SafeWork NSW Targets Scaffold Safety in Major Crackdown

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SafeWork NSW Targets Scaffold Safety in Major Crackdown
SafeWork NSW inspectors have kicked off a full-scale inspection blitz on scaffold safety at construction sites across New South Wales, Australia, as part of the new “Scaff Safe 2024” campaign. With Newcastle leading the charge, inspectors are doubling down on dangerous practices, with a zero-tolerance stance that’s already led to a significant rise in on-the-spot fines since 2021. Falls from heights remain the deadliest hazard on NSW building sites, and unsafe scaffolding setups are a big part of the problem. The recent push has already helped halve the number of falls since 2021, but with over 5,200 injuries recorded in the last two years, it’s clear the risks remain high. Injuries range from muscle and ligament damage to severe joint trauma, adding weight to the need for safer scaffolding practices. The top scaffold safety issues SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting include:
  • Workers falling from incomplete or poorly assembled scaffolds or those that have been tampered with by unlicensed trades like bricklayers or painters;
  • People standing on scaffold rails or using makeshift platforms to reach higher, leading to preventable falls;
  • Scaffold collapses due to incorrect setup, overloading, or old, rusted parts;
  • Equipment or debris falling and hitting those below;
  • Scaffolds being struck by vehicles or cranes on-site; and
  • Injuries sustained by scaffolders during unsafe setup or dismantling.
Inspectors are meeting with site supervisors and contractors, ensuring each project has a scaffold safety plan from the ground up.
“Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk.”
The campaign’s strict stance means that, from now on, contractors who skip on scaffold safety can expect penalties on the spot – with fines up to $900 for individuals and $4,500 for companies. Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said, “It’s essential that all scaffolds are built right, with the biggest risks being falls, collapses, and falls of components. Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk. We want all workers going home safe to their families.” Newcastle’s State Member Tim Crakanthorp echoed the urgency, “There’s a reason scaffold safety is front and center. Falls from heights are among the most frequent, and serious, injuries we see. We’re proud to help keep workers safe.” To support safer practices, SafeWork NSW has made additional resources available for contractors and scaffolders, covering essential do’s and don’ts of scaffold setup and maintenance. For more details, you can check SafeWork NSW’s site here.

HAKI Reports Organic Growth and Stronger Margins

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HAKI Reports Organic Growth and Stronger Margins
HAKI Safety AB, a Swedish scaffolding and safety solutions firm, has posted positive results for the third quarter of 2024, showing organic growth and improved profitability. The company’s net sales rose by 1 per cent to SEK 253 million (£18.6 million), with a 13 per cent boost from organic sales. However, divestments and exchange rate fluctuations partially offset this, which negatively impacted overall revenue. Operating profit for the quarter climbed to SEK 25 million (£1.8 million), an increase from SEK 18 million last year. Adjusted EBITA also more than doubled, reaching SEK 18 million (£1.3 million). Net profit after tax stood at SEK 16 million (£1.2 million), up from SEK 10 million in the same period of 2023. Sverker Lindberg, President and CEO of HAKI Safety, described the performance as a result of operational efficiencies, despite headwinds from divestments and a volatile market. “Our focus on organic growth has paid off, and we’re encouraged by our improved margins,” he said.

Year-to-date performance subdued

Despite the strong quarterly results, HAKI’s performance from January to September saw net sales fall 17 per cent to SEK 758 million (£55.8 million). The company attributed this to divestments and an 8 per cent organic decline. However, gross margins improved to 35.7 per cent from 33.5 per cent last year, reflecting efforts to tighten operational controls. The company’s equity/assets ratio remained solid at 48 per cent, while net debt was reduced to SEK 312 million (£23 million) from SEK 333 million in 2023. HAKI also confirmed a second dividend payment of SEK 0.45 (£0.03) per share, set for November 2024. The firm, which specialises in scaffolding systems and workplace safety products, is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Small Cap and remains a key player in ensuring safe working environments across industries.

Apollo Cradles Warns of Further Issues with Knock-off X-Beams

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Apollo Cradles Warns of Further Issues with Knock-off X-Beams
Apollo Cradles Limited has issued a fresh warning to the scaffolding industry regarding the continued presence of counterfeit X-Beams circulating in the market. In a recent LinkedIn post, Mark Holmes, Manager of Apollo Scaffold Services, shared a letter highlighting the dangers that arise when companies purchase and use imitation X-Beams. According to Apollo, the offending X-Beams were purchased from a company that either manufactured or imported copies of their patented product. Apollo holds the intellectual property rights for X-Beams and remains the only authorised producer and distributor, whether through direct sales or their official dealer network. Holmes expressed deep concern about the ongoing problem, reminding the industry of the serious risks posed by these knock-off beams, which have previously been found to fail critical safety standards. “If you suspect you have any copy X-Beams,” Holmes urges, “please contact us immediately.” Apollo’s latest correspondence is part of a broader effort to enforce their intellectual property rights and ensure that any counterfeit products are removed from the market. The company has been issuing cease-and-desist letters to offending suppliers and manufacturers, warning of potential legal action if the situation is not resolved. The consequences of using these substandard X-Beams could be catastrophic, both in terms of safety and liability for businesses. Structural testing has already revealed significant flaws in counterfeit beams, raising concerns about their ability to hold up under real-world conditions on job sites. As Holmes pointed out, it’s a question of legality and safety. The industry must remain vigilant to prevent these dangerous products from entering scaffolding systems across the country. Apollo has provided contact details for those who suspect they may have purchased these imitation beams and is actively encouraging companies to come forward with information about the suppliers involved. Contact Information:

PERI Delivers Hands-On Training to Laing O’Rourke’s Temporary Works Teams

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PERI Delivers Hands-On Training to Laing O’Rourke’s Temporary Works Teams
In a move aimed at boosting on-site safety and practical knowledge, PERI recently hosted a hands-on training workshop for Laing O’Rourke’s engineers and temporary works designers. This marked the first time the formwork and scaffolding specialist delivered its product awareness training to Laing O’Rourke, one of the UK’s leading construction companies. The one-day workshop, held at PERI’s training facility in Brentwood, was designed to help participants get a deeper understanding of the formwork and scaffolding systems they work with on a daily basis. Combining theory with practical exercises, the session focused on making sure attendees could confidently handle, assemble, and inspect key systems used in temporary works.

A Focus on Practical Learning

Led by PERI’s Field Services Manager and a team of experienced scaffolding instructors, the workshop covered several key areas:
  • Participants assembled two types of PERI system scaffolds: a birdcage scaffold and a stair tower
  • They inspected a tube and fitting structure to learn how to identify potential issues
  • They installed the SKYDECK system, gaining valuable hands-on experience with decking
  • A full walkaround of PERI’s products helped them understand how different solutions are used in real-world applications
  • The group also learned how to reference drawings correctly, spot deviations, and ensure safe practices
The session catered to engineers and temporary works designers at different stages of their careers, reinforcing the importance of continuous development across all levels. The practical experience was especially useful for those who are responsible for checking temporary works on-site, ensuring everything is safe before crucial activities like concrete pours.

Bridging the Gap Between the Office and the Site

Terry Hall, PERI UK’s Field Services Manager, emphasized the importance of hands-on training. “A lot of engineers only have classroom-based learning or experience with 3D drawings. It’s critical for them to see and handle the actual materials and equipment they’ll come across on projects. This training helps bridge that gap,” he explained. The benefits were clear for Laing O’Rourke’s team. Anu Adeyemi, a Graduate Engineer at Laing O’Rourke, said, “My role involves carrying out temporary works checks, and this workshop really helped simplify the terms and system components you come across on-site. Everything was broken down in a way that makes it much easier to understand.” Terry Hall added, “When you see real-life issues on-site—like deviations from drawings or improper practices—you gain a much better understanding of how to ensure safety and quality. That’s why this practical experience is so valuable.” This session marks a significant step in what’s likely to be an ongoing collaboration between PERI and Laing O’Rourke, with both companies committed to raising the bar on site safety and efficiency through tailored training initiatives. For more information about PERI’s training programmes, visit PERI UK.

Hong Kong Tightens Bamboo Scaffolding Safety Rules

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Hong Kong Tightens Bamboo Scaffolding Safety Rules
Hong Kong, one of the few places in the world still using bamboo scaffolding on modern construction sites, is stepping up safety standards. A new set of regulations designed to improve worker safety will take effect on October 19th, marking a significant shift in how the traditional craft is managed on construction projects. The updated Code of Practice (CoP) for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety introduces stricter guidelines for how bamboo scaffolds are built, maintained, and inspected. Key changes include tougher requirements for bracings and putlogs, more detailed supervision procedures, and mandatory certifications for workers handling the scaffolding. The Labour Department in Hong Kong is taking a no-nonsense approach to enforcing these new rules. Violators face immediate penalties, from project shutdowns to legal action. For months, the construction industry has been preparing for the shift, with a six-month grace period granted to help companies get up to speed. During this time, the Labour Department rolled out extensive training and public awareness campaigns to ensure that everyone in the industry is ready for the new regulations.

A Unique Tradition Under the Spotlight

Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong, where it’s still used on everything from high-rise towers to residential buildings. This ancient technique, admired for its strength, flexibility, and eco-friendly properties, has been part of the city’s skyline for generations. Despite its traditional roots, it remains a crucial part of Hong Kong’s modern construction industry. While many other regions have moved to steel scaffolding, Hong Kong continues to embrace bamboo—blending old-world craftsmanship with modern engineering. However, the risks involved in working with bamboo, especially at great heights, have driven the need for these updated safety standards.

Liverpool Scaffolder’s Sports Nutrition Brand Set for £400m City Float

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Liverpool Scaffolder’s Sports Nutrition Brand Set for £400m City Float
A protein powder company founded by a scaffolder from Liverpool is set to make waves on the London stock market, aiming for a staggering £400 million valuation. Thomas Ryder, the founder of Applied Nutrition, established the sports health brand after starting his career as a scaffolder on a Liverpool council estate. Now, his company is gearing up for a significant listing in London, a move seen as a major vote of confidence in the brand and its future growth. Applied Nutrition, based in Knowsley, Liverpool, will offer shares priced between 136p and 160p each, placing the firm’s potential worth between £340 million and £400 million. As part of the listing, four prominent North West entrepreneurs will invest £25 million in shares, with Mohsin Issa, co-owner of supermarket giant Asda, as one of the cornerstone investors. Ryder, 40, holds a 53.5% stake in the company, valued at up to £214 million. Despite his impressive entrepreneurial journey, Ryder’s beginnings were humble. Raised by his grandparents on a council house in Kirkby, he left school at 16 to pursue work in scaffolding. Now a father of four, Ryder’s story is one of determination and business acumen, with his company positioned to become a major player in the sports nutrition market. The company has also attracted significant backing from major figures in business. Earlier this year, Andy Bell, founder of broker AJ Bell, joined Applied Nutrition as chairman, further solidifying the brand’s credibility. Ryder’s venture has also garnered interest from former JD Sports boss Peter Cowgill, showcasing the strong appeal of the business among heavyweight investors. Applied Nutrition’s rise to prominence from its industrial park headquarters in Knowsley to the London Stock Exchange is an inspiring example of how ambition, grit, and vision can lead to extraordinary success.

M R Scaffolding Services Ltd Marks 50 Years in Business

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M R Scaffolding Services Ltd Marks 50 Years in Business
M R Scaffolding Services Ltd, a prominent scaffolding contractor in London and South-East England, is marking its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating five decades of service and growth in the industry.  Founded in 1974 by brothers John and Michael Trayfoot, the company has grown from a small, family-run business to one of the region’s leading providers of commercial scaffolding solutions. Still family-owned, the business is now led by the second generation, with John Trayfoot Jr and Matthew Trayfoot at the helm. They are supported by a strong leadership team, including Operations Director Lee Southam and Non-Executive Director Des Moore, both of whom have played a key role in ensuring the company maintains its reputation for high-quality work and a steadfast commitment to safety.

Landmark Projects and High-Profile Achievements

Reflecting on the company’s journey, M R Scaffolding has been involved in several landmark projects over the years. Among its portfolio of high-profile work are projects such as the George Washington Bridge in New York, a significant undertaking that showcased the firm’s capacity to handle complex international projects.  Closer to home, their work on the iconic HMS Belfast and Claridge’s Hotel, featured in the BBC documentary The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild, underlines their precision and expertise. Their role in major construction efforts, like the Portsoken Street development, one of the largest design and build projects in Europe, and their collaboration with global companies such as GSK, further highlights their range and reliability. In addition to its impressive project history, M R Scaffolding has garnered industry recognition for its health and safety performance. The company has won several accolades, including the City of London Considerate Contractor Scheme Gold Award in 2017 and 2020, and the NASC Runner Up Health & Safety Award in 2022.  In 2018, they were also named Health & Safety Subcontractor of the Year by Willmott Dixon. These awards reflect M R Scaffolding’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all its operations. In its 50th year, M R Scaffolding is celebrating another set of achievements, having recently secured ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 accreditations, underlining the company’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and occupational health and safety. Additionally, the firm achieved carbon-neutral status for its scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023, a significant step in its efforts to minimise its environmental impact. As well as focusing on its business goals, M R Scaffolding continues to play an active role in its local community. Its annual Golf Day raises money for Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon, where Managing Director John Trayfoot serves as a Board Trustee. The company is also a supporter of initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, including the DIVERT scheme, the Bounce Back Project, and the Returning Citizens programme, which helps former offenders reintegrate into society through work placements.

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, M R Scaffolding is investing in the latest technology to improve both safety and efficiency across its projects. The company is adopting the Layher System Scaffold, a cutting-edge scaffolding system that is expected to provide enhanced safety features and cost-effective solutions for clients. As M R Scaffolding celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains committed to upholding its core values of professionalism, reliability, and quality. With a strong team and a forward-thinking approach, the Trayfoot family and their leadership team are poised to continue their legacy of excellence for many years to come. Here’s to the next 50 years of success for M R Scaffolding Services Ltd.

ScaffEx24 Announces Two New Keynote Speakers

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ScaffEx24 Announces Two New Keynote Speakers
ScaffEx24, one of the leading events for the scaffolding and construction industry, has announced the addition of two new keynote speakers for its upcoming conference.  James Butcher, Executive Director of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), and David Abraham, Founder of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, will be delivering speeches at the event, which is set to take place in Belfast on 29 November 2024. The free-to-attend conference considered a key date in the industry’s calendar, brings together professionals from across the scaffolding and construction sectors. This year’s event will offer attendees insights from leading experts who will discuss the latest innovations and strategies shaping the future of the industry.

New Additions to the Speaker Lineup

James Butcher, in his role as Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the NFB, is responsible for helping construction firms improve their performance and navigate the industry’s evolving challenges. His participation in ScaffEx24’s “Meet the Buyer” session will focus on procurement, risk management, and fostering strong contractor-client relationships. David Abraham, who has spent over four decades in the scaffolding industry, will speak in the Training section of the conference. As the founder of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, Abraham has become a well-known figure in scaffolding safety and skills development. His speech will highlight the importance of safety training and the need for high standards in workforce development.

An Impressive Lineup of Speakers

Butcher and Abraham join an already strong lineup of speakers confirmed for ScaffEx24, which includes several prominent figures in the scaffolding and construction industries:
  • Suzannah Nichol, CEO of Build UK
  • Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
  • Dr Yasuo Toyosawa, President of the Scaffolding & Construction Equipment Association of Japan (SCEA)
  • Julio Black, Head of Product & Marketing, AT-PAC
  • Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding
  • Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB Northern Ireland
The event is expected to attract a wide audience of industry professionals, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exploring the latest trends and technologies in scaffolding and construction.

A Key Event for the Industry

With a range of expert speakers and sessions covering topics from procurement to training and safety, ScaffEx24 is set to be one of the most significant events for the scaffolding and construction sectors in 2024. For more information and to register, visit ScaffEx24.com.

BrandSafway Appoints Gabriel McCabe to Lead the Company Into 2025

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BrandSafway Appoints Gabriel McCabe to Lead the Company Into 2025

BrandSafway, a global leader in access and speciality services, has announced Gabriel McCabe’s appointment as its new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. 

The announcement follows the planned retirement of current CEO Karl Fessenden, who will step down at the end of 2024 after successfully leading the company through a period of substantial growth. McCabe, who is currently serving as President of BrandSafway’s North America division, will work closely with Fessenden on a transition plan before officially assuming his new role.  With a decade of leadership experience at BrandSafway, McCabe has previously held several senior positions, including President of the Industrial, Energy & Commercial Division, International Division President, and Forming & Shoring.  Before joining BrandSafway, McCabe spent over 22 years in global operational and management roles at General Electric. The company’s board, chaired by John Krenicki, expressed full confidence in McCabe’s leadership capabilities. Krenicki highlighted McCabe’s focus on safety, operational excellence, and his ability to align with BrandSafway’s strategic goals as essential to maintaining the company’s market leadership. “We are grateful to Karl Fessenden for his exceptional leadership and dedication, which has helped establish a solid foundation for the company’s future,” Krenicki added. Incoming CEO McCabe emphasised his commitment to continuing BrandSafway’s long-standing tradition of safety and innovation. “I am honoured to lead BrandSafway through the next chapter of our journey,” McCabe said.  “We will continue to build solutions, create exciting career paths for our teams, and lead with innovation across the industry. I am thankful for Karl’s mentorship and the strong foundation he has built.” BrandSafway, which serves industrial, commercial, and infrastructure markets worldwide, has a history spanning over 100 years. The company remains committed to driving growth and maintaining its leadership in the sector under McCabe’s direction.

Scafom-rux to Partner with Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork for Middle East Market Entry

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Scafom-rux to Partner with Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork for Middle East Market Entry

In a move that promises to reshape the Scaffolding and Formwork landscape across the Middle East and beyond, Scafom-rux, a Global Scaffolding giant, has announced a strategic partnership with Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork.

Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork, headquartered in Dubai, has established itself as the fastest-growing Scaffolding & Formwork provider in the Middle East and India. In just three years, the company has expanded from a single location in Dubai to 12 strategic sites across 5 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and India. With a fleet of high-grade galvanised access materials and state-of-the-art Aluminium Forming and Shoring Solutions, Kirtanlal has built a reputation of having a Zero-Compromise approach to Safety, Quality and Services. “Our growth has been rapid, controlled and always grounded in quality,” said Charles Edwards, CEO of Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork. “This partnership with Scafom-rux aligns with our commitment to market leading safety, services and product excellence.”

Scafom-rux: A Global Leader in Innovation

With over 45 years of experience, Scafom-rux is a Global powerhouse in Scaffolding, Forming and Shoring Solutions, operating in 35 locations across 20 countries. Known for its innovative Cuplok, Duralok, and Ring Scaffolding systems, Scafom-rux has built a strong reputation for developing cutting-edge Scaffolding, Forming, and Shoring technologies. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our presence in the Middle East and India, while working with a company that shares our commitment to quality and innovation,” commented Paul Grant Operations Director at Scafom-rux Middle East. 

Strengthening Regional Presence and Global Ambitions

For Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork, the partnership with Scafom-rux offers more than just a broader base of product lines. It marks the next step in their ambitious Global expansion plans. By leveraging Scafom-rux’s extensive expertise and international presence, Kirtanlal aims to expand its footprint further into Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. “Our aspirations are Global,” Edwards noted. “With Scafom-rux, we’re not just looking at strengthening our position in the Middle East but expanding into key international markets.” Kirtanlal’s rapid rise has been underpinned by significant investments in its material fleet, growing from US$ 20 million to over US$ 100 million in just three years. The company is currently investing over US$ 3 million per month in its rental fleet to meet increasing regional demand and ongoing expansion plans. John Brocklehurst Global Business Development Director of Scafom-Rux, highlighted the importance of this commitment to quality. “Kirtanlal’s focus isn’t just on price—it’s about doing things the right way and not cutting corners. That’s why we’re so excited to be partnering with them.” Through this collaboration, Kirtanlal Scaffolding & Formwork will be able to offer Scafom-rux’s complete product range across its operations in the Middle East and India. Customers in these regions will benefit from immediate access to a broader portfolio of Scaffolding and Formwork products supported by Kirtanlal’s reputation and existing infrastructure. “This is a win-win for both companies,” Brocklehurst stated. “We’re combining our core strengths to offer the highest quality solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
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