What is the primary purpose of a guardrail on scaffolds?

The primary purpose of a guardrail on scaffolds is to prevent falls from height. Guardrails are essential safety features that are installed to create a barrier at the edges of platforms where workers might be exposed to fall hazards. The presence of guardrails significantly reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring that workers have a protective barrier while performing tasks at elevated levels.

This is particularly crucial in construction and home improvement settings, where the risk of falls is a leading cause of injury. By limiting the potential for a worker to accidentally slip or lose balance at the edge of the scaffold, guardrails play a vital role in maintaining site safety and protecting workers from serious injuries or death.

In contrast, while guardrails can indirectly support tools or enhance stability, these are not their primary functions. Similarly, reducing worker fatigue does not directly relate to the purpose of guardrails. The focus is specifically on fall prevention, which is essential for ensuring safe working conditions while using scaffolding.