Case Study 39 – Toppling of Mobile Scaffold

Incident: A mobile scaffold tower (MST) was fabricated at site by fixing castor wheels below a
screw jack and erecting available formwork material (H-frames) above it. Workers were using the
MST for deck shuttering work. Since the MST was being moved with three workers riding on it, a
Red Tag was fixed to stop its use. However, the supervisor restarted the activity unilaterally later
with no change in methodology. Due to horizontal thrust, the welding between screw jack and its
base plate broke and one wheel came out. The MST tilted and fell on the ground along with all three
workers. Two workers got minor injuries while the third one broke his rib.

Basic Causes: Recommendations / Control Measures / Actions

 Improper dimensions (5 X 1.8 X1.2 m,  Prefer square grid with outriggers for making MST in
Rectangular base) of Mobile Scaffold order to achieve proper dynamics and stability
 Selecting incorrect type of castor wheel  Ensure that there are no persons or material on the
resulting in use of scaffolding screw jack MST before moving / relocating it
for making the MST. Horizontal thrust on  MST shall be erected as per standard design
MST broke the welding, only vertical approved by methods and planning team
loads, perpendicular to the base plate,  Ensure hard and levelled surface for moving /
shall be applied to such screw jacks relocating MST. A small obstruction / bump or slope
 Non-adherence of laid down procedure can cause tilting and overturning of MST
given in Scaffold Manual  Select correct size and type of caster wheels with in-
 Use of unsafe / red tagged MST built screw jack on it
 Violation of instruction given by Scaffold  Initiate actions on violators of policy / guidelines /
Inspector and HSE officer procedures (supervisor in this case)
 Moving MST with workers atop  Implement scaffold manual strictly and totally
 Uneven / uncleaned ground  Impart regular trainings on handling, erection,
 Lack of awareness in Supervisor dismantling and safety of formwork / scaffolding
Rule 200 (c) any tower scaffold which can be moved or castered is—(i) constructed with due regard to
the stability and, if necessary, adequately weighted at the base; (ii) used only on plain and even surface;
and (iii) has casters provided with positive locking devices to hold such scaffold in position;
(d) no building worker remains on board scaffold, tools, material when it is being shifted from one
position to another position.
References
BOCW Act, Central Rules, Chapter XIX : Rule 188, 189, 200 c and 200 d
SPCL Scaffold Manual, Para 9 : Mobile Scaffolding – Modular / Tube and Fitting
IS 3696:1991 Part 2 : Scaffolds and Ladders – Code of Safety
HSE Process No. SP-O-2.2-11-07 : Scaffolding
Job of Any Kind, Plan With Safety in Mind
Prevent PRAN
Document No: SP/HO/PRAN39
Repetition of ाण,
Accidents Issue date: 01 Aug 2023
Necessarily
the LIFE
Pictures are only for representation of castors with jack and
mobile tower with outriggers. Other requirements like toe-
board etc shall be adopted.
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