Strong winds swept through Massachusetts (49-55mph in Boston) on Friday morning (3/7/25), causing significant damage across the state, including scaffolding that collapsed and crushed several cars in Boston. This incident, reported by WBZ-TV’s Paul Burton, raises an important question: How is scaffolding supposed to withstand strong winds, and what can be done to prevent dangerous collapses?
At JMS Masonry & Restoration, we understand the importance of securing scaffolding properly to ensure the safety of both our crew and the public. Masonry and restoration work often requires working at considerable heights, where exposure to wind and other weather conditions is unavoidable. That’s why we take extra precautions to make sure our scaffolding is secure and able to withstand even the toughest weather conditions.
Understanding How Wind Affects Scaffolding
Scaffolding is essentially a temporary structure, which means that it needs to be carefully engineered to remain stable under varying weather conditions. When strong winds hit, they create a lateral force that pushes against the scaffolding structure. This pressure can cause the scaffolding to sway, lean, or even collapse if it isn’t properly stabilized.
Several factors determine how scaffolding responds to wind:
Wind Speed and Gusts: The force of the wind increases exponentially with speed. This means that a 40 mph gust exerts four times the pressure of a 20 mph gust.
Wind Direction: Wind from certain angles can put more strain on scaffolding, especially if the structure is not evenly supported or anchored.
Height of the Structure: The taller the scaffolding, the greater the surface area exposed to wind. This increases the overall pressure on the structure.
Open vs. Closed Design: Scaffolding with solid sheeting or tarps creates a "sail effect," increasing the wind’s force. Open scaffolding allows wind to pass through more easily, reducing pressure.
How JMS Ensures Secure and Stable Scaffolding
At JMS Masonry & Restoration, safety is our top priority. We know that poorly secured scaffolding can lead to catastrophic results, so we follow strict guidelines and best practices to ensure that our scaffolding remains secure, even in high winds.
Proper Anchoring and Tying
One of the most critical elements of secure scaffolding is anchoring. We use a combination of tie-ins, base plates, and anchors to attach the scaffolding to a solid structure, such as the building itself. This prevents the scaffolding from swaying or tipping over under lateral wind pressure.
We space tie-ins at regular intervals, ensuring that the structure is reinforced from top to bottom.
In high-wind zones, we increase the number of tie-ins and anchors to create additional strength.
When possible, we also secure the base of the scaffolding with heavy-duty footings or concrete weights to prevent it from shifting at ground level.
Wind Bracing and Cross Bracing
To counteract the lateral force of the wind, we install diagonal cross braces throughout the scaffolding structure. Bracing prevents the frame from twisting or leaning under pressure.
We install both horizontal and vertical bracing to create a stable framework.
For taller scaffolding, we add extra cross-bracing at key height intervals to reinforce the structure.
Wind braces help distribute wind load evenly across the frame, reducing the risk of localized pressure points.
Reducing the Sail Effect
Scaffolding wrapped in sheeting or tarps creates a significant sail effect, which increases wind pressure and makes the structure more vulnerable to tipping over. At JMS, we take several steps to minimize this risk:
When weather forecasts indicate strong winds, we remove any unnecessary sheeting or tarps to allow wind to pass through the structure more easily.
If sheeting is required for weather protection or privacy, we use mesh materials that reduce wind resistance.
We also limit the amount of solid or continuous sheeting on taller structures to prevent wind buildup.
Weather Monitoring and Proactive Adjustments
At JMS, we stay on top of the weather. Our team monitors local forecasts, and if high winds are predicted, we take proactive measures:
We reinforce the scaffolding with additional tie-ins and bracing before the storm hits.
If winds are expected to exceed safety limits, we may temporarily remove certain sections of the scaffolding or dismantle the structure entirely to prevent damage.
Our team inspects the scaffolding after each storm or high-wind event to ensure that it remains structurally sound.
Following Industry and OSHA Guidelines
JMS follows the highest industry standards and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations when setting up scaffolding. These guidelines include specific requirements for scaffolding construction, securing methods, and load capacity to ensure that structures are safe under varying weather conditions.
OSHA requires that scaffolding withstand at least four times its maximum intended load without failure.
Scaffolding must be inspected regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or instability.
Our crew is fully trained on OSHA guidelines and best practices for scaffolding safety.
Why Proper Scaffolding Setup Matters
The recent scaffolding collapse in Boston is a stark reminder of what can happen when structures are not properly secured. When scaffolding collapses, it endangers not only construction workers but also pedestrians, drivers, and surrounding property. The consequences can be severe - ranging from damaged property to injuries and even fatalities.
At JMS, we take these risks seriously. That’s why we invest in high-quality materials, expert training, and thorough inspection protocols to ensure that our scaffolding stays secure. We believe that doing the job right the first time not only protects our team but also protects the communities we serve.
Conclusion
Scaffolding is designed to withstand strong winds - but only if it’s installed, anchored, and braced correctly. The scaffolding collapse in Boston serves as a harsh reminder of how important proper setup and maintenance are. At JMS Masonry & Restoration, we take every precaution to secure our scaffolding and ensure that it can withstand even the toughest weather conditions. From strategic anchoring and bracing to proactive weather monitoring, we leave nothing to chance when it comes to safety.
Strong winds may be unpredictable, but with the right approach, scaffolding doesn’t have to be. When you work with JMS, you can trust that your project will be built on a foundation of strength, security, and expertise - no matter the weather.