Monthly Scaff Walk launched to support mental health conversations

Daniel Norton
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Monthly Scaff Walk launched to support mental health conversations

The first Scaff Walk will take place at Battersea Park on Sunday 18 October, starting at 9am.

Stuart Didd

Those attending are being asked to meet at the Gate Car Park by the Chelsea Bridge Road roundabout before walking together through the park.

The initiative has been set up by Benchmark Scaffolding Senior Contracts Manager Stuart Didd, who has become increasingly involved in mental health awareness across the construction industry.

Didd said the walk is open to anyone from scaffolding or the wider construction sector who wants to come along, meet others and talk.

“You don’t have to be struggling to come along. Just turn up, walk, talk and be part of it,” he said.

In memory of Wayne ‘Bud’ Didd

The first walk will have particular significance for Didd and his family.

It is being held in memory of his younger brother Wayne, known as Bud, who died unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 29.

Didd said he hopes the event will give people across the trade an informal way to check in with each other and make conversations about mental health easier.

The Battersea event is planned as the first of a series. Scaff Walks will take place every month at different locations, giving people from other areas an opportunity to get involved.

Building on Bud’s Story

The walk builds on mental health work Didd has already been carrying out on construction sites.

Through Bud’s Story, Didd and his cockapoo, also called Bud, have visited sites and offices to speak about his own experiences with mental health and encourage workers to talk when they need support.

Didd has previously explained that the dog’s name honours his younger brother. Benchmark Scaffolding has also used the sessions across its workforce as part of its wider health and wellbeing activity.

The first Scaff Walk takes place on Sunday 18 October at 9am at Battersea Park, London.

Annual construction materials inflation rises to 6.4%

Alex Mercer
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Annual construction materials inflation rises to 6.4%

Annual UK construction materials inflation increased to 6.4% in August, up from 5.9% in July, according to new government figures.

The September building materials and components release, published on 7 October, showed the “all work” materials price index rose 0.4% month on month.

Materials for other new work recorded annual inflation of 7.4%, compared with 5.9% for repair and maintenance and 5.6% for new housing.

Fabricated structural steel prices were 21.2% higher than a year earlier. Concrete reinforcing bars rose 12.5%, while cement prices fell 0.8%.

Separate seasonally adjusted figures for Great Britain showed brick deliveries were 10.1% lower than in August 2025, despite rising 12.6% from July.

Concrete block deliveries increased 5.9% month on month but remained 6.5% below their year-earlier level.

The monthly improvements left both delivery measures short of August 2025 levels.

The figures follow September’s UK Construction PMI, which showed a slower decline in activity but a sharper fall in new work. The index rose to 46.1 from 44.3 in August, remaining below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction.

For scaffolding businesses, the materials release provides wider context on the construction market. It does not measure scaffold equipment prices, hire rates or scaffolding order books.

Decorator given suspended sentence after fatal ladder electrocution

Alex Mercer
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Decorator given suspended sentence after fatal ladder electrocution

HSE said the original plan, a tower scaffold and ladders, was unsafe, and so was the ladders-only method used on the day.

A painter and decorator has been given a suspended prison sentence after his stepson was electrocuted while moving a ladder near an overhead power line at a house near Chester.

Daniel Watton, 50, trading as Inside Out Painters and Decorators Property Maintenance, was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 6 October 2026 following a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

He pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which requires work at height to be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. The court imposed a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay £10,645 in costs.

Connor Lambert, a 24-year-old trainee painter from Market Drayton, died on 29 July 2024 while working at the property in Farndon.

HSE investigators found that Lambert and a colleague had been moving a fully extended ladder at the gable end of the house. The ladder either touched an overhead power line or came close enough for electricity to arc across the gap.

Lambert was killed. His colleague suffered burns to his hands, feet and stomach.

Plan changed on site

The original plan was to use a tower scaffold and ladders to paint the exterior, including an area with a glass canopy. HSE found that arrangement unsuitable.

In practice, the work departed from the plan and ladders were used throughout. Watton approved that method, which HSE said was “also unsuitable and unsafe”.

The investigation found the work had not been properly planned, supervised or carried out safely, and that the risks from the overhead power line had not been adequately assessed. Investigators also identified shortcomings in the training and competence of those doing the work.

“He had the cheekiest grin”

Lambert’s partner, Megan McCann, said: “Connor was amazing. He had the cheekiest grin and would light up any room he was in.”

His father, Craig West, said: “This experience has changed me, my emotions, my temperament and my outlook on life.”

HSE inspector Keeley Eves said: “This tragic incident meant a father never got to meet and hold his baby daughter. The fact it could and should have been prevented with proper planning and control measures makes it all the more stark.

“Work at height and work near overhead power lines are both high-risk activities. Employers must ensure that suitable equipment is selected, risks are fully assessed, and workers are adequately trained and supervised.”

Overhead lines

HSE says work at height that cannot be avoided must be properly planned and supervised, with suitable equipment, safe methods and competent workers.

Where work near overhead power lines is unavoidable, the regulator says the risk must be eliminated or reduced, for example by having the supply isolated, using suitable equipment and keeping a safe distance from the line.

Source: HSE press release, 6 October 2026

CISRS postpones October webinar as CSCS licence talks continue

Daniel Norton
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CISRS postpones October webinar as CSCS licence talks continue

CISRS has postponed its webinar scheduled for Thursday 8 October, saying discussions are under way between the major stakeholders involved in its CSCS licence.

In an email sent on 6 October and signed by chief executive Clive Dickin, the scheme said the next webinar would instead be held in late October or early November. A replacement date was not specified.

“The webinar has been postponed, as there are now meaningful and delicate discussions underway between the major stakeholders involved in the CSCS/CISRS licence process,” Dickin said.

“The next webinar will instead be held in late October or early November, by which time we hope those discussions will have produced some results.”

The email did not identify the participants in the discussions or announce an agreement.

CISRS said it was updating its frequently asked questions document to include some of the new questions submitted ahead of this week’s planned session. It expects to circulate the revised answers later this week.

The recording of the first webinar remains available, the scheme said.

CISRS announced plans to leave CSCS on 8 September, saying it wanted to retain a single competence card for scaffolders working across construction and other sectors.

At its first webinar on 22 September, CISRS said it could withdraw its termination notice if agreement was reached over Clause 4 of the Construction Leadership Council’s industry card scheme rules.

CISRS argues that the wording creates difficulties for a scheme covering scaffolders working in multiple industries. CSCS has challenged that interpretation, saying scaffolding remains a construction occupation even when the same skills are used elsewhere.

In Scaffmag’s report on 4 October, CISRS board member and NASC president Sarah Klieve said the notice had been served to seek a resolution from a stronger negotiating position. Build UK has said the rules are not intended to prevent scaffolders working in other sectors.

Tuesday’s email gives no new position on the planned departure. CISRS has previously said existing cards carrying the CSCS logo will remain valid until they expire.

Band of Builders launches kit bursary for young construction workers

Daniel Norton
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Band of Builders launches kit bursary for young construction workers

Band of Builders has launched a bursary to help young people and apprentices meet the cost of essential kit as they start or continue a career in construction.

The construction charity announced the BoB Bursary at its Wonka-themed charity ball at Villa Park, Birmingham, on 2 October. Häfele UK is the scheme’s founding partner.

The programme offers support towards tools, personal protective equipment, workwear and other equipment, including bags and storage. It also provides access to wellbeing resources and support.

Band of Builders says the scheme is intended to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent young people from taking up opportunities in the industry.

Its published criteria cover young people starting out in construction, apprentices and those on formal training programmes, as well as students taking construction-related courses at colleges or other recognised training providers who need help with essential kit.

Applications are open throughout the year and will be considered individually. Applicants are asked to explain their training or apprenticeship, what support they need and how it would help them progress in construction.

The launch forms part of the charity’s wider effort to reach people earlier in their construction careers. Band of Builders also provides practical, financial and wellbeing support to construction workers and their families.

Further details are available on the BoB Bursary programme page, with applications made through the charity’s online form.

UK construction downturn eases as new work falls faster

Alex Mercer
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UK construction downturn eases as new work falls faster

UK construction activity contracted at its slowest pace since January in September, but firms reported a sharper fall in new work and further job cuts.

The S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 46.1 from 44.3 in August. It remained below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction.

The September survey, reproduced by ConstructUK on 6 October, showed employment falling at its fastest rate in five months. Subcontractor usage also fell again.

Housebuilding remained the weakest segment, with an activity reading of 40.7. Commercial construction recorded 48.5, its mildest decline since May 2025. All three main construction categories contracted more slowly.

New work fell at its quickest pace since June. Respondents pointed to delayed decisions on major projects and sharply higher input costs.

Input-cost inflation eased to a seven-month low, although purchasing prices continued to rise sharply. Confidence in activity over the coming year fell to its lowest level since May.

Responding to the figures, Andy Hulme, chief executive of The Hyde Group, said affordable housing could help sustain building activity as the private sales market slowed.

“Housing associations working alongside long-term capital can deliver affordable homes at scale,” he said.

Hulme argued that deploying investment sooner would help construction recover, citing Hyde’s partnerships combining pension capital with grant funding.

Scott Cabot, head of residential research at Bidwells, said scheme viability remained a major obstacle for housebuilders.

He pointed to higher borrowing costs, construction inflation and building safety requirements as pressures on residential development.

SAA backs scaffold safety education after Queensland coroner’s findings

Daniel Norton
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SAA backs scaffold safety education after Queensland coroner’s findings

The Scaffolding Association Australia has backed an industry education campaign following any changes to Queensland’s Scaffolding Code of Practice, in its response to the coronial findings into the death of Andy Jones.

In a statement published on 6 October, SAA said clearer guidance on tower scaffold stability needed to be supported by education so that those responsible for scaffolding understood how to apply it on site.

The association also supported continuing review of codes of practice, standards and practical guidance as industry experience and understanding of risk develop.

Jones died after a freestanding tower scaffold fell in strong winds at Mitchelton Football Club in Brisbane in July 2021.

As Scaffmag reported last week, Coroner Megan Fairweather recommended clearer requirements for freestanding towers in public places, including a definition of “strong winds” and additional stability controls appropriate to the circumstances.

Her recommendations also called for education following amendments to the code, then a compliance campaign.

SAA’s response focuses on how those lessons are understood and applied across the industry. It said a scaffold’s location, wind exposure, configuration and time in place all needed to inform stability decisions, alongside the consequences of failure.

“Height-to-base ratios can be useful as a starting point,” the association said in its statement.

It pointed to its existing Australian Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding, which describe height-to-width ratios as minimum requirements and recognise the need to consider environmental factors.

The guidelines identify ties, outriggers, rakers, guying and appropriately secured counterweights as possible additional stability measures, depending on the circumstances. They also recognise that aluminium scaffolds can be particularly susceptible to wind-related instability.

SAA said public locations required particular attention because people nearby may have no knowledge of a scaffold’s operating limits or the risks created by changing weather.

The association said manufacturers, suppliers, hire companies, contractors, supervisors, designers, engineers and site managers all had a role in making stability information and appropriate controls clear.

It expressed sympathy for Jones’ family and said the value of the coroner’s work would be measured by whether its lessons helped prevent another incident.

86m Layher scaffold completed at Giotto’s Bell Tower

Daniel Norton
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86m Layher scaffold completed at Giotto’s Bell Tower

An 86-metre scaffold erected in just over four months will support a five-year restoration of the Florence landmark while keeping it open to visitors.

Scaffolding has been completed around Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence, clearing the way for the historic landmark’s first full internal and external restoration.

The 86-metre structure uses Layher’s modular steel system and was designed by Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore in collaboration with Tecno System Appalti and Layher S.p.A.

The Opera confirmed completion on 1 October, following just over four months of assembly. The restoration is expected to take around five years and cost more than €7 million, funded entirely by the institution.

The scaffold has been configured around the tower’s changing geometry and projecting architectural features, with working platforms arranged to meet the restoration team’s needs.

Full-height scaffold at Giotto’s Bell Tower with protective mesh around the upper working section
A full-height view of the scaffold at Giotto’s Bell Tower, with the upper working section enclosed in protective mesh. Courtesy: Opera di Santa del Fiore/foto Fabio Muzzi

Samuele Caciagli, head of the Opera’s technical office, said the design sought to avoid altering the tower’s structural equilibrium while keeping its architecture visible. Components and equipment have also been selected for recovery and reuse on future projects.

Work will progress from the top down, revealing restored sections in stages. Caciagli told Italian news agency askanews that the scaffold had been designed to leave at least 60% of the marble surfaces visible.

The first stage will involve diagnostic investigations and preliminary tests to confirm the restoration approach before treatment of the stonework begins.

Visitors will continue to be able to climb the tower’s 414 steps and reach its rooftop terrace throughout the works, although views may be partially restricted.

Construction of the bell tower began under Giotto in 1334 and was completed by Francesco Talenti in 1359. Its exterior is clad in white, red and green marble.

Assembly of the scaffold also had to accommodate a pair of nesting peregrine falcons.

A photographic survey of the tower’s 149 putlog holes identified a female incubating eggs on the west side. Working with bird conservation organisation Lipu and other specialists, the Opera rescheduled assembly to avoid disturbing the nest.

Three chicks subsequently hatched and fledged successfully.

Featured image: The completed restoration scaffold around Giotto’s Bell Tower, pictured beside Florence Cathedral. Courtesy: Opera di Santa del Fiore/foto Fabio Muzzi

HAKI Safety appoints Tomas Hilmarsson as CEO

SM Newsdesk
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HAKI Safety appoints Tomas Hilmarsson as CEO

HAKI Safety has appointed chief financial officer Tomas Hilmarsson as its next CEO and president, with the internal promotion taking effect on 1 November 2026.

He will succeed Sverker Lindberg, whose planned departure was announced in May. Lindberg will remain available as an adviser until the end of March 2027.

The group will begin recruiting a new CFO immediately.

Hilmarsson has been HAKI Safety’s CFO since 2022. His responsibilities have also included IT, HR, mergers and acquisitions, and legal matters.

The company said he had played a significant part in its transition from a conglomerate into an international industrial group focused on safety products and solutions.

Before joining HAKI Safety, Hilmarsson spent 17 years at PwC, where his work included auditing, advisory services and risk management for large international companies.

Chairman Thomas Widstrand said the board valued Hilmarsson’s business development and financial experience, as well as his knowledge of the group.

“We have worked closely with Tomas for many years and have witnessed his many qualities,” Widstrand said.

“We are also very pleased to have recruited internally, which ensures continuity and stability.”

Hilmarsson said he looked forward to continuing the group’s development and thanked Lindberg for their time working together.

“I feel strongly committed to my new responsibilities and look forward to continuing to develop the Group,” he said.

The appointment sets a November handover date following the succession process announced earlier this year. Lindberg had previously been expected to leave by April 2027 at the latest.

HAKI Safety supplies system scaffolding, work zone safety products, and digital and technical solutions for temporary workplaces. The Nasdaq Stockholm-listed group reports annual sales of around SEK 1.2 billion.

WorkSafe targets fall risks on New Zealand residential sites

Daniel Norton
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WorkSafe targets fall risks on New Zealand residential sites

WorkSafe New Zealand is targeting falls from height during residential construction inspections running from October to December, as part of a wider programme of visits to high-risk workplaces.

The regulator announced the programme on 15 September, covering housebuilding sites alongside beef and lamb farms. Inspectors will assess how businesses manage critical risks and discuss improvements with workers and employers.

In a construction update on 2 October, WorkSafe said fall risks accounted for about 70% of prohibition notices and 45% of enforcement notices issued in the sector over the previous two years.

The visits will focus on education, but the regulator said inspectors would intervene where serious risks were not being controlled.

“Construction sites are dynamic environments, with multiple trades often working alongside each other,” said WorkSafe area manager Barney Hoskins.

WorkSafe said planning and communication between trades were needed to keep protective measures effective as projects progressed. Employers should identify hazards, assess risks and choose suitable equipment.

It also challenged the idea that short jobs need fewer precautions, saying fall-prevention measures must be considered even for tasks lasting only minutes.

The wider inspection programme is intended to improve understanding of health and safety responsibilities. Findings will also help WorkSafe understand current practices and shape its support for businesses.

WorkSafe has also revised its working-at-height guidance, adding material on risk management, safety decking and worker engagement. It said ladders were involved in about 40% of construction injuries caused by falls from height.

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