In an inspiring move to support two young girls battling hair loss due to cancer treatment and alopecia, senior staff members from AJS Scaffolding are participating in the gruelling Lakeside Ultra Challenge this weekend.
The initiative aims to raise funds to provide custom-made wigs for the girls, helping to restore their confidence and bring a bit of joy into their lives.The Lakeside Ultra Challenge is no small feat, demanding participants to complete a 100-kilometer course on foot with an overall climb of 2500 meters, all against the clock to secure a bonus. Despite the challenge, the participants have covered all their own fees and accommodation costs, amounting to hundreds of pounds each, highlighting their dedication to the cause.Several businesses have already shown their support by pledging funds to be released upon the completion of the challenge. Notable commitments have come from Reactive Scaffold and MSC Consultants. Additionally, other companies, including EMTECH Group, CNS, and Northern Scaffolding, have generously contributed in advance.The organisers are reaching out for further support from the community and businesses alike. They encourage donations, even as small as £5.00, to help them reach their goal. Donations can be made through their JustGiving page: Support the Lakeside Ultra Challenge.Little Lady Locks, the charity benefiting from this initiative, is dedicated to providing high-quality wigs for children experiencing hair loss. More information about their work can be found on their website: Little Lady Locks.This heartwarming effort by AJS Scaffolding not only highlights the compassion and community spirit within the company but also serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that collective efforts can make in the lives of those facing tough challenges.
The mother of an 18-year-old apprentice who was tragically killed in a scaffolding collapse in Sydney, Australia, has called on the New South Wales (NSW) government to implement industrial manslaughter laws, ensuring no other family endures the heartache of losing a child in a workplace accident.
In April 2019, Christopher Cassaniti lost his life when an overloaded perimeter facade scaffold, burdened with 18 tonnes over its capacity, collapsed at a Macquarie Park construction site. The collapse trapped Christopher and his colleague Khaled Wehbe. It was later revealed that essential ties connecting the scaffolding to the building had been removed, contributing to the fatal incident.Christopher’s mother, Patrizia Cassaniti, has been a vocal advocate for legislative change, urging NSW to align with other mainland states by introducing industrial manslaughter as a distinct offence. “I’ll never get justice for my son and it hurts. It’s something that you can’t accept but I’m hoping that families in the future won’t have to go through this anguish,” said Ms Cassaniti, describing her son as an “exceptional and kind kid”.
Legislative Push for Tougher Penalties
The NSW government is set to introduce the legislation into parliament this week. The proposed bill would make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence, with penalties including up to 25 years in jail and civil fines up to $20 million – the most severe in any Australian jurisdiction.Ms Cassaniti, who will speak alongside NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis at a rally on Monday, believes the new law could save lives. “I would like to see this law not only put corporations and companies on alert, but also individuals,” she said. “Managers, officers, and workers should all be responsible for safety, and if they are found to have done something that caused the death of a person through their negligence and reckless behaviour, I want to see them prosecuted and go to jail.”
Broad Public Support
Recent polling by Pyxis Polling & Insights shows that NSW voters largely support the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws, with 68% of 2040 respondents in favour. Support is higher in regional areas (70%) compared to metropolitan Sydney (66%), and consistently above 60% across the political spectrum.Despite NSW being one of the few states, alongside Tasmania, without specific industrial manslaughter laws, 76% of respondents expressed surprise at this legislative gap. Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey emphasised the community’s demand for accountability. “When a worker doesn’t return home it is a life-altering trauma for their loved ones,” he said. “The people of NSW want corporations and CEOs held accountable for workplace deaths. It is simply unacceptable that workers continue to lose their lives due to negligent and unsafe practices.”
Historical Context and Legal Repercussions
From 2013 to 2022, NSW averaged at least one workplace fatality per week, the highest rate among Australian states and territories. Following Christopher Cassaniti’s death, Synergy Scaffolding Services pleaded guilty to a Work Health and Safety Act offence and was fined $2 million in November 2022. GN Residential Construction also faced significant penalties, including a $900,000 fine and permanent disqualification of its contractor licence. The company’s director, Nicholas Kodomichalo, received a 10-year ban from holding any authority under the Home Building Act 1989.Ms Cassaniti’s advocacy underscores a broader call for stronger workplace safety measures and legal reforms. As NSW prepares to debate the proposed laws, there is hope that tougher penalties will deter negligent practices and ensure safer working environments, preventing further tragedies and delivering justice for affected families.
In a landmark event for the construction industry, the first cohort of scaffolding apprentices graduated last week from the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship at The National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas, Ireland.
The ceremony at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, marked a significant milestone for the apprentices and the organisations involved in creating this pioneering programme.
The National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, developed by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the National Association of Scaffolding and Access Contractors (NASAC), the SIPTU Trade Union, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), and the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), aims to elevate the standards of scaffolding training in Ireland.
Managed by LOETB, the training centre focuses primarily on construction skills, providing a vital resource for the industry.
The graduation ceremony was attended by 22 of the 26 graduates, who were joined by distinguished guests, including Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB; Keith Dwyer, MD of Summit Scaffolding and Chair of the Consortium Steering Group National Scaffolding Apprenticeship; Evelyn Dunne, Board of Directors LOETB; Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, a mental health advocate; and Padraig Boland of LOETB.
Fergus Sheerin, the Course Lead Instructor at LOETB Mount Lucas, expressed his pride in the graduates and the programme’s success. “This is a very proud day for the industry and all involved in the development and delivery of the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship. In particular, for the graduates – who are the first in their trade to qualify. The apprenticeship can only continue to grow from here and will change the culture of scaffolding currently in Ireland,” Sheerin said.
He also extended special thanks to Tony Barry from CISRS for his invaluable guidance since the apprenticeship’s inception in 2021.
Tony Barry, CISRS Compliance Manager, echoed Sheerin’s sentiments, highlighting the programme’s importance. “I would like to thank John Kelly and Yvonne Kearney for inviting me to attend. It was great to be involved and to see the apprentices being recognised for their hard work and commitment to this trailblazing apprenticeship, in what can be seen as a giant step forward in the right direction for scaffolding training in Ireland,” Barry stated.
The event underscored the bright future for Irish scaffolding apprentices, with new employers registering to train apprentices and an anticipated increase in registration numbers. This growth is expected to lead to more collaborating providers offering training.
Additionally, the recognition of prior learning programmes for current scaffolders aiming to upskill and obtain the QQI Level 5 Certificate is seen as a positive development for the industry.
The high demand for the apprenticeship course is evident, with a waiting list already in place. The next group of nine apprentices is set to begin training in September 2024, followed by another intake of approximately 40 Year Two apprentices in December.
For more information on the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, interested parties can email [email protected].
The fourth annual international scaffolding championship, ScaffChamp 2024, wrapped up in the Lithuanian capital with a spectacle that exceeded expectations and set new benchmarks for the mega international scaffolding event.
This year’s championship attracted over 500 spectators and 126 participating scaffolders from around the globe, with thousands more tuning in via the YouTube livestream, creating an atmosphere charged with industry camaraderie and fierce competition.The event placed a significant emphasis on safety this year, drawing numerous families who enjoyed both the unique scaffolding spectacle and the dedicated Kids Zone, complete with an inflatable obstacle course.
A Day of Rigorous Competition
Over 500 people attended ScaffChamp 2024The Baltic Scaffolding Association meticulously planned the ScaffChamp event, which saw scaffolders racing against the clock to erect a challenging Layher structure from designs produced by ScaffPlan, including Layher’s latest innovation, the Twix Beam. The 21 participating teams, hailing from countries such as the UK, Finland, Hungary, Sweden, Mongolia and Lithuania, were divided into three rounds. Each team was tasked with erecting and dismantling the intricate Layher scaffold within tight time frames, adhering to strict safety rules under the watchful eyes of referees.Scaffolders at ScaffChamp raced against the clock to erect a Layher structure from engineering designs produced by ScaffPlanThe ScaffChamp competition showcased not only the craftsmanship and strategic planning of the teams but also their ability to work under emence pressure. The referees meticulously monitored the builds, imposing time penalties for any rule breaches or safety violations.
Unexpected Weather Changes the Scene
The sunny Vilnius weather added to the festive atmosphere, but as the final round concluded, a sudden downpour forced competitors and spectators to seek refuge in the main tent. The unexpected turn of events led to an impromptu party, complete with music, beer, and laughter, as everyone awaited the final results.The rainstorm caused power issues, leading to a delay as referees worked to finalise the results. Despite this, the high spirits of the participants and spectators remained, with everyone embracing the unexpected challenges with good humour and resilience.
Announcing the Winners
After about an hour of anticipation, the referees announced the winners. N-Projects from Poland secured first place with an impressive build time of 71 minutes. Cumiskey Scaffolding from Ireland took second with 83 minutes, and NBIK, who flew 16 hours from Mongolia, came in third with 85 minutes.The UK teams, participating for the first time, showcased commendable performances, prioritising safety. Rose System Scaffolding Ltd finished a fantastic joint 4th position, Connect Scaffolding Ltd came 9th, and Star Scaffolding Ltd placed 20th, demonstrating their future potential and commitment to high quality and skill.
Special Awards
In addition to the main competition, several special awards were presented at the end of the event, recognising exceptional performance, dedication to safety, and overall contribution to the scaffolding community:SIMIAN International Health and Safety Awards:
The winners and all participants were celebrated for their skill, precision, and teamwork. Despite the chaotic conclusion, the event was hailed as a success, uniting the global scaffolding community in a vibrant display of talent and unity.As ScaffChamp 2024 concluded, organisers and participants reflected on the unforgettable experience. The emphasis on safety, innovative designs, and unexpected rainstorms all contributed to the event’s uniqueness.
Reflections and Future Prospects
Oleg Abramov, Head of ScaffChamp Operations, praised the teams for their adaptability and resilience.“Watching teams of scaffolders adapt and thrive in challenging conditions was truly inspiring. This event continues to foster a sense of global community and professional excellence.”Abramov added, “We achieved impressive results this year. The feedback from the teams is invaluable, helping us improve. With growth from 6 teams in 2022 to 21 teams in 2024, the dedication and passion within our industry are evident. We will work hard to improve next year.”
Look out for a complete event overview on ScaffChamp24 in the forthcoming Scaffmag Magazine coming soon.
Mabey Hire Ltd, a prominent UK-based provider of construction solutions, has officially joined the PERI Group, a global leader in formwork and scaffolding systems.
The acquisition, announced today, signifies a strategic move for both companies, enhancing their ability to serve the construction industry with a broader range of services and products.PERI, headquartered in Weissenhorn, Germany, is a family-owned enterprise with approximately 9,000 employees and a presence in over 160 locations worldwide. The company reported a turnover of €1.9 billion in 2023, underscoring its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the formwork and scaffolding sector.Mabey Hire, based in Dewsbury, UK, is well-regarded for its innovative solutions in infrastructure and renovation projects. The company’s portfolio includes ground shoring for excavations, propping and jacking for renovation projects, temporary bridges for access, and construction sensors. Employing around 400 people across 16 UK locations, Mabey Hire is a market leader in its field.Integrating Mabey Hire into the PERI Group is set to foster synergies in culture, engineering expertise, and market reputation. Despite the acquisition, Mabey Hire will retain its current management, brand, and operational independence under the umbrella of PERI UK.David Adams, CEO of Mabey Hire, expressed enthusiasm about the merger: “Becoming part of the PERI Group is an excellent opportunity to serve the needs of our customers better and, with PERI UK, offer them the best service possible. We look forward to expanding the business by serving more customers both in the UK and internationally.”Ian Hayes, Managing Director of PERI UK, echoed this sentiment: “Together, we will work to achieve cross-selling opportunities to offer our customers an even broader range of infrastructure and renovation products and continue the drive always to provide the best possible service.”Christian Schwörer, CEO of PERI Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: “This acquisition marks an important milestone in our growth strategy to develop new market shares and areas in the civil engineering and renovation markets, especially in the UK but also internationally.”The collaboration between Mabey Hire and PERI is anticipated to leverage both companies’ strengths, deliver enhanced value and service to their clients, and mark a significant step forward in the construction industry.
ScaffEx24, the new premier exhibition and conference for the scaffolding industry, has unveiled exclusive to Scaffmag further additions to its already impressive speaker lineup.
This year’s event, which will take place in Belfast on 29 November 2024, will feature prominent industry leaders sharing their insights across four key areas: opportunity, Meet the Buyer, Innovation, and Training and Education.ScaffEx24 has confirmed the participation of three distinguished speakers:
Julio Black, Head of Product & Marketing, AT-PAC
Julio Black, the Head of Product & Marketing at AT-PAC, is a globally recognised leader in the scaffolding and access sector. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Julio has been instrumental in driving AT-PAC’s innovative strategies and product development. His expertise spans market analysis, product lifecycle management, and brand positioning, making him a pivotal figure in advancing the scaffolding industry. At ScaffEx24, Julio will share his insights on the latest innovations shaping the future of scaffolding.
Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding
Lee Rowswell, the Group Director of GKR Scaffolding, leads a prominent company known for its commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability. Under Lee’s leadership, GKR has achieved significant growth and recognition within the industry. With a wealth of experience in business development and operational excellence, Lee will speak at ScaffEx24 on the vast opportunities that scaffolding provides, highlighting the sector’s potential for growth and career development.
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB NI
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board for Northern Ireland (CITB NI), has dedicated his career to enhancing skills and training within the construction industry. Recognised with an OBE for his contributions, Barry’s leadership at CITB NI has been pivotal in driving initiatives that equip the workforce with essential skills. At ScaffEx24, Barry will address the critical topic of scaffolding and access skills, emphasising the importance of training and education in the industry.ScaffEx24 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the scaffolding industry. In addition to the insightful conference sessions, attendees can look forward to an exciting entertainment line-up at the Winter Ball and Awards, tobe announced shortly.For more information, visit www.scaffex24.com.
PDC Scaffolding, a company known for its reactive works and contributions to social housing, has announced the successful completion of its merger with London-based Kopa Scaffolding.
The deal is anticipated to generate 25 new local jobs and significantly expand the operations of both companies. The newly formed Kopa Group will operate from a large yard in Romford and an additional depot in Horsham. This move is expected to enhance their service offerings and reach.Kopa Scaffolding, a familiar name in Brighton and London, is recognised for its scalable, tailored scaffolding solutions for commercial and residential projects. Kopa Group, its parent company, has diversified interests in construction, real estate, and finance.Paul Casey, the managing director of PDC Scaffolding, will assume the role of MD for the combined PDC and Kopa Scaffolding group. Casey expressed his enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “PDC’s expertise in reactive works and social housing complements Kopa’s focus on social and new build housing. We’re looking forward to pooling our knowledge and working together – and growing our team with dozens of new roles to boost the local economy. This is the start of a really exciting new chapter and we’re excited about what’s to come.”Reece MacLaren and Alistair McPherson, owners of Kopa, also shared their optimism. “We welcome the news of our merger with PDC and look forward to working closely with Paul and all the PDC team. Their values and vision as a company align very closely with ours, so this was a natural step for us. We’re eager to get started and look forward to growing our collective brand,” they stated.With over three decades of industry experience, PDC has supported thousands of projects, partnering with major clients like Morgan Sindall Property Services, ARC Group, Axis Europe, Michael Brady Ltd, Chartway Group, and Breyer Group. PDC has been certified carbon neutral since 2022 and has implemented several eco-friendly practices. The company is also a strong advocate for mental health support within the construction industry, aiming to end stigma and encourage workers to seek help.“Although there’ll be more of us following the merger, our values as a business won’t change,” Casey reassured. “We’ll continue to champion sustainability and work hard to provide a fun, supportive workplace for our bigger team. Our projections indicate that our combined turnover will more than double, allowing us to create more local jobs and help create a thriving economy in our local area.”This merger marks a significant milestone for both companies, promising growth, sustainability, and a positive impact on the local economy.
The picturesque city of Vilnius basked in the sunshine today as it welcomed scaffolders from around the world for the much-anticipated ScaffChamp 2024.
The first day of the event, dubbed the “Fun Day,” provided an enjoyable start for participants and attendees alike, blending leisure with anticipation as competing teams discovered their upcoming challenges.Scaffolders gathered at the event grounds at Layher Baltic to engage in a variety of activities designed to foster camaraderie and showcase their skills in a relaxed community setting. Highlights included an arm wrestling contest that drew spirited participation and cheers from the crowd and an intense obstacle course that tested the competitors’ agility, strength, and teamwork.The grand reveal of the competition’s scaffolding challenge was one of the day’s main attractions. For the first time, teams were shown 4D designs of what they have to build, courtesy of the main sponsor ScaffPlan.These hi-tech designs, accessible via a QR code, provided a detailed and interactive view of the structures, allowing teams to start planning and strategising immediately. The announcement was met with a mix of both excitement and strategic planning as teams began to formulate their approaches and discuss potential strategies for the scaffold build.Adding to the atmosphere, the day featured a live DJ, a bar and local food offering Lithuanian delicacies, and a special exhibition of the latest scaffolding technologies and innovations. Leach’s and KEWAZO were among the exhibitors, showcasing their latest products and solutions to an eager audience. Attendees had the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights into cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of the scaffolding industry.Scaffmag had the opportunity to catch up with the three UK teams competing for the first time ever at ScaffChamp: Star Scaffolding, Connect Scaffolding, and Rose System Scaffolding. The teams expressed their excitement about participating in the international event and shared their thoughts on the day’s activities and the upcoming competition. “It’s a fantastic experience to be here and see the global scaffolding community come together,” said a representative from Star Scaffolding. “We can’t wait to show what we’ve got in the competition.”
Safety is Paramount this Year
This year’s event marks a stark contrast to last year, with a heightened emphasis on safety. Organisers have implemented comprehensive method statements and Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) to ensure all activities are conducted with the utmost care and adherence to safety guidelines. This focus on safety reflects a growing awareness and commitment to protecting the well-being of all participants.
Team Draw
A highlight of the day was the team draw for ScaffChamp, powered by Layher. The draw rule ensured that teams from the same country wouldn’t participate in the same round. Here are the results:1st Round:
Telinetiimi (Finland)
Látvány-Állvány (Hungary)
STAR SCAFFOLDING (UK)
XPRTS (Bulgaria)
Alpaccess (Romania)
Björli Team (Sweden)
RNDV (Lithuania)
2nd Round:
Cumiskey Scaffolding (Ireland)
Connect Scaffolding (UK)
N-Projects (Poland)
HOTREMA (Lithuania)
Stilladsarbejdernes Landsklub (Denmark)
Starteline (Finland)
KAEFER Sweden (Sweden)
3rd Round:
GLT (Poland)
Kukla Scaffolding (Slovakia)
Stabil Épít? (Hungary)
Globalita (Lithuania)
Rose System Scaffolding (UK)
PDV INŽENJERING (Serbia)
NBIK (Mongolia)
End of Day 1
As the sun sets over Vilnius, the energy remained high, with scaffolders and spectators looking forward to tomorrow’s main event. Over 500 people are expected to attend as the official competition kicks off. The final day promises a showcase of skill, precision, and teamwork as teams vie for the coveted ScaffChamp 2024 title.Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our live coverage of ScaffChamp 2024. Follow the live blog, which will bring you the latest news and highlights from this exciting event.
Welcome to Scaffmag’s live coverage of ScaffChamp 24, coming to you from the vibrant city of Vilnius, Lithuania!
This year’s ScaffChamp promises to be an exhilarating event, bringing together the best in the scaffolding industry from around the globe. Over the next few days, we’ll be your eyes and ears on the ground, providing real-time updates, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the competitions, innovations, and industry discussions that make ScaffChamp 24 a must-follow event.
Kent-based TRAD Scaffolding has posted a significant 15% increase in its pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 August 2023, alongside a positive outlook for the coming months.
According to Construction News, the company’s latest financial accounts reveal a pre-tax profit of £3.27 million, up from £2.84 million in 2022.Despite a modest 2% rise in turnover, reaching £14.9 million compared to £14.6 million the previous year, the scaffolding firm experienced notable growth in activity during the third and fourth quarters. TRAD attributed this growth to an increase in the volume of projects and a robust pipeline of upcoming work despite facing a competitive market environment with aggressive pricing.The company’s strategic report highlights ongoing challenges in the construction market, particularly labour shortages. To counteract these issues, TRAD Scaffolding’s directors are focusing on recruitment and training strategies to ensure the company can meet demand and maintain service quality.As of August 2023, the firm reported a cash balance of £2.86 million and net assets totalling £10 million. The company’s debt to creditors decreased by 6% to £6.22 million, down from £6.6 million in 2022.However, the company’s workforce significantly reduced, with employee headcount dropping 19% from 147 in 2022 to 119 in 2023. Correspondingly, total staff costs, including wages, salaries, social security contributions, and pension contributions, fell by 27% to £6.12 million from £8.39 million the previous year.TRAD Scaffolding is owned by TRAD Group Ltd,was recently ranked fourth in Construction News’ index of the top 10 scaffolding contractors.The financial report, signed by Director Peter McShane, reflects the company’s strategic efforts to navigate market challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities.As TRAD Scaffolding looks ahead, its strong pipeline of projects and focused recruitment and training strategies position it well to continue its upward trajectory in the competitive scaffolding industry.
Little Lady Locks, the charity benefiting from this initiative, is dedicated to providing high-quality wigs for children experiencing hair loss. More information about their work can be found on their website: Little Lady Locks.
This heartwarming effort by AJS Scaffolding not only highlights the compassion and community spirit within the company but also serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that collective efforts can make in the lives of those facing tough challenges. 
Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding
