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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!

Connolly Scaffolding unveils major new Salford base as part of multi-million-pound expansion

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Connolly Scaffolding unveils major new Salford base as part of multi-million-pound expansion
Connolly Scaffolding has completed a major expansion with the opening of a new 26,000 sq ft warehouse and yard in Salford – a move director Wayne Connolly describes as a “game changer” for the company. The modern facility, on Astor Road, includes 4,000 sq ft of office space and sits on a 1.6-acre site less than a mile from the firm’s existing headquarters. The move provides additional capacity for storage, logistics, and training as the business increases its investment in system scaffolding and expands its service offering across the UK. “It’s mega – the premises are a real game changer for us,” said Connolly. “The new site supports our move further into system scaffolding and gives us the space to grow, with much larger offices and a professional environment that reflects the image we want to project to clients.” The company recently signed off on a £3.35 million order with TRAD for additional system scaffolding, following a previous £4 million deal several years earlier. Connolly said the new base positions the business at the heart of Salford, within sight of MediaCity, and strengthens its ability to serve projects nationwide. “We’re in a great location to cover the North West, London, Bristol, Nottingham, and even Cornwall. The new premises give our team room to grow and the facilities to deliver a more efficient, professional service.” Connolly Scaffolding also operates an in-house training centre, with plans to host the Mayor of Salford later this month for an official visit. A professional photoshoot and drone footage release are planned for late November to showcase the site.

Surge in construction apprenticeships as CITB support drives 61% rise

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Surge in construction apprenticeships as CITB support drives 61% rise
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has reported a sharp rise in apprenticeship starts, with more than 1,500 new apprentices supported by its New Entrant Support Team (NEST) in just six months. Between April and September 2025, NEST helped 1,521 people start construction apprenticeships. That marks a 61% increase compared with 943 during the same period last year. Employer engagement has also surged, with 9,201 businesses supported to take on apprentices—a 48% rise from 2024. In the last full financial year (2024–25), NEST supported around 4,000 apprenticeship starts, almost double the previous year. The team is now on course to surpass that total again in 2025–26. NEST works with employers to remove barriers to hiring and retaining new entrants, providing guidance and direct support for companies looking to bring apprentices into their workforce. According to CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook, the UK must recruit almost 48,000 extra workers each year to meet demand for housing, infrastructure, and maintenance projects. As part of the Government’s £600 million investment in construction skills, CITB will invest £32 million to fund more than 40,000 industry placements annually for Level 2 and Level 3 learners. The board also plans to double the size of its NEST programme to help small and medium-sized firms recruit and retain apprentices. Deb Madden, CITB’s Executive Director of Customer Engagement and Operations, said the results show the positive impact of NEST’s work. “Construction employers need to be confident that they’ve got effective and prompt support available to meet their skills and training needs,” she said. “NEST is providing exactly that, and it’s great to see the year-on-year increase in the number of employers and learners the team is supporting. “A strong pipeline of apprentices and construction workers is required to build the millions of homes and hundreds of infrastructure projects needed. We’re really pleased to see how impactful NEST is, and I look forward to seeing the good work continue.”

URTIM powers Turkey’s first floating gas platform

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URTIM powers Turkey’s first floating gas platform

Turkey has taken a major step towards energy independence with the completion of its first floating natural gas production platform, the Osman Gazi.

At the heart of this landmark project lies a custom-engineered scaffolding system developed by URTIM Formwork & Scaffolding Systems, designed to meet the demanding conditions of offshore construction in the Black Sea.

The Osman Gazi Floating Natural Gas Production, Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) has been built to process, store, and transfer up to 10 million cubic metres of natural gas per day — enough to supply energy to around eight million households.

Developed with a 20-year operational lifespan, the platform represents a major boost to Turkey’s domestic energy infrastructure. Its conversion and assembly were completed at the shipyard’s dry dock facilities in record time.

Measuring 298.5 metres long, 56 metres wide and 29.5 metres deep, the vessel underwent a rapid transformation into a floating production system, involving more than 1,000 tonnes of steelwork, 900 tonnes of pipe installation and 8,000 tonnes of module removal within just eight months.

Engineering at sea

Offshore environments pose unique challenges, including exposure to wind, vibration, corrosion, and limited accessibility.

To meet these, URTIM developed a tailored scaffolding solution for the platform’s helideck section, rising 42 metres high with a 15-metre cantilever span. The design incorporated high load-bearing connections, rigid frames, and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety.

URTIM said the system became a vital element of the build, enabling safe and efficient work throughout construction.

With more than 45 years of experience and a portfolio of over 4,000 completed projects across 70 countries, URTIM is one of Turkey’s leading scaffolding and formwork specialists.

The Osman Gazi project demonstrates how domestic engineering expertise can deliver world-class results. Every stage, from design to production and installation was completed using local resources.

URTIM’s system not only supported the platform’s construction but also set a new benchmark for safety, accessibility, and performance in offshore environments.

CISRS announces suite of new safety and inspection courses

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CISRS announces suite of new safety and inspection courses
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has announced a series of new and updated training courses aimed at improving safety, technical standards, and compliance across the scaffolding sector. The news was revealed in the latest edition of Scaffolder Insider, NASC’s official magazine, which outlines the organisation’s ongoing evolution and commitment to raising industry standards. All new courses from 2026 will undergo a strengthened Quality Assurance process, supported by both the CISRS Quality Assurance Committee and the NASC Training and Education Committee.

New and updated training programmes

Mobile Aluminium Towers A new Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders course has been developed to give scaffolders a full understanding of Health and Safety legislation and best practice when working with prefabricated aluminium access towers. It covers safe erection, alteration, and dismantling using both the Through-the-Trap (3T) and Advanced Guardrail (AGR) methods, both endorsed by the HSE. Delegates will also study tower stability, component inspection, and environmental hazards, including wind and unstable ground. The course is being piloted now, with a full rollout due in November 2025. Advanced Scaffolding Inspection The revised Advanced Scaffolding Inspection course, launching this November, incorporates updates from TG20, TG30, and current BS EN standards. It adds greater focus on digital inspection methods, photographic reporting, and the inspection of complex system scaffolds. Expanded practical exercises will help candidates improve real-world judgement and decision-making. Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection A new Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection course provides scaffolders and supervisors with essential knowledge to ensure fall protection systems meet SG4, SG16, and legal requirements. Delegates will learn to inspect and maintain harnesses, lanyards, and other safety gear, along with rescue planning and examples of self-rescue and assisted recovery. The course will be rolled out in November 2025 following pilot testing. Installation and Testing of Scaffold Anchorage Systems This course teaches safe installation and testing of scaffold anchors in line with BS 8539 and NASC guidance TG4, TG20, and TG30. It covers determining tie duties, performing pull tests, interpreting results, and applying best practice for anchor installation. Environmental considerations such as dust, vibration, and noise are also addressed. The course will launch in November 2025. System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme Launching in early 2026, the System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme will give scaffolders cross-brand proficiency in popular system types, including Cup, Wedge, Rosette, and Pocket systems. It aims to ensure consistent safety and competence across multiple scaffold manufacturers. CISRS said the new suite of programmes reflects its ongoing commitment to training excellence and technical integrity. Each will go through the new Quality Assurance process before national delivery. More details and local training centre information can be found at cisrs.org.uk/training-centres.

House-building recovery delayed until 2029, industry warns

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House-building recovery delayed until 2029, industry warns
House-building in the UK is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until the end of the decade, according to the Construction Products Association (CPA). The trade body’s latest autumn forecast warns that the government is likely to fall 30% short of its pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The CPA said new-build housing output will not recover to 2022 levels until at least 2028, and to pre-pandemic levels until 2029 or 2030. CPA chief executive Peter Caplehorn has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves urging the government to reinstate support for homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers. “We recommend the Home Builders Federation’s idea for a replacement equity loan scheme for first-time buyers,” Mr Caplehorn said. “It would boost deposits and make new build mortgages more affordable. Developers would pay a fee for access to the scheme, while government would retain the equity share and potential returns.” He also called for the creation of a “delivery authority” to oversee the retrofit of the UK’s existing housing stock. He urged ministers to prioritise repair and maintenance projects over new infrastructure schemes. “In a tight budgetary environment, focusing on near-term repairs and maintenance offers quicker returns for taxpayers and provides a more immediate stimulus for the sector,” he added.

Growth forecasts downgraded

The CPA has downgraded its growth forecasts for the construction industry, cutting expected output from 1.9% to 1.1% this year and from 3.7% to 2.8% for 2026. It blamed a sluggish summer for the decline in construction activity and said the recovery expected earlier in the year had failed to materialise. With tax rises expected in the 26 November budget, the CPA warned that many households and investors are delaying major spending decisions, further limiting demand. Noble Francis, CPA’s economics director, warned that more construction firms are likely to go under if the government does not intervene. “Construction has already lost more than 11,000 firms since early 2023,” he said. “Given current low levels of house-building and home improvement, we expect insolvencies to accelerate in 2026. A positive, time-limited stimulus for house-building demand is urgently needed—particularly for first-time buyers—before insolvencies further damage skills and capacity throughout the supply chain.”

Industry voices concern

CPA chair Adam Turk, who is also chief executive of insulation manufacturer Siderise, said the sector was bracing for worsening job losses and skills shortages unless action is taken. “This is not scaremongering but an honest reflection of what is happening on the ground,” Mr Turk said. “We’ve already seen house-building collapse in London, and while we’re encouraged by recent government intervention there, that help is needed nationwide.” He added that many firms had invested heavily in staff and resources since the 2024 election, anticipating a housing recovery. “Without a market boost, much of that investment could be in vain,” he warned.

Staht secures largest ever distribution deal with Leach’s

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Staht secures largest ever distribution deal with Leach’s
One of the UK’s leading testing technology firms, Staht, has announced its largest ever distribution agreement after joining forces with Leach’s. The partnership will expand Staht’s reach across the scaffolding sector, opening new routes to market for its digital pull testing and proof loading products. The deal follows Staht’s recent success at the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards in Manchester, where its t25 Digital Pull Tester won Product of the Year 2025. Compact and cloud-connected, the t25 is designed to verify anchors and safety eyebolts up to 25 kN. The device replaces analogue gauges and paper-based reporting with a fully digital workflow that logs each test instantly for improved traceability, compliance and speed. “This award is a milestone for the team and our customers,” said Staht Managing Director Rob Hirst, who collected the prize during the ceremony hosted by Clare Balding and Alex Jones. “The t25 makes tie testing faster, clearer and properly documented, meaning safer scaffolds, fewer revisits and immediate proof of compliance on every job. We’re proud to see digital testing becoming the new standard in scaffolding.”
Scaffex25 Manchester – (L-R) Alex Jones, Mike Tindall, Rob Hirst (Managing Director of Staht) Henryk Choluj (from Award Sponsors StepUp), Dan Beasley (Project Engineer at Staht) and Clare Balding.
The technology supports compliance with BS 8539, BS 7883, and NASC TG4, reinforcing Staht’s role in modernising safety verification across the industry. Each test is securely logged and tamper-proof, providing scaffolders with reliable, verifiable records of performance. Hirst added that 2025 has been a breakthrough year for the business, highlighting both the Leach’s partnership and ongoing work with 360 Degrees Consultancy, which uses Staht’s t25 and t60 systems for high-precision testing. “We’re on course to surpass the £1m mark in 2026,” he said. “To build on this momentum, we’ve grown our team to six, including a new marketing specialist to help share our story.” David Bezant, Marketing Manager at Leach’s, said the partnership signals an exciting step for both companies. “The t25 is revolutionising the market,” he said. “The response so far has been fantastic and it’s a true testament to the hard work Rob and his team have put into developing world-class, industry-leading products.”

Avontus to host free webinars on digital scaffold management this November

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Avontus to host free webinars on digital scaffold management this November
Avontus Software has announced a series of free, live webinars in November designed to help contractors overcome the everyday challenges of tracking and managing scaffolds. The sessions will focus on ScaffoldIQ™, Avontus’ cloud-based platform that connects scaffold field teams and office staff in real time, removing the guesswork that often comes with paper-based management systems. When scaffold information is buried in paperwork and emails, deadlines can slip, crews can be delayed, and safety risks can increase. ScaffoldIQ centralises all scaffold data in one place, with each scaffold assigned a unique QR code. This allows teams in the field to instantly view its location, status, photos, and full history. Participants will learn how ScaffoldIQ enables users to:
  • Track scaffold requests and progress from build to dismantle
  • Digitise inspections, handovers, and safety documentation, including RAMS
  • Use approval workflows for transparent, auditable records
  • Work offline in the field and sync when reconnected
Developed by the same team behind Avontus Designer® and Quantify®, ScaffoldIQ aims to reduce project delays, improve safety, and bring full visibility to scaffold operations. The free sessions titled “Your Site Without Guesswork: Real-Time Scaffold Management with ScaffoldIQ” will be held on:
  • 4 November 2025, 10:00 AM AWST
  • 5 November 2025, 11:00 AM GMT
  • 6 November 2025, 9:00 AM PST
Register for the webinar here

Scaff25 announces global line-up of industry leaders for Sydney conference

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Scaff25 announces global line-up of industry leaders for Sydney conference
The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has revealed an impressive line-up of international speakers for its upcoming Scaff25 Annual Conference & Awards Night, set to take place on 14 November 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney. The event will bring together leading voices from across the global scaffolding and access industry to share insights on safety, innovation, and collaboration. Four respected industry figures have been announced as keynote speakers for this year’s event: Julio Black (AT-PAC) – “Built from the Ground Up: From Small Business Struggles to Global Strength.” David Mackie (Safety Industry Expert) – “From Subcontractor to Partner: Meeting Tier 1 and Government Project Standards.” David Crowley (SARNZ) – “The Journey to a Scaffolding Apprenticeship: From Unit Standards to Trade Pathways.” Clive Dickin (NASC UK) – “The Evolution of the NASC: Past, Present and Future of Access and Scaffolding.” “These speakers represent the very best of our global scaffolding community,” said Rob Thiess, SAA Chair. “Their expertise and experience will help shape conversations that are critical to the future of our industry, from training reform and safety to international cooperation.” The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has announced a global line-up of industry leaders for Scaff25, taking place on 14 November at Sydney’s Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, featuring speakers from AT-PAC, SARNZ, and NASC UK.

Conference highlights

Alongside the keynote presentations, Scaff25 will feature important updates from SAA’s leadership team, including progress on the new Mast Climber Guidelines, the Stop Scaffold Tampering Campaign, and the Best Practice Guidelines projects. The event will conclude with the SAA Awards Night, celebrating Australia’s Best Scaffolding Projects of 2025. Event details Friday 14 November 2025 Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney Tickets available via Eventbrite

Demolition firm issues statement following Manchester building and scaffolding collapse

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Demolition firm issues statement following Manchester building and scaffolding collapse
Manchester-based demolition contractor P.P. O’Connor has released an official statement following Friday’s partial collapse of a building surrounded by scaffolding in the city centre. The incident occurred at Alberton House, on St Mary’s Parsonage off Bridge Street, at around 2:00pm on Friday, 24 October, during planned demolition works. In a statement shared on Monday, the company confirmed that the collapse followed an “unforeseen structural failure associated with a latent defect in the building” discovered a week earlier. “On Friday 24th October at approximately 2.00 pm, we had a structural collapse at a site in Manchester, this follows encountering an unforeseen structural failure associated with a latent defect in the building one week ago,” the company said.

Contingency plans in place

According to P.P. O’Connor, demolition work had been halted on 17 October to allow independent structural engineers to assess the situation and develop contingency measures in case of further collapse. “Demolition works then continued maintaining a strict exclusion zone in anticipation of such an event,” the statement continued. “We are pleased to confirm that our contingency plans were observed and instigated at the time of the collapse and there have been no injuries to our workforce or members of the public. The resulting debris associated with the collapse was fully contained within the footprint of the site.”
Credit: Manchester Evening News

Investigations ongoing

The company said it is now working closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Manchester City Council’s Building Control team to ensure the site remains safe as demolition continues. The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), which represents the UK scaffolding industry, also urged caution following early reports linking the collapse to scaffolding. “It is too early to comment if this incident is the result of a failure of the scaffolding,” NASC said in a statement to Scaffmag. “Scaffolding, when properly built and maintained, should not fail.” No injuries were reported in the incident, which prompted a significant emergency response and temporary evacuations of nearby offices. The building, a 1970s office block overlooking the River Irwell, was being demolished to make way for three new skyscrapers as part of a major redevelopment project. P.P. O’Connor added that safety remains its “highest priority” and that the firm will continue to cooperate fully with authorities.

Building and scaffolding partially collapses in Manchester city centre

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Building and scaffolding partially collapses in Manchester city centre
A building in Manchester city centre has partially collapsed during demolition work, with scaffolding and debris seen falling into the nearby River Irwell. Emergency services were called to Alberton House, on St Mary’s Parsonage off Bridge Street, shortly after 2:50pm on Friday (24 October). The derelict office block, which was being demolished to make way for a major redevelopment, suffered a partial structural collapse. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that one fire engine from Manchester Central attended the scene. A spokesperson said:“Crews were called to reports of scaffolding collapsing on a building being demolished. Nobody was injured and the incident has now been left with building control.” Manchester City Council said its building control officers are attending the site to assess safety concerns, while police have cordoned off the surrounding area. Witnesses describe “earthquake-like” shaking People working nearby reported feeling the ground shake as the structure came down. A building with scaffolding around it has partially collapsed in Manchester city centre during demolition work. NASC urges caution as investigations continue. Chloe Gallagher, who was standing close to the site, told the BBC:“There was an almighty crash — the dust clouds came rolling towards us. The ground shook and people in the building next door rushed to the windows to see what happened.” Another witness, George Jones, owner of Cardinal House next door, said about 500 people were evacuated from neighbouring offices. “It felt and sounded like an earthquake. People have left because they don’t feel safe. When I went outside it looked like all smoke.” Several surrounding buildings were cleared as a precaution, and Bridge Street was temporarily closed while emergency services assessed the scene.

NASC urges caution

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has issued a statement following reports that scaffolding was involved in the incident. “It is too early to comment if this incident is the result of a failure of the scaffolding, and NASC urges caution in making statements about the cause of the incident until investigations are complete. Scaffolding, when properly built and maintained, should not fail. Our thoughts are with anyone who has been injured, affected or inconvenienced by this incident.”

Background

Alberton House, a 1970s office block overlooking the River Irwell, has stood empty for several years and was being demolished to make way for three new skyscrapers. Greater Manchester Police and the Health and Safety Executive are expected to review the incident alongside Manchester City Council’s building control officers.
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