A prominent work-at-height charity has introduced the pioneering initiative No Falls Week to address one of the most pressing dangers in the workplace. The campaign, organised by the No Falls Foundation, will occur from May 13 to May 17, 2024. Its goal is to highlight the importance of safe working practices for people working at heights, prevent accidents, and ensure the well-being of all individuals involved in such tasks.The statistics surrounding accidents related to working at height are sobering, with both fatalities and non-fatal injuries posing significant risks. It’s estimated that over 1 million businesses and 10 million workers engage in activities involving working at height annually, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.Falls from height persist as the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, with 40 lives lost in 2022-2023 alone, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Furthermore, falls from height accounted for a third of all workplace fatalities last year, indicating a troubling trend.In addition to the loss of life, falls from height also result in a significant number of non-fatal injuries, with over 5,000 individuals reported to have been injured at work in Great Britain in 2022/23 alone. However, underreporting, particularly among the self-employed, likely means the actual number of incidents is higher.Hannah WilliamsHannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation, stressed the importance of No Falls Week, emphasising the far-reaching impact of workplace injuries from falls.“Everyone who needs to work at height should be able to work safely and return home unharmed at the end of every shift… No Falls Week is an opportunity for everyone to recognise the mental, physical, and societal consequences of working at height accidents.”Employers are encouraged to participate in No Falls Week by signing up on the No Falls Week website, where they can access toolkits and resources provided by the Access Industry Forum (AIF). These resources enable toolbox talks, workshops, safety demonstrations, and social media campaigns to promote work at height safety.To learn more about No Falls Week and participate, visit the No Falls Week Website.
In the wake of Henry Construction’s collapse last year and BCM Scaffolding last month, tonnes of scaffolding and formwork owned by the defunct contractors are now up for auction. Scaffolding stocks and assets, including HGVs formerly belonging to BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd, which recently fell into administration, are also available for bidding. The development follows a report published by Scaffmag last month on BCM’s troubles. The sale, coordinated by Hilco Valuation Services, will conclude next week. It features 66 lots available for bidding. The auction presents an opportunity for interested parties to acquire quality scaffolding and formwork assets previously utilised by Henry Construction and BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd.View the Henry Construction lot: Click hereView the BCM Scaffolding lot: Click hereHenry Construction’s collapse in 2023 marked one of the most significant setbacks to hit the construction industry. The fallout left over 700 suppliers and subcontractors grappling with unpaid invoices totalling more than £43 million.BCM Scaffolding Services Ltd, along with Bristol’s Scaffteq West Ltd, both part of the Saferise Scaffolding Group, plunged into administration earlier this year. Collectively, they employed over 100 individuals. The internal memo obtained by Scaffmag outlined the financial difficulties faced by the companies attributed to the withdrawal of support from their finance company. Despite anticipated new projects and recent investments, BCM and Scaffteq West found themselves in a precarious position.
In a move reflecting growth and expansion, Anton Scaffolding has recently relocated its headquarters to the historic Fazeley Saw Mills in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The move from their previous base in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, to a new yard that spans approximately 40,000 square feet marks a significant milestone in the company’s development journey.Fazeley Saw Mills, a landmark in Tamworth for over half a century, is known for its distinctive towering crane visible from the A5. The site, which was once a bustling family-run timber business, is now home to Anton Scaffolding’s new headquarters, heralding a fresh chapter in its rich history. Located on Lichfield Street, the new site offers superb road connections and motorway access, positioning the company at the strategic heart of the country.Anton Scaffolding owner Tom Pawliw expressed his excitement about the relocation, highlighting the business’s recent growth and the clear need for new premises. “The move to Fazeley Saw Mills was a decision I knew was right for us and our expanding business,” Pawliw said. The new yard accommodates the company’s increasing stock and vehicle fleet and includes office space essential for business operations, staff training, and customer meetings.The relocation is also a personal milestone for Pawliw, who has strong ties to the local community and has lived in the area for many years. “It’s not just a business move; it’s a homecoming of sorts,” he noted, emphasizing his connection to the area and ongoing involvement in local projects, including refurbishment works on the canal footpath adjacent to the new premises.The strategic move has already yielded positive results for Anton Scaffolding. Following a successful NASC audit, the company recently earned the prestigious NASC Contractor Member status. This achievement highlights Anton Scaffolding’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the scaffolding industry.
Avontus Software has announced the launch of a free 28-day trial of its innovative program, Avontus Designer.The offering marks a significant milestone for professionals in the scaffolding and industrial services sector, providing an unprecedented opportunity to experience the future of scaffolding design technology.Avontus Designer is heralded as a game-changer, offering solutions specifically tailored for system scaffolding. The program features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to quickly assemble detailed 2D and 3D models. This cutting-edge approach drastically reduces design time, starkly contrasting the lengthy hours required by traditional manual methods.Brian Webb, CEO of Avontus Software, highlighted the transformative potential of Avontus Designer: “One of the key features of Avontus Designer is its ability to streamline the scaffolding design process. Access to over 40 manufacturers’ catalogs and an instant bill of materials empowers users to create comprehensive designs with unprecedented speed and accuracy.”The launch also introduces Avontus Viewer, a complimentary program that lets users explore their scaffolding designs virtually. This feature is designed to provide valuable insights and foster enhanced collaboration among team members.Further enriching the scaffolding design ecosystem, Avontus Designer integrates seamlessly with Quantify, Avontus Software’s inventory management software. This integration ensures a smooth transition from design to inventory tracking and rental billing, addressing a critical need within the industry.Moreover, Avontus Designer supports extensive import options, allowing for the integration of designs in formats such as IFC, PDF, AutoCAD, and others. This flexibility guarantees compatibility with a broad array of industry-standard software platforms, thus facilitating efficient communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.Professionals interested in leveraging this exclusive offer to explore the avant-garde of scaffolding design can sign up for the free 28-day trial at www.avontus.com.For further information, contact Avontus Software at [email protected] or call +44 0330 380 1349 x2
In a startling incident caught on a driver’s dashcam video last week in Buckingham, an aluminium mobile scaffold erected in front of a house on a bustling road collapsed, hurling two men into the path of oncoming traffic.
Miraculously, the workers were not injured, and the scaffold was promptly re-erected. The footage below shows a narrow escape for the men as a car swerves to avoid them, while a third worker in shock rushes to assist.
The incident, occurring next to the Grand Junction pub, has sparked conversations on moble scaffold safety in busy urban areas.
During Scottish Apprenticeship Week (SAW), a series of events were carried out across Scotland to honour current apprentices while highlighting the merits of work-based learning. Among the notable highlights of last week’s SAW was CISRS Managing Director Dave Mosley’s seizing the opportunity to engage with the next generation of scaffolders north of the border.Dave visited ASET International Energy Training Academy in Aberdeen and the National Construction College (NCC) Scotland at Inchinnan, where apprentices are currently completing their scaffolding apprenticeship programs. At these approved providers, apprentices from various companies, including Scaffold Orkney, L&M Scaffolding, AB Scaffold, Access 2000, Duncan Scaffolding, and Abscaff, were immersed in Part 1 training under the guidance of their instructor, Richard Wrightson.Interactions between Dave, Mark Davidson (CITB Apprentice Manager for Grampian), Shonagh Young of ASET, and the apprentices delved into various topics ranging from course content to industry experiences and future aspirations. Dave expressed delight in meeting these enthusiastic apprentices and conveyed optimism about their journey ahead in the scaffolding sector.Transitioning to NCC Scotland, Dave Mosley encountered another group of apprentices in their final assessment week under the attentive supervision of Instructor Stewart McAllister. This cohort hailed from companies such as Edinburgh Scaffolding Ltd, Lyndon/SGB, Enigma, Millar Scaffold, I-Scaff Access Solutions Ltd, McTaggart Construction, and Kingdom Access Scaffolding Ltd, reflecting diverse industry sectors and geographical regions.Following the successful completion of their assessments, Dave Mosley presented certificates to the apprentices, marking a significant milestone in their careers. The occasion was celebrated with a steak dinner, attended by the apprentices, instructors, program managers, apprentice officers, and support services team leaders.Reflecting on the experience, Dave extended his good wishes to the apprentices embarking on their CISRS-qualified scaffolding careers. Dave commented, “The apprentice group at NCC Scotland are coming to the end of their program and will very soon be CISRS qualified scaffolders. I wish them all the best for the future and that they have a long, varied and rewarding career in the Scaffolding sector.”
In a significant development that underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in the scaffolding technology sector, ScaffPlan has exclusively revealed to Scaffmag the appointment of Ben Beaumont as the company’s director.
The move signals a new era for ScaffPlan, an Australian company renowned for its pioneering scaffolding software. ScaffPlan seeks to cement its position as a Construction Technology (Contech) leader.
With an illustrious career spanning two decades in scaffolding and temporary works, Ben Beaumont is well-regarded within the UK scaffolding and access sector for his technical acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. He has spent many years in scaffolding and temporary works in the UK, successfully founding and leading his own consulting business, 48.3, for over thirteen years and being a Director of the Temporary Works Forum since 2014.
His expertise and vision are expected to synergise with ScaffPlan’s ambitions, offering fresh perspectives on how scaffolding and temporary works can be designed, managed, and executed more efficiently.
The partnership between Beaumont and ScaffPlan founder Simon Boyes materialised naturally, following Ben’s deep interest in ScaffPlan’s software solutions after witnessing the transformative potential of ScaffPlan’s technology first-hand.
Both leaders are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction sector, driven by shared values and a mutual goal of enhancing industry standards.
“Joining ScaffPlan is a great opportunity and privilege,” says Ben Beaumont“Joining ScaffPlan is a great opportunity and privilege,” said Beaumont. “We’ve been working towards this for some time, discussing our values, strategy and vision for the future. We now have a unique opportunity to change the way scaffolding and temporary works are conceived, designed, collaborated on, and executed. The potential for positive change is huge, and that’s really exciting!”
Reflecting on the new collaboration, Simon Boyes expressed his enthusiasm: “Uniting with Ben is a strategic move that brings together unmatched practical experience and technical prowess. We are poised to drive substantial advancements in the temporary works sector, delivering solutions that are ground-breaking in their potential to transform industry practices.”ScaffPlan’s founder Simon Boyes
As ScaffPlan welcomes Ben Beaumont into its leadership fold, the company is more determined than ever to develop solutions that make construction safer, more efficient, and cost-effective.
This partnership is not just a testament to ScaffPlan’s growth trajectory but also a clear indication of its resolve to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in construction.
Recent financial documents reveal that Generation (UK), trading as Generation Hire & Sale, has managed to sustain strong trading levels.
Owned by the French investment company Altrad, the Oldbury-based firm has reported a notable increase in turnover, showcasing its resilience in a fluctuating market.For the fiscal year ending 31 August 2023, Generation achieved a turnover of £145 million, an impressive rise from the previous year’s £134.4 million. This growth highlights the company’s solid performance and its ability to adapt to a challenging economic landscape.Despite the positive turnover, pre-tax profits experienced a slight decrease, moving from £19.4 million in 2022 to £17.6 million. The dip in profits has been attributed to various factors impacting the industry, including price fluctuations, labour shortages, and product availability. These challenges reflect the broader trends affecting the construction and scaffolding sectors, highlighting the need for businesses to stay agile and responsive to market dynamics.The board’s statement acknowledged these conditions, noting, “Trading conditions remained strong but competitive in the year ended 31 August 2022, with price fluctuation, labour and product availability affecting the market.” However, it also conveyed optimism about the company’s post-fiscal year performance, stating, “Post-year-end trading has remained strong during the period with performance being in line with expectations.”Generation operates a national network of branches across the UK, further cementing its status as a leading player in the scaffolding supply industry. This extensive presence enables the company to serve a wide range of clients, from local contractors to large construction projects, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to excellence.
In a development aimed at bolstering safety standards in industries involving work at heights, the Working at Height Safety Association (WAHSA) has unveiled new guidelines. The guidelines comprehensively cover the proper selection, use, maintenance, and periodic inspection of single and twin energy-absorbing lanyards, which are critical for preventing accidents and fatalities in work-at-height scenarios.The updated guidance emphasises the importance of understanding both single and twin energy-absorbing lanyards’ specific safety features and application scenarios. It provides detailed advice on ensuring compatibility between lanyards and other personal protective equipment (PPE), facilitating safer work environments for individuals operating at height.Key highlights include recommendations for regular inspections, criteria for decommissioning and replacing lanyards, and insights into the technological advancements in energy absorption materials and designs. The guidance aims to empower employers and safety professionals with the knowledge to select the right lanyard types based on the nature of work, thereby minimising risks and enhancing overall safety.WAHSA’s new guidelines serve as an essential resource for individuals and organisations seeking to adhere to the highest safety standards. Download the official document here to access the complete guidance and implement these critical safety measures in your workplace.
In an ambitious move that signals a significant expansion, I-Scaff Access Solutions has announced the commencement of construction on a new £1.2 million headquarters in Glenrothes, Fife.
This strategic development comes as part of the company’s broader plan to enhance its operational capabilities and service reach across Scotland, particularly the West Coast.
Ross Brown
Ross Brown, Managing Director of I-Scaff, shared insights into the journey towards this momentous milestone. “After an eight-month wait due to planning approvals delayed by Fife Council staff shortages, we’re thrilled to break ground on our new headquarters,” Brown stated. The development, sprawling across 1.5 acres, is a testament to I-Scaff’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and local collaboration.
Designed by D. Stewart Contracts/ARV Design, the headquarters will be constructed by REALM Construction with a focus on utilising the local supply chain. “REALM has indicated project completion and entry by the end of October 2024,” Brown added, highlighting the anticipated swift progress towards the new facility’s operational status.
The Glenrothes project will feature a 660m2 bespoke building encompassing new office space, internal storage, a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) service bay, and meeting/training facilities. Additionally, a 5640 m2 concrete yard area is set to streamline the servicing of equipment and vehicle loading operations.
I-Scaff is also exploring opportunities to establish a satellite yard in the Lanarkshire area. This strategic addition aims to service contracts across the West Coast more efficiently and reduce travel requirements for staff commuting to Fife. “Collectively, these efforts are poised to significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” explained Brown.
The decision to anchor the new headquarters in Glenrothes underscores I-Scaff’s dedication to its roots and the local community. “Staying in Glenrothes was crucial for us. We’ve built our business around our staff and local clients. For those reporting to the HQ daily, it was important to maintain their commute,” Brown highlighted.
As I-Scaff Access Solutions embarks on this ambitious project, the company reaffirms its commitment to growth and sustainability and strengthens its position as a leading player in the system scaffolding industry. With these developments, I-Scaff is poised to significantly enhance its service delivery and operational efficiency, marking a new chapter in its illustrious history.
In addition to the loss of life, falls from height also result in a significant number of non-fatal injuries, with over 5,000 individuals reported to have been injured at work in Great Britain in 2022/23 alone.
However, underreporting, particularly among the self-employed, likely means the actual number of incidents is higher.
The relocation is also a personal milestone for Pawliw, who has strong ties to the local community and has lived in the area for many years. “It’s not just a business move; it’s a homecoming of sorts,” he noted, emphasizing his connection to the area and ongoing involvement in local projects, including refurbishment works on the canal footpath adjacent to the new premises.
The strategic move has already yielded positive results for Anton Scaffolding. Following a successful NASC audit, the company recently earned the prestigious NASC Contractor Member status. This achievement highlights Anton Scaffolding’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the scaffolding industry. 
The Glenrothes project will feature a 660m2 bespoke building encompassing new office space, internal storage, a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) service bay, and meeting/training facilities. Additionally, a 5640 m2 concrete yard area is set to streamline the servicing of equipment and vehicle loading operations.
I-Scaff is also exploring opportunities to establish a satellite yard in the Lanarkshire area. This strategic addition aims to service contracts across the West Coast more efficiently and reduce travel requirements for staff commuting to Fife. “Collectively, these efforts are poised to significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” explained Brown.
The decision to anchor the new headquarters in Glenrothes underscores I-Scaff’s dedication to its roots and the local community. “Staying in Glenrothes was crucial for us. We’ve built our business around our staff and local clients. For those reporting to the HQ daily, it was important to maintain their commute,” Brown highlighted.
As I-Scaff Access Solutions embarks on this ambitious project, the company reaffirms its commitment to growth and sustainability and strengthens its position as a leading player in the system scaffolding industry. With these developments, I-Scaff is poised to significantly enhance its service delivery and operational efficiency, marking a new chapter in its illustrious history.