Ad
Saturday, October 18, 2025

Scaff Step Survey [Results]

ADVERTISEMENT

Back in May we reported that the SCCR (Scaffolders Confederation for Consultation Rights) conducted a survey for the Scaff Step. Below are the results to this survey that was posted on the SCCR website.

The Survey was a breakdown of replies from members of the SCCR, Scaffolder forum and readers of ScaffMag. Compiled from around 110 replies of which 15% were management.

The Survey

1. Does your employer or their customers insist on the scaff step being the only method used on their sites?

43.3% Use the step

33.3% Don’t work to SG4:10

23.3% Work in offshore or industrial using other more suitable methods for their environment.

 

The answers below are only from scaffolders that use the step on a daily basis.

The ones that use the step

54% said yes

46% said no

 

2. What other methods of advanced guard rails do you or your company use and what is your opinion on them?

53.3% said no other A.G.R. used

13.3% use a dummy lift but time and cost is an issue.

13.3% use a sliding tube.

6.7% use Fast Guard

6.7% use Haki Wand

6.7% use double lanyard and Wrappa Anchor

 

3. If you use a scaff step what type is it, does it sit on the guard rail or on the standard, does it have a ladder to the platform or not?

All have steps going to the platform

93% sit on the guardrail

7% attach to the standard

 

4. If you use a scaff step do you feel safe using it, do you hemp while standing on the step?

71.4% feel unsafe using the step

28.6% do not feel unsafe using the step

 Also

64.3% hemp from the step

35.7% refuse to hemp from the step

 

5. Do you think that the scaff step causes extra strain and fatigue to the body?

71.5% say yes

28.5% say no

One is more concerned about gin wheels

 

6. Are you happy with hemping over the guard rail, do you consider this dangerous.

71.4% are unhappy with hemping over guardrails

28.6% are not

Also

85.8% consider it dangerous

14.2% do not

 

7. Do you use the scaff step on base lifts, if so how do you manage with uneven ground conditions?

50% use the step on base lifts and erect a foot lift if necessary

50% do not use it on base lifts

 

8. How are the scaff steps transported from site to site?

71.4% are transported by company vehicles

21.4% are transported in scaffolders own cars

7.2% are left on site

 

9. Do you consider them dangerous in wet or muddy conditions?

92.9% said yes

7.1% said no

 

10. Have you or have you witnessed an accident or near miss due to the use of the scaff step or hemping over the guard rail?

78.6% said they had ranging from trips because of the step cluttering lifts to broken bones losing footing on the step and dropped hemps which could have caused a fatality.

21.4% said no but 50% of them expect to see one soon.

 

11. Do you feel that your job is at risk if you complain about using something you consider unsafe or puts extra strain on your body?

71% said yes

29% said no

 

12. Do you think the SG4:05 traversing rule was adequate?

78.4% said yes although many admit it was flawed and easily abused

21.6% said no

 

What do you think of the Scaff Step ? Let us know in the comments.

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing major cladding remediation works to meet updated fire safety standards, with a blended scaffolding solution...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000 for Caudwell Children after completing a gruelling ultra-marathon challenge from Birmingham to Northampton. The event named...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma 2025, AT-PAC used ScaffEx25 in Manchester to shift focus closer to home, demonstrating its UK...

ScaffEx25: An Industry Comes of Age in Manchester

Two days in September that showcased not just where scaffolding is heading, but how far it has already come The doors opened at Manchester Central...

NASC and DWP to create 5,000 scaffolding work placements in 2026

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver 5,000 scaffolding work experience...

Latest news

ADVERTISEMENT

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to...

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed...

Related articles

Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade

Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by their fellow workers, according to new research – although the public believes roofers deserve the title. The nationwide study, commissioned by TROJAN workwear, polled tradespeople...
ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest topics

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine...
ADVERTISEMENTS