ITP invests in R&D hub to advance scaffolding protection products

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ITP invests in R&D hub to advance scaffolding protection products

A Yorkshire-based manufacturer of construction textiles is creating a new research and development facility to boost innovation in scaffolding and site protection products.

Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, headquartered in Easingwold, is redeveloping a former warehouse into a laboratory dedicated to product development and testing.

The new facility, due to open this autumn, will focus on improving performance in products such as flame-retardant scaffolding sheeting, debris netting, acoustic barriers, and keder sheeting for temporary works.

The company said the facility will allow it to carry out in-house testing on durability, fire resistance, water tightness and UV stability before products are sent for independent certification.

Managing director Carl Morse said: “Pioneering advances in engineered protective textiles is part of ITP’s DNA. Fire protection will be a key focus of our R&D in the coming years, alongside other key performance metrics relevant to scaffolding safety and compliance.”

Sales director Matt Thompson added: “Being able to prototype and rigorously test new scaffolding protection systems in-house means we can set new standards in the market rather than replicate what is already out there.”

ITP’s headquarters houses manufacturing, storage and logistics operations, with products supplied to scaffolding and construction customers in the UK and worldwide.

Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Daniel Norton
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Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work during extreme heat under plans being developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The proposals, aimed at protecting manual workers from heat stress, would require employers to carry out formal “heat stress assessments” when temperatures hit a certain level. Employers would also need to provide more frequent breaks, access to shade, and drinking water.

Unions are pushing for a legal maximum of 27°C for manual labour, a move that would set a clear-cut-off point for high-risk outdoor work such as scaffolding.

No Maximum Limit Yet – But Change on the Horizon

Currently, UK law sets a safe minimum workplace temperature of 13°C for strenuous work, but there is no legal maximum. The revised guidance, last updated in 1992, is expected to stop short of setting a binding maximum temperature, but would give stronger direction to employers.

For scaffolders, who often work on exposed structures with little shade, the guidance could change day-to-day operations in the summer months. This may include:

  • Earlier start times to avoid the midday sun

  • Compulsory rest breaks in shaded or cool areas

  • Lightweight PPE designed for hot weather

  • Temporary halts to work when heat thresholds are met

Unions Call for Clear Rules

Lynsey Mann, health and safety officer at the GMB union, said: “Ultimately, there needs to be a legal maximum working temperature, in the same way we have a legal minimum working temperature.”

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also called for new legislation to keep workers safe as UK summers become hotter. The Met Office has warned that temperatures of up to 45°C could be seen in the coming years.

Some business groups and politicians have criticised the plans, arguing they could hurt productivity and add red tape. The Federation of Small Businesses said existing laws already require employers to act if conditions become unsafe.

Others say Britain’s heatwaves are short-lived and workable adjustments should be made without new laws.

What It Means for the Scaffolding Industry

Scaffolding work is physically demanding, carried out at height, and often in full sun – conditions that can rapidly lead to heat exhaustion if unmanaged. The proposed changes could see site schedules altered during summer months and may require contractors to build in more weather-related downtime.

While the HSE’s updated guidance is still in development, any move towards stricter heat safety rules is likely to have a direct impact on scaffolding operations, training, and project planning.

The HSE says it will bring forward detailed proposals in the coming months.

A spokesperson for NASC, the employers’ organisation for scaffolding and access in the UK, said: “We all need to recognise that environmental challenges are growing and that this is likely to result in more instances of extreme weather including heat waves and hotter summers. Good safety guidance should absolutely take care of staff and should consider all aspects of health and safety.

Guidance on working at temperatures would be a good addition to have and it’s something we don’t have. We’ll look to work with the relevant union to create something that works well for all parties.”

Layher: Leading the way in product and design innovation

Des Moore
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Layher: Leading the way in product and design innovation

As Layher is shortlisted for the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025, Brand Ambassador Des Moore looks at how and why the company invests in continual innovation.

I was delighted to see that Layher had been shortlisted in the Product of the Year category of the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards 2025. This is for the Layher SIM2Field® digital tool, which was launched at Bauma in April of this year. The NASC awards have always been a real marker for the industry, and something I was very proud to oversee during my time as NASC President. The fact that we are acknowledging companies, projects and innovations of all shapes and sizes is a great reflection of the influence and impact that the NASC has on the industry.

Part of Layher’s LayPLAN Suite, SIM2Field® uses 3D modelling data to realise digital plans on site. The system allows scaffolders to project exact layouts onto the construction site floor, and has been designed for particular use in complex or high-precision projects.

This innovation is the latest in a continual improvement process that maintains Layher’s position as a market leader. For as long as I have been working with Layher product, they are always keen to deliver the very best to the market – and that’s everything from the quality of Layher Allround® system scaffolding to the planning and design tools they’ve developed to help scaffolding contractors get the very most from their investment.

Building on the Layher advantage

Discover why investing in Layher System scaffolding could be the key to navigating economic downturns and unlocking new income streams.

I’ve written before about what makes Layher the leading scaffolding supplier in the UK. For its system scaffolding offering, the benefits have always been clear to me:

• Unrivalled stock levels on the ground across the UK in four locations.
• A clear partnership approach – your success is Layher’s success
• Brand awareness – everyone knows Layher is the go-to supplier for system scaffolding. What Hoover is to vacuum cleaners, or Monarflex is to plastic sheeting, Layher is to system scaffolding!
• In-house training facility available to all customers to help them get the most out of system.
• Often approached by Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, demonstrating that its product is first choice.

In addition, Layher’s Rent-to-Own and Rent-to-Try schemes were launched to make its system scaffolding more accessible and affordable for companies across the UK. Supporting the company’s four core pillars: Service, Support, Solutions and Supply, this scheme gives companies a trial period with the Allround System Scaffolding product.

This lets businesses test the materials and experience the benefits first hand, on live projects. If you then want to go ahead and make Layher’s system scaffolding part of your business offering, you can buy the rental materials you have been using, via a rental rebate process, so you turn your initial renting costs into an investment into the equipment.

Driving Service, Support, Solutions and Supply

As stated above, Layher’s four core pillars are Service, Support, Solutions and Supply. And it’s easy to see how the SIM2Field® product meets those pillars. These are the values that I believe drives both Layher’s success and the success of its clients’ businesses.

In a previous article, I spoke to two key members of Layher’s team about how it focuses on service and support for customers.

Perry Todd and Joe Thompson both support customers on and off site, including making sure that designs are efficient, safe and workable, and going onsite to oversee – and often help with – site preparation and scaffolding erection. And they have recently been joined by Garry Checketts, who is also focused on making sure customers get the very best support for their Layher investment.

From my point of view, with more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, I know that this approach makes a big difference to scaffolding contractors. It’s easy to sell something and leave the customer to get on with it, but the success of a business like Layher is inextricably linked to the success of its customers – so why wouldn’t you invest in helping them to get the very most from your products?

Layher’s SIM2Field® is a clear demonstration of these pillars in action, with a dedicated solution added to an already successful design product suite that supports clients to deliver better services to their own customers. A clear instance of a scaffolding supplier that understands how to work with its customers in order to grow their own businesses for the future.

And it’s not the company’s only recent innovation – Layher has also launched the FlexBeam Trolley Launching System, which you can also read about in ScaffMag – and you can find out more about this and the full range of Layher products at ScaffEx on Stand E10. I’ll be there on the morning of Friday 12th, sharing advice on why system scaffolding is a great investment for your business, and how you can make the most of that investment.

As Layher says: “We listen. We respond. You succeed.”

Bristol Scaffolders Raise £20k with Mountain-top Tower Tribute

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Bristol Scaffolders Raise £20k with Mountain-top Tower Tribute

A group of scaffolders have carried and erected an eight-metre-high tower on the summit of Pen y Fan in Wales in support of a Bristol colleague with terminal cancer.

Jason Cary, 46, a project manager at Construction Site Scaffolding (CSS), was diagnosed with stage four cancer in May, just months after first experiencing neck and back pain.

On 25 July, more than 70 friends, family members and colleagues climbed the 886-metre peak, hauling scaffolding equipment to the summit before constructing the temporary structure, believed to be the highest tower ever built in the UK.

The group are estimated to have covered around four miles (6 km) in total during the round trip from the Pont ar Daf car park, with an ascent of more than 430 metres while carrying the heavy scaffolding materials.

A flag reading “A Tower for Jason” was fixed to the structure before it was dismantled and the materials were carried back down the mountain.

£20,000 Raised

The climb has so far raised more than £20,000, which will go directly to Mr Cary’s wife, Harriet, and their two young children. Participants from CSS also donated a day’s wages, contributing nearly £7,000 to the total.

According to the event’s fundraising page, the aim was to ensure the family had “the resources they need to face this journey with as much comfort and security as possible”.

Image credit: GoFundMe

Emotional moment at the summit

CSS managing director Ivor Hawtin said colleagues were determined to act when they learned of Mr Cary’s illness.

“Generally, when people get this dreadful news, they almost want to isolate themselves,” he said. “But the lads wanted to do something. One suggested a charity walk up Pen y Fan and word soon spread.”

He described emotional scenes when a message from Mr Cary was read out at the summit.

“You could see there were a lot of big, strong, tattooed blokes who were very much emotionally attached to what was going on.”

Several participants completed the climb despite significant personal challenges, including one with only one lung and others recovering from illness.

Image credit: GoFundMe

Ongoing support

The National Trust granted permission for the event, and all scaffolding was removed after the build.

Mr Cary is receiving care at Dorothy House Hospice while fundraising efforts continue. The GoFundMe page invites people to “be part of this tower of strength for Jason” through donations, sharing the story, or offering messages of support.

NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

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NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), bringing together the UK and North America’s leading scaffold and access bodies in a formal agreement to advance safety, training, and standards worldwide.

Signed on 7 August 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, the deal represents a significant step towards aligning international best practices in scaffolding.

A Transatlantic Alliance

Under the new partnership, NASC and SAIA will work closely on shared priorities, including:

  • Exchanging technical expertise on scaffold and access equipment testing

  • Sharing best practice in training and education

  • Promoting safer, more efficient scaffold structures

  • Exploring mutual recognition of training and membership standards

The agreement also introduces reciprocal membership benefits and access to events for senior representatives, creating opportunities for future joint ventures in certification and standardisation.

Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC, said: “This is an exciting partnership that will deliver huge benefits to NASC and SAIA members as well as the wider scaffolding and access sector.

Both organisations are committed to driving up quality and improving safety standards around the world.”

Mike Bredl, President of SAIA, added: “The partnership between SAIA and NASC represents far more than the pursuit of global standards — it’s a powerful commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of the men and women working on jobsites around the world.”

Raising the Bar

NASC has represented the UK scaffold industry for over 80 years, providing guidance, support, and training for members while acting as the recognised authority on access and scaffolding standards.

SAIA plays a similar role in North America, widely respected for its training programmes, equipment testing, and technical resources.

Together, the organisations bring a wealth of expertise and infrastructure, positioning the partnership to make an immediate impact.

The MOU reflects a shared ambition to address global challenges through collaboration, standard-setting, and continuous improvement.

Scaffmag understands that discussions are already underway to begin rolling out the first initiatives under the agreement.

 

Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

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Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American market through a strategic partnership with U.S.-based access solutions firm Sky Climber.

The agreement will see Sky Climber exclusively distribute Pilosio’s patented FlyDeck suspended platform system across its 10 locations in North America. The partnership marks Pilosio’s first major move into the U.S. and Canadian construction sectors, extending its reach beyond Europe and the Middle East.

The deal was signed at Pilosio’s headquarters in Tavagnacco, Italy, by Pilosio President Nereo Parisotto and Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler. Also present were senior executives from both companies, including representatives from Pilosio’s UK, UAE, and Asia divisions.

FlyDeck is a modular suspended structure designed to provide safe and efficient horizontal access for maintenance and construction work. While Sky Climber has traditionally focused on vertical access systems, the addition of FlyDeck expands its offering to include horizontal suspended platforms. The system is expected to serve growing demand in sectors such as infrastructure and data centre maintenance.

As part of the agreement, the two companies will also offer a full-service package including equipment rental, sales, technical support, and training — services Pilosio has developed over time in Europe.

Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler said the partnership was “a strategic step forward,” describing Pilosio’s FlyDeck system as a response to “the needs of the field” and a product that sets a new standard in suspended access.

Pilosio UK’s Business Development Manager, Francesca Fuser, who helped broker the deal, noted that early site visits and product demonstrations played a key role in securing the partnership.

“This culminated in the signing of a significant Italian-American partnership,” she said. “It’s a milestone achieved in a challenging global climate, highlighting the importance of quality and professionalism.”

The FlyDeck system was recently showcased on a project beneath the A13 bridge over Italy’s Po River, where it was used in combination with a specialist waste containment setup designed for environmental protection.

Pilosio’s move into the U.S. market follows its recent growth in the Middle East and Asia. For Sky Climber, the collaboration enhances its product portfolio and allows the company to meet rising demand for versatile suspended access systems.

Both companies have positioned the agreement as a long-term alliance aimed at improving jobsite safety and efficiency across North America’s construction and industrial sectors.

Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

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Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

The Scaffolding Association has formally joined Build UK as a Trade Association Member, a move aimed at strengthening the voice of the scaffolding sector within the wider construction industry.

Announced this week, the partnership will see the Association contribute to national discussions on key issues such as regulatory reform, workforce development, and procurement practices.

Build UK, widely regarded as the leading representative organisation for the UK construction sector, brings together contractors, clients, and specialist trade bodies to address the industry’s biggest challenges. Its collaboration with the Scaffolding Association is expected to improve visibility and recognition for scaffolding firms across the supply chain.

Both organisations have pledged to work towards raising standards, improving safety, supporting training, and encouraging fairer commercial practices.

I
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said the partnership marked “a significant moment” in the Association’s development.

“Since our formation in 2011, we have worked to create an open and inclusive organisation that amplifies the voice of our members and provides practical support to businesses,” Mr Candy said.

“This alignment with Build UK reflects our shared priorities — from raising safety standards and strengthening training, to establishing consistent and fair procurement practices. It will enhance our ability to influence policy and promote best practice throughout the supply chain.”

The move gives Scaffolding Association members a greater platform to shape national campaigns and contribute to guidance developed in collaboration with major contractors and industry leaders.

Key benefits include participation in strategic discussions on issues such as sustainability and competency frameworks, as well as support in implementing the Common Assessment Standard — a key initiative designed to reduce pre-qualification duplication and streamline contractor assessment.

The Scaffolding Association, which represents scaffolding and access businesses across the UK, has positioned itself as a voice for the sector on matters ranging from training and health and safety to payment and procurement.

Build UK’s membership includes a wide range of major industry players and aims to improve collaboration and efficiency across the construction supply chain.

ScaffCycle Launches to Help Firms Trade Surplus Scaffold

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ScaffCycle Launches to Help Firms Trade Surplus Scaffold

A new online platform designed to help scaffolding companies buy and sell surplus equipment has officially launched today in the UK.

ScaffCycle aims to reduce waste in the scaffolding sector by connecting businesses holding unused stock with others seeking cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to buying new.

The platform has been developed by industry veteran Tony Stevens, who has spent more than 50 years in scaffolding. It offers firms a dedicated digital space to list, search and trade second-hand scaffolding materials, with the goal of improving efficiency and supporting the construction sector’s shift towards a circular economy.

“There’s a huge amount of perfectly usable scaffolding sitting idle in yards across the country,” said Tony. “ScaffCycle gives companies a smarter way to manage their stock — and make better use of what’s already out there.”

From International Export to Domestic Reuse

ScaffCycle was created following the success of Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd (WWSA), a business Tony founded with his wife Karen in 2017. WWSA initially focused on exporting new scaffolding materials to global markets such as Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Over time, the business began facilitating deals for used scaffolding — brokering stock sales between major UK suppliers and European buyers. A high-value transaction in 2024 between a national sales business and a Somerset-based contractor helped shape the concept for a permanent, scalable solution.

“That deal made it clear how much demand there is for used scaffold — and how disconnected the market still is,” said Tony. “ScaffCycle is about bridging that gap.”

A Circular Solution to a Growing Problem

According to industry estimates, thousands of tonnes of scaffolding equipment are scrapped in the UK each year due to a lack of space, surplus stock or changing project needs — despite much of it remaining fit for use.

Research from the Carbon Trust suggests reusing scaffolding materials can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% compared with manufacturing new equipment.

“The construction sector has a huge role to play in driving the circular economy,” said Keith James, Head of Public Sector Partnerships at WRAP. “ScaffCycle is a practical tool that helps extend the life of materials, reduce environmental impact, and deliver economic value.”

Industry Backing

The platform has been welcomed by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), which supports efforts to make the sector more efficient and sustainable.

“This is exactly the type of innovation we want to see,” said Clive Dickin, NASC Chief Executive. “ScaffCycle provides a real-world solution to challenges around surplus kit, stock management, and sustainability.”

The platform is available now, with registration open to scaffolding suppliers, contractors, and asset managers across the UK.

“It’s about more than just buying and selling,” said Tony. “It’s about helping the industry work smarter — and greener.”

U.S Scaffolding Industry Leaders Sign Safety Pact

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U.S Scaffolding Industry Leaders Sign Safety Pact

Two leading American safety organisations have announced a formal partnership aimed at improving occupational health and safety across the United States.

The Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing workplace accidents and promoting best practices, particularly in sectors involving work at heights.

The agreement was signed at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, held at the Orange County Convention Centre in Florida.

Under the terms of the alliance, SAIA and ASSP will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including advancing national safety standards, advocating for regulatory changes, and promoting volunteerism and knowledge sharing among their combined memberships.

ASSP President Linda Tapp said the agreement marked a shared commitment to advancing the safety profession.“We recognise the benefits of collaboration to improve occupational safety and health practices while elevating the voice of our profession,” she said.

“Together we strive to strengthen advocacy efforts that reduce worker illnesses, injuries and fatalities across the board.”

SAIA President Michael Bredl echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for collective action across safety-focused organisations. “It’s important for organisations to share best practices in workplace safety and health for the benefit of the greater community,” he said.

“Our mutual interests in increasing engagement and advancing worker safety will create many opportunities to work together in areas of professional practice.”

The partnership will also include joint promotion of content and case studies, as well as efforts to expand the visibility of community-based safety successes. Both bodies aim to establish a larger, more engaged safety network that can drive measurable improvements in health outcomes.

ASSP, which represents more than 35,000 safety professionals worldwide, maintains several collaborative agreements with other organisations. This new partnership with SAIA adds a strong focus on scaffolding and access equipment – sectors that remain high-risk for serious injuries and fatalities if not properly managed.

SAIA, which serves scaffold and access professionals across the US, has a track record of providing safety resources and training to support the proper use of equipment and hazard awareness on job sites.

The alliance arrives at a time of heightened awareness regarding fall protection and safety regulations in the construction and industrial sectors. According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death in the workplace.

Both organisations state that they are committed to ensuring their joint efforts deliver tangible outcomes throughout the duration of the agreement.

New PERI UP Stair System Launched in UK After Global Debut

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New PERI UP Stair System Launched in UK After Global Debut

PERI’s latest addition to its scaffolding range, the PERI UP Public Stairs system, is now available in the UK, offering a compliant and flexible solution for safe public access at construction sites and events.

PERI has announced the UK rollout of its new PERI UP Public Stairs system, a modular stair solution aimed at improving public access in high-footfall areas such as infrastructure projects, building sites, and event venues.

Unveiled at the bauma 2025 trade fair in Germany earlier this year, the system is designed to offer safe, rapid assembly and user-friendly access routes in locations where pedestrian safety and adaptability are critical. Built on the existing PERI UP Flex scaffolding framework, the Public Stairs use just seven additional components and comply with UK SG4 and European standards.

Matthew Binder, National Product Manager at PERI UK, said the system was developed in response to evolving site requirements: “Today’s projects – whether infrastructure or events – demand flexible solutions that can adapt quickly without compromising safety.”

The stairs support loads of up to 7.5 kN/m², making them suitable for large crowds. Key safety features include system-integrated handrails, anti-slip surfaces, gravity locks, and height-adjustable components aimed at enhancing both user safety and on-site efficiency.

The system is intended for use in a range of scenarios:

  • On construction sites, it can serve as secondary access around building works or in multi-storey refurbishments.

  • In infrastructure projects, such as rail upgrades, it provides a secure way for pedestrians to navigate around ongoing work.

  • In event settings, such as festivals or sports tournaments, the structure offers a stable and clearly defined path through complex venues.

According to PERI, the modular design reduces setup times and labour needs for contractors, while offering the public a more stable and accessible alternative to temporary walkways.

The launch of the Public Stairs marks a further expansion of the PERI UP scaffolding system, which is widely used for façade works, stair towers, shoring, and temporary roofing. The new addition is expected to appeal to UK contractors and event organisers seeking compliance without delay or disruption.

Mr Binder added, “We believe the Public Stairs will become the go-to solution for any project that demands fast, safe, and user-friendly public access.”

The system is now available for deployment across the UK.

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