An initiative by the Scaffolding Association Australia
Scaffold tampering; unauthorised modification or removal of scaffold components, is one of the most dangerous and preventable hazards on construction sites. Even small, unauthorised changes can lead to falls, collapsing structures, falling objects, and tragic consequences.
The STOP Scaffold Tampering Campaign is a three-month national initiative led by the Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) to raise awareness, educate workers, and eliminate scaffold tampering. This campaign provides practical resources for construction teams to use in toolbox talks and on-site safety meetings.
Each month, the campaign targets a specific hazard to reinforce key safety messages:
Month 1: What is Scaffold Tampering & the Legal and Financial Consequences
Month 2: Scaffold Collapse
Month 3: Falling Objects & Falls from Height
Only qualified and licensed scaffolders should adjust scaffolding.
Unauthorised changes put every worker at risk and may lead to legal consequences, including heavy fines or site shutdowns.
Falls, structural failures, and falling debris can all be prevented by keeping scaffolds tamper-free and regularly inspected.
Hands Off! Stop Scaffold Tampering
We have developed flyers, posters and social media tiles for each month of the campaign. These are designed for use in:
Toolbox talks and safety meetings.
Display on noticeboards and site offices.
Digital distribution across construction teams.
Share these flyers and posters with your team each month.
Include the topic in your toolbox talks and safety briefings.
Encourage all workers to report any scaffold tampering or unsafe practices immediately.
Follow our campaign updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram with the hashtags:
#StopScaffoldTampering #ScaffoldingAssociationAu
The SAA is committed to creating safer construction sites across Australia. Through this campaign, we aim to eliminate scaffold tampering and prevent the injuries and fatalities it causes.
Scaffolds are designed for safety—DON’T RISK IT.
Hands off! Stop Scaffold Tampering.