What action should be taken if a scaffold shows signs of instability?

In a situation where a scaffold exhibits signs of instability, the proper course of action is to shut down work and conduct an immediate inspection. This approach prioritizes the safety of all workers involved. Instability in scaffolding can be indicative of serious safety issues, such as structural failure or improper setup, which can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.

By stopping work and inspecting the scaffold right away, you allow trained personnel to assess the situation comprehensively, identify the root cause of the instability, and implement necessary corrections or adjustments. This proactive measure helps ensure that the scaffold can be deemed safe for use again before any further work continues, maintaining a focus on safety standards and regulations.

Continuing to use the scaffold, ignoring the signs, or only making adjustments when deemed necessary can all lead to greater risks and compromise worker safety, making them inappropriate responses in this scenario.