What scaffolding safety practices should be followed on roofing jobs?

• A. Scaffolds should be erected on unstable ground to adjust for uneven surfaces.
• B. Scaffolds should be erected on stable ground, inspected daily, with guardrails, toe boards, and proper access.
• C. Scaffolds can be left unsecured if workers wear helmets.
• D. Scaffolds must be built only after the final inspection.

Answer: (B)

On roofing jobs, scaffolding must be set up on stable, level ground so it won’t tilt or shift as work progresses. A daily inspection by a competent person is essential to catch any damage, loosened connections, or weather-related changes before workers use the scaffold. Guardrails at the top help prevent falls, toe boards keep tools and debris from falling, and having safe, designated access (ladders or stairways) ensures workers get on and off without climbing on the framework. These practices work together to create a safe working platform and reduce fall risks. Scaffolds on unstable ground, or leaving a scaffold unsecured, or building only after inspection defeats safety goals and is not acceptable.