Scaffolding may not be the first profession that comes to mind when you think of humour, but one seasoned scaffolder aims to take the industry by storm with a laugh-out-loud book that exposes the most outlandish excuses used by scaffolders to skip work on Mondays.
Callum Worth, a scaffolder with over 15 years of experience, has released “Monday Club,” a book that compiles some of the most absurd and comical excuses he has encountered during his career.
Worth’s book is set to become a hit among those in the construction industry and beyond. With his first-hand experience and a keen eye for the hilarity in everyday life, he provides readers with a glimpse into the quirky world of scaffolding, complete with characters who have mastered the art of Monday-morning excuses.
“Monday Club” is a testament to the wild creativity of scaffolders when it comes to avoiding the start of the workweek. Worth explains, “For many years, my colleagues and I would swap stories about the unbelievable excuses we’d heard from fellow scaffolders who didn’t want to show up for work on a Monday. We always said someone should write a book about these excuses because they are just comical. Well, after many years, I finally did it.”
The book is a delightful collection of excuses that will leave readers both amused and flabbergasted. Here are some highlights:
The Loft Hatch Incident:Â One worker claimed to be unable to work because a loft hatch had hit him on the head.
The Double Jury Service:Â Another scaffolder had to deal with jury service not once but twice in the same year, conveniently on Mondays.
The Broken Down Car with a Twist:Â A classic excuse involving a broken-down car takes an unexpected turn, leaving readers in stitches.
Wet Socks Drama:Â One worker pleaded that they couldn’t come in due to wet socks.
Worth goes above and beyond by naming and shaming the culprits behind these hilarious excuses, albeit using false names to protect their identities. He also provides text messages and phone call transcripts that will have readers doubled over with laughter.
“Different excuse on each page,” promises Worth with a laughing emoji. The book guarantees page after page of side-splitting tales, reminding readers that humour can be found even in the most unexpected places.
“Monday Club” is now available on Amazon under the title “Monday Club” by Callum Worth. It’s a must-read for scaffolders and anyone in the construction industry or anyone looking for a good laugh. You can find it here.
So, if you’re in need of a good chuckle and want to explore the world of scaffolding like never before, be sure to grab a copy of “Monday Club.” Callum Worth’s witty anecdotes are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best way to face a Monday is with a hearty dose of humour.
RS Rendering Specialists Limited, a Manchester-based rendering company, has been fined £3,000 following a serious breach of safety regulations that put its workers at risk.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector observed unsafe scaffolding at a house renovation site, leading to the enforcement action.
The incident came to light on 17th February 2022 when HSE inspector Phil Redman was driving through the area and noticed hazardous scaffolding being used by RS Rendering Specialists Limited on a property located at Belgrave Crescent, Eccles, Manchester.
After a thorough inspection, it was discovered that the scaffolding had significant gaps, creating a potential danger for the workers working at height.
The HSE inspector also determined that the company had failed to plan the work safely at the property, a crucial requirement for such projects.
Furthermore, it was revealed that RS Rendering Specialists had not conducted the mandatory weekly inspection of the scaffolding as per safety regulations. In response to these serious safety violations, a Prohibition Notice was promptly issued, banning the company from using the unsafe scaffolding.
However, the company chose to ignore the Prohibition Notice, risking its workers’ lives. On 23rd February 2022, Inspector Phil Redman returned to the property and observed two RS Rendering Specialists workers still operating on the same prohibited scaffolding.
The fact that the house’s colour had changed since the previous visit indicated that the company had continued to use the same scaffolding despite the explicit prohibition.
The Health and Safety Executive has clear guidelines to ensure safe working conditions for employees, especially when working at height. However, RS Rendering Specialists Limited disregarded these guidelines and endangered the lives of its workers.
At Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 24th November 2023, RS Rendering Specialists Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. The court imposed a fine of £3,000 on the company and ordered them to pay £1,000 in costs.
HSE inspector Phil Redman stated, “We will not hesitate to prosecute companies who choose to ignore enforcement notices issued to prevent risks from falls from height or any other health and safety-related matters. This case highlights how such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
ELP Broadcast and Events Ltd, a company operating in the entertainment industry, has been fined £16,000 following the tragic death of a worker in a workplace incident.
The incident occurred on 13th March 2018 at the Cardington Hangar Studios in Bedfordshire and resulted in the loss of Russell Bowry, a self-employed rigger.
Mr. Bowry, a 52-year-old resident of Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire, was part of an assembly team assigned to construct a temporary rehearsal stage for an upcoming musical performance at the studios.
The stage was a water and windproof cube designed for the musical’s rehearsals. Tragically, while working on the roof of this structure, Mr. Bowry fell through it, landing 10 meters below. He succumbed to his injuries three days later.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident and uncovered significant safety violations by ELP Broadcast and Events Ltd.
The investigation revealed that the company had failed to plan and implement a safe system of work for its employees properly. Furthermore, it was determined that the company had not adequately implemented its own health and safety policy and lacked appropriate supervision measures.
HSE guidelines for work at height emphasise the importance of safety protocols to prevent such incidents, underscoring the gravity of ELP Broadcast & Events Ltd’s negligence in this case.
ELP Broadcast & Events Ltd, headquartered at Bedford Technology Park, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, pleaded guilty to breaching The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. As a result of this breach, the company faced legal consequences in the form of a £16,000 fine and an additional financial burden of £2,968.70 in costs. These penalties were imposed at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 22nd November 2023.
Samantha Wells, an enforcement lawyer from the HSE, expressed deep concern about the incident, stating, “This tragic incident should not have happened. It is vital the entertainment sector has safe systems of work so when it puts on a good show, the workers behind the scenes are protected at all times.”
Inner City Scaffolding Ltd, a well-known name in the scaffolding sector, has undertaken a monumental recladding project that has caught the industry’s attention. This complex and innovative endeavour is set to redefine the standards of scaffolding excellence.
The project, which involves the recladding of a live building, was awarded to Inner City Scaffolding Ltd in March 2023, with an anticipated duration of 18 months. What makes this project exceptional is the scale and complexity of the engineered scaffolding system deployed by the company.
Engineering Marvel
Inner City Scaffolding Ltd embarked on this ambitious project by implementing a large-scale engineered HAKI System scaffolding solution. This scaffolding extends from ground level up to 40.00 meters on the roof. The structure includes extensive triple bank 1300mm HD Spine Beams and steel shore integration, bridging podium areas. Additionally, a traditional tube, fitting, and beam approach was utilised for remedial upgrade works on the lower-level podium building.
The logistics package accompanying the project includes HAKI site staircases and integrated goods hoists. A bespoke gated solution was designed for the system scaffolding, along with material chutes for fabric removal. To ensure safety and functionality, lightning protection was also integrated into the scaffolding and hoist due to the building’s topographical location.
Impressive Metrics
The sheer magnitude of this project becomes evident when considering the statistics. Inner City Scaffolding Ltd has erected approximately 4,000.00m2 of FR netted external facade scaffolding. This required 600.00 individual support legs and 1,000.00 linear meters of HD Asterix Beams, X-Beams, and Ladder Beams. The scale of this undertaking is genuinely awe-inspiring.
Innovative Solutions to Challenges
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is how Inner City Scaffolding overcame challenges. With a lack of foundation support from the building, they devised a ground-breaking approach that involved transferring loads to minimal areas, including the building’s steel frame. This required scaffolding service loads to be transferred onto engineered scaffolding beam work arrangements, with spans between supports exceeding 25.00 meters. These were then attached to purpose-built steel shores linked to the building’s core steel structure. The sheer magnitude of these works, completed with operational ingenuity and no crane or plant assistance, is a testament to Inner City Scaffolding’s expertise.
A Trojan Horse of Innovation
As the project evolved, the scaffolding’s look and dynamics took on a unique character, often compared to that of a Trojan Horse. This evolution earned the project its own class identity, emphasising the innovative spirit driving its success.
Notably, all of this intricate work was carried out while the building and surrounding areas remained live with residents and fully operational traffic routes. Inner City Scaffolding Ltd managed to deliver the project on time, working with precision and care.
In conclusion, Inner City Scaffolding Ltd’s recladding project is a shining example of innovation and expertise in scaffolding. With its complex engineered solutions and the ability to overcome immense challenges, this project is set to inspire and help redefine the industry’s standards. It is a testament to what can be achieved through ingenuity and dedication in construction and scaffolding.
In a concerning report released yesterday, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) disclosed that nearly two million workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related ill health in the fiscal year 2022/23. The annual statistics shed light on a troubling rise in work-related stress, depression, anxiety, and injuries, posing significant challenges to both employees and employers alike.According to the HSE’s data, a staggering 1.8 million workers reported experiencing work-related ill health during the 2022/23 period. Of these cases, approximately half were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety. This marks a troubling departure from pre-pandemic trends when the rate of self-reported work-related ill health had remained relatively stable. The current rate is notably higher than that recorded in 2018/19.The report further reveals that an estimated 875,000 cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety were reported in 2022/23, exceeding the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental health-related issues are significantly impacting the well-being of the workforce.One of the most startling revelations is the toll this is taking on the nation’s productivity. An estimated 35.2 million working days were lost in 2022/23 due to self-reported work-related ill health or injury. This loss of productivity is a pressing concern for businesses across the country.HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, emphasised the importance of addressing these issues promptly, “Preventing or tackling work-related stress can provide significant benefits to employees, improving their experience of work and their overall health; and also to employers including increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and reduced staff turnover.”The report also delves into the economic impact of work-related ill health and workplace injuries. In 2021/22, the estimated annual costs associated with workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health reached a staggering £20.7 billion. This represents a £1.9 billion increase compared to figures from 2019/20. The rising economic burden underscores the urgency of taking action to improve workplace safety and mental health support.Tragically, the report reveals that 135 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents during the 2022/23 period, and an additional 561,000 workers sustained self-reported non-fatal injuries in the workplace. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for continued efforts to enhance workplace safety standards.The HSE’s annual report serves as a stark wake-up call for both employers and policymakers to prioritise the well-being and safety of the workforce. As the country grapples with the long-lasting effects of the pandemic, addressing the rising rates of work-related ill health and injuries must be a top priority to ensure the health, productivity, and prosperity of Great Britain.
Scaffmag can reveal the official dates for ScaffChamp 2024, which promises to be an even bigger and better international scaffolding championship.
The Baltic Scaffolders Association (BSA), the driving force behind the Scaffolders Championship, dubbed ScaffChamp, has been working tirelessly to make the 2024 edition a remarkable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Scaffmag can exclusively reveal that ScaffChamp 24 is scheduled to take place from May 24 to 25, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania.
While we eagerly await the official announcement of team registration dates, we can also confirm that the registration process for ScaffChamp 24 will follow the same format as the previous year.
Teams will be required to register for the event, and there will be a team limit in place. As always, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that early registrants secure their spots in the competition. To promote fairness, BSA has pledged to announce the opening of team registration at least one week in advance so that all teams have an equal opportunity to register.
ScaffChamp 23, also held in Vilnius, Lithuania, exceeded all expectations, attracting over 400 participants from around the world. The event was a true testament to the international scaffolding community’s skill, dedication, and camaraderie.
The highlight of ScaffChamp 23 was the intense competition among fifteen international teams, who had to erect and dismantle a specially designed Layher Allround scaffold structure as quickly and safely as possible.
The Swedish team, Kaefer AB, set a new record with a remarkable time of 59 minutes and 1 second. Lithuanian teams Globalita and Hotrema secured the second and third positions, respectively, showcasing their scaffolding expertise.
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has unveiled an exciting development for the scaffolding and access industry with the launch of ScaffEx24, a groundbreaking Scaffolding and Access Conference and Expo. Announced at NASC’s AGM on Friday, ScaffEx24 is set to take place at the Belfast International Conference Centre on November 29th, 2024; it’s an event that promises to be a game-changer for the sector.ScaffEx24 is a free-to-attend conference and exhibition designed to address the evolving needs of the UK scaffolding and access market. With a focus on training, design principles, products, safety, and meet-the-buyer opportunities, it is poised to make a significant impact. According to the scaffolding trade body, the event aims to bridge the gap between industry professionals, fostering collaboration between scaffolding clients and providers while offering unparalleled insights into the sector.ScaffEx24 will be held at the Belfast International Conference Centre
Event Highlights
Anticipated to draw over 1000 delegates from across the UK and Ireland, ScaffEx24 boasts a diverse range of activities and features, including:Exposition:Â Over 40 industry suppliers and service providers will gather to showcase cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the future of the scaffolding and access industry.Conference:Â Attendees will be able to engage with keynote speakers of the highest calibre, participate in thought-provoking panel discussions, and be inspired by captivating presentations. Esteemed experts will share their insights, offering invaluable perspectives on the industry’s trajectory.Gala Dinner and Awards:Â The NASC gala dinner and awards ceremony, a renowned industry tradition, will provide an evening of glamour, recognition, and celebration of excellence within the sector.Keynote Speaker:Â The event’s crown jewel is the keynote address by the esteemed motivational business speaker, David Meade. His insights are expected to provide a visionary outlook on the industry’s future and ignite inspiration among attendees.
ScaffEx24 Ticket Information
Expo and Conference: According to details released by the NASC, tickets for this premier event are priced at £120 for NASC members and £180 for non-members. However, for the inaugural ScaffEx24, attendance will be free, ensuring accessibility to a broad spectrum of industry professionals.Gala Dinner: Tickets for the gala dinner and awards ceremony are available at £205 for NASC members and £290 for non-members. It’s worth noting that the dinner has limited seating for 750 guests and is expected to sell out quickly.NASC said further ticket booking and registration details will be released soon. For those interested in sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting at ScaffEx24, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
The scaffolding and access community gathered in style at the NASC Annual Ball & Awards 2023 in London on Friday night, celebrating excellence and innovation in our great industry. The event, featuring a glamorous 1920s theme, marked one of the largest-ever annual black-tie Awards and Ball organised by the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). Over 700 esteemed guests from the scaffolding and access industry flocked to the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel for an evening of festivities, which included a glitzy drinks reception, a sumptuous three-course meal, and live music.The NASC Awards, a much-anticipated highlight in the scaffolding and access industry calendar, recognised the outstanding contributions made by companies and individuals in various categories. The winners and runners-up were revealed in a dazzling ceremony headlined by special guest and comic genius Rob Beckett, acknowledging their dedication and excellence in their respective fields.Image Credit: Mark Parkin / Linkedin
NASC Award Winners & Runners-up
Scaffolding Ancillary Service of the Year   Winner: Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd   Runner-Up: Smart ScaffolderFulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd emerged victorious in the Scaffolding Ancillary Service of the Year category, showcasing their commitment to safety and training within the industry. Smart Scaffolder was recognised as a runner-up for their scaffolding software contributions.Apprentice of the Year   Winner: Jack Kirkcaldy, i-Scaff Access Solutions Ltd   Runner-Up: Mark Mileson, Lyndon SGBJack Kirkcaldy of i-Scaff Access Solutions Ltd was celebrated as the Apprentice of the Year, demonstrating his exceptional skills and dedication. Mark Mileson of Lyndon SGB received recognition as the runner-up for his outstanding achievements.Health & Safety Award   Winner: Peter Humenny, GKR Scaffolding Ltd   Runner-Up: Malachi Beasley, LTC Group87 LtdPeter Humenny of GKR Scaffolding Ltd clinched the Health & Safety Award, highlighting his unwavering commitment to maintaining safety standards within the industry. Malachi Beasley from LTC Group87 Ltd was acknowledged as the runner-up for his commendable contributions.Innovation of the Year   Winner: KEWAZO – Liftbot   Runner-Up: Benchmark Ltd – Benchmark AppThe Innovation of the Year accolade went to KEWAZO for their revolutionary Liftbot technology. Benchmark Ltd received recognition as the runner-up for their innovative Benchmark App, pushing the boundaries of industry advancements.Scaffold Design of the Year   Winner: Rise Scaffold Services Ltd – Kings Chapel, Cambridge   Runner-Up: Enigma Industrial Services Ltd – Taf FechanRise Scaffold Services Ltd was honoured with the Scaffold Design of the Year award for their exceptional work on Kings Chapel, Cambridge. Enigma Industrial Services Ltd was recognised as the runner-up for their outstanding scaffold design at Taf Fechan.President’s Award   Winner: Kellyanne Conway – JR Scaffold Services Ltd   Runner-Up: Phil Wise – GKR Scaffolding LtdThe prestigious NASC’s President’s Award was bestowed upon Kellyanne Conway of JR Scaffold Services Ltd for her exemplary contributions to the industry. Phil Wise from GKR Scaffolding Ltd received recognition as the runner-up, celebrating his remarkable achievements.Project of the Year (Small)   Winner: Shield Services Group – The Crescent Centre, Bristol   Runner-Up: CWR Scaffolds Ltd – Bradford Live(Medium)   Winner: JDC Scaffolding – The Queens Tower, Imperial College London   Runner-Up: D+R Group Plc – Wakehurst Palace(Large)   Winner: Lyndon SGB – Manchester Town Hall   Runner-Up: GKR Scaffolding Ltd – Portland House, LondonThe coveted Project of the Year awards were presented in three categories based on company size. Shield Services Group secured the top spot in the small project category for their work on The Crescent Centre, Bristol. In the medium project category, JDC Scaffolding’s contribution to The Queens Tower at Imperial College London earned them the title. Finally, the large project category was won by Lyndon SGB for their outstanding work on Manchester Town Hall.The NASC Annual Ball & Awards 2023 was a resounding success, showcasing the excellence and dedication of the UK scaffolding and access industry. The winners and runners-up have yet again set a high standard for the industry, reflecting their commitment to safety, innovation, and quality in their respective endeavours.
The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) and Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) have embarked on an innovative partnership to enhance safety, promote excellence, and advance the scaffolding industry in Australia and New Zealand.The two scaffolding industry trade bodies have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join forces, solidifying their commitment to these shared objectives.Under the newly formed partnership, the SAA and SARNZ will collaborate on various initiatives, including events, educational campaigns, guidance, and advocacy efforts, all with the goal of elevating safety standards and best practices within the scaffolding, access, and rigging sectors.One of the key areas of focus for the partnership is aligning scaffolding training systems to ensure a consistent and high level of competence among industry professionals in both countries. By harmonising training and education standards, the organisations aim to improve safety and proficiency within the industry.Robert Thiess, Managing Director of the SAA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, “The establishment of the Scaffolding Association Australia was born out of a shared vision – a vision to foster a culture of excellence, safety, and innovation in our industry. Collaborating with SARNZ will play an essential role in enabling us to lead and advocate for our industry, as our missions as industry associations align.”Tina Wieczorek, CEO of SARNZ, echoed Thiess’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of the partnership in creating a unified and globally competitive scaffolding industry. “Together we hope to raise standards, commit to continual improvement, and improve consistency in best practices to become leaders in the global construction community,” said Wieczorek.The partnership between SAA and SARNZ also aims to engage with key stakeholders within government and industry to raise awareness about scaffolding, access, training, and legislation issues affecting their industries. By presenting a united front, the organisations believe they can influence policy decisions and drive industry-wide initiatives that will contribute to the growth and development of the construction sectors in both countries.SARNZ and the SAA’s collaboration was celebrated at this year’s SARNZ Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Auckland, where SAA representatives were hosted. The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to align their goals and strategies for the future.In closing, Thiess noted, “Our partnership with SARNZ will be a unifying force within the scaffolding industry. By actively engaging with each other, we can influence policy decisions, drive industry-wide initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the construction sectors in both countries.”
Unite, the union, has successfully secured enhanced bonus pay for over 500 engineering and construction workers employed at the Drax power station. The workers are contracted through Drax contractors Altrad and TEI.Under the newly negotiated incentive bonus agreement, a significant portion of the workforce will receive a bonus of £2.37 per hour, effective from this month until April 2024. This bonus is specifically designated for those engaged in repair and maintenance duties at the power station. Furthermore, when the next scheduled Drax shutdown for maintenance begins in April, all 500 workers will be eligible for the same hourly bonus rate.Drax Power Station, one of the UK’s major industrial facilities, regularly conducts shutdowns to ensure maintenance and optimise performance, making this bonus agreement a significant boost for the employees involved.Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, praised the achievement, stating, “The bonus pay deal at Drax is an excellent example of how Unite’s focus on jobs, pay, and conditions is having a direct financial benefit for our members.” The bonus agreement was successfully negotiated locally with Altrad and TEI, and it was achieved without resorting to industrial action.However, it’s worth noting that thousands of National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) workers across the country, including those at Drax, are preparing for strike action. These workers have experienced years of real-term reductions to their base pay rates, which are determined nationally, unlike bonus agreements.Unite regional officer Chris Weldon emphasised the importance of this successful deal, saying, “This deal would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Unite’s reps and members at Drax. Unite is determined to build on this deal and to continue to increase its industrial strength at the power station.” Weldon also highlighted the urgency of addressing the national base pay issue, stating, “It is now time for the employers’ side of the NAECI agreement to put forward an acceptable national offer for our members’ base rate of pay. This is the only way industrial action can be avoided.”
The logistics package accompanying the project includes HAKI site staircases and integrated goods hoists. A bespoke gated solution was designed for the system scaffolding, along with material chutes for fabric removal. To ensure safety and functionality, lightning protection was also integrated into the scaffolding and hoist due to the building’s topographical location.
Impressive Metrics
The sheer magnitude of this project becomes evident when considering the statistics. Inner City Scaffolding Ltd has erected approximately 4,000.00m2 of FR netted external facade scaffolding. This required 600.00 individual support legs and 1,000.00 linear meters of HD Asterix Beams, X-Beams, and Ladder Beams. The scale of this undertaking is genuinely awe-inspiring.
Innovative Solutions to Challenges
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is how Inner City Scaffolding overcame challenges. With a lack of foundation support from the building, they devised a ground-breaking approach that involved transferring loads to minimal areas, including the building’s steel frame. This required scaffolding service loads to be transferred onto engineered scaffolding beam work arrangements, with spans between supports exceeding 25.00 meters. These were then attached to purpose-built steel shores linked to the building’s core steel structure. The sheer magnitude of these works, completed with operational ingenuity and no crane or plant assistance, is a testament to Inner City Scaffolding’s expertise.
A Trojan Horse of Innovation
As the project evolved, the scaffolding’s look and dynamics took on a unique character, often compared to that of a Trojan Horse. This evolution earned the project its own class identity, emphasising the innovative spirit driving its success.
Notably, all of this intricate work was carried out while the building and surrounding areas remained live with residents and fully operational traffic routes. Inner City Scaffolding Ltd managed to deliver the project on time, working with precision and care.
In conclusion, Inner City Scaffolding Ltd’s recladding project is a shining example of innovation and expertise in scaffolding. With its complex engineered solutions and the ability to overcome immense challenges, this project is set to inspire and help redefine the industry’s standards. It is a testament to what can be achieved through ingenuity and dedication in construction and scaffolding. 
