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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!

Global demand to push scaffolding market to $16bn by end of decade

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Global demand to push scaffolding market to $16bn by end of decade
The global scaffolding and accessories market is expected to grow to $16.3bn by 2030, adding more than $4bn in value over the next four years, according to new research published by Research and Markets. The study forecasts a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% between 2026 and 2030, with market value rising from an estimated $11.93bn in 2026. Growth follows several years of steady expansion, including a reported 8.4% CAGR in 2025. The report identifies increasing volumes of construction projects as the primary driver of global demand, supported by urbanisation, residential development, and major infrastructure investment. North America led the market in 2025, with strong contributions from Asia-Pacific and Europe. The United States, China, Germany, and Australia are highlighted as key national markets. Demand is also being supported by industrial sectors including shipbuilding, oil and gas, and heavy engineering, where scaffolding remains a critical temporary access solution.

Modular systems and digital tools gain ground

According to the research, adoption of modular scaffold systems and adjustable components continues to increase, alongside greater use of lightweight materials. Technology is playing a growing role in product development and site operations. The report points to emerging use of smart monitoring, automated safety controls, AI-driven safety measures, and digital material tracking systems on construction sites. While uptake varies between regions, these technologies are increasingly seen as part of standard practice rather than specialist add-ons.

Industry reaction and UK perspective

Commenting on the findings, NASC Group Chief Executive Clive Dickin said the projected growth reflects sustained effort across the sector rather than rapid expansion. He said the global outlook aligns with feedback NASC has received through its work with the International Association for Scaffolding and Access (IASA), which points to consistent growth across markets despite regional differences. However, Dickin noted that conditions in the UK remain challenging for some contractors, citing slow progress on government-backed housing and infrastructure projects and wider economic stagnation. The report highlights ongoing consolidation among major manufacturers and suppliers, including acquisitions aimed at broadening global capability and combining scaffolding and formwork solutions. It also notes challenges linked to global trade instability and tariffs, which have increased costs for imported materials. In response, the research suggests some manufacturers are shifting towards local production and modular design to strengthen supply chains and reduce exposure.

A broad and fragmented market

The study analyses the market across multiple segments, including couplers, base plates, brackets, and structural components, as well as steel and aluminium systems. Applications span residential, commercial, and industrial construction, with distribution split across online and offline channels. Major companies referenced include Altrad, PERI, Layher, BrandSafeway, RMD Kwikform, AT-PAC, ULMA, HAKI, and Scafom-Rux, alongside manufacturers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Despite economic uncertainty in some regions, the report concludes that long-term demand for scaffolding and access systems remains strong, underpinned by construction activity, infrastructure needs, and continued technological development.

CSCS Smart Check reaches 60 million scans

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CSCS Smart Check reaches 60 million scans
The CSCS Smart Check platform has recorded its 60 millionth scan, highlighting its growing role in workforce verification and compliance across the construction industry. The milestone reflects increased use of the system by contractors and employers to verify skills, training and qualifications, particularly in response to the Building Safety Act. CSCS Smart Check is currently the only platform that can verify all 2.3 million cards bearing the CSCS logo. It allows users to confirm in real time that individuals hold the correct card for the work they are performing. Developed by the CSCS Alliance, the platform integrates via an API with site access and induction systems used by major contractors, including Wates, Vinci, and Balfour Beatty, as well as housebuilders such as Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey. The system also provides real-time data on workforce skills and occupational mixes for organisations using the API. Sean Kearns, Group Chief Executive of CSCS, said the milestone showed a clear shift in how the industry approaches assurance. “Reaching 60 million reads is a significant milestone and reflects the commitment across the sector to strengthen assurance around skills, training and qualifications,” he said. He added that CSCS Smart Check acts as “the industry’s border control technology”, supporting compliance while reducing administration and improving efficiency. The 60 millionth scan was completed in January by BAM, verifying a Craft card issued by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme, which is part of the CSCS Alliance. By total all-time scans, the leading contractors are:
  • Morgan Sindall, 10,071,903
  • BAM, 7,517,199
  • Galliford Try, 7,006,997
CSCS Smart Check is referenced in recommendations from the Construction Leadership Council as the preferred method for verifying that workers hold the correct card for their occupation. CSCS said it is continuing to develop the platform’s reporting features, including the introduction of reason codes such as pre-induction, induction and site access, alongside site identification data. The aim is to provide clearer insight into how and where checks are being carried out.

Viktor Voroncov to leave Layher Baltic after 15 years

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Viktor Voroncov to leave Layher Baltic after 15 years
Viktor Voroncov is to leave Layher Baltic UAB at the end of January, bringing to a close a 15-year career with the company. In a post on LinkedIn, Voroncov said 30 January would be his final day with the Baltic business, describing his time at Layher as “the best 15 years of my life”. He paid tribute to the wider Layher organisation, including its headquarters team in Eibensbach and manufacturing staff across the group’s factories, crediting them with delivering what he described as industry-leading quality and innovation. Reflecting on product development, Voroncov highlighted the launch of the LW lightweight components, admitting initial scepticism about customer demand before uptake quickly proved otherwise. He said customers across the region rapidly adopted the system, reinforcing his belief in continued investment in research and development. Voroncov also thanked Layher customers and partners across the Baltic region and beyond, citing long-term relationships, complex projects and landmark schemes delivered by joint teams. A significant part of his tenure has been his involvement in ScaffChamp, which he described as a global industry initiative rather than a personal project. He said the competition had helped bring together scaffolding professionals from around the world while encouraging younger people to enter the sector. He noted strong international interest in the event, including engagement from attendees at World of Concrete, and confirmed he plans to attend ScaffChamp in Vilnius on 5–6 June. Voroncov also referenced his ongoing connection to Ukraine, stating that he intends to continue working with partners there and supporting efforts during what he described as a difficult period for the country. He closed by thanking the Layher Baltic team, highlighting a workplace culture built around openness, professional development and employee involvement in decision-making. No details have yet been announced regarding his next role.

HAKI opens new Swiss subsidiary to support regional growth

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HAKI opens new Swiss subsidiary to support regional growth
The HAKI Group has launched HAKI Safety SA, based in Thônex in the canton of Geneva, marking a further step in its expansion across Switzerland. The move follows several years of activity in French-speaking Switzerland, where HAKI says demand for its safety solutions has grown steadily. The company points to Switzerland’s stringent regulatory environment as a key driver for continued investment, particularly in construction site safety. HAKI said the new subsidiary would allow it to take a more structured approach to growth in the country, while improving customer support and strengthening relationships with local clients. Plans include the gradual development of a dedicated field team, local offices, and a logistics warehouse to serve the wider Swiss market. Thomas Garcia, Managing Director of HAKI France, said the company’s Swiss presence had developed consistently over the past eight years. “For the past eight years, HAKI has been able to develop its presence in Switzerland, thanks to its clients who have given us a privileged place on their construction sites,” he said. “Turnover has been steadily increasing year after year.” He added that establishing a local subsidiary would help the business remain closer to customers. “Opening this subsidiary in Switzerland is an opportunity to pursue our growth across the country in a more structured way. Being close to our customers to support them remains a priority for us.” As part of the expansion, Julien Cru, who has been responsible for the Swiss market to date, will take on commercial management of HAKI Safety SA. The company said the new operation would support its long-term ambitions in Switzerland, as demand for compliant and reliable safety systems continues to increase across the construction sector.

China joins IASA as global membership continues to expand

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China joins IASA as global membership continues to expand
China has become the latest country to join the International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA), following the China Formwork and Scaffold Association’s decision to become a member of the global body. The move brings the China Formwork and Scaffold Association (CFSA) into IASA’s growing international membership, further extending the organisation’s reach into Asia. CFSA is a national industry association representing China’s formwork, scaffolding and related construction engineering sectors. The association is involved in the development of technical standards, safety improvement, innovation and the wider sustainability of the sector across the country. IASA said the addition reflects its continued focus on expanding global membership and strengthening links between regional and international industry bodies. An IASA representative said, “IASA is delighted to welcome the China Formwork and Scaffold Association as a member. CFSA’s experience and perspective will add significant value to our international network.” The association added that it expects close cooperation between IASA and CFSA, with a focus on sharing knowledge, exchanging best practice and supporting the development of safe and efficient access and scaffolding solutions worldwide. The International Access and Scaffolding Association has said it views international collaboration as central to improving standards and consistency across the global access and scaffolding industry.

UK construction growth cut to 1.7% as housing sector weakens

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UK construction growth cut to 1.7% as housing sector weakens
Growth in the UK construction industry has been downgraded to 1.7% for 2026, almost half the figure predicted three months ago. The Construction Products Association said the revision reflected continued weakness in housing and commercial building, as well as broader economic uncertainty. Firms across the industry have reported subdued activity. Sluggish economic growth and weak confidence are delaying investment decisions. The industry body said recovery would depend on improved confidence among homebuyers and investors.

Housing sector struggles

Private housing is the largest part of the construction sector. It is now expected to grow by just 1.5% in 2026, down from a 4.0% forecast in October. The CPA said housebuilders were facing difficult choices. They must balance keeping homes affordable for buyers while maintaining viable profit margins on developments. Rising costs are squeezing margins for smaller builders in areas where demand has remained steady. Where prices have been increased to protect viability, affordability is limiting sales. A significant increase in housebuilding would require strong demand during the spring selling season. The CPA said this was unlikely without government support for buyers.

Home improvements falling

The home repairs and improvements sector is expected to contract by 1.0% in 2026. It marks a second consecutive annual decline. Activity remained weak throughout 2025. This was despite falling interest rates and growth in real household incomes. The CPA said homeowners lacked confidence to commit to major improvement work. The sector also faces the end of the government’s ECO energy efficiency programme in March 2026. Replacement measures under the Warm Homes Plan are not expected to boost activity significantly in the near term.

Infrastructure sustains growth

Infrastructure is forecast to grow by 3.9% in 2026, matching the previous forecast. Investment in energy generation, power distribution and water infrastructure continues to drive the sector. There has been increased spending at the start of a new regulatory period for water companies. However, some major projects are scaling down or facing uncertainty. Work at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is passing its peak. Concerns remain over potential delays to the HS2 rail project. A gap in the roads building programme is also expected.

‘Another difficult year’

Rebecca Larkin is the CPA’s head of construction research. She said conditions that had constrained the industry showed little sign of improving. Firms were preparing for “another difficult year” with ongoing uncertainty, she said. Growth was expected to come from more resilient areas. These include commercial refurbishment, energy and water infrastructure, and public building programmes for schools, hospitals and prisons, the CPA said.

Rainham, Zenith and TEi join new industrial services group Coriant

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Rainham, Zenith and TEi join new industrial services group Coriant
Rainham, Zenith and TEi have announced they are joining Coriant, a newly established UK-based industrial and infrastructure maintenance services group. The launch of Coriant follows the acquisition of Rainham by global private equity firm H.I.G. Capital in 2024, and the subsequent addition of Zenith and TEi to create a group of specialist industrial services businesses. Coriant has been formed in response to changing conditions across the UK’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Asset owners are facing pressures linked to the energy transition, ageing plant, rising safety and regulatory requirements, skills shortages, and the need to extend asset life. Against this backdrop, customers are increasingly seeking fewer, more accountable partners with the capability to deliver specialist services at scale. The three businesses will continue to operate independently in their respective markets. Their brands, management teams, technical expertise and customer relationships will be retained. Coriant will act as a group-level platform to support growth, investment and closer alignment across the businesses. The group’s strategy is focused on the maintenance, repair and optimisation of critical industrial and infrastructure assets. This includes investment in specialist capability, systems and people, enabling collaboration across operating companies to meet complex, multi-disciplinary customer requirements, and pursuing a selective buy-and-build strategy to add further specialist businesses. Coriant aims to combine operational agility at company level with the scale and financial resilience of a larger group structure. The existing management teams at Rainham, Zenith and TEi will remain in place and will continue as shareholders, supported by a central leadership team within the group. Tom Walsh, Chairman of Coriant, said the launch reflected a shift in how industrial services are being delivered in the UK. “This launch recognises the changing nature of the UK industrial services market and marks an important milestone in the evolution of these businesses,” he said. “Coriant brings together our shared strengths and promotes deeper collaboration, while preserving the distinct identities that make Rainham, Zenith and TEi unique.” He added that the group structure would allow the businesses to continue delivering specialist, responsive services, while benefiting from greater investment capacity and scale. Coriant also plans to extend its service offering through further acquisitions as part of its long-term growth strategy. Coriant will operate across a range of industrial and infrastructure sectors, providing installation, maintenance, refurbishment and decommissioning services across the full asset lifecycle, with safety positioned as a central priority.

Lawyer doubles salary after switching to scaffolding career

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Lawyer doubles salary after switching to scaffolding career
A former solicitor has nearly doubled her income after leaving the legal profession to work in scaffolding. Mollie Pollard, 33, from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, joined Attridge Scaffolding in January 2024 after seven years in the legal industry, where she had been earning £42,000 annually, according to The Sun. The career change resulted in a 75 per cent pay increase for Pollard, who said she struggled to live on her previous salary whilst paying off a £45,000 student debt. “I was putting blood, sweat and tears into my job as a solicitor and getting nothing,” Pollard told The Sun. “I’m so much happier now. I haven’t looked back. I’ve got more flexibility and free time too.” Pollard, who joined her husband Tom at the scaffolding company, said her previous legal salary of £32,000 to £42,000 made it difficult to achieve financial independence. “If I wasn’t with Tom, I couldn’t have moved out from my parents’ house,” she said. Pollard said she hopes her career change will encourage others, particularly women, to consider opportunities in scaffolding and construction.

Scaffold Resource claims back-to-back victory at US Championship

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Scaffold Resource claims back-to-back victory at US Championship
A Maryland-based scaffolding company has successfully defended its championship title at the United States’ most prestigious scaffold building competition, held at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. Scaffold Resource, from Lanham, Maryland, completed the timed challenge in one hour, 20 minutes and 55 seconds to claim their second consecutive victory at the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) competition on 20 January. The annual event, under SAIA’s organisation, saw 13 teams from across the United States and the United Kingdom compete in a timed build-and-dismantle challenge, testing their technical skill, safety protocols and teamwork under real-world conditions.

International Competition

Turn Key Scaffold from California finished second with a time of one hour, 34 minutes and 20 seconds, whilst fellow Californian firm Scaffold Solutions claimed third place at one hour, 35 minutes and 40 seconds. AK Scaffolding from Manchester represented the UK contingent, finishing fourth overall with a time of one hour, 43 minutes and 38 seconds. The competition, sponsored by German scaffolding manufacturer Layher, attracted considerable attention from the estimated sixty thousand of construction professionals attending the World of Concrete exhibition. In a separate public vote, Atlas Sales from Hawaii won the Crowd Favourite Award, securing 234 votes in an online poll—significantly ahead of other competitors. SAIA President Mike Bredl presented the awards, including the coveted Championship Belt which has become a symbol of excellence within the American scaffolding industry.

Industry Recognition

The competition was judged by a panel of 19 industry experts, including representatives from major scaffolding firms and engineering consultancies across North America. Beyond the competitive element, SAIA used the event to deliver safety demonstrations, with their Fall Protection Council highlighting the critical importance of rescue planning following falls, a factor often overlooked in workplace safety protocols. “Fall protection is only half the story—what happens after a fall matters just as much,” organisers emphasised during Wednesday’s educational sessions, which examined suspension trauma risks and anchor testing.

JR Scaffold Services supports restoration of 19th-century church in Houston

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JR Scaffold Services supports restoration of 19th-century church in Houston
One of Scotland’s largest scaffolding contractors, JR Scaffold Services, has completed a specialist access installation to support restoration works at St Fillan’s Church. The 19th-century church, built in 1841 and located at the entrance to the village of Houston, is undergoing essential roof repairs. The scaffolding solution was designed to allow full removal and replacement of the existing slate roof, helping the project continue through winter weather conditions. JR Scaffold Services installed a custom temporary roof and access scaffold over a two-week period. The project was led by contracts director John Jack and in-house temporary roof adviser Owen Stoney, supported by a team of three scaffolders. The scaffold design was developed in collaboration with Gallery Access Solutions and incorporated a combination of Cuplok scaffolding and the Uni Roof system supplied by Altrad Dessa. The approach allowed the structure to be erected at roof level, rather than from ground level, due to limited space around the church. The building’s proximity to the main road presented additional challenges. JR Scaffold Services worked closely with designers to ensure the scaffold complied with road and pavement regulations. Additional beam work was also introduced to manage restricted access at the rear of the site. Owen Stoney said the project required careful planning due to the age and location of the building. “This was an exciting and complex project to be involved with, as it allowed us to showcase our adaptability and expertise for our client,” he said. “We worked closely with the designers to ensure the scaffold provided safe access for the restoration team, while also protecting pedestrians and road users around the site.”
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