Who is responsible for inspecting the scaffold and its components before every work shift?

The responsibility for inspecting the scaffold and its components before every work shift falls to a competent person. A competent person is defined by OSHA as someone who is knowledgeable about the construction methods and safety requirements, as well as being able to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions. This individual has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards.

The rationale for this designation is that a competent person possesses the necessary training and experience to recognize safety issues specific to scaffolding. This can include inspecting structural integrity, ensuring proper setup, and verifying compliance with safety regulations. Regular inspections are vital for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of workers who utilize scaffolds during construction activities.

While a safety officer or site supervisor may have roles in overseeing safety and compliance on the job site, it is the competent person's targeted expertise that qualifies them to conduct these specific inspections reliably. Workers on the site can be involved in safety practices, but not all workers have the required training to perform such specialized inspections.