Evaluation of suspended scaffoldings i̇n terms of occupational health and safety used i̇n construction works

Our country is among the developing countries of the world and there have been developments in our country at construction sector in recent years beside the successuful sectors such like textile, agricultureand and mining. The construction sector, which contains many business items, is an important sector in terms of its contribution to the economy. Construction, mining and metal sectors are the most dangerous sectors in terms of occupational health and safety. Among the reasons of the work accidents occurring in construction works, the fact that the employees fall from the high has a significant share. A significant part of the work accidents, in the form of falling from the high, is occuring in the form of falling from the scaffoldings. The aim of this research is to find out what are the deficiencies of suspended scaffoldings used in construction works in terms of occupational health and safety and to prevent the dangers faced by employees working at high places by making recommendations on how to overcome these deficiencies. In this study, a checklist consisting of twenty items was prepared in order to evaluate the suspended scaffoldings used in build sector in terms of occupational health and safety. Within the scope of the prepared checklist, field surveys were made at three residential buildings in Mersin, Yenişehir. In terms of occupational health and safety, the installation and the use stages of the suspended scaffoldings used at high work places and the health and safety of the employees are researched in order to find out the deficiencies and unappropriate situations. After that the compliance rates of the suspended scaffolds in terms of the checklist were determined. In addition, previous literature surveys about the scaffoldings used in construction works have also been utilized. As result of this research, it has been determined that the facade wheels and the slope sensing mechanisms are not present at the suspended scaffoldings. In order to eliminate these deficiencies, during the use of suspended scaffoldings, the necessary safety and security measures should be taken in terms of the occupational health and safety regulation at construction works and suspended scaffolding using instructions. Thus, the safety of the employees and the workplace can be ensured.