Scaffolding firms urged to review RIDDOR procedures as HSE consults on changes

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Scaffolding firms urged to review RIDDOR procedures as HSE consults on changes

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, known as RIDDOR.

The consultation opened on 7 April and closes on 30 June 2026. It is the first major review of the regulations in more than a decade and could have implications for scaffolding and access contractors across Great Britain.

RIDDOR sets out when employers, the self-employed and those in control of work premises must report certain workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

HSE said the proposals are intended to clarify parts of the regulations, update the list of reportable occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences, and simplify the online reporting process.

For scaffolding firms, one of the key areas is the proposed expansion of occupational disease reporting.

The consultation includes changes to the list of reportable diseases and proposes broadening who can formally diagnose a reportable occupational disease beyond doctors registered with the General Medical Council.

Industry observers say the proposals point to a wider shift in focus from incident reporting alone towards better capture of long-term occupational health risks.

That could place greater attention on common site exposures, including noise from impact wrenches, hammer drills and reciprocating saws, as well as dust from drilling, cutting and refurbishment work.

If adopted, the changes could lead to closer scrutiny of noise assessments, dust controls, respiratory protection, hearing protection, health surveillance and record keeping.

HSE has said there are no proposed changes to current reporting timescales.

NASC Head of Technical, Mark Collinson, said: “This consultation reflects a growing focus on occupational health as well as safety.

“For scaffolding contractors, the key will be ensuring any changes are practical and proportionate. It is important that members engage now so that the realities of scaffolding and access work on site are properly considered.”

The consultation is relevant to all sectors, but HSE said duty holders, self-employed people and those in control of work premises are among those being encouraged to respond.

Scaffolding contractors are being advised to review existing RIDDOR procedures, reassess noise and dust controls, check PPE and RPE compliance, and consider whether current health surveillance arrangements would stand up to closer reporting requirements.

Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 30 June 2026.

To submit a response, visit: https://consultations.hse.gov.uk/hse/proposals-riddor-2013/?_ga=2.113107780.1584131210.1777041125-1991780333.1776853701

Scottish offshore workers urged to consider scaffolding careers

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Scottish offshore workers urged to consider scaffolding careers

The Construction Industry Training Board is targeting workers from Scotland’s offshore energy sector as part of efforts to widen the construction talent pool and support scaffolding skills.

CITB said many offshore workers already have experience that can transfer well into scaffolding, including strong safety awareness, working at height, inspection processes and disciplined site practices.

The move comes as employers continue to report recruitment challenges across construction in Scotland.

To support the transition, CITB is offering a £200 discount on the CISRS Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting Scaffold course at the National Construction College Scotland in Inchinnan. The course is currently listed at £1,295 after the discount, with NCC also stating that it does not charge VAT.

The training forms part of CITB’s wider scaffolding and access course offer, which includes routes towards CISRS cards, inspection training and supervisory courses.

Robert Stephenson, access instructor at CITB, said scaffolding was a trade where transferable skills could be applied effectively.

“Scaffolding is a trade where transferable skills can be effectively applied, offering structured routes into long-term employment and progression within construction,” he said.

“We regularly work with learners who bring valuable skills from other industries, including offshore and energy. Our role is to help support people and employers to give them the skills they need to build a competent and resilient workforce.”

He added that CITB’s priority was to ensure training reflected real site requirements and gave people the skills employers need now and in the future.

“Whether someone is new to construction or transitioning from another sector, scaffolding offers a clear, structured route with strong standards and progression,” he said.

CITB said funding for scaffolding training will remain available across all NCC sites during the 2026/27 financial year, alongside ongoing grant support for employers.

The board’s short course grant list includes £500 for several scaffolding courses, including Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting, Scaffolding Part 2 and Advanced Scaffolder training.

CITB’s National Construction College recently received an “expected standard” rating across all key judgement areas in its latest Ofsted inspection, which CITB described as a strong result under Ofsted’s more rigorous inspection framework.

The push comes as the scaffolding sector continues to look for new entrants with the right attitude to safety, training and site discipline.

NASC warns members over online conduct in new media policy

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NASC warns members over online conduct in new media policy

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation said the new Social Media and General Media Policy sets expectations for how its members, CISRS centres and those publicly associated with NASC should behave online and in wider public-facing media.

The policy, published today, applies to NASC contractors, suppliers and individuals who represent or are publicly linked to NASC or CISRS.

It covers social media platforms including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as company websites, blogs, press statements and public comments made at events.

NASC said the policy is intended to protect the reputation of the organisation, CISRS and the wider scaffolding and access industry.

The move comes as more firms, individuals and industry figures use social media to comment on training, safety, standards and sector issues. NASC said members are encouraged to use media channels positively to promote good practice, celebrate achievements, support events and contribute constructively to industry debate.

However, the policy also sets clear limits on unacceptable behaviour.

Members must not publish, share or endorse content that is technically incorrect, outside industry guidance, defamatory, misleading, abusive, discriminatory or likely to bring NASC, its members or the wider industry into disrepute.

The policy also rules out content involving hate speech, harassment, extremist views or divisive material.

Where breaches occur, NASC said it may take action ranging from guidance and support to informal warnings. In serious cases, disciplinary action or expulsion from membership may follow.

Member organisations will also be responsible for ensuring compliance across employees, representatives and subcontractors.

Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC and CISRS, said the policy was not designed to restrict free expression.

“This is not about policing social media or telling our members what they can and cannot say,” he said.

“It is about upholding the standards that NASC membership stands for and ensuring that the way our members present themselves online reflects the professionalism and integrity of the industry we are all proud to be part of.

“NASC members want the scaffolding and access sector to be represented positively and NASC believe the vast majority of our members already do exactly that.

“This policy simply sets out our expectations clearly for the first time so we can help members and non-members represent the best of scaffolding and access.”

NASC said the policy will be reviewed regularly to make sure it remains aligned with member needs and industry developments.

Members with their own social media policies have been advised to check that they cover the same standards outlined in the NASC document.

Two workers killed in Spain after mast climbing platform collapse

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Two workers killed in Spain after mast climbing platform collapse

Two workers have been killed following the collapse of a twin mast climbing work platform in Benidorm, Spain.

The incident happened on Wednesday, 22 April, at Building 2 of the Principado Europa tourist apartment block on Calle Ibiza, where an 18-month façade renovation project was understood to be nearing completion.

The men, aged 26 and 45, were working on the building when the mast climbing work platform collapsed. A third man survived and was reported to be unhurt.

According to industry reports, the surviving worker had been dismantling the mast climber from the top of the 18-storey building. He was left suspended by his harness and lanyard around the 13th floor before managing to climb into an apartment once a window was opened.

The two workers who died were understood to have been working between the eighth and 11th floors when the incident happened. They were reportedly raising the platform at the time.

One unconfirmed account from the scene suggested that one of the masts may have come free before the second gave way as the platform fell. However, this has not been corroborated and the exact cause of the collapse has not yet been established.

Image credit – vertikal.net

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) said initial reports indicate the equipment involved was a twin mast climbing work platform, also known as an MCWP.

The federation issued a statement following the incident, after some media reports described the equipment as scaffolding.

“Some media reports have referred to this incident as scaffolding,” IPAF said. “Based on current information, the equipment involved appears to be a mast climbing work platform – a powered access system with distinct design, standards and safe-use requirements.”

IPAF said accurate identification of the equipment was essential to ensure proper understanding of the risks and an appropriate industry response.

It also warned against speculation while investigations by the Spanish authorities continue.

The organisation said incidents of this nature can involve several possible factors, including installation and dismantling processes, structural configuration and loading, maintenance and inspection, and site supervision.

Two investigations have reportedly been opened.

A judicial investigation will consider whether there is any criminal liability, including possible manslaughter or non-compliance with safety regulations. A separate safety investigation by the work safety inspectorate will examine whether the contractor complied with current regulations and standards.

IPAF said mast climbing work platforms are widely used and, when properly managed, provide a safe method of working at height.

It said the incident reinforced the importance of competent training, correct installation, controlled dismantling, adherence to manufacturer instructions and recognised standards, as well as effective supervision, inspection and maintenance.

IPAF said it would continue to monitor the investigation and share verified safety learning when available.

Benidorm council has reportedly declared an official day of mourning following the deaths.

Brogan wins Manchester student accommodation access package

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Brogan wins Manchester student accommodation access package

Brogan Group has secured the powered access package for a student accommodation building in Manchester.

The access specialist will provide several passenger and goods hoists on the project, giving site teams access up to 46 metres high.

The machines will support remedial works to the existing structure, including the replacement of cladding, glazing and brickwork.

The package adds to Brogan’s recent activity in the student accommodation sector, following other powered access appointments on residential and mixed-use schemes.

It also comes shortly after Brogan expanded its regional coverage across the Midlands and North of England, including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle.

That expansion followed the group’s acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals’ UK hoist division last year, which added more hoists, operational sites and technical staff to Brogan’s UK network. Brogan said at the time the deal would strengthen its ability to support projects across major northern cities, including Manchester.

Brogan Group provides scaffolding, hoists, mast climbers, crane decks and other access services across the UK, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the USA.

The company said the Manchester hoist package will support the safe movement of workers and materials as façade works progress on the building.

‘Not every scaffolder is ok’: Alan Osborn backs mental health campaign at ScaffChamp

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‘Not every scaffolder is ok’: Alan Osborn backs mental health campaign at ScaffChamp

Alan Osborn is set to shave his head at ScaffChamp 2026 as part of a campaign to raise £5,000 for men’s mental health and rehabilitation support.

The fundraising effort is centred on a simple message: not every scaffolder is ok.

Osborn, a well-known scaffolding and safety consultant and NASC committee member, said the campaign is aimed at highlighting the pressures many workers in the trade face, including long hours, financial stress, time away from family and the strain that can build up in silence.

Half of the money raised will go to Movember, which supports men’s mental health, suicide prevention and wellbeing. The other half will go to Free People Ukraine, the nominated charity of Scaffolding Heroes, which is helping fund a rehabilitation retreat for injured soldiers, veterans and their families affected by war.

In a statement to Scaffmag, Osborn said the campaign was shaped by both personal experience and wider concerns about mental health across construction.

He said: “I’ve been through my own rough periods with mental health, like a lot of lads in this industry, and I know how easy it is to keep it bottled up.

Alan Osborn

“Not every scaffolder is ok. The reality is, construction has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK. We’re losing people at a rate that should never be acceptable, with workers several times more at risk than the average.

“This isn’t just a campaign, it’s something that needs real change. The head shave is about starting conversations, breaking that silence, and showing lads it’s alright to speak up.

“Alongside this, I’m launching the Mensana Collective, a non-profit focused on men’s mental health in scaffolding and construction, because we need proper support, not just awareness. If this gets even one person talking or reaching out, then it’s worth it.”

Osborn has described the fundraiser as “scaffolders supporting scaffolders”, with the aim of standing beside people facing mental and physical challenges, whether on site or beyond the workplace.

The campaign will be carried out during ScaffChamp 2026, the international scaffolding competition which brings together teams from across the sector. Osborn said the event’s focus on skill, safety and solidarity made it the right place to make a public statement and encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health.

You can donate to the campaign by visiting Alan’s Just Giving Page here

Baton opens early adopter programme for scaffolding contractors

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Baton opens early adopter programme for scaffolding contractors

Baton has opened applications for its Early Adopter Programme, giving scaffolding contractors early access to a software platform designed specifically for construction subcontractors.

The company said the system had been built to help scaffold firms gain better control over operations, compliance and commercial performance by bringing key workflows into one connected platform.

Baton describes the system as being built around what it calls the Four Pillars of Control, Efficiency, Compliance and Site Accounting.

The launch follows a beta phase in which Baton worked with scaffolding businesses to test and refine the platform. The company said feedback from those firms helped improve workflows and shape the support model now being offered through the early adopter programme.

Scaffolding is the first trade to be served by the platform, which Baton said reflects its roots in the sector and its focus on the operational and commercial pressures facing scaffold contractors as they grow.

According to Baton, the system is designed to give firms clearer visibility over what is happening on site, what jobs are costing and where margins are being made or lost. The aim is to help leadership teams make earlier and better-informed decisions using more connected data across the business.

Contractors joining the programme will receive structured onboarding, up to five hours of training, direct support from the Baton team and operational consultancy intended to help improve internal processes. The package also includes training led by co-founder Matthew Loddy and the chance to speak directly with industry figure Des Moore.

Baton said early adopters will also be able to influence future product development and secure preferential pricing for an initial period, including a lifetime discount that could reduce costs over the long term.

Des Moore

Des Moore, chief business development officer at Baton, said: “Scaffolding contractors have been underserved for years when it comes to joined-up systems that reflect how the business actually works.

“Too many firms are still relying on spreadsheets, paperwork and separate tools that leave gaps between site activity and commercial performance. Baton changes that. It gives subcontractors one connected operating system built around the Four Pillars of Control, Efficiency, Compliance and Site Accounting.”

He added: “The Early Adopter Programme is about much more than getting early access to the platform. It gives firms hands-on onboarding, training, support and operational consultancy, as well as the opportunity to help shape the product as it develops.

“We are opening applications now, places are limited, and onboarding can begin immediately.”

Baton said it plans to roll out the platform to other construction subcontractor trades in the future.

SCA joins Coriant in move to widen access and industrial services capability

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SCA joins Coriant in move to widen access and industrial services capability

Coriant has announced the acquisition of specialist contractor SCA, in a move that further expands the group’s capabilities in access, temporary containment and industrial support services.

The deal strengthens Coriant’s position in defence, marine and infrastructure, adding a business with a long track record in complex and safety-critical environments, particularly in naval, ship repair and dockside work.

SCA, founded in 1996, provides access scaffolding, temporary containment and industrial support services across the UK. The company is known for delivering tailored solutions on technically demanding projects where time, safety and reliability are critical.

The acquisition is the latest step in the growth of Coriant, the industrial and infrastructure maintenance services group backed by H.I.G. Capital. Coriant was recently formed by bringing together Rainham, Zenith, TEi and Control Valve Services under one group structure, while allowing each business to continue operating under its own established brand.

Coriant said the addition of SCA supports its strategy to build a scaled service offering across the maintenance, repair and optimisation of critical infrastructure assets.

Maxine Mayhew, chief executive of Coriant, said: “Bringing SCA into Coriant marks another important step in building a scaled, differentiated industrial services platform.

“SCA’s proven expertise in specialist access and its strong presence in the defence, marine and infrastructure markets significantly enhances our ability to support customers across the full lifecycle of critical assets.”

Justin Cooper, group managing director of SCA, said joining Coriant would help the business accelerate its next phase of growth.

He said: “We have built our business on delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable access solutions in some of the most demanding environments and becoming part of Coriant allows us to accelerate that growth journey.”

Adam Taylor, non-executive director of Coriant and principal at H.I.G., said SCA was a strong strategic fit and added complementary capabilities to the group.

The deal underlines continued consolidation across the wider industrial services market, as groups look to broaden technical capability and offer clients more joined-up support across major infrastructure and asset maintenance programmes.

Robot named Douglas begins work on Tilbury Douglas site

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Robot named Douglas begins work on Tilbury Douglas site

Tilbury Douglas has begun using a humanoid robot to carry out administrative and data-collection tasks on a live construction site. The contractor says the deployment is a UK first among tier one firms.

The robot, named Douglas, navigates the site autonomously. It captures 360-degree imagery and compiles progress reports, with the data also used to support health and safety monitoring.

The company estimates the robot will save around 40 hours of staff time each month by handling routine reporting work.

Mark Buckle, Technical Director at Tilbury Douglas, said the move was a response to workforce pressure. “The construction industry continues to face a skills shortage and ongoing resource challenges,” he said. Automating admin tasks, he added, would allow site teams to focus on technical and operational work.

Tilbury Douglas is a UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out contractor. The firm works across sectors including health, education, defence, justice, commercial, and aviation, delivering projects for public and private clients.

The deployment forms part of Tilbury Douglas’ wider digital transformation programme.

HAKI reports sharp UK sales drop as construction starts stall

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HAKI reports sharp UK sales drop as construction starts stall

The Swedish-listed scaffolding and access safety group said UK revenues fell to SEK 52 million (£4.2 million) in the three months to 31 March, down from SEK 76 million (£6.2 million) in the same quarter a year earlier. That is a drop of nearly a third.

Publishing its Q1 2026 interim report today (21 April), HAKI Safety said the decline was driven by an unusually low level of activity in the UK property sector.

The group pointed directly to the Building Safety Regulator, which oversees fire safety approvals for high-rise buildings and healthcare facilities. HAKI said extended processing times at the regulator had contributed to major delays to the commencement of construction work.

The impact was felt most sharply in the company’s Work Zone Safety division, which supplies catchfans, barrier systems and access platforms under the HAKI, Semmco and Newbow Aerospace brands. Divisional sales fell 2.3% to SEK 85 million (£6.9 million), and adjusted EBITA halved to SEK 6 million (roughly £490,000) from SEK 12 million (roughly £970,000) a year earlier.

The UK is HAKI Safety’s single largest market for work zone safety products, accounting for 42% of divisional sales on a rolling 12-month basis. It also represents 16% of the company’s scaffolding systems revenue.

HAKI Safety CEO Sverker Lindberg said the company remained “well-positioned in the UK market when the turnaround comes.” The group said it has introduced cost-saving measures in response to the UK weakness and is prepared to take further action.

It described the decline as temporary and said it expects processing times at the Building Safety Regulator to improve over time.

Despite the UK setback, the group reported 9% organic growth at a global level, with net sales rising to SEK 286 million (£23.1 million). Adjusted EBITA rose to SEK 10 million (around £810,000) from SEK 6 million a year earlier, supported by a recovery in Norway and Denmark.

Its Scaffolding Systems division, which includes the HAKI and EKRO brands, returned to profit after a loss in Q1 2025. Sales in that division rose 16.3% to SEK 143 million (£11.6 million). HAKI Safety also confirmed it completed the acquisition of Redditch-based Newbow Aerospace in January. Newbow manufactures ground support equipment for aircraft maintenance. The deal, worth an initial £2.3 million with an estimated £1 million earnout, gives the group a second UK manufacturing base alongside Semmco.

The results point to continued pressure on UK scaffolding and access contractors working on high-rise residential and healthcare projects, where Building Safety Regulator approvals remain a key bottleneck.

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