In Pictures: Scaffold teams complete west phase of Tyne Bridge restoration

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In Pictures: Scaffold teams complete west phase of Tyne Bridge restoration

Scaffolders from Infrastructure Site Services Ltd and Final Seal – Shrink Wrap Specialists have completed another key stage of the Tyne Bridge restoration project.

After finishing the west up-and-over scaffold last week, the teams battled through poor weather to install the containment sheeting and apply the final shrink wrap seal — marking a major milestone in the project.

The structure is now fully enclosed and ready for blasting to begin. The achievement follows months of strengthening work on the bridge’s hangars and road deck, essential to support the extensive scaffolding installation.

With the west side now complete, attention turns to the east side, where crews will soon begin erecting scaffolding across the remaining section of the bridge — aiming to showcase the entire road deck fully scaffolded and contained.

Meanwhile, big changes are also on the horizon for the Newcastle Quayside scaffold, with updates expected soon.

(Photos courtesy of Infrastructure Site Services Ltd and Final Seal – Shrink Wrap Specialists.)

Construction firms invited to inspire next generation through Open Doors 2026

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Construction firms invited to inspire next generation through Open Doors 2026
Construction businesses across the UK are being encouraged to open their doors to the public next spring, as registration officially opens today for Open Doors 2026. The initiative, led by Build UK in partnership with the CITB and CSCS, invites companies to host behind-the-scenes tours of their sites, offices, manufacturing facilities and training centres between 23 and 28 March 2026. Organisers hope to build on the success of this year’s event, which welcomed a record 7,000 visitors across more than 260 sites in March 2025. The scheme aims to showcase the range of careers available in construction and help address the industry’s growing skills shortage. According to CITB’s latest Construction Workforce Outlook, around 50,000 additional workers will be needed each year to meet government targets for new housing, infrastructure and maintenance. “A fantastic 88% of visitors to Open Doors 2025 said they’d be more likely to consider a career in construction after their visit,” said Tamsin Parkes, Project Manager at Build UK. She added that the programme offers a powerful way for people to “see first-hand the wide range of roles available” and meet “the talented teams building the world around us.” The CITB will once again participate, opening its National Construction College sites at Bircham Newton, Inchinnan, and Erith for pre-booked visits. Deb Madden, Executive Director of Customer Engagement and Operations at CITB, said: “Open Doors is a great opportunity for our future workforce to go behind the scenes of real construction sites and see the teamwork and collaboration that happens on site. We’re encouraging companies of all sizes, including SMEs, to take part and show the real face of our industry.” Open Doors has become a flagship event for promoting construction careers to young people, parents, and career changers. Participating projects next year will range from housing developments to skyscrapers, with opportunities to see both on-site and off-site roles in action. Construction firms can now sign up to host an event by visiting opendoors.construction

Turkish firm URTIM plays key role in record-breaking LNG project

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Turkish firm URTIM plays key role in record-breaking LNG project
Turkish engineering firm URTIM has played a key role in the construction of what is being described as the world’s largest floating LNG tank. The structure, built in the Arctic region, weighs 480,000 tonnes and covers an area the size of six football fields. It stands on 121 steel legs, each able to support loads ranging from 55 to 200 tonnes. URTIM supplied a specially designed hybrid scaffolding system for the reinforced concrete works, developed over a three-year research and development programme. The company said the system allowed different phases of construction to overlap, saving time, labour, and costs. The hybrid system made it possible to begin membrane application immediately after the first concrete pour without dismantling the scaffolding – a process that would normally require extensive reassembly. URTIM also provided heavy-duty scaffolds, stair towers and auxiliary lifting systems throughout the build. The LNG tank, which measures 330 metres in length, 153 metres in width and 151 metres in height, is the first of its kind and marks a significant milestone for the global energy and engineering sectors. Serdar Urfalilar, Chairman of URTIM Formwork and Scaffolding Systems Inc., said the project highlighted the firm’s growing international reach. He said URTIM had completed more than 4,000 projects across 70 countries in its 45-year history, working in sectors ranging from shipbuilding and refineries to transport infrastructure and healthcare facilities. URTIM described the LNG tank project as a “source of pride” for its engineers and a demonstration of its ability to compete on a global scale.

Storm Amy set to hit UK with severe winds and rain

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Storm Amy set to hit UK with severe winds and rain
The UK is bracing for Storm Amy, the first named storm of the season, with weather warnings covering the whole country. The Met Office has issued amber and yellow alerts for damaging winds and heavy rain from Friday into Saturday, with the construction sector warned to expect widespread disruption. Northern and western Scotland are expected to see the strongest winds, with gusts of 60–70mph widely forecast and the most exposed coastal and highland areas potentially reaching close to 100mph. The storm could cause power cuts, travel delays, damage to buildings and dangerous conditions on site. Scaffolding contractors, in particular, are being urged to take extra care, as the risk of falling materials and unsafe structures is heightened by the extreme winds. Workers are also advised to plan for site closures and restricted access as conditions worsen. Rail services in northern Scotland will be suspended from Friday evening, while speed restrictions will be introduced across other routes. Ferry crossings to Northern Ireland have been cancelled, and some schools in Northern Ireland are closing early due to safety concerns. The storm has developed in the North Atlantic, fueled by the remnants of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, combined with a strong jet stream. Forecasters say heavy rain will spread eastwards on Friday, raising the risk of localised flooding, while Saturday will remain very windy with stormy conditions in northern Scotland. Storm Amy’s track could shift further south, bringing stronger winds into Scotland’s Central Belt. If it tracks further north, the impacts may be less severe inland, although this currently appears unlikely. Since 2015, storms have been officially named by the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Dutch weather service to raise public awareness of severe weather risks and ensure timely preparation.

Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters

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Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters
The UK construction industry is facing renewed decline, according to the latest Glenigan Construction Index. The report, which reviews project starts in the three months leading up to the end of September 2025, shows that overall activity has fallen sharply, reversing gains seen earlier in the year. Work starting on projects worth less than £100m – regarded as the industry’s “underlying” activity – dropped 16% compared with the previous three months, and remained 15% down on the same period in 2024. The residential building sector was hit hardest, with starts falling by more than a quarter compared to the previous quarter and down 24% from last year. Non-residential work also declined, dropping 9% compared to the preceding three months and 5% year-over-year. There were some areas of growth. Office projects rose by almost a third on the previous quarter and more than doubled on the year. Notable schemes included a £86m revamp of Bush House, the former headquarters of the BBC World Service, and a £59m retrofit of 30 Finsbury Square in the City of London. However, Glenigan’s economic director Allan Wilen said these gains were outweighed by sharp falls in other areas, including health and education. He warned that residential work in particular was being held back by weak buyer confidence and delays linked to Building Safety Regulator approvals. “Encouraging signs in the middle of the year have once more given way to further decline,” he said, adding that the industry would be looking to the government’s autumn budget for support.

Ethiopia church scaffolding collapse kills at least 30

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Ethiopia church scaffolding collapse kills at least 30
At least 30 people have died and more than 200 others have been injured after scaffolding collapsed at a church in central Ethiopia, officials say. The incident occurred early on Thursday at the Arerti Mariam church in Minjar Sheknora, approximately 70km (45 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, during an annual Orthodox Christian celebration of St. Mary. Thousands of worshippers had gathered at the site when the structure gave way. Local police inspector Ahmed Gebeyehu told BBC Amharic that the death toll could rise further, with victims ranging in age from 25 to 80. Rescue operations are continuing, with local authorities reporting that some people remain trapped under the rubble. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as the scaffolding fell. “A large section of the church collapsed – the sound of the wooden structure giving way was loud and terrifying,” one attendee said. Severely injured victims have been transferred to hospitals in Addis Ababa for treatment. In a statement broadcast on state media, the Ethiopian government expressed “deep condolences for the damage caused by the collapse of the scaffolding” and said safety must be prioritised in construction projects. Construction accidents are frequent in Ethiopia, where health and safety regulations are often poorly enforced.

Doka tackles extreme Alpine conditions to build Europe’s energy future

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Doka tackles extreme Alpine conditions to build Europe’s energy future
Specialist formwork company Doka is playing a crucial role in one of Europe’s most challenging renewable energy projects, helping to raise a dam 1,700 metres up in the Austrian Alps under some of the continent’s harshest construction conditions. The Austrian firm has been tasked with providing the technical solutions needed to raise the Wasserfallboden Dam near Kaprun by nine metres – work that must be carried out in sub-zero temperatures, winds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour, and with extraordinary logistical constraints. The project forms part of the €500 million Limberg III pumped-storage power plant, which, when complete in 2027, will add 480 megawatts of flexible capacity to Austria’s electricity grid and provide vital energy storage for Europe’s renewable transition. “This project highlights how Doka solutions contribute to the global energy transition,” says Harald Zulehner, Managing Director of Doka Austria. “Here in Austria’s high-alpine environment, our technology and teams enable safe, efficient and reliable execution – even under the toughest conditions.”

Precision engineering at altitude

Doka, which employs 9,000 people worldwide and operates in over 58 countries, has deployed several of its most advanced systems for the Limberg project. The company’s involvement extends from the dam raise itself to the underground cavern housing the new power plant machinery. For the dam construction, Doka has supplied its D22 dam formwork system, which ensures safe load transfer during concrete pours – critical when working on a structure that will eventually reach nearly 129 metres in height. The Top 50 large-area formwork system enables precise shaping of the curved dam blocks, essential for an arch dam where millimetre-level accuracy is required. Safety has been paramount given the extreme working environment. More than 700 running metres of Doka’s folding platform K have been installed to provide reliable and safe working conditions for construction crews operating at height in challenging weather. At the control centre, 22 tonnes of Ringlock modular scaffolding serve as stair towers and flexible working platforms for installation and assembly work.

Transforming construction timelines

Perhaps most significantly, Doka’s approach has dramatically accelerated what would traditionally be a slow and painstaking process. Through advanced 3D planning, pre-assembly of components before they reach the site, and optimised logistics tailored to the high-alpine location, the company has helped reduce concreting cycles to just three days for approximately 260 cubic metres. This represents a considerable achievement. At 1,700 metres above sea level, every aspect of construction becomes more complex. Materials must be transported up winding mountain roads, equipment must function reliably in freezing conditions, and work schedules must adapt to rapidly changing weather patterns. The scale of Doka’s involvement reflects the technical complexity of the project. VERBUND, Austria’s leading electricity company and the project’s client, specifically sought out the firm’s expertise in dam construction for this flagship energy infrastructure project.

Supporting Europe’s energy transition

The Wasserfallboden Dam raise will increase the reservoir’s storage capacity by 12.7 million cubic metres, bringing the total to nearly 94 million cubic metres. This expansion will provide approximately 30 gigawatt-hours of additional storage – enough to power around 6,000 homes for a year. Pumped-storage power plants like Limberg III work by pumping water uphill to reservoirs during periods of excess renewable generation, then releasing it through turbines when demand peaks. They are crucial for stabilising electricity grids as countries transition away from fossil fuels. The Kaprun power plant group, often dubbed the “battery of the Alps”, already includes two pumped-storage facilities dating from the 1950s and 2011. The new Limberg III facility, commissioned on 12 September, operates independently but draws from the same high-alpine reservoirs. Doka’s work on the project demonstrates how specialist construction technology firms are becoming essential partners in the renewable energy transition. Without the ability to build safely and efficiently in extreme environments, major infrastructure projects like Limberg III would face significant delays or prove economically unviable.

A showcase for advanced construction

The project, being built by Austrian construction firm Swietelsky AG with overall management by PSKW ARGE Limberg III – a partnership between PORR and Marti Tunnel AG – represents one of Austria’s most significant energy infrastructure investments. For Doka, founded over 150 years ago as part of the Umdasch Group, the Limberg project showcases the company’s evolution from a traditional formwork supplier to a provider of integrated construction solutions. The firm’s involvement spans the entire construction process, from initial 3D planning through to on-site technical support. As European nations work to meet climate targets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, projects like Limberg III are becoming increasingly valuable. The raised dam will be completed in 2027, with Doka’s systems in use throughout 2025 and 2026, helping to secure Austria’s position at the forefront of renewable energy storage technology. The success of the project could provide a template for similar high-altitude renewable energy infrastructure across the Alps and other mountain ranges, where pumped storage offers one of the most effective solutions for balancing intermittent wind and solar generation.

Construction leader appointed as new Build UK chair

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Construction leader appointed as new Build UK chair
The chief executive of John Sisk & Son will lead the industry body as it marks its 10th anniversary Build UK, the leading representative body for the UK construction industry, has appointed Paul Brown as its new chair. Mr Brown, who is chief executive of John Sisk & Son, takes over from Julie White, managing director of D-Drill & Sawing, who has led the organisation for the past two years. The appointment was confirmed at Build UK’s annual general meeting, where members also heard from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray MP, who outlined the government’s plans to deliver £725bn of economic and social infrastructure over the next decade. Mr Brown, a civil engineer with more than 25 years of leadership experience, has served as vice chair of Build UK since joining the board in 2022. Speaking after his appointment, he said: “Taking on the role of Build UK chair at such a pivotal time for our industry is a huge privilege. Construction is taking an increasingly integrated approach to infrastructure planning, improving the way we deliver projects, and driving forward the highest standards of building safety.” He added that Build UK had “a vital role to play” in supporting these priorities and said he looked forward to working with members across the supply chain to demonstrate construction’s positive impact on the economy and communities. Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol OBE welcomed the appointment, saying Mr Brown’s “leadership and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead”. She thanked Ms White for her “outstanding contribution” over the past two years and her support in representing the industry since first being elected to the board a decade ago. The organisation has also appointed two new board members: Katy Dowding, President and Chief Executive of Skanska, and Lee Rowswell from GKR Scaffolding. Build UK brings together clients, contractors, trade associations and other organisations committed to industry collaboration to promote the value of construction and drive change across the sector.

Scaffolders urged to check skin for melanoma signs

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Scaffolders urged to check skin for melanoma signs
Campaign uses striking imagery to promote early detection among outdoor workers A new awareness campaign is encouraging scaffolders and other construction workers who spend long periods outdoors to check their skin regularly for signs of melanoma. The Melanoma Fund’s If skin could talk initiative uses bold poster designs featuring tattooed skin appearing to “speak” directly to its owner, delivering warnings about the importance of monthly skin checks. The charity is calling on construction, building, scaffolding and logistics firms to display the posters in staff areas. Each includes a QR code linking to guidance on how to check skin for unusual changes, alongside materials for workplace health and safety briefings.

‘It turned my world upside down’

Dan Haywood, chief executive of Prime Horizon, said his own melanoma diagnosis had been unexpected. “I never imagined melanoma would happen to me, but it did, and it turned my world upside down,” he said. “Skin cancer doesn’t care who you are or how strong you think you are. “If this campaign helps even one colleague spot melanoma early and get treated, it will be worth it. We all need to know what melanoma is, how to spot it, and take five minutes a month to check our skin. It could save your life.”

Fourth most common cancer in men

Melanoma is now the fourth most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 22,000 cases diagnosed each year, according to the Melanoma Fund. Michelle Baker, the charity’s chief executive, said early detection was crucial. “Caught early, most cases can be treated successfully,” she said. “This campaign reaches those most at risk in a direct and practical way, making it impossible to ignore the signs. “If skin could talk, it would be telling us to pay attention, and our campaign gives people the tools to listen. Education, early detection and action save lives.” The campaign materials are available free of charge throughout October and November at melanoma-fund.co.uk/ifskincouldtalk.

ScaffChamp 2026 dates confirmed as registration prepares to open

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ScaffChamp 2026 dates confirmed as registration prepares to open
Registration set to open for prestigious competition as organisers aim for more global participation Organisers have exclusively revealed to Scaffmag that the ScaffChamp international scaffolding championship will return to Vilnius, Lithuania, on 5–6 June 2026. The competition, which brings together elite scaffolding teams from around the world, will once again feature 20 teams competing at the same venue as the previous year’s event. Reigning champions RNDV have already secured their place in the 2026 championship, with organisers now preparing to open registration for the remaining spots.

Global reach

In a bid to expand the competition’s international appeal, organisers have reserved three places specifically for teams from Asia, Africa, and Australia or New Zealand. The reserved spots will remain available until January 2026, with organisers acknowledging the logistical challenges of bringing teams from these regions to Lithuania. “Chile has already shown that nothing is impossible,” organisers said, referencing the South American nation’s participation in previous editions. If no teams from the designated regions apply by the January deadline, the three reserved places will be opened to all competitors without regional restrictions.

Supporting the next generation

As recently reported, one place has been dedicated to a joint team of Scottish and Northern Irish apprentices, forming part of an initiative to encourage young people into the scaffolding profession. The scheme aims to promote interest and motivation among the next generation of scaffolders, providing apprentices with the opportunity to compete on an international stage.

Registration details

In a departure from previous years, registration is set to open tomorrow (1 October) through an application form on the ScaffChamp website, making 15 spots immediately available to teams worldwide. The decision to open registration four months earlier than usual – normally held in January – reflects the organisers’ ambition to attract a more diverse international field and allow teams adequate time to prepare. Since its launch in 2019, the championship has become a premier event in the scaffolding industry, showcasing technical skill, safety practices and teamwork among international competitors. Further details about the competition format and requirements are expected to be released when registration opens.
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