for purpose, only the coupler on the right of Figure 1 with the curved lip should be used for securing scaffold boards.