Falls from heights are among the most serious workplace accidents in the construction industry. More than one-third of fatal workplace accidents are caused by a fall from a height. That is why there are legal requirements for fall protection. For companies, occupational safety systems are therefore important in two ways: they fulfill legal obligations and protect workers from hazards. In concrete construction, there are two areas in particular that require special attention: the work platform at the wall formwork and the open edges of ceilings and parapets.
Falls: An Often Underestimated Risk in Concrete Construction
A construction site involves constantly changing work levels. As construction progresses, many of the potential fall edges change on a daily basis.
The potential danger posed by low edges is often overlooked. Even a fall from a low height—such as from a ceiling or parapet—can have serious consequences. About half of all fatal falls occur from heights of less than five meters.
The contractor is therefore responsible for establishing appropriate protective measures and ensuring their availability on site.
When is side protection required for work platforms?
As a rule of thumb, fall protection is required at work sites where the fall height is two meters or more. For formwork operations, DGUV Rule 101-014 specifies the requirements. Work should be performed from a secured position whenever possible. Where this is not possible, technical protective measures must be provided.
This results in a clear hierarchy: collective protection takes precedence over personal protective equipment. A fixed work platform with guardrails or continuous side protection is preferable to fall arrest systems because they prevent falls rather than merely arresting them.
For side protection itself, the EN 13374 standard defines protection classes A, B, and C. Class A covers the standard case in building construction with nearly horizontal surfaces.
When pouring concrete for walls, therefore, sufficiently wide work areas with appropriate safety measures must be provided.
How does the sigeMAX concrete pouring platform ensure safety when working on the wall?
The sigeMAX concrete pouring platform provides a wide, load-bearing work surface and is secured against falls by a perimeter snap-on guardrail.
The platform can be combined with any standard frame formwork as well as with hollow-core slabs, meaning it is not tied to a specific formwork system. It can be quickly installed and can be used both with and without a crane. With a permissible surface load of 150 kg/m², it complies with Scaffolding Group II according to DIN EN 12811-1. An additional platform with a self-locking telescoping mechanism compensates for length differences between standard platforms.
The modernization of the Levensauer High Bridge and the construction of apartment buildings in Cologne are examples of how the system has proven itself in practice.
How does the MST parapet clamp provide protection for exposed edges?
Not every hazardous area is a work platform. When it comes to parapets and ceiling edges, the goal is to secure exposed edges quickly and reliably. The MST parapet clamp is ideal for this purpose.
The parapet clamp provides Class A side protection in accordance with EN 13374 and can be installed on the ceiling edge or directly on the formwork. It is secured with dowels and screws. With its infinitely adjustable range of up to 60 cm, it adapts to different component thicknesses.
In everyday use, the clamp excels above all in terms of ease of handling: Weighing just 8.5 kg, it is easy to reposition and does not require wedges, which can get lost. The hot-dip galvanized finish ensures a long service life. This allows for quick and flexible installation of the required side protection at fall-off edges.
How do the concrete pouring platform and the parapet clamp complement each other?
Work platforms and edge guardrails are areas in concrete construction where there is a particularly high risk of accidents. With the sigeMAX concrete work platform and the MST parapet clamp, construction companies have access to tried-and-true safety solutions for these areas. When used together, they provide comprehensive coverage for formwork, rebar installation, and concrete pouring.
This pays off in multiple ways for contractors: it reduces the risk to the team on the job site, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and offers cost-effective use, as both systems can be quickly assembled and reused.
Are you looking for the right solution for workplace safety during formwork and concrete pouring? Talk to us. The team at Mayer Schaltechnik will be happy to advise you on the benefits of our products for safe concrete work.
