DID YOU KNOW?
The Willow Island disaster of 1978 remains one of the deadliest scaffold collapses in U.S. history, killing 51 workers during the construction of a cooling tower. [1] Incidents like this highlight the importance of scaffold inspections — and the tags that signal safety.
STAY INFORMED
- Roughly 65% of construction workers use scaffolds frequently, making scaffold safety a top priority in the industry. [2]
- Each year, there are approximately 4,500 scaffold-related injuries and 60 deaths — many due to falls, collapses, or unsafe use. [2]
- OSHA requires that scaffolds be inspected regularly, and safety tags help communicate whether the structure is safe to use.
- Scaffold tags come in three colors: green, yellow, and red, indicating the status and safety level of the scaffold at a glance.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Green Tag = Safe for Use
- A green tag means the scaffold has been inspected and approved for use. It should be fully planked, properly braced, and equipped with guardrails where required. [2]
2. Yellow Tag = Use With Caution
- Yellow tags are issued when a scaffold has been modified or doesn’t meet full compliance but may still be used with certain restrictions. Read the tag for limitations. [2]
3. Red Tag = Do Not Use
- Red tags mean “Danger – Unsafe for Use”. The scaffold should not be used under any circumstances until re-inspected and retagged. [2]
4. Never Use Untagged Scaffolding
- If a scaffold lacks a visible safety tag, treat it as unsafe and notify a supervisor immediately. Tags should be placed at access points and updated after every inspection.
SCAFFOLD SAFETY REMINDER
Tags aren’t just labels — they’re lifesavers. Before stepping onto any scaffold, check the tag and understand what it means. If it’s missing or unclear, don’t take the risk. One small check can prevent a big fall.