Why did OSHA issue new standards for scaffolding?
The agency issued new standards to simplify and update the previous standards in use since May 1971 (see Federal Register). OSHA developed the new standards with the input of many industry representatives to better protect the estimated 2.3 million construction workers (about 65 percent of the construction industry workforce) working on scaffolds regularly. The agency estimates the new standards will prevent about 4,455 injuries and 47 deaths each year, saving employers $90 million annually in lost-workday costs resulting from scaffold-related injuries.
