The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a revised schedule for its Consensus process, now set to commence on 17 March 2025 and run until 9 May 2025. This adjustment, extending the timeline by five weeks, is designed to allow for closer alignment between CITB’s 2025-29 Strategic Plan and the outcomes of the ongoing Independent Training Board (ITB) Review.Consensus, a pivotal process for CITB, occurs every three years and invites feedback from Levy-paying employers on the organisation’s proposals for generating the Levy. The aim is to fund skills development and training tailored to the construction industry’s evolving needs. For the upcoming 2026-29 Levy Proposals, CITB is focusing on maintaining up-to-date thresholds for Levy exemptions and reductions.Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, emphasised the importance of transparency in the decision-making process.“We believe it’s important that, as a body that is led and accountable to industry, we give employers a full picture of how we intend to support the industry over the life of the Strategic Plan and accompanying Levy Order,” said Balcon.He added that the delay was necessary because the Department for Education (DfE) had not yet confirmed the publication date of the ITB Review. This uncertainty has also delayed the release of CITB’s Strategic Plan.During Consensus, CITB will consult with a minimum of 11,000 Levy-paying employers. In 2019, nearly 30,000 employers were liable to pay the Levy, highlighting the process’s critical role in shaping the future of skills and training in the British construction sector.The Levy remains essential to the UK construction industry’s efforts to address skill shortages and prepare the workforce for future challenges. By pushing the Consensus timeline, CITB aims to provide employers with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of its plans and the benefits the Levy will deliver.
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is calling on UK employers and workers to start the new year by reviewing and replacing outdated or damaged personal protective equipment (PPE). A recent survey of BSIF members has raised concerns about the poor state of PPE being used in workplaces across the country, highlighting the need for immediate action to keep workers safe.The survey revealed a worrying trend of worn-out and ineffective PPE being used on the job. Here are some of the most common issues flagged by BSIF members who regularly visit workplaces:
Hi-Vis Not So Visible: High-visibility clothing, essential for safety, is often so dirty or worn it no longer works as intended.
Damaged Helmets: Safety helmets with cracks, dents, and other visible damage are still in use.
Ripped and Worn Clothing: Protective garments that should shield workers are frequently torn and poorly maintained.
Expired Respiratory Gear: Disposable masks that should have been replaced long ago are still being used, putting workers’ health at risk.
Cutting Corners on Safety
One of the biggest issues uncovered by the survey is the focus on cost over compliance. Many employers are choosing cheaper, non-compliant products, which might save money in the short term but compromise worker safety. There’s also a significant problem with misuse—workers wearing helmets that aren’t secured properly or gloves that don’t fit right, making the equipment far less effective.BSIF CEO Alan Murray said the findings are a wake-up call for employers. “It’s not enough to just have PPE on-site,” he said. “It needs to be in good condition and used properly to protect workers. The idea that ‘any PPE is good enough’ is simply wrong and puts people at risk of preventable injuries.”
New Year, New Standards
With 2025 underway, the BSIF is urging workplaces to make PPE safety a priority. Employers are encouraged to thoroughly inspect their equipment, replace anything that’s damaged or outdated, and only buy from trusted suppliers like BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who sell certified, high-quality products.The BSIF will release a detailed report on non-compliant PPE in February and is preparing to launch a new campaign, “PPE Saves Lives,” in the spring to keep safety at the forefront in 2025.For tips on improving safety in your workplace and ensuring your PPE meets the right standards, visit www.bsif.co.uk. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.
The wait is over for scaffolding teams across the globe, as ScaffChamp 2025 organisers have officially opened team registration.Teams eager to participate in the June 6–7 competition in Vilnius, Lithuania, can now secure their spot via the dedicated registration portal: scaffchamp.com/team-registration.With space for just 20 teams, organisers have reminded competitors that places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, urging early action to avoid disappointment.
New for 2025
This year’s competition will introduce several new measures to ensure fairness and transparency, including the deployment of two referees per team, a supervisory referee, and four independent observers to monitor and address complaints directly on the field.Speaking on the launch of team registration, Oleg Abramov, Head of ScaffChamp Operations, said:“Opening team registration is always an exciting milestone. We’re looking forward to seeing who will step up to the challenge this year. With our enhanced refereeing system, ScaffChamp 2025 is set to deliver an unparalleled experience for competitors and spectators alike.”ScaffChamp 2024 saw a record 21 teams compete in Vilnius, with N-Projects from Poland taking the top spot after completing their build in just 71 minutes. Cumiskey Scaffolding from Ireland and NBIK from Mongolia rounded out the podium in second and third place, respectively.As registration kicks off, the scaffolding community is already speculating about which teams will rise to the occasion and challenge for the coveted title this year.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) marked its 50th anniversary on 1 January 2025, a milestone in its long-standing mission to protect lives and improve workplace safety.Established under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the HSE officially commenced operations on 1 January 1975. Over the last five decades, the organisation has been pivotal in reducing workplace fatalities and injuries, positioning Great Britain among the safest countries in the world to work.In 1974, 651 employees lost their lives in workplace accidents. Today, the HSE’s latest statistics for 2023/24 report a significant reduction, with 138 fatalities recorded—a testament to the organisation’s tireless efforts to safeguard workers.Sarah Albon, Chief Executive of HSE, reflected on the regulator’s achievements and its evolving role. “Over the past half-century, the Health and Safety Executive has led the way in establishing Great Britain as a safe place to work. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we recognise there is still much for HSE to take on,” she said.Albon highlighted HSE’s progress, including the launch of its 10-year strategy, Protecting People and Places, in 2022. This roadmap aims to address emerging risks while maintaining the regulator’s foundational principles. “Today, HSE’s role goes beyond worker protection to include public safety assurance on a range of issues,” Albon noted, referencing new responsibilities such as its role as the Building Safety Regulator and expanded oversight of chemical regulation post-Brexit.Despite its successes, HSE remains focused on the future. Albon emphasised, “Our fundamental principle will continue to be to make sure that those who create risk take responsibility for controlling risk, and those who fail to do so will be held to account.”The milestone also drew praise from Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, who commended HSE’s enduring impact. “Over the last half-century, this organisation has been at the heart of efforts to protect people and places across Britain. I would like to thank them for this vital work,” he said.Looking forward, Sir Stephen reinforced HSE’s continued importance as the government advances initiatives like the Get Britain Working white paper, designed to enhance worker protections and increase workforce participation.
As 2024 draws to a close and we prepare for the festive Christmas break, we take a moment to reflect on the highlights that captured your interest over the past year.
This year has been another eventful one for both the scaffolding industry and Scaffmag. Our website welcomed over 345,000 visitors from around the world, generating a massive 856,000+ page views across our diverse range of industry news and features.
As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue delivering the latest trade news, insights, and developments, keeping you connected to everything happening in the industry. Whether you’re catching up on your desktop, tablet, or mobile, or diving into our quarterly magazine, we’re here to keep you informed every step of the way.
Over the holiday season, we’ll keep you updated with any major breaking news, and our full news coverage will resume on 6 January 2025.
Scaffmag wishes you a very Merry Christmas
We want to take this opportunity to wish all our valued readers, subscribers, and the many thousands of social media followers worldwide a very safe and merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Coventry Scaffolding has announced the renewal of its Royal Warrant of Appointment, this time to His Majesty King Charles III, a significant recognition of its exceptional service and craftsmanship.The prestigious honour follows Coventry Scaffolding’s previous appointment as a Royal Warrant Holder to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, first awarded in 2005. This accolade celebrates the company’s dedication to excellence, safety, and sustainability over more than five decades in the scaffolding industry.In a statement on social media, the company expressed its gratitude for the trust placed in them by the Crown, describing the appointment as a privilege they hold with great pride. “This honour recognises our commitment to excellence, reliability, safety, quality craftsmanship, and sustainability. Serving the Crown is a privilege we cherish, and we are honoured to continue upholding the highest standards in our industry,” the statement read.The company also extended its thanks to its hardworking team and loyal clients, acknowledging their role in achieving this milestone. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without you,” the company added.Royal Warrants are granted to businesses that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years and demonstrated the highest standards of quality. For Coventry Scaffolding, this renewed recognition solidifies its reputation as a top scaffolding firm within the industry.
Industrial services giant Altrad has reported robust financial results for the year ending 31 August 2024, with revenue climbing to €5.452 billion, up from €5.286 billion in the previous year.The Group credited its diversified business model and the successful integration of recent acquisitions for its strong performance.EBITDA increased slightly to €684 million, while free cash flow saw a significant boost, rising from €283 million to €323 million. Altrad also reduced its net debt to €794 million, improving its debt-to-earnings ratio to 1.16x, well below its post-acquisition ceiling of 2.5x.
Integration Drives Growth
Altrad has focused heavily on bringing recent acquisitions into the fold, including Altrad Sparrows, Altrad Babcock, and Altrad Endel. These businesses, leaders in their respective fields, have expanded Altrad’s geographic reach and service offerings. The integration process has allowed the Group to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions, increasing opportunities for organic growth.Co-CEO Ran Oren praised the contributions of Altrad’s 60,000-strong workforce: “Our people’s professionalism and dedication have driven another successful year. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve exceeded expectations and positioned Altrad for sustainable long-term growth.”
Energy Sector Expansion
Strategic acquisitions have strengthened Altrad’s position in the energy sector, particularly in the North Sea oil and gas market. The acquisition of Beerenberg AS and a pending agreement to acquire Stork’s UK business further consolidate its presence in the region.Beyond traditional energy, Altrad is investing in nuclear energy projects in Europe and the Middle East, focusing on future growth areas such as clean hydrogen and nuclear fusion technologies.
Resilience Amid Economic Challenges
Despite economic pressures in Europe, including inflation impacting its equipment division, Altrad’s diversified business model has proven resilient. The company has also embraced advanced technologies like AI and robotics to enhance its services and improve efficiency.The Group’s services division, which accounts for 84% of total revenue, performed strongly across its global markets, supported by increased cross-selling and integration efforts. Meanwhile, the equipment division, which contributes 16% of revenue, adapted to challenging conditions with targeted restructuring.
Looking Ahead
With a sizeable order book valued at €5.467 billion and stable revenue forecasts, Altrad remains optimistic about its future. The Group is focused on leveraging synergies, maintaining cost control, and driving innovation to meet the needs of its clients.As it approaches its 40th anniversary, Altrad says it is committed to building on its legacy of innovation and excellence. The company’s full annual report is expected in early 2025 and will be available on its website.
Scaffolders across the UK are set to see an increase in the cost of their CISRS cards in 2025, marking the first price adjustment in nearly two years.Today, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) confirmed the changes, citing rising costs and inflation as the driving factors.From 1 January 2025, the price of a CISRS card will increase to £36.00. A second adjustment will follow on 1 April 2025, raising the price to £38.00. CISRS explained that the decision was not made lightly, with efforts to delay the increase for as long as possible.“We’ve worked hard with suppliers and stakeholders to minimise the impact of inflation and keep our prices competitive,” a CISRS spokesperson said. “However, this step is essential to ensure we can continue producing and distributing cards sustainably.”The organisation also pointed out that several other schemes had increased their card prices much earlier, adding that CISRS managed to keep its adjustments to a minimum with the support of NOCN.
New Card Design for 2025
CISRS card new design for 2025In addition to the price changes, CISRS will introduce a new design for its Scaffolder cards starting 9 January 2025. The updated cards will feature a “First Issue” date, providing a simple visual reference for employers to assess an operative’s experience level.This change follows feedback from employers, who highlighted the value of having a quick way to gauge the experience of workers on-site. CISRS believes the updated design will improve efficiency and communication between scaffolders and employers.
Balancing Costs and Value
CISRS remains committed to delivering high-quality cards while keeping costs as low as possible. The organisation acknowledges that price increases can be challenging for cardholders but assures the industry that these changes are necessary to maintain its services.For more information on the updates, CISRS encourages cardholders and employers to visit their website.
Doka, a global formwork and scaffolding leader, has teamed up with Dubai-based developer Binghatti to deliver four groundbreaking projects that will transform the city’s skyline.The developments include the luxurious Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, the waterfront One by Binghatti, the innovative Mercedes-Benz Places by Binghatti, and the elegantly designed Bugatti Residences by Binghatti. Each project combines daring geometries and world-class features to showcase architectural innovation.To achieve Binghatti’s ambitious vision, Doka will provide advanced construction solutions, including the SKE50plus and SCP400 climbing formwork systems, Xclimb 60 protection screens, and fast-installation slab systems like Dokadek 30 and Dokaflex 20. These tools will ensure precision, safety, and efficiency on-site.Sarah Binghatti, Chief Procurement Officer at Binghatti Properties, commented: “At Binghatti, every project is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. Collaborating with Doka allows us to bring our bold architectural visions to life with unmatched precision and efficiency. Beyond the advanced technology and safety standards, it’s the shared dedication to pushing boundaries that makes this partnership truly remarkable. With Doka as our trusted partner, we are confident in delivering groundbreaking projects that will redefine Dubai’s skyline and set new industry benchmarks.”With a robust logistics centre in Dubai and a dedicated on-site team, Doka offers technical consultancy, pre-assembled formwork solutions, and real-time support to meet project demands.Michael Arnold, Managing Director of Doka UAE, added: “We are proud to work alongside Binghatti to deliver these remarkable projects and redefine Dubai’s skyline.We have a highly skilled on-site team that is committed to delivering the highest standards. With a local base, we are available for on-site advice and can swiftly respond to changes in schedules or requirements. Our local team is adept at pre-assembling and instantly delivering formwork solutions on demand and on time which pushes the progress. It also has the benefit of being backed by a 50,000 m2 logistics centre in Dubai.”Building on decades of success in the Middle East, including work on the Burj Khalifa, Doka’s partnership with Binghatti highlights a commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering and design.
The Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) has revealed the final lineup of teams for the highly anticipated 2025 Scaffold Builders Competition, set to take place on January 21, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Now in its second year, this high-stakes competition will coincide with the World of Concrete (WOC) trade show, adding another layer of excitement to this global construction industry event.
After a competitive registration process, 18 elite scaffolding teams from across the U.S. and beyond have secured their place in the competition.
18 scaffolding teams are set to compete in the competition
These teams, each consisting of four erectors and a coach, represent some of the most skilled and innovative professionals in the scaffolding industry. Among the confirmed participants are:
Apex Access Systems, LLC
Bechtel Equipment Operations, Inc.
Contractors Access Equipment
Cross Braced Scaffolding, LLC
Heat Tech Industrial, LLC
JMAC Scaffolding Limited
JT Thorpe Industrial Group, Inc.
KC Scaffold
Leading Edge Scaffold
Northwest Laborers – Employers Training Fund
Patriot Scaffolding, LLC
PCI Scaffold
Revolution Industrial
Scaffold Resource
Scaffold Solutions, Inc.
SkyLine Scaffold, Inc.
Trekker Group
Turn Key Scaffold
These teams will face off in challenging build-and-dismantle tasks designed to test their speed, precision, safety, and teamwork. The event will be judged by a panel of industry experts, with safety remaining a top priority in every aspect of the competition.
World of Concrete
Taking place during the renowned World of Concrete trade show, the competition will attract thousands of industry professionals from related fields.
As one of the premier international events for the concrete and masonry industries, WOC features over 1,500 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge tools, materials, and technologies. The Scaffold Builders Competition offers a unique opportunity for scaffolding professionals to shine on a global stage while demonstrating the critical role of scaffolding in construction.
SAIA’s Vision for the Industry
SAIA, a leader in U.S. scaffolding safety and best practices since 1972, is committed to elevating the industry through events like the Scaffold Builders Competition.
This event not only showcases talent but also reinforces SAIA’s mission to promote safety, innovation, and education in scaffolding.
In addition to the competition, SAIA will host educational session presented by the SAIA Fall Protection Council and product demonstrations by AT-PAC, who is sponsoring the competition, on January 22-23, providing insights into the latest advancements in the industry.
A Celebration of Skill and Dedication
The Scaffold Builders Competition is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of the skill, precision, and teamwork that defines the scaffolding industry globally.
With a diverse lineup of talented teams and a supportive audience of peers and professionals, the event promises to be a highlight of the 2025 construction calendar.
For more information on the Scaffold Builders Competition or SAIA Membership, visit the SAIA website or contact [email protected].
