The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has announced significant changes to the Labourer card, reducing its initial validity from five years to two years starting February 1, 2025.This adjustment aligns with the Building Safety Act’s push for greater workforce competency in construction. Labourers who continue in their roles will be able to renew the card for five years by providing evidence of active employment in a labouring capacity.Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS Cards Limited, explained the rationale behind the changes: “The competence of the construction workforce is at the heart of the Building Safety Act. These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career not on the Labourer card, but on one of CSCS’s red cards, which demonstrate to employers that the cardholder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression.”The decision aims to ensure that the Labourer card is held by those genuinely working in labouring roles, addressing concerns about its oversupply. Current figures reveal approximately 500,000 Labourer cards in circulation, while industry forecasts suggest a need for 140,000 labourers annually by 2028.To ease the financial burden, the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test required for the initial two-year card will now remain valid for three years, allowing it to be used for card renewal.Mortimer further highlighted the broader benefits of the new policy: “Our data shows that 85% of Labourers do not renew their card, and feedback from employers highlights many workers leave the industry long before their Labourer cards expire. By reducing the Labourer card’s initial validity to two years, we can better track the actual number of active Labourers in the sector. The requirement for proof of working in a labouring role upon renewal will ensure the card is no longer used as the default easy option for site access.”The changes were informed by extensive consultations with over 40 sector bodies, unions, and employers.CSCS is also encouraging new entrants to consider its red cards, which support apprenticeships and NVQ pathways for career development.For further details and a full list of FAQs, visit CSCS.uk.com/Labourer.
When it comes to preserving history, every detail matters. For AJS Scaffolding NW Ltd, the chance to support the restoration of Cannington Shaw’s No. 7 Bottle Shop in St Helens has been a journey of precision, expertise, and pride.The project, spearheaded by Clan Contracting Limited in partnership with St Helens Council and the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust CIC, is breathing new life into a landmark that’s as historically significant as it is unique. Identified by Historic England as “the most intact example of a late 19th Century Bottle Shop anywhere in the world,” this Grade II listed structure is at the heart of an ambitious regeneration plan.
Scaffolding the Past for the Future
Once a symbol of St Helens’ thriving glassmaking industry, the No. 7 Bottle Shop is now the focus of a £1.3 million initiative funded by the Towns Fund. The project’s first phase is all about stabilising the structure, aiming for “Managed Ruin” status. This approach ensures the building remains safe while preserving its character as a testament to the town’s industrial heritage.For AJS Scaffolding, the task called for custom-designed solutions that could meet the challenges of such a historic site. Their scaffolding system, tailored to the building’s unique needs, has been vital in enabling the brickwork repairs and structural stabilisation required to secure its future.“Partnering with AJS Scaffolding was an easy choice given their expertise and meticulous approach,” said Damian Mears, Managing Director of Clan Contracting Limited. “The complexities of a project like Cannington Shaw demand a team that can deliver both precision and care, and AJS Scaffolding has excelled in every aspect.”
A Community Connection
This isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving a piece of the town’s identity. For the people of St Helens, the Bottle Shop is a symbol of their heritage, a link to the ingenuity that made the region a global leader in glassmaking.“The regeneration of Cannington Shaw is not just about saving a building; it’s about bringing the community closer to its rich heritage,” said Colin McEllin, Operations Director at Clan Contracting. “The scaffolding solutions provided by AJS ensure the safety and integrity of the structure while enabling us to carry out essential restoration work.”Dan McGregor, Operations Director at AJS Scaffolding, reflected on the significance of the project: “Being selected to provide scaffolding for such a historically significant site is a true honour. The complexities of Cannington Shaw have pushed our team to showcase the very best of what we do—precise, reliable scaffolding solutions that enable vital restoration work. We’re thrilled to contribute to the preservation of a landmark that means so much to the St Helens community.”
Building a Legacy
As this phase of the restoration progresses, the broader vision for the No. 7 Bottle Shop is beginning to take shape. Plans are underway to transform the site into a vibrant community space, envisioned as a venue for events, a hub for local charities, and a living museum celebrating St Helens’ industrial innovation.The £1.3 million Towns Fund grant, secured through a successful business case submission, has made this vital work possible. It’s a testament to the commitment of all involved to protect and repurpose this extraordinary landmark for future generations.
AJS Scaffolding: Supporting Heritage and Community
For AJS Scaffolding, this project is more than just a job—it’s a demonstration of their ethos of precision, sustainability, and community focus. As they continue to expand their presence across Merseyside, their involvement in the Cannington Shaw regeneration underscores the crucial role scaffolding plays in preserving the past while shaping the future.The Bottle Shop’s restoration is more than a celebration of history; it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when craftsmanship, collaboration, and care come together. Thanks to the efforts of AJS Scaffolding and their partners, this iconic landmark will continue to inspire and connect the St Helens community for generations to come.
Industrial services giant Altrad has completed its acquisition of Norwegian company Beerenberg AS, strengthening its presence in the region and expanding its global reach.
The deal, described as a significant step in Altrad’s growth strategy, brings together two companies with shared values and a commitment to providing innovative solutions for their clients.
Altrad’s Co-CEO, Ran Oren, said the acquisition would bolster the group’s operations in Norway and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to have finalised this latest acquisition, which adds strength and depth to our activities,” he said. “By combining Beerenberg’s expertise with Altrad’s resources, we’re aiming to deliver even greater value for our clients.”
Beerenberg, known for its engineering, insulation, and surface treatment services, has built a strong reputation in the industry. Its CEO, Arild Apelthun, said the deal would open new opportunities for the business.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Beerenberg,” he said. “Becoming part of one of the most successful industrial services groups in the world will allow us to grow and continue serving our clients, partners, and employees to the best of our abilities.”
Altrad’s acquisition of Beerenberg marks another milestone for the French-headquartered company, which has a history of investing in businesses that align with its vision.
The integration of Beerenberg into the Altrad Group is expected to enhance the services both companies offer, creating a more comprehensive portfolio for their customers.
The deal underscores Altrad’s strategy of partnering with businesses that complement its operations as it continues to expand its global footprint and set industry standards for quality and innovation.
In a significant milestone for New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sectors, scaffolding has officially been classified as a Level 3 trade under the country’s new Occupational Codes. This recognition cements scaffolding’s place as a skilled trade, affirming what industry professionals have championed for years.The announcement, shared by SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access & Rigging NZ Inc.), marks the culmination of a long-fought campaign by the scaffolding community in the country. Through consultations, personal stories, and unwavering advocacy, members of the NZ industry have brought their expertise and dedication into the spotlight.“This achievement validates the hard work, persistence, and passion of our workforce,” SARNZ stated. “It’s not just about recognition but also about creating better career pathways for local workers and improving residency options for migrant scaffolding professionals.”
What This Means for the New Zealand Industry
The new Level 3 designation elevates the status of scaffolding as a skilled trade, paving the way for:
Enhanced career opportunities: Local workers can now access structured career development within a recognised skilled trade.
Stronger pathways for migrant workers: Residency opportunities become more accessible for overseas professionals in the scaffolding sector.
Sector growth: This recognition bolsters the scaffolding industry’s appeal, drawing new talent and fostering higher safety and performance standards.
A Collective Victory
The formal recognition of scaffolding as a skilled trade is being celebrated as a shared victory across the sector. SARNZ extended its gratitude to the scaffolding community, whose voices played a pivotal role in driving the change.“This is a win for scaffolding and a win for New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sectors,” SARNZ emphasised.As New Zealand continues to tackle ambitious construction and infrastructure projects, this acknowledgement underscores the critical role scaffolding plays in ensuring safety, efficiency, and success.This achievement represents more than a policy change—it’s a turning point for scaffolding professionals who have firmly established themselves as indispensable contributors to New Zealand’s growth through their expertise and resilience.
A 24-year-old scaffolder from Leeds is on an epic journey, walking 400 miles from his home in Belle Isle to the summit of Ben Nevis to raise funds for mental health and coastal safety charities.Kane Haley embarked on his challenge two weeks ago and has already raised £2,500 for Mind, Andy’s Man Club, and the RNLI. Spurred by the loss of friends to suicide, he hopes to complete the 21-day trek, averaging 22 miles and 10 hours of walking daily.Haley, who first turned to walking to improve his mental health, told BBC News that the outdoors became a transformative passion. “I started changing my life and falling in love with the outdoors,” he said. “Instead of going out drinking, I’ve been tackling mountains like the big peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales.”Determined to make his challenge unique, Haley chose to walk directly from Leeds to Britain’s highest peak. “I like to set myself big goals,” he explained. “I thought, I bet no one’s done it from Leeds, so why not?”His journey has already taken him over the Pennines, past landmarks like Ribblehead Viaduct, and into the Scottish Highlands. With a week remaining, he plans to traverse scenic spots like the Trossachs before ascending Ben Nevis.Though travelling alone, Haley has encountered plenty of well-wishers and shared his journey with over 1,700 followers on TikTok. Supporting him from afar is his mum, Emma Whittaker, who drives out every three days to resupply him with essentials like fresh socks and food.
“I don’t think we fully appreciated how remote some places are,” she admitted. “I just try to keep him going really.”Haley, a co-director of a construction firm, emphasised the importance of mental health support in his industry, where many colleagues have been affected. His connection to the RNLI stems from a lifelong love of the coast, a passion passed down by his family.With just days left, Haley’s primary concern is the weather. “I can deal with cold—I can warm up,” he said. “But if I’m wet, it’s going to be a bit hard.”Despite potential rain and snow, Haley remains committed to his mission, showing the resilience of both body and spirit to support causes close to his heart.To donate, please Kane Haley’s just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kane-haley-belle-isle2ben-nevis-for-mind
Enigma Industrial Services Ltd has been recognised with the prestigious Gold Membership status in The 5% Club’s 2024-25 Employer Audit Scheme, highlighting the company’s outstanding commitment to nurturing talent through “earn and learn” initiatives. The accolade celebrates Enigma-IS’s efforts to empower employees via apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and sponsored student placements.The award underscores the company’s dedication to workforce development, with Managing Director Scott Hardie describing it as a “testament to our commitment to apprenticeships and investing in our workforce.” He added, “Achieving Gold membership on our first attempt demonstrates the seriousness of our efforts to address the skills shortage in our industry. Through our in-house accredited Enigma-IS Training Centre, we are equipping the next generation with the expertise needed to maintain high standards of safety and innovation.”Enigma-IS joins over 1,100 forward-thinking employers in The 5% Club, a movement aimed at promoting workplace learning and inclusivity. Members collectively support 1.9 million employees, including over 108,000 participants in “earn and learn” schemes, and are rigorously assessed on their commitment to social mobility, diversity, and future workforce ambitions.Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of The 5% Club, commended Enigma-IS for their achievements: “By achieving Gold membership, Enigma-IS has shown exceptional dedication to shaping the skills of tomorrow, contributing not only to their business but to the wider economy.”Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club, praised the company’s leadership in career development, noting: “Enigma-IS Gold membership highlights their impact in creating inclusive and diverse learning environments. Their dedication sets a benchmark for other organisations, laying the groundwork for the future talent pipeline.”This achievement places Enigma-IS at the forefront of workplace learning innovation. The company remains committed to expanding opportunities for professional growth, ensuring its workforce is equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in an evolving industry.
EDF and Trillium Flow Services Ltd have been handed fines totalling £633,333 after a scaffolder was seriously injured by a falling two-tonne counterweight at the Dungeness B power station in Kent.The incident, which occurred on June 13, 2022, left 62-year-old scaffolder Colin Dell with severe injuries, including broken and amputated toes, and has since rendered him unable to return to work. Dell has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following the life-changing accident.
A Preventable Tragedy
Dell was working near the main cooling water discharge valves when a heavy counterweight, unsupported due to a missing hydraulic actuator (or “ram”), suddenly fell. The counterweight struck Dell’s hand and foot, leaving him trapped. Emergency services transported him to the hospital, where he spent four days undergoing treatment for his injuries.The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) investigation revealed that the accident was “wholly avoidable,” citing failures in the sequence for re-fitting a critical valve. Both EDF, the plant’s operator, and Trillium Flow Services Ltd, responsible for maintenance at the site, were found guilty of safety breaches at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court.District Judge Stephen Leake fined EDF £533,333 and Trillium Flow Services Ltd £100,000. Both companies were also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £15,034 each.
Missed Opportunities
Dan Hasted, Director of Regulation for ONR’s Operating Facilities Directorate, said: “We welcome the outcome which recognises that EDF and Trillium Flow Services Ltd failed in their duty to protect a worker from a known risk.This accident was wholly avoidable. Nobody should go to work and not come home in a fit and healthy state.”Hasted emphasised that the investigation uncovered “several missed opportunities” to prevent the incident, including failing to follow established safety procedures.Dungeness B, which ceased power generation in June 2021 and is currently undergoing defueling, relies on four main cooling water pumps to provide seawater to its condensers. Each pump is equipped with a discharge valve, one of which was involved in the incident. The malfunctioning valve and the subsequent omission of a hydraulic actuator allowed the counterweight to fall, leading to the tragic injuries sustained by Dell.
Layher UK is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming ScaffEx24 event, which takes place at the Belfast International Conference Centre on November 29th.
As a global leader in scaffolding technology, Layher UK will be among the exhibitors at one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings, offering attendees insight into their cutting-edge products and solutions.
Located at stands 15/16, Layher will highlight its collection of industry-leading and highly innovative products, including the Allround FW System, a finalist for NASC’s Product of the Year. This system, known for its strength and adaptability, exemplifies Layher’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scaffold technology to meet complex project demands.
Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to witness a live demonstration of Layher’s award-winning Twix and Flex beams, showcased in combination as an underdeck launching system. This dynamic setup offers a glimpse into how Layher’s modular products can seamlessly integrate, providing versatile and efficient solutions for challenging underdeck applications.
To add a digital dimension, Layher will feature its VR headset and Scaffold Information Modelling (SIM) software, enabling visitors to experience scaffolding designs in an immersive virtual environment. This technology allows for precise project planning, offering a glimpse into the future of scaffolding collaboration and safety.
Layher’s UK’s presence at ScaffEx24 will also offer insights into the expertise behind the product. The company’s in-house design team will be on hand to discuss their approach to project success, emphasising how customised scaffolding solutions can enhance both safety and return on investment.
Sean Pike, Managing Director at Layher UK
The firm’s commitment to technical innovation has driven the development of scaffolding systems that not only meet industry standards but often set new benchmarks.
“We’re excited to join industry leaders and innovators at ScaffEx24,” said Layher UK’s Managing Director, Sean Pike. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our clients and industry partners and demonstrate how Layher systems continue to push the boundaries in scaffolding solutions.”
Visitors to Layher UK’s stand can expect live demonstrations, expert insights, and information on the company’s full range of services, including design support, technical expertise, and training.
With the holiday season on the horizon, the Scaffolding Association has announced a timely new partnership with D.tec International, a leading provider of drug and alcohol screening services. Known for supporting organisations across the UK, including all 43 police forces, D.tec’s partnership aims to enhance safety within the scaffolding industry, especially as festive celebrations often bring an increase in substance use.While many employers may trust that their teams remain free of drug and alcohol misuse, statistics indicate otherwise. Recent data reveals that 74% of substance users hold full-time employment, with a noticeable uptick in consumption during the festive period. This increase in risk has prompted a focus on workplace safety. December also sees a spike in roadside checks as the police launch their annual “Operation Limit” drink and drug driving campaign, making it a critical time to reinforce screening policies.D.tec International’s UK Training Manager, Dan Jones, highlighted the company’s dedication to educating the industry on the risks associated with substance misuse. “For over 25 years, we’ve worked to raise awareness around the dangers of drink and drug driving while providing industry-leading screening solutions. This partnership with the Scaffolding Association offers a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with the scaffolding sector, sharing best practices in safety and offering free demonstrations and training for those using our products.”As part of the partnership, D.tec will provide Scaffolding Association members with comprehensive support, from creating or updating drug and alcohol policies to offering tailored training courses. Sally Smith, Head of Marketing and Partnerships at the Scaffolding Association, emphasised the importance of launching this collaboration ahead of the festive season. “Our partnership with D.tec International is timely, aligning with the start of seasonal festivities. D.tec’s team will be supporting our members with their expertise in workplace policies, training, and more.”For scaffolding companies eager to prioritise safety, D.tec is offering free demonstration sessions and screener training. For more information or to arrange a demonstration, contact D.tec at 0800 371898 or reach out via email at [email protected].
Following on from our exhilarating experience at ScaffChamp 2024 in Vilnius, Lithuania, scaffolding enthusiasts and professionals now have another exciting event to look forward to — this time across the pond.The Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) will host its annual Scaffold Builders Competition on January 21, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.The competition is set to take place during the renowned World of Concrete (WOC) trade show, adding a new layer of excitement to this major industry gathering. All building materials will be provided by AT-PAC as the event sponsor. Taking inspiration from the thrilling showdown witnessed at ScaffChamp, where international teams raced against the clock to erect complex structures, the Las Vegas competition will bring together 20 top scaffolding teams from the U.S. and beyond.These skilled teams, each comprising four erectors and a coach, will be judged on speed, precision, safety, and teamwork as they build and dismantle intricate scaffolding under time constraints.For those wishing to participate, registration for the competition closes on November 29, 2024, so prospective teams are encouraged to secure their spot soon.World of Concrete, held annually in Las Vegas, is the premier international event for the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries.Featuring over 1,500 exhibiting companies, WOC draws thousands of industry professionals from around the globe, showcasing the latest innovations, equipment, tools, and materials in construction.By hosting the Scaffold Builders Competition during WOC, SAIA offers scaffold builders a prominent platform and allows attendees from related fields to appreciate the skill, precision, and critical role of scaffolding in construction.
SAIA
SAIA, a respected leader in promoting scaffold safety and best practices, has been at the forefront of industry standards and advocacy in the U.S. since 1972. With a mission to advance safe work environments through training, education, and networking, SAIA serves as a vital resource for scaffold and access professionals worldwide.Through events like the Scaffold Builders Competition, SAIA highlights industry talent and reinforces the importance of safety, efficiency, and innovation in construction.In addition to the competition, SAIA will host educational presentations and product demonstrations on January 22-23, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements and standards in the industry.This event is part of a growing trend of industry gatherings that showcase the craftsmanship, discipline, and safety expertise essential to scaffolding and construction success.For more information on the Scaffold Builders Competition or SAIA Membership, visit theSAIA website or contact them directly at [email protected].
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