Scaffolding Awareness Course
The Echo3 Scaffolding Awareness course offers a cost-effective and convenient way for employers to ensure staff have the essential knowledge to work safely on scaffolding.
The UK Scaffolding Trade Body’s 2024 Safety Report (NASC) highlighted there were 73 RIDDOR-reportable injuries (from a workforce of 19,442), 34 of which were classified as major injuries.
Of the major injuries reported, 16 were caused by falls from scaffolding, 8 by slips and trips, 6 by manual handling incidents and 1 from falling materials
Working at Height regulations, place a duty upon employers to ensure staff are competent. Meaning employees must receive appropriate training.
Encouragingly, long-term trends show that scaffolding work is becoming significantly safer. The current accident rate is approximately three times lower than it was before 2010, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving safety standards and reducing workplace accidents.
Participants will gain an understanding of scaffold components, hazard identification, risk reduction strategies, and the roles and responsibilities involved in scaffolding safety.
Through engaging 3D models and video content, the course covers best practices for various scaffold types, including Birdcage Scaffolding, Static Scaffold Towers, Mobile Towers, Hanger Types, and Cantilever Scaffolds.
Providing this Scaffolding Awareness training to your staff helps improve on-site safety awareness and supports higher safety standards across your operations, ultimately helping to reduce the risk of injuries.
SAMPLE CONTENT
Scaffolding Awareness Course Content
Unit 1 – Scaffolding Types and Components
This unit introduces the importance of scaffolding safety awareness and defines what scaffolding is and why it’s used. It covers key terminology, basic components such as scaffold tubes, couplers, base plates, and boards, as well as different types of scaffolding structures including birdcage, static and mobile towers, hanger types, and cantilever scaffolds.
Unit 2 – Scaffolding Hazards and Risk Reduction
This unit explores common scaffolding hazards and how to reduce associated risks. Topics include dropped objects, fall protection, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe access, scaffold tagging procedures, and inspection requirements.
Unit 3 – Scaffolding Roles and Responsibilities
This unit outlines the key roles involved in scaffolding operations, including the responsibilities of the Scaffolding Initiator, Foreman, General Manager, Area Authority, Maintenance Supervisor, and Safety Adviser, ensuring clear accountability and safe practice on site.
Unit 4 – Quiz
This unit features a 15-question multiple-choice quiz designed to assess your understanding of the course’s key learning objectives. Upon successful completion, a CPD-accredited Scaffolding Awareness certificate will be emailed to you. The quiz can be retaken if needed.
Scaffolding Awareness Certificate
Download and Print Your Certificate
- Written in compliance with NASC Guidance SG4:22
- Developed by qualified health and safety professionals
- Accredited by CPD – learn more about CPD here
- Last Updated June 2024
- To gain the certificate you must complete the assessment which involves 15 questions.
- The online Scaffolding Awareness certificate is valid for 3 years.
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What are the objectives of the scaffold safety course?
Scaffold Awareness Course objectives include:
- Understanding key principles of scaffold erection, dismantling, and inspection
- Emphasising compliance with safety regulations and industry standards
- Identifying common scaffolding hazards and applying preventive and emergency measures
- Promoting the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Recognising different types of scaffolds and their components through 3D visual models
Upon successful completion, participants receive a CPD-accredited certificate, demonstrating their ability to apply best practices in scaffolding safety.
Overall, this course helps improve safety awareness, support regulatory compliance, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on construction sites.
Who should take scaffold awareness training?
This online Scaffolding Safety Awareness course is designed for anyone working on or around scaffolding, including those managing or supervising construction sites where scaffolding is used.
Ideal for workers, supervisors, and managers in construction or related industries, the course provides essential knowledge on the safe assembly, use, and inspection of scaffolding structures.
By addressing a wide range of roles, the training ensures all site personnel understand key safety protocols—helping reduce the risk of accidents and supporting a safer, more compliant work environment.
What is scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a temporary structure designed to support workers, tools, and materials while tasks are carried out at height or in otherwise hard-to-reach areas.
Typically made from a system of interlinked metal tubes, scaffolding can also be constructed from other materials such as wood, depending on the environment and requirements.
Its primary purpose is to provide safe and stable access to elevated work areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Before using scaffolding, always assess whether the task can be completed more safely or practically by other means that don’t involve working at height.
How is scaffolding made safe?
Safe work practices begin when the scaffold is getting built. Consideration must be given to protecting employees working near the structure, as well as the public.
The structure must be protected from being struck by vehicles or machinery. So, barriers and signage should be used to prevent people and vehicles encroaching upon the scaffold area.
Before you work on any type of scaffold, there are a range of environmental hazards to consider that are associated with scaffolding. These are:
- ground conditions
- the presence of nearby power lines
- traffic
- and chemical or hazardous substances
All risks should be identified, and risk assessed. Staff working on or around scaffolding must receive appropriate training.
More comprehensive information about safe scaffolding considerations can be found on the Health & Safety Executive website.
Related Courses
Dropped Objects: How to prevent items falling when working at height.
Manual handling: How to lift, push and carry objects safely at work.
Personal Protective Equipment: How to use PPE safely.
Slips and trips: Reduce the chance of slips or trips at work.
Working From Height: How to work safely at height.
Access all Echo3 courses using course credit.
