Work is underway to restore the imposing tower of St Martin’s Church in Arlon, Belgium, with German manufacturer GEDA providing specialist lifting equipment to support the project.
The neo-Gothic church, built between 1907 and 1914, is considered one of the most important examples of its architectural style in Wallonia. As part of the restoration, sections of the tower will be carefully dismantled, with original stones refurbished and reused in line with strict conservation rules.
To meet the complex demands of the site, GEDA has supplied a 1500 Z/ZP transport platform with a lifting height of 100 metres, alongside six floor safety doors, through its Belgian partner Intermat.
The platform, which can carry up to 2,000kg or seven people, is being used both to erect scaffolding and to move materials and personnel during the renovation.
Because the listed tower could not be drilled or altered to accommodate fixings, the lift was anchored solely to the scaffolding. This was achieved using GEDA’s two-mast system and UNI-X mast, which allows large anchoring distances of up to 12 metres with minimal force.
The contractor, Galère Srl, will operate the platform for the duration of the 50-month project. Scaffolding works are being managed by Alphascaff, which is also employing additional GEDA hoists on site.
GEDA, based in Asbach-Bäumenheim, Germany, has been supplying lifting and transport solutions for more than 90 years, with products used on construction and industrial sites worldwide.
A new digital platform designed specifically for the scaffolding sector is being launched, with its backers claiming it could transform the way contractors run their operations.Baton, a scaffolding management system, has been in development for more than four years and is now being made available to early adopters. Unlike general business tools, it is described as the first full enterprise resource planning (ERP) system created solely for scaffolding companies.
Backed by a leading industry figure
Well-known scaffolding figure Des Moore has thrown his weight behind the system, saying it tackles some of the sector’s most persistent challenges.
“Too often, vital information is scattered across paper files, spreadsheets or different systems,” he said. “That makes it difficult for companies to get a real-time picture of what is happening. Baton brings all of that together in one place.”
Moore added that during his career, he has seen firsthand how fragmented information can restrict growth. “Having a central source of truth across a business is vital, and Baton finally delivers that for our industry,” he said.
Tackling common problems
The software is designed to provide greater oversight and control of day-to-day operations. Features include:
Real-time attendance tracking, no-show monitoring and wage automation
Oversight of plant, transport and processing costs
Clear breakdown of project costs, including yard, site, prelim and consumables
Digital handovers issued on site and linked to contracted work items
Revenue forecasting and improved cashflow management
Accessible on any device, Baton allows staff in the office, yard or on-site to work from the same information. The system is also designed to be tailored to each business, whatever processes or systems they currently use.
Companies already trialling the software have reported improvements in efficiency, better visibility of financial data and faster decision-making.
A personal commitment
Des Moore, former CEO of the TRAD Group, said his decision to get directly involved with Baton reflects how strongly he believes in its potential.
“I hate the term game-changer, because it’s so overused,” he said. “But I can’t think of a better way to describe what Baton brings to the market. When I was scaling TRAD Scaffolding, this type of system would have been invaluable.”
He added that, just as he has long promoted system scaffolding for its impact on business performance, he believes Baton could deliver a similar long-term benefit for contractors.
Moore has committed both his time and financial investment to the company. He has taken on the role of Chief Business Development Officer, helping to establish Baton’s presence in the sector and shaping its growth strategy.
“I’ll be bringing my executive experience and my many years of running scaffolding operations,” he said. “That gives me a clear understanding of the challenges contractors face – and how Baton can help solve them.”
Market launch
Baton was originally developed in partnership with a single contractor before being expanded into a product for the wider market. The software has since gone through a beta testing process with selected firms.
It will be showcased at ScaffEx 25 in September, where Moore will be on Baton’s stand (E8) throughout the day on Thursday, 11 September. He will also introduce company co-founder Matthew Loddy in the Demo Zone at 12.15pm, when Loddy will demonstrate how Baton works.
Firms interested in becoming open beta or early adopters are encouraged to contact the company directly.
More information is available at www.baton.build or by emailing [email protected]
The Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, recognising member achievements across the scaffold and access sector.
The honours were presented on 7 August at an awards dinner in Fort Worth, Texas, held alongside the Association’s Annual Convention & Exposition. The programme recognises service to the Association as well as standout project delivery and innovation.
Project award winners
Commercial Collaboration
Winner: D.H. Charles Engineering, Inc.
Partners: Universal Mfg. & The Tradesmen Group
Project: Tomachichi Federal Courthouse
Industrial Collaboration
Winner: Skyline Scaffold, Inc.
Partners: D.H. Charles Engineering, Inc.
Project: PG&E Tower 320 Demolition
Innovation
Winner: DH Glabe
Partners: JKS Industries
Project: Coorstek – Building 1
Mast Driven Hoist and Platforms
Winner: Fraco Products
Project: Rogers M City
Shoring
Winner: D.H. Charles Engineering, Inc.
Partners: Skyline Scaffold, Inc.
Project: Heroes Memorial Building
Supported Access
Winner: Soogadin
Partners: Dynamic Innovations Scaffold Design
Project: 24-PSC-2001 Internal Scaffold
Suspended Access
Winner: Bee Access
Partners: Scaffolding Solutions
Project:Restoring Remembrance: Restoration of the Memorial Bridges at the U.S. Holocaust Museum
The SAIA said the awards highlight companies and teams that have “gone above and beyond” to deliver safe, effective access solutions across commercial and industrial settings.
The head of Scaffolding, Access & Rigging NZ Inc (SARNZ) is to leave her role in October after four years in charge.
Tina Wieczorek will step down as chief executive on 1 October, the trade body confirmed.
SARNZ Board President Paul Cunningham said her departure was being met “with both gratitude and a touch of sadness”.
“Her leadership has been nothing short of transformative,” he said. “Her dedication, drive, and unwavering commitment have not only put SARNZ firmly on the map but have seen us punching well above our weight in influence, visibility, and impact.”
Ms Wieczorek is credited with strengthening ties between the scaffolding, access and rigging sector in New Zealand and the wider construction industry, as well as championing members’ interests and raising professional standards.
The organisation said she had been “a driving force for growth” and “a passionate advocate” for the industry.
Recruitment for her successor will begin shortly.
SARNZ said a fuller tribute to Ms Wieczorek’s tenure, including highlights of her work, would be published in the coming weeks.
A Yorkshire-based manufacturer of construction textiles is creating a new research and development facility to boost innovation in scaffolding and site protection products.
Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, headquartered in Easingwold, is redeveloping a former warehouse into a laboratory dedicated to product development and testing.
The new facility, due to open this autumn, will focus on improving performance in products such as flame-retardant scaffolding sheeting, debris netting, acoustic barriers, and keder sheeting for temporary works.
The company said the facility will allow it to carry out in-house testing on durability, fire resistance, water tightness and UV stability before products are sent for independent certification.
Managing director Carl Morse said: “Pioneering advances in engineered protective textiles is part of ITP’s DNA. Fire protection will be a key focus of our R&D in the coming years, alongside other key performance metrics relevant to scaffolding safety and compliance.”
Sales director Matt Thompson added: “Being able to prototype and rigorously test new scaffolding protection systems in-house means we can set new standards in the market rather than replicate what is already out there.”
ITP’s headquarters houses manufacturing, storage and logistics operations, with products supplied to scaffolding and construction customers in the UK and worldwide.
Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work during extreme heat under plans being developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The proposals, aimed at protecting manual workers from heat stress, would require employers to carry out formal “heat stress assessments” when temperatures hit a certain level. Employers would also need to provide more frequent breaks, access to shade, and drinking water.
Unions are pushing for a legal maximum of 27°C for manual labour, a move that would set a clear-cut-off point for high-risk outdoor work such as scaffolding.
No Maximum Limit Yet – But Change on the Horizon
Currently, UK law sets a safe minimum workplace temperature of 13°C for strenuous work, but there is no legal maximum. The revised guidance, last updated in 1992, is expected to stop short of setting a binding maximum temperature, but would give stronger direction to employers.
For scaffolders, who often work on exposed structures with little shade, the guidance could change day-to-day operations in the summer months. This may include:
Earlier start times to avoid the midday sun
Compulsory rest breaks in shaded or cool areas
Lightweight PPE designed for hot weather
Temporary halts to work when heat thresholds are met
Unions Call for Clear Rules
Lynsey Mann, health and safety officer at the GMB union, said: “Ultimately, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature, in the same way we have a legal minimum working temperature.”
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also called for new legislation to keep workers safe as UK summers become hotter. The Met Office has warned that temperatures of up to 45°C could be seen in the coming years.
Some business groups and politicians have criticised the plans, arguing they could hurt productivity and add red tape. The Federation of Small Businesses said existing laws already require employers to act if conditions become unsafe.
Others say Britain’s heatwaves are short-lived and workable adjustments should be made without new laws.
What It Means for the Scaffolding Industry
Scaffolding work is physically demanding, carried out at height, and often in full sun – conditions that can rapidly lead to heat exhaustion if unmanaged. The proposed changes could see site schedules altered during summer months and may require contractors to build in more weather-related downtime.
While the HSE’s updated guidance is still in development, any move towards stricter heat safety rules is likely to have a direct impact on scaffolding operations, training, and project planning.
The HSE says it will bring forward detailed proposals in the coming months.
A spokesperson for NASC, the employers’ organisation for scaffolding and access in the UK, said: “We all need to recognise that environmental challenges are growing and that this is likely to result in more instances of extreme weather including heat waves and hotter summers. Good safety guidance should absolutely take care of staff and should consider all aspects of health and safety.
Guidance on working at temperatures would be a good addition to have and it’s something we don’t have. We’ll look to work with the relevant union to create something that works well for all parties.”
As Layher is shortlisted for the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025, Brand Ambassador Des Moore looks at how and why the company invests in continual innovation.
I was delighted to see that Layher had been shortlisted in the Product of the Year category of the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025. This is for the Layher SIM2Field® digital tool, which was launched at Bauma in April of this year. The NASC awards have always been a real marker for the industry, and something I was very proud to oversee during my time as NASC President. The fact that we are acknowledging companies, projects and innovations of all shapes and sizes is a great reflection of the influence and impact that the NASC has on the industry.
Part of Layher’s LayPLAN Suite, SIM2Field® uses 3D modelling data to realise digital plans on site. The system allows scaffolders to project exact layouts onto the construction site floor, and has been designed for particular use in complex or high-precision projects.
This innovation is the latest in a continual improvement process that maintains Layher’s position as a market leader. For as long as I have been working with Layher product, they are always keen to deliver the very best to the market – and that’s everything from the quality of Layher Allround® system scaffolding to the planning and design tools they’ve developed to help scaffolding contractors get the very most from their investment.
Building on the Layher advantage
I’ve written before about what makes Layher the leading scaffolding supplier in the UK. For its system scaffolding offering, the benefits have always been clear to me:
• Unrivalled stock levels on the ground across the UK in four locations.
• A clear partnership approach – your success is Layher’s success
• Brand awareness – everyone knows Layher is the go-to supplier for system scaffolding. What Hoover is to vacuum cleaners, or Monarflex is to plastic sheeting, Layher is to system scaffolding!
• In-house training facility available to all customers to help them get the most out of system.
• Often approached by Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, demonstrating that its product is first choice.
In addition, Layher’s Rent-to-Own and Rent-to-Try schemes were launched to make its system scaffolding more accessible and affordable for companies across the UK. Supporting the company’s four core pillars: Service, Support, Solutions and Supply, this scheme gives companies a trial period with the Allround System Scaffolding product.
This lets businesses test the materials and experience the benefits first hand, on live projects. If you then want to go ahead and make Layher’s system scaffolding part of your business offering, you can buy the rental materials you have been using, via a rental rebate process, so you turn your initial renting costs into an investment into the equipment.
Driving Service, Support, Solutions and Supply
As stated above, Layher’s four core pillars are Service, Support, Solutions and Supply. And it’s easy to see how the SIM2Field® product meets those pillars. These are the values that I believe drives both Layher’s success and the success of its clients’ businesses.
In a previous article, I spoke to two key members of Layher’s team about how it focuses on service and support for customers.
Perry Todd and Joe Thompson both support customers on and off site, including making sure that designs are efficient, safe and workable, and going onsite to oversee – and often help with – site preparation and scaffolding erection. And they have recently been joined by Garry Checketts, who is also focused on making sure customers get the very best support for their Layher investment.
From my point of view, with more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, I know that this approach makes a big difference to scaffolding contractors. It’s easy to sell something and leave the customer to get on with it, but the success of a business like Layher is inextricably linked to the success of its customers – so why wouldn’t you invest in helping them to get the very most from your products?
Layher’s SIM2Field® is a clear demonstration of these pillars in action, with a dedicated solution added to an already successful design product suite that supports clients to deliver better services to their own customers. A clear instance of a scaffolding supplier that understands how to work with its customers in order to grow their own businesses for the future.
And it’s not the company’s only recent innovation – Layher has also launched the FlexBeam Trolley Launching System, which you can also read about in ScaffMag – and you can find out more about this and the full range of Layher products at ScaffEx on Stand E10. I’ll be there on the morning of Friday 12th, sharing advice on why system scaffolding is a great investment for your business, and how you can make the most of that investment.
As Layher says: “We listen. We respond. You succeed.”
A group of scaffolders have carried and erected an eight-metre-high tower on the summit of Pen y Fan in Wales in support of a Bristol colleague with terminal cancer.
Jason Cary, 46, a project manager at Construction Site Scaffolding (CSS), was diagnosed with stage four cancer in May, just months after first experiencing neck and back pain.
On 25 July, more than 70 friends, family members and colleagues climbed the 886-metre peak, hauling scaffolding equipment to the summit before constructing the temporary structure, believed to be the highest tower ever built in the UK.
The group are estimated to have covered around four miles (6 km) in total during the round trip from the Pont ar Daf car park, with an ascent of more than 430 metres while carrying the heavy scaffolding materials.
A flag reading “A Tower for Jason” was fixed to the structure before it was dismantled and the materials were carried back down the mountain.
£20,000 Raised
The climb has so far raised more than £20,000, which will go directly to Mr Cary’s wife, Harriet, and their two young children. Participants from CSS also donated a day’s wages, contributing nearly £7,000 to the total.
According to the event’s fundraising page, the aim was to ensure the family had “the resources they need to face this journey with as much comfort and security as possible”.
Image credit: GoFundMe
Emotional moment at the summit
CSS managing director Ivor Hawtin said colleagues were determined to act when they learned of Mr Cary’s illness.
“Generally, when people get this dreadful news, they almost want to isolate themselves,” he said. “But the lads wanted to do something. One suggested a charity walk up Pen y Fan and word soon spread.”
He described emotional scenes when a message from Mr Cary was read out at the summit.
“You could see there were a lot of big, strong, tattooed blokes who were very much emotionally attached to what was going on.”
Several participants completed the climb despite significant personal challenges, including one with only one lung and others recovering from illness.
Image credit: GoFundMe
Ongoing support
The National Trust granted permission for the event, and all scaffolding was removed after the build.
Mr Cary is receiving care at Dorothy House Hospice while fundraising efforts continue. The GoFundMe page invites people to “be part of this tower of strength for Jason” through donations, sharing the story, or offering messages of support.
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), bringing together the UK and North America’s leading scaffold and access bodies in a formal agreement to advance safety, training, and standards worldwide.
Signed on 7 August 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, the deal represents a significant step towards aligning international best practices in scaffolding.
A Transatlantic Alliance
Under the new partnership, NASC and SAIA will work closely on shared priorities, including:
Exchanging technical expertise on scaffold and access equipment testing
Sharing best practice in training and education
Promoting safer, more efficient scaffold structures
Exploring mutual recognition of training and membership standards
The agreement also introduces reciprocal membership benefits and access to events for senior representatives, creating opportunities for future joint ventures in certification and standardisation.
Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC, said: “This is an exciting partnership that will deliver huge benefits to NASC and SAIA members as well as the wider scaffolding and access sector.
Both organisations are committed to driving up quality and improving safety standards around the world.”
Mike Bredl, President of SAIA, added: “The partnership between SAIA and NASC represents far more than the pursuit of global standards — it’s a powerful commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of the men and women working on jobsites around the world.”
Raising the Bar
NASC has represented the UK scaffold industry for over 80 years, providing guidance, support, and training for members while acting as the recognised authority on access and scaffolding standards.
SAIA plays a similar role in North America, widely respected for its training programmes, equipment testing, and technical resources.
Together, the organisations bring a wealth of expertise and infrastructure, positioning the partnership to make an immediate impact.
The MOU reflects a shared ambition to address global challenges through collaboration, standard-setting, and continuous improvement.
Scaffmag understands that discussions are already underway to begin rolling out the first initiatives under the agreement.
Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American market through a strategic partnership with U.S.-based access solutions firm Sky Climber.
The agreement will see Sky Climber exclusively distribute Pilosio’s patented FlyDeck suspended platform system across its 10 locations in North America. The partnership marks Pilosio’s first major move into the U.S. and Canadian construction sectors, extending its reach beyond Europe and the Middle East.
The deal was signed at Pilosio’s headquarters in Tavagnacco, Italy, by Pilosio President Nereo Parisotto and Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler. Also present were senior executives from both companies, including representatives from Pilosio’s UK, UAE, and Asia divisions.
FlyDeck is a modular suspended structure designed to provide safe and efficient horizontal access for maintenance and construction work. While Sky Climber has traditionally focused on vertical access systems, the addition of FlyDeck expands its offering to include horizontal suspended platforms. The system is expected to serve growing demand in sectors such as infrastructure and data centre maintenance.
As part of the agreement, the two companies will also offer a full-service package including equipment rental, sales, technical support, and training — services Pilosio has developed over time in Europe.
Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler said the partnership was “a strategic step forward,” describing Pilosio’s FlyDeck system as a response to “the needs of the field” and a product that sets a new standard in suspended access.
Pilosio UK’s Business Development Manager, Francesca Fuser, who helped broker the deal, noted that early site visits and product demonstrations played a key role in securing the partnership.
“This culminated in the signing of a significant Italian-American partnership,” she said. “It’s a milestone achieved in a challenging global climate, highlighting the importance of quality and professionalism.”
The FlyDeck system was recently showcased on a project beneath the A13 bridge over Italy’s Po River, where it was used in combination with a specialist waste containment setup designed for environmental protection.
Pilosio’s move into the U.S. market follows its recent growth in the Middle East and Asia. For Sky Climber, the collaboration enhances its product portfolio and allows the company to meet rising demand for versatile suspended access systems.
Both companies have positioned the agreement as a long-term alliance aimed at improving jobsite safety and efficiency across North America’s construction and industrial sectors.
Well-known scaffolding figure Des Moore has thrown his weight behind the system, saying it tackles some of the sector’s most persistent challenges.
“Too often, vital information is scattered across paper files, spreadsheets or different systems,” he said. “That makes it difficult for companies to get a real-time picture of what is happening. Baton brings all of that together in one place.”
Moore added that during his career, he has seen firsthand how fragmented information can restrict growth. “Having a central source of truth across a business is vital, and Baton finally delivers that for our industry,” he said.
