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Two men seriously injured in London steelwork and scaffolding collapse

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Two men seriously injured in London steelwork and scaffolding collapse
Two men have been seriously injured after steelwork collapsed onto scaffolding erected on a town hall at a construction site in West London. Dozens of police, fire and ambulance vehicles attended Hammersmith town hall in King Street after the incident at around 5.30pm on Wednesday. According to reports, both men had suffered ‘life-threatening injuries and were rushed to a major trauma centre “as a priority”. The Metropolitan police have said the men were taken to a central London hospital, and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed. A source told Scaffmag: “The steelwork collapsed and took the scaffolding down with it, when the steelwork failed it knocked over the cherry picker the steelworkers were working on.” It is believed that one of the steel erectors was thrown 30m from the cherry picker and the other was still attached by his harness.

The London ambulance service said: “An investigation has been launched after two men were injured after scaffolding attached to Hammersmith town hall collapsed late on Wednesday afternoon.

“Officers from the Metropolitan police attended along with firefighters.”

How can Tube-Lock benefit your company?

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How can Tube-Lock benefit your company?

Tube-Lock® can revolutionize the way you are designing and erecting scaffolds. By combining simplicity and strength, Tube-Lock holds many benefits over traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.

Tube-Lock® tubes are regular 48,3mm scaffolding tubes, fitted with two cast iron Tube-Lock pieces. Because of the Tube-Lock ends, tubes can be connected with each other by a twisting motion, visibly locking them in place. No tools nor additional parts are required to make or secure the connection. 

This provides many advantages.

Because the two tubes can be joined by a twisting motion, it is a fast and easy way to connect tubes together. This leads to faster erection and dismantling times for the entire scaffold. 

Furthermore, no additional parts nor tools are needed. No longer needing sleeve couplers and joint pins means that there are no spare parts that need to be transported. Additionally, you don’t have to invest in sleeve couplers and joint pins as you no longer need them.

This also eliminates the risk of sleeve couplers breaking, getting lost or getting stolen. And you don’t have to service the sleeve couplers anymore. Tube-Lock connections are completely maintenance-free. 

Another logistical advantage is that Tube-Lock comes in standard lengths from 1 meter or 4ft up to 4 meters or 13ft. Because of this flexibility, it prevents the necessity of cutting the tubes to length. 

The maximum length of 4 meters means the maximum weight of a Tube-Lock tube is 16 kg. This leads to less strain on scaffolders, which is essential because of the strict Occupational Health and Safety regulations. 

Additionally, there is no need to stagger joints, Tube-Lock is as strong as a continuous tube. The connection may even be submitted to pull force. Using Tube-Lock tubes leads to a smooth tube connection over the full length of the tube. This makes it possible to use couplers anywhere on the tube. Even on the Tube-Lock connection. 

Van Thiel United Ltd. can make Tube-Lock tubes out of your (used) scaffolding tube!

In their innovative production facility, they can turn your (used) scaffolding tube to Tube-Lock tubes! This means you can update your own material without enormous investments. Even the repair of existing Tube-Lock stock is possible. And they now offer a special discount on the conversion of your scaffolding tube!

Have a look at www.thielscaffolding.com for more information, or contact [email protected] to hear more about all possibilities!

In Pictures: GKR completes major temporary roof structure at HS2 Euston

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In Pictures: GKR completes major temporary roof structure at HS2 Euston
GKR Scaffolding has completed a large temporary roof structure at HS2’s Euston site. The installation sits beside the live station and supports enclosed works that are expected to continue for the next 12 months. Project overview
  • Roof span: 32 metres
  • Apex height: 9.5 metres
  • Roof length: 76 metres
  • Track length: 130 metres
  • Weight: 98.4 tonnes
  • Build time: eight weeks
The structure provides a controlled and fully screened environment for complex activities on the Euston project. It has been designed so it can move as works progress, allowing teams to maintain activity without affecting nearby piling operations. A key element of the project is the use of a rebar-free foundation system. The bases can be removed and reused as the encapsulation moves along Cardington Street. This is intended to support a faster programme once follow-on works begin. GKR delivered the installation in collaboration with the MDJV project team, temporary works specialists and Network Rail. The images will show the scale of the roof, the encapsulation detail and the track system used to relocate the structure as construction advances.  

Construction output edges up just 0.1% in the third quarter

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Construction output edges up just 0.1% in the third quarter
Construction output in Great Britain rose by only 0.1% in the third quarter of 2025, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The industry also grew by 0.2% in September. The ONS said the picture remains uncertain. It has revised its earlier estimates for both July and August. August output was first thought to have fallen by 0.3%. It has now been revised to a sharper fall of 0.5%. July was first reported as 0.2% growth, then downgraded to zero, and has now been revised again back to 0.2% growth. Across the quarter, new work fell by 0.2% while repair and maintenance rose by 0.6%. Four of the nine construction sectors grew. The strongest performer was private housing repair and maintenance, up 2.9%. The weakest was private new housing, down 1.9%. In September, all monthly growth came from new work, which increased by 0.7%. Repair and maintenance fell by 0.5%. New orders rose sharply in the quarter. They increased by 9.8%, worth an extra £1.08bn. Most of this came from private commercial and private industrial projects. Construction is still performing slightly better than the wider economy. UK GDP fell by 0.1% in September and showed no growth in August. It also fell by 0.1% in July. GDP for the third quarter as a whole rose by 0.1%, matching construction. Clive Docwra, managing director at McBains, said the figures offer limited reassurance. He said the market remains “a mixed bag”. He highlighted the fall in private housing and the drop in new orders over the quarter, which he described as worrying signs. He said the industry faces a difficult winter. He called for the government to use the upcoming budget to support infrastructure investment and help stabilise the economic outlook. He also said that scrapping stamp duty could give a useful boost to housebuilding.

Hong Kong launches construction safety drive after serious incidents

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Hong Kong launches construction safety drive after serious incidents
Hong Kong has begun a city-wide crackdown on unsafe practices in the construction sector after a series of fatal and serious accidents. The Labour Department said the operation began on 8 November. Inspectors will carry out unannounced checks across a broad mix of sites, including new-build projects, repairs, maintenance and alteration works. Officers will focus on high-risk tasks such as work at height, scaffolding and demolition. Officials said they will take “stringent enforcement actions” where breaches are found. This includes suspension notices, improvement notices and prosecutions. The department will also increase oversight of safety training providers and continue wider efforts to promote safe working across the industry. Investigations into recent incidents are continuing. The Labour Department said duty holders would face prosecution if they are found to have broken safety laws. Hong Kong’s regulations allow for fines of up to HK$10 million (about £1,000,000) and prison terms of up to two years for employers or contractors who fail to comply. Employees who break the rules can be fined up to HK$150,000 (about £15,000) and jailed for up to six months.

4D Structures and PERI UK join forces to build one of Glasgow’s tallest towers

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4D Structures and PERI UK join forces to build one of Glasgow’s tallest towers
A 21-storey student accommodation building is rising on the banks of the River Clyde, as specialist contractor 4D Structures partners with PERI UK on the Glasgow Central Quay redevelopment. The project, led by main contractor GRAHAM for UNITE Students, forms part of a major regeneration scheme transforming the city’s waterfront. It will eventually include four accommodation blocks, one of which will become one of Glasgow’s tallest structures. 4D Structures is delivering seven reinforced concrete cores and thousands of square metres of slab work on the busy site, located beside the Clydeside Expressway. To meet the demanding construction schedule, the firm is using PERI’s proven formwork and climbing systems, including the RCS Rail Climbing System, TRIO Panel Formwork, and SKYDECK Slab Formwork. “The level of communication from every member of the PERI team has been excellent from design to delivery,” said Paul McMenamin, contracts manager at 4D Structures. The PERI systems provide a safer, faster, and more cost-effective method of constructing high-rise concrete frames. The RCS system allows the formwork to climb with each level, while the lightweight SKYDECK components can be handled manually, reducing crane dependency and speeding up cycle times.
Paul McMenamin, contracts manager at 4D Structures and Scott MacIntryre, field sales manager at PERI UK on site at Central Quay.
Scott MacIntyre, field sales manager at PERI UK, said: “Every component is manhandleable, so no machinery is needed for assembly. Once the team sets up one area, it becomes a highly repetitive and fast process.” The two companies have worked together for more than a decade, building a relationship that both describe as essential to the project’s success. “We understand how they work, what they need, and can design accordingly,” added MacIntyre. As construction progresses, the Central Quay project stands as a clear example of how long-term collaboration and modern formwork technology can drive safe and efficient delivery of complex concrete structures. Image: 4D Structures is using PERI’s formwork systems to deliver the cores and slabs for UNITE Students’ accommodation at Glasgow’s Central Quay.

ScaffPlan launches 3D scaffold design tool within SketchUp

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ScaffPlan launches 3D scaffold design tool within SketchUp
ScaffPlan has unveiled a new tool that lets scaffolders design and plan scaffolding projects directly in the popular 3D modelling platform SketchUp. The software, called ScaffPlan for SketchUp, aims to make professional scaffold design faster and more accessible by combining ScaffPlan’s engineering intelligence with SketchUp’s intuitive 3D interface. Built by scaffolders and design engineers, the platform bridges the gap between basic 2D drawings and more complex CAD systems. It enables users to build full 3D scaffolds, including tube and fitting, system scaffolds, and towers, using realistic scaffold behaviour. Simon Boyes, Director and Founder of ScaffPlan, said the launch was designed to bring high-quality design tools to the people doing the work. “We built ScaffPlan for the people who actually do the work,” he said. “This software makes professional design accessible industry-wide in a way that’s fast, visual and practical.” Users can automatically generate gear lists, align and connect components as they would on site, and share clear, build-ready information. The software also supports project pricing, logistics, and verification by producing live part counts. According to ScaffPlan, the tool can help reduce rework, improve client communication, and increase bid win rates by providing clearer 3D visualisations and more accurate planning. “Every wasted hour on site starts with unclear planning,” Boyes added. “ScaffPlan gives scaffolders full control over design and communication, ensuring everyone, from estimator to crew, works from the same clear plan.” The company says the SketchUp version is best suited for residential, commercial, and industrial access projects. Larger contractors managing BIM-integrated workflows may prefer ScaffPlan for Tekla. ScaffPlan for SketchUp launched globally on 10 November 2025. Watch the demo: scaffplan.com/demo/sketchup

Scaffolding contractors boost profits with building wrap partnership programme

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Scaffolding contractors boost profits with building wrap partnership programme
Scaffolding contractors are adding a new revenue stream to their businesses through a partnership programme that allows them to profit from building wraps without taking on the work themselves. Surrey-based Lavastar manages the entire building wrap process, from survey and design through to printing and installation, all whilst enabling scaffolders to earn commission on referred work or mark up the service within their tender packages. The arrangement means contractors can turn what might otherwise be lost opportunities into profitable additions, responding to the growing number of tenders that specify building wraps without needing their own graphics capabilities.

Growing demand creates opportunity

Building wraps have become increasingly common on construction sites across the UK, serving multiple purposes beyond hiding scaffolding. They contain dust and debris, reduce noise pollution, provide weather protection and create advertising space. Clients now regularly specify building wraps in their tender documents, particularly for high-profile developments where site presentation matters to planning authorities and local communities. For scaffolding contractors, this represents a commercial opportunity. However, taking on unfamiliar services without the right capabilities can bring complications.

How the partnership works

Lavastar’s model removes those complications. When a scaffolder receives a tender requiring a building wrap, they contact the company for pricing, which can be included in their overall package. The scaffolder marks up the service as they would any subcontractor element. If the work must be quoted directly through Lavastar, the company builds commission into its costs for the referring contractor. Once a contract is won, Lavastar conducts a free site survey and provides drawings showing what framework will be added to the scaffolding structure, along with calculations for the additional loading. The scaffolder’s only responsibility is ensuring their scaffold design can accommodate those loads, which is standard practice for any structural addition. Everything else, the artwork development, client liaison, printing, framework installation, and wrap fitting all remain with Lavastar.

In-house capability

The company handles all stages internally. Its design team works with clients’ marketing departments to develop graphics at no extra charge. Printing uses ultra UV-resistant inks on PVC mesh materials that allow wind and light through whilst reducing structural loading. Installation teams fit Kee Klamp framework systems 300mm proud of the scaffolding, creating what the industry calls a drum-skin finish. This taut, professional appearance extends the wrap’s lifespan by preventing contact with scaffold tubes. All projects include risk assessments and method statements meeting site safety requirements. Recent work includes a collaboration with Sky Scaffolding on a wrap for Warwick Castle, where Lavastar’s services were included in the scaffolder’s tender package.

Track record

Based on the outskirts of London, Lavastar has worked on building wraps for over 25 years. The firm recently won gold at the UK Sign & Graphic Awards for transforming scaffolding around Wakehurst’s Elizabeth Mansion during roof restoration. Other projects include 2,400 square metres of wrap at Mayfair’s Lazari Building and various heritage sites requiring trompe l’oeil treatments—photographic reproductions of building facades used during restoration work. The company operates nationwide, covering Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow. Different installation methods suit varying budgets and project durations, from premium long-term solutions with full framework systems to simpler direct-fix approaches for shorter contracts. Scaffolding contractors can contact Lavastar on 01252 850818 or visit: https://www.lavastar.co.uk/building-wraps/ for more information.

Equinor awards £1.25bn scaffolding and maintenance contracts for onshore plants

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Equinor awards £1.25bn scaffolding and maintenance contracts for onshore plants
Equinor has signed new long-term framework agreements for insulation, scaffolding, and surface treatment (ISS) services across its six onshore plants in Norway. The contracts, worth an estimated NOK 17 billion (£1.2 billion), have been awarded to Beerenberg Services AS and Linjebygg AS (joint venture), KAEFER Energy AS, Bilfinger ISP Offshore Norway AS, and StS-ISONOR AS. Together, they will provide more than 1,000 full-time jobs over an initial four-year period, with options for two further two-year extensions. The new agreements will take effect from 1 January 2026, replacing existing contracts that expire at the end of this year. A gradual transition is planned to ensure safe and continuous operations while allowing suppliers to plan resources efficiently.
Mette Ottøy, chief procurement officer at Equinor
Mette Ottøy, Equinor’s Chief Procurement Officer, said the new framework was developed following close consultation with the Norwegian industry association KIS (Corrosion, Insulation and Scaffolding Contractors). “We have listened to the industry and built a contract model that gives both Equinor and the suppliers better control and more stable frameworks,” she said. “This allows for development, investment, competence building, and the use of new technology and methods.” The agreements will cover all Equinor-operated onshore facilities:
  • Hammerfest LNG: KAEFER Energy AS
  • Kårstø: Bilfinger ISP Offshore Norway AS
  • Mongstad and Tjeldbergodden: Beerenberg / Linjebygg (Altrad)
  • Sture and Kollsnes: StS-ISONOR AS
Christina D. Dreetz, director of onshore plants
Christina D. Dreetz, Equinor’s Director of Onshore Plants, said the contracts will secure long-term employment and support regional economies. “ISS services are essential for safe and efficient operations,” she said. “These agreements provide predictability for a large number of skilled workers and lay the foundation for long-term jobs along the coast from Stavanger to Hammerfest.” Equinor operates four of the six plants, with Gassco operating Kårstø and Kollsnes and Equinor acting as the technical service provider. Together, the sites employ more than 10,000 people, including staff at subcontractors and local suppliers. According to a 2024 report by Kunnskapsparken Bodø, the plants generated NOK 12.9 billion in goods and services purchases, with 87% sourced from Norwegian companies.

Scaffolders’ tough day as runaway lorry crashes into house

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Scaffolders’ tough day as runaway lorry crashes into house

A lorry loaded with scaffolding has collided with a house near Bristol, damaging two cars before coming to rest against the property.

The incident happened at around 10 am on Friday in Oldland Common, a residential area on the outskirts of Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police said the lorry was unoccupied at the time and confirmed that no one was injured.

Photographs from the scene show the scaffolding vehicle lodged against the front of a house, with visible damage to the structure. Two cars parked nearby also appear badly damaged, one with a broken bumper and another with deep scrapes along its side.

Credit: BBC

A police spokesperson said: “An unoccupied lorry has reportedly rolled into a house on Malvern Drive in Warmley. Thankfully there are no reported injuries. Police are at the scene pending the attendance of a structural engineer to assess the safety of the building and recovery of the vehicle.”

Officers remain on site on Friday as engineers assessed the damage before the lorry could be safely removed.

Kirtanlal and Al Masaood partnership set to reshape the Middle East scaffolding sector

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Kirtanlal and Al Masaood partnership set to reshape the Middle East scaffolding sector
Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork has announced a new strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Al Masaood Group, one of the UAE’s most established and respected industrial conglomerates. The alliance aims to combine Kirtanlal’s specialist scaffolding and formwork capabilities with Al Masaood’s five decades of experience in the oil and gas industry to deliver safer, more efficient, and certified access solutions across major energy projects. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate to provide market-leading engineering solutions and technical support for shutdowns, turnarounds, and maintenance operations. Their joint offering will target the growing demand for high-quality scaffolding and formwork systems across the region’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Kirtanlal, which operates 12 locations across five countries, continues to expand rapidly in global markets following a series of high-profile partnerships, including its alliance with Scafom-Rux announced earlier this year. The partnership with Al Masaood marks a significant step in strengthening its presence in the Middle East and supporting the UAE’s drive for world-class safety and quality standards in construction and energy projects. Charles Edwards, CEO of Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork, said on social media the partnership represents “a shared commitment to deliver safe, certified, and innovative access and formwork solutions that meet the demanding requirements of the oil and gas sector.” Al Masaood, one of Abu Dhabi’s most diverse business groups, has been servicing the oil and gas industry for more than 50 years, providing engineering, logistics, and industrial services across the region.

ULMA Construction eyes UK expansion with Des Moore leading setup

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ULMA Construction eyes UK expansion with Des Moore leading setup
European scaffolding and formwork giant ULMA Construction is preparing to enter the UK market, with industry leader Des Moore steering the launch phase. The Spanish-based company, part of the ULMA Group cooperative, employs around 2,000 people and has been operating for more than 60 years. The group’s annual turnover is estimated at around €1 billion, with operations spanning more than 50 countries. Moore confirmed to Scaffmag that he has been appointed to help plan and establish ULMA’s UK business ahead of a full launch expected in mid-2026.
Des Moore
“I was approached to see whether I’d be interested in becoming involved in setting up their UK operation,” Moore said. “Unlike working with an established UK provider, I’m able to shape the offering in line with what I think it should be to compete with others and attract scaffolding contractors.” ULMA will introduce its BRIO metric ringlock system, which is already widely used across Europe. The system is designed around metric standards, unlike most imperial-based systems used in the UK. “BRIO isn’t compatible with the existing imperial systems, but it follows the same principles,” Moore explained. “I’ve always believed a metric option offers something unique in the UK market. This gives contractors a genuine alternative.” According to Moore, ULMA’s BRIO system is currently going through NASC product approval, with certification expected early next year. Once approved, the company plans to register a dedicated UK entity and open its first operational base, followed by a potential satellite site.
ULMA’s BRIO metric ringlock system
ULMA first appeared at ScaffEx 2024 while assessing the UK market and has already booked space for ScaffEx 2026, signalling a firm commitment to its entry. “They’re intent on operating in the UK,” Moore added. “Their approach is straightforward, trustworthy, and customer-focused — which is what attracted me.” If approved, ULMA’s arrival could introduce fresh competition to the UK’s system scaffolding sector, currently led by Layher, PERI, Scafom-rux, and others.
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