New Guidance for the Victorian Scaffolding Industry
New Scaffolding Industry Standards Released December 2024
In our last blog post, we talked about safe and compliant scaffolding practices and mentioned that Victoria was in the process of developing its own scaffolding industry standard. Well, folks, it’s here! Edition 1 of the Victorian Scaffolding Industry Standard was officially released last month, and we think this is some pretty exciting news for our industry.
As anticipated, this document provides clearer guidance on safe scaffolding practices, aligning Victoria with national and international safety benchmarks. This is great news for scaffolding companies like us at Sunrise Scaffolding, as well as for builders, site supervisors, and anyone searching for scaffolding hire near me.
Who Published the Industry Standard?
This new industry standard was published by WorkSafe Victoria on behalf of Foundations for Safety Victoria, the peak consultation body for OHS issues in the Victorian construction industry. It’s endorsed as an industry standard for scaffolding practices but is not a standalone guide to the law. It works alongside the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to provide clarity and actionable advice.
The document was developed collaboratively by a working group of industry associations, unions, and WorkSafe Victoria, with contributions from organisations such as the Scaffolding Association Australia.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Scaffolding Services
The Victorian Scaffolding Industry Standard gives practical advice on the safe design, erection, inspection, use, dismantling, and maintenance of scaffolds. It also helps scaffolding companies like Sunrise Scaffolding meet compliance obligations under the OHS Act and regulations.
The document is designed for a wide audience, including Geelong scaffolding businesses, builders, homeowners, and anyone who engages in scaffolding services. It even provides insights to help people spot red flags that could compromise scaffold safety or quality.
What Does the Standard Cover?
The new standard dives into a wide range of topics, including:
Duties of those involved in scaffolding work
Training and competency requirements
Scaffold planning, design, and selection
Safe erection, alteration, and dismantling practices
Identifying and managing hazards, such as electrical risks, falls, and collapses
Emergency procedures
Scaffold inspection and maintenance
Checklists, certifications, and safe harness use
Whether you’re a business owner, site supervisor, or simply a homeowner looking for scaffold hire Geelong services, this document provides a wealth of knowledge to ensure safety and compliance on-site.
What It Means for Our Clients
At Sunrise Scaffolding, we’ve always prioritised safety and compliance, and this new standard is another tool in our kit to deliver exceptional service. From Geelong scaffold hire to projects across Ballarat, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine, we’re committed to using best practices outlined in documents like this one.
If you’re planning a project and want safe, reliable scaffolding solutions, feel free to reach out to our team.
Interested in learning more? You can view the full Victorian Scaffolding Industry Standard here.
