Dave Mosley, Acting Managing Director of the NASC has been voted in as Vice President of the European Scaffolding Confederation (UEG).
The Union of European Scaffolding Companies (UEG) represents the interests of scaffolding across Europe. Its members made the important vote at its Annual General assembly Meeting held in Cologne last week.
Members of the UEG include national scaffolding associations from Germany, UK, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, France and Luxembourg. The union is also currently in discussion with several other national federations aiming to join.
It was founded in 2008, with NASC joining in 2009 represented by former NASC MD Robin James and Dave Mosley.
UEG also has a range of producers, manufacturers and industry experts as associate members who bring their support and knowledge, representing the wider group’s best interests via their roles on several European Standard setting bodies.
Over the years, Dave has attended regular meetings and taken part in several working groups. There are a number of working parties looking to raise scaffolding standards and set minimum requirements for the European sector.
Dave Mosley said: “ I am very proud to have been appointed as Vice President of UEG and would like to thank the members for voting for me.NASC has been involved with the federation almost from the beginning, it is essential that our voice is heard during the discussions that take place in Europe, as they could have serious consequences upon standards regarding materials, labour, training and other aspects of the scaffolding industry back in the UK.Over the years, we have met some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced industry representatives via UEG and made some great friends and allies. Not every member will have the same opinion on a particular subject but through discussion we can usually reach a consensus, which will help to move us collectively in the right direction.”
G-DECK continues to push forward after the launch of its long-awaited lighter-weight 1m deck panel.
After trials and certification, the Leicester-based manufacturer has added a lighter-weight 1m deck option to both their STANDARD and scaffold DUAL systems.
The new 1m deck panel only weighs 10.4kg so has been reduced by 3.5kg to its normal 1m deck and now gives anyone the option of having a deck panel if required which is now as light as any alternatives, however, the loading which they are known for is still an impressive 5kN (500kg) per m2 which means the decks can still be loaded and used in a variety of uses.
A G-DECK spokesperson said: “Our in-house development team has proven yet again that we can create ground-breaking advancements in our products and this is a testament to what we achieve year after year to push our systems and products forward.”
Its existing customers can now choose between G-DECK’s normal and lighter deck panels as the new deck panels work with both its Standard and Dual systems simultaneously.
But this also will enable any business that was interested in upgrading to G-DECK to make the switch due to the lighter deck being less manual handling on installs and dismantles.
“2022 has seen yet again growth in the demand for our systems and products with still plenty of developments planned on our road map for 2023,” G-DECK said.
Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show improvement in some areas but also show concerning trends in workplace stress, depression and anxiety.
The latest statistics published by the HSE which include work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries, show that 1.8 million workers suffered from a work-related illness in the period 2021-2022, up from 1.7 million the previous year. Over fifty percent of these cases are related to stress, depression, or anxiety.
Data shows that there were 123 workers killed in the same period and that 565,00 workers sustained a non-fatal injury up from 441,000 the previous year.
The construction industry has the highest level of fatalities of any sector – 30 in total.
HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, said: “Stress and poor mental health is the number one cause of work-related ill health. The effects of stress, depression, and anxiety can have a significant impact on an employee’s life and on their ability to perform their best at work.“Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work but we need all employers to do more and take seriously their responsibilities to support good mental health at work. That’s why improving mental health in the workplace is a key priority in our 10-year strategy ‘Protecting People and Places’, and why we’re developing new partnerships across industry to help employers support their employees.”
Industry Reaction
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said; “Almost a quarter of all workplace fatalities occur as a result of falls from height, which remains the single largest contributing factor – 29 for the period 2021-2022 and 29 too many.
Further, with over 50% of work-related ill health cases being a result of stress, depression or anxiety indicates a rapidly growing trend that employers must get to grips with to ensure employees are being offered the support they need.
Statistics published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) earlier this year suggest that in construction (a typically male dominated industry) that men are three times more likely to die by suicide than national average men. That equates to another 700 deaths every year in construction.”
To see the HSE statistics and statement in full see here.
After three consecutive years of being NASC finalists, JDC Scaffolding have finally been awarded the accolade of Project of the Year (Medium) for its incredible work at the Annexe Building in London.
Hertfordshire-based JDC Scaffolding is celebrating its success after its project at the Annexe Building, Smithfield Market was deemed the best in its category at the recent NASC Awards 2022.
The national scaffolding trade body awarded JDC for its highly technical and design-intensive project that’s helping with the restoration of what’s been called the ‘last ruin in London’ and will ultimately be the new Museum of London.
Built-in the late 1800s the Annexe Building compromises of two main buildings; the Red House which was one of the first cold stores in the world and the triangular Fish Market both of which had been left derelict since 1983. The whole building is constructed over a network of tunnels and basements, including two main Thameslink rail lines.
Working for main contractors McLaughlin & Harvey, JDC deployed a series of complex designed scaffolding structures across the project to allow restoration works that included shoring, protection and general scaffolding access.
This allowed contractors to make the building safe, clean the external masonry, replace internal timbers, replace the roof coverings and alter the internal layout.
The NASC said: “The project highlighted JDC’s design capabilities and the depth of its engineering knowledge. The design development was an intense process and carried out in difficult communication circumstances during a pandemic.”
Sam Sufferin, SHEQ Advisor for McLaughlin & Harvey added: “JDC has demonstrated excellent standards of safety performance throughout their time on the COL Annexe project to date. On what is an extremely intricate site, they have designed,constructed and maintained complex scaffolding systems with H&S at the forefront.”
Phil Welham, Business Development Director at JDC Scaffolding said: “JDC Scaffolding were proud to receive the Project of the Year (Medium) award at the NASC Awards. We were up against some unbelievably tough opposition, but the judges thought that our submission, for this technically challenging project, was worthy of the award.Our very strong and loyal team have stuck together, with hard work and self-belief it is amazing what you can achieve.”
NASC, the national trade body for scaffolding and access in the UK has appointed its youngest-ever president since it was established back in 1945.
David Brown, Managing Director of IBN Scaffold Access Ltd has become NASC’s newest and youngest president. He takes over the helm from Lynn Way of Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd after three years’ service to the confederation.
Aged just 36, the Barnsley-based MD is incredibly passionate about the NASC, its industry-leading guidance and its 450+ members. With his two-year term, he aims to debunk the stigma that some believe that the NASC is an ‘elite old boys club to wynd down the years before retirement,’ or that it’s just for medium to large scaffolding companies with huge profits.
“The NASC has shown me that it doesn’t matter who you are, what member company you work for or what size company you represent, the NASC is open and accessible to all,” Brown said in his inaugural speech at the NASC’s recent AGM in London.
His comments seemed to resonate with those NASC members attending the AGM as he outlined his core objectives as President at the Westminster Park Plaza hotel on Friday.
David Brown addresses NASC members at its AGM on Friday.
Brown’s primary focus will be supporting NASC member companies through the labour and skills shortages the industry is currently facing. He aims to provide its members with massive training grants ‘on a scale that has not been offered before.’
“We must recruit new starters into the industry. We rely on new blood coming into Scaffolding to keep this amazing trade going. As well as recruiting new starters it is vital that we address the skills shortages within the Industry and that NASC members continue to train and up-skill their workforce,” Brown said.
The Environment is also something he is very passionate about; he intends to help the NASC fully support and guide the membership on reaching Carbon Net Zero by 2050. The NASC will be providing extensive guidance on this and access to further information before it becomes a core membership criteria in the future.
“Our members don’t just pay for a badge and then buy guidance from elsewhere. NASC members are the leaders in our Industry.”
NASC’s new President made some bold announcements
Bold Words
Besides Brown’s Net Zero goals for members and tackling the industry’s labour shortages, he is extremely passionate about main contractors insisting on only using NASC member companies. And he made a bold announcement at the AGM that some in the wider industry may find controversial.
During his term as President, he is going to fully support the confederation in promoting ‘NASC only’ to all main contractors, clients, local authorities and even the Government.
“Over recent years the criteria from main contractors have changed. ‘NASC Member Companies Only’ used to be the criteria on PQQ documents issued. During my term as President, we need to get back to this”, he said.
“My message to main contractors is simple… “Do you want to employ scaffolding contractors who help produce the industry guidance and set the standard for the scaffolding industry? Do you want to employ the scaffolding contractors who year after year and reducing their accident statistics and improving the industry? Do you want safe and compliant companies working on your projects? Do you want scaffolding companies who are fully audited and who are using materials fully in accordance with NASC product purchasing guidelines?“Only by employing a NASC member company do you get this as a minimum.”
Scaffolders and other workers at Fawley oil refinery have walked out on a two-week strike over poor pay.
Workers at the UK’s biggest oil refinery in Southampton had hoped for a last-minute deal to prevent industrial action.
Members of Unite and the GMB union that include scaffolders, welders, pipefitters, boilermakers and mechanical fitters working on the site are taking part in the strike.
The union said the refinery’s employers had not formally given an offer it could put to its members.
Bryan Hulley, GMB organiser said to the BBC that Altrad, Bilfinger and their client ExxonMobil were “solely responsible for this walkout”.
“Despite the promises that they will make an offer to our members, we are yet to get a formal offer on the table,” he continued.
An ExxonMobil spokesperson said: ”This action involves trade union members employed by contracting companies operating onsite. Operations at Fawley are unaffected and we do not anticipate any impact on fuel supplies to customers.”
The spokesperson for the oil and gas company added that “industrial action is not in anyone’s interest” and urged the trade unions and employers to work together to reach a resolution.
Bilfinger said in a statement it understood the company was one of a group of contractors with employees taking part in the industrial action. “We are working closely with our employees and the unions to resolve this as soon as possible.”
The union says it has also issued notice of a further two weeks of action to follow.
A football-mad scaffolder has shaved his chest and back to show support for England in the World Cup while raising awareness for a mental health charity.
Scaffolder and West Ham fan Alfie Callagher-Roberts, 25, shaved his chest hair into the shape of the St George’s cross and dyed it red ahead of England’s first game on Monday where the Three Lions thrashed Iran 6 – 2.
The PDC Scaffolding Ltd employee aims to visit pubs during the World Cup with his man-sculpted flag proudly on display. There is however a serious side to his antics.
Alfie is hoping to raise awareness of the charity Construction Sport, which aims to tackle the spiralling suicide rates within the industry by using exercise as a vehicle to get men to open up about their feelings.
Credit: guardian-series.co.uk
Speaking to the Guardian Alfie said: “Football’s definitely coming home. But if it doesn’t, we’re going to have a good time hoping it does. It started out as a joke before and it is a bit of fun, but I am hoping to raise awareness of mental health issues in construction.”
His boss Paul Casey, who owns Essex-based PDC Scaffolding, is a major sponsor of the charity and they often take each other on in five-a-side football matches.
The charity was set up by groundworker Steve Kerslake, who wants to change the way the industry deals with the mental health of its workers.
Government figures show there is a higher rate of suicide among men working in construction than any other industry – at an alarming rate of almost two suicides per working day.
“I want to raise awareness that there are charities out there that people can talk to and encourage people to take up the sport, Alfie said.
Steve found that by introducing a football to a group of construction workers it immediately created a common ground where a conversation could start.
Alfie added: “In scaffolding, we’re in the van together for a long time, we’re all on first-name terms, we know each other, it’s a bit easier to open up.“On construction sites with 50 other blokes, it’s not as easy. Steve’s doing a really good thing to try to change that and I’m trying to help spread that message.“I’ll be watching the games with my top off and going around with Three Lions blaring out of my van as world cup fever starts to take grip.“If someone comes and sees me in the pub with my top off, they might ask what that’s all about and I can tell them. It’s about creating that conversation, like what Steve is doing.”You can follow Alfie’s World Cup antics at www.tiktok.com/@thefurryfootballfan.Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/world-cup-antics-fund? to donate to his cause.
Some of the best, and most respected scaffolding firms and members of the scaffolding and access community came together to celebrate in London on Friday for the NASC Annual Ball & Awards 2022.
The highly anticipated event was to date the largest-ever annual black-tie Awards and Ball for the national scaffolding trade body.
More than 740 guests converged in the capital at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel to celebrate the very best the UK scaffolding and access industry has to offer.
A drinks reception awaited guests on arrival to this year’s event which focused on its core event theme of ‘Think Sustainability’ in line with one of the NASC’s objectives under newly appointed NASC President David Brown.
Drinks were followed by a fine-dining three-course meal and live music.
Those in attendance were thoroughly entertained by online viral sensation, Troy Hawke who took up the Master of Ceremonies duty for the evening. However, guests were bowled over and amazed by the surprise appearance of TV megastar and award-winning children’s novelist, David Walliams who hosted the Awards.
NASC Award Winners & Runners-up
Apprentice of the Year
1 Louie Peebles – JMAC Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
2 Trenai Munnings – Lyndon SGB by BrandSafway (UK) (Runner-up)
Health & Safety (Small)
1 Shield Services Group (Winner)
2 MR Scaffolding Services Ltd (Runner-up)
Health & Safety (Large)
1 KAEFER UK & Ireland Ltd (Winner)
2 Connect Scaffolding Ltd (Runner-up)
Innovation of the Year
1 Layher Ltd (UK) – TwixBeam (Winner)
2 PERI – EVOTOP (Runner-up)
President’s Award
1 GKR Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
2 JFE Attridge Scaffolding Services Co Ltd (Runner-up)
Project of the Year (Small)
1 INFRASTRUCTURE SITE SERVICES LIMITED – Swaith Viaduct Refurbishment, Barnsley
2 Shield Services Group – Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr TydfilProject of the Year (Medium)
1 JDC Scaffolding – Annexe Building, Smithfield
2 Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Limited – Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen
Project of the Year (Large)
1 PHD Access – HMS Victory, Portsmouth
2 Enigma Industrial Services Ltd – Cameron House Restoration, Loch LomondActing NASC Managing Director, Dave Mosley, said: “It’s been another fantastic NASC Ball and Awards. The event grows year on year and has been established as a real highlight in the scaffolding and access industry calendar. A big thanks to all those involved in organising this event, with a special mention to event organiser (& NASC Membership Manager), Jamie McGuire who has had to oversee each aspect of this very special occasion.
“Congratulations to the winners, runners-up and indeed all those nominated for an award this year, the standard as always was incredibly high – which is what the NASC is all about of course. It’s an excellent way of giving recognition to everybody’s hard work, it is something to be proud of and can only enhance their reputations and credibility with the wider industry.”
The TRAD Group has presented a cheque for £35,000 to Anthony Nolan, the Group’s chosen charity for 2022 in memory of the late John Paterson.
Having originally set a target of ‘£22k for 2022’, the company has been delighted by the generosity of its workforce, customers, suppliers and others in the industry, taking the total to well over that target.
This year’s charity campaign has been in memory of John Paterson, a much-loved figure within the industry, and a director at TRAD for many years. John and his wife Jane were supported by Anthony Nolan when John was ill, and have been involved with many of TRAD’s fundraising events.
Anthony Nolan is the charity that makes lifesaving connections between people with blood cancer and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells. Alongside this they also fund ground-breaking research, and provide the best post-transplant care – something that can make a huge difference to the lives of those living with blood cancers and disorders. The best donors are aged 16-30, and young men are really needed to come forward as they only make up 18% of the register but provide 55% of the stem cell donation. TRAD’s fundraising will help the Trust to recruit new donors and support families.
“We rely on fundraising to help us with all the important work we do – from research to family support,” said Bianca Joyce (Head of Corporate Partnerships) from Anthony Nolan.
“We are delighted with this exceptional fundraising from TRAD Group, which will make a real difference to our work, and shows how highly regarded John was among his friends and colleagues.”
TRAD organised a number of key fundraising events, including the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, the Great North Run and a golf day at Gleneagles – John’s home club. Alongside these events, all TRAD’s depots and offices organised ongoing fundraising events to help beat the target.
“John was such a personality in TRAD and in the wider industry,” said Des Moore, CEO at TRAD Group.
“He is still sorely missed in the company and we all have stories and happy memories of our time with him. It has been an honour to spend this year supporting Jane and fundraising for the charity that gave them both so much help. I want to thank all the TRAD teams, customers, suppliers and others who so generously donated to our campaign this year.”“Anthony Nolan supported John and I through our toughest times,” commented Jane Paterson. “It has meant so much to me and our families that TRAD has raised so much money in his memory. He would be bowled over by the kind words, support and fundraising from all his friends at TRAD, and I can’t thank them enough.”
With the 2022 NASC Ball & Awards just around the corner, we look at who is up for a possible award at the highly anticipated event in London.
The huge annual scaffolding event which is taking place at Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel, London on Friday 18 November showcases the very best scaffolding projects, processes, products and personnel.
After weeks of careful consideration by the NASC Awards judging panel, comprising experienced construction industry professionals, the shortlist for this year’s NASC Awards has been confirmed.
NASC Awards Shortlist
Apprentice of the Year
Louie Peebles (JMAC Scaffolding Ltd)
Lee Benson (Lyndon SGB)
Trenai Munnings (Lyndon SGB)
Mason Gill (SRK Scaffolding Ltd)
Health and Safety (Large)
Actavo UK Ltd
Bilfinger UK Ltd
Connect Scaffolding Ltd
KAEFER Ltd
Health and Safety (Small)
Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd
MR Scaffolding Services Ltd
Shield Services Group Ltd
Innovation of the Year
Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd – Benchmark App
Layher Ltd – Twix Beam
Lyndon SGB – QuickDeck
PERI Ltd – Evotop
NASC President’s Award (this year celebrating members’ sustainability and environmental achievements)
GKR Scaffolding Ltd
JFE Attridge & Sons Ltd
Liddiard Scaffolding Ltd
Tubes Scaffolding Ltd
Project of the Year (Large)
Bilfinger UK (Claymore CAP)
Enigma Industrial Services Ltd (Cameron House, Loch Lomond)
KAEFER Ltd (Hinkley Point C)
PHD Modular Access Ltd (HMS Victory, Portsmouth)
Project of the Year (Medium)
Apex Scaffolding (Exeter) Ltd (Wheal Betsy, Mary Tavy)
Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd (Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen)
Connolly Scaffolding Ltd (The Printworks, Manchester)
JDC Scaffolding (Annexe Building, Smithfield)
Project of the Year (Small)
Infrastructure Site Services Ltd (Swaithe Viaduct Refurbishment)
Shield Services Group Ltd (Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil)
SAY Scaffolding (Northern) Ltd (Hull Maritime Museum)
TR Scaffolding (Bristol) Ltd (M5, J11 Golden Valley)
Over the years, Dave has attended regular meetings and taken part in several working groups. There are a number of working parties looking to raise scaffolding standards and set minimum requirements for the European sector.
Dave Mosley said: “ I am very proud to have been appointed as Vice President of UEG and would like to thank the members for voting for me.
NASC has been involved with the federation almost from the beginning, it is essential that our voice is heard during the discussions that take place in Europe, as they could have serious consequences upon standards regarding materials, labour, training and other aspects of the scaffolding industry back in the UK.
Over the years, we have met some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced industry representatives via UEG and made some great friends and allies. Not every member will have the same opinion on a particular subject but through discussion we can usually reach a consensus, which will help to move us collectively in the right direction.” 
Over the years, Dave has attended regular meetings and taken part in several working groups. There are a number of working parties looking to raise scaffolding standards and set minimum requirements for the European sector.
Dave Mosley said: “ I am very proud to have been appointed as Vice President of UEG and would like to thank the members for voting for me.
NASC has been involved with the federation almost from the beginning, it is essential that our voice is heard during the discussions that take place in Europe, as they could have serious consequences upon standards regarding materials, labour, training and other aspects of the scaffolding industry back in the UK.
Over the years, we have met some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced industry representatives via UEG and made some great friends and allies. Not every member will have the same opinion on a particular subject but through discussion we can usually reach a consensus, which will help to move us collectively in the right direction.” 
This allowed contractors to make the building safe, clean the external masonry, replace internal timbers, replace the roof coverings and alter the internal layout.
The NASC said: “The project highlighted JDC’s design capabilities and the depth of its engineering knowledge. The design development was an intense process and carried out in difficult communication circumstances during a pandemic.”
Sam Sufferin, SHEQ Advisor for McLaughlin & Harvey added: “JDC has demonstrated excellent standards of safety performance throughout their time on the COL Annexe project to date. On what is an extremely intricate site, they have designed, constructed and maintained complex scaffolding systems with H&S at the forefront.”
Phil Welham, Business Development Director at JDC Scaffolding said: “JDC Scaffolding were proud to receive the Project of the Year (Medium) award at the NASC Awards. We were up against some unbelievably tough opposition, but the judges thought that our submission, for this technically challenging project, was worthy of the award.
Our very strong and loyal team have stuck together, with hard work and self-belief it is amazing what you can achieve.” 
Acting NASC Managing Director, Dave Mosley, said: “It’s been another fantastic NASC Ball and Awards. The event grows year on year and has been established as a real highlight in the scaffolding and access industry calendar. A big thanks to all those involved in organising this event, with a special mention to event organiser (& NASC Membership Manager), Jamie McGuire who has had to oversee each aspect of this very special occasion.
“Congratulations to the winners, runners-up and indeed all those nominated for an award this year, the standard as always was incredibly high – which is what the NASC is all about of course. It’s an excellent way of giving recognition to everybody’s hard work, it is something to be proud of and can only enhance their reputations and credibility with the wider industry.” 
1 Louie Peebles – JMAC Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
2 Trenai Munnings – Lyndon SGB by BrandSafway (UK) (Runner-up)
Health & Safety (Small)
1 Shield Services Group (Winner)
2 MR Scaffolding Services Ltd (Runner-up)
Health & Safety (Large)
1 KAEFER UK & Ireland Ltd (Winner)
2 Connect Scaffolding Ltd (Runner-up)
Innovation of the Year
1 Layher Ltd (UK) – TwixBeam (Winner)
2 PERI – EVOTOP (Runner-up)
President’s Award
1 GKR Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
2 JFE Attridge Scaffolding Services Co Ltd (Runner-up)
Project of the Year (Small)
1 INFRASTRUCTURE SITE SERVICES LIMITED – Swaith Viaduct Refurbishment, Barnsley
2 Shield Services Group – Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil
Project of the Year (Medium)
1 JDC Scaffolding – Annexe Building, Smithfield
2 Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Limited – Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen
Project of the Year (Large)
1 PHD Access – HMS Victory, Portsmouth
2 Enigma Industrial Services Ltd – Cameron House Restoration, Loch Lomond
Acting NASC Managing Director, Dave Mosley, said: “It’s been another fantastic NASC Ball and Awards. The event grows year on year and has been established as a real highlight in the scaffolding and access industry calendar. A big thanks to all those involved in organising this event, with a special mention to event organiser (& NASC Membership Manager), Jamie McGuire who has had to oversee each aspect of this very special occasion.
“Congratulations to the winners, runners-up and indeed all those nominated for an award this year, the standard as always was incredibly high – which is what the NASC is all about of course. It’s an excellent way of giving recognition to everybody’s hard work, it is something to be proud of and can only enhance their reputations and credibility with the wider industry.” 
