4-Hour Supported Scaffold Training: Essential for Safety and Compliance

Scaffold use on construction sites poses significant safety risks, which is why proper training is crucial for workers who use or are exposed to supported scaffolds. The 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher Course is designed to equip workers with the knowledge needed to safely use scaffolds, recognize hazards, and respond effectively to emergencies. This training is mandatory for workers in New York City and must be renewed every four years to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.

Understanding the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold Course

The 4-hour scaffold training program offers a basic introduction to supported scaffolds and their components. It covers essential safety topics, including:

• Fall protection

• Scaffold inspections

• Hazard recognition

• Emergency response procedures

Through this course, workers gain an understanding of common hazards associated with supported scaffolds and learn how to reduce and prevent risks while working at height.

Training Requirements: Local Law 52 of 2005

Local Law 52 of 2005 mandates that all workers using supported scaffolds on construction sites in New York City must undergo this 4-hour training. To maintain their certification, workers must retake the course every four years. This ensures that scaffold users remain up-to-date with safety protocols and are equipped to handle the challenges posed by scaffolding work.

OSHA 4-Hour Scaffold Training NYC Requirements (Local Law 196)

New York City's Local Law 196 introduced additional training requirements for construction and demolition workers in the five boroughs. The law requires workers and supervisors to complete a specific number of training hours, which includes scaffold safety training.

• Workers must complete a minimum of 30 hours of training by December 1, 2018. As of June 1, 2019, they are required to complete 40 hours of training, including the 8-Hour Fall Prevention course and the 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness course.

• Supervisors must complete a minimum of 62 hours of training by December 1, 2018. As of June 1, 2019, supervisors are required to complete a total of 60 hours of training, which includes the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher Course, among other courses.

Site Safety Training (SST) Card

To demonstrate compliance with these training requirements, workers and supervisors must acquire the appropriate Site Safety Training (SST) card. This card serves as proof that the individual has completed the necessary training hours mandated by Local Law 196.

Why Scaffold Training Matters

The construction industry is fraught with safety hazards, and scaffolding accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Proper training is critical to reducing the risk of falls, equipment failures, and other scaffold-related hazards. The 4-hour scaffold training provides essential education for workers to safely use and maintain scaffolds, ensuring both personal safety and overall site safety.

By completing this training, workers not only comply with local laws but also gain the skills necessary to protect themselves and their colleagues from potential hazards.