Exclusive: ScaffChamp 24 Dates Revealed

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.

NASC Unveils ScaffEx24: A Game-Changer for the Industry

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: 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: 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: 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: 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].

Winners unveiled at NASC Awards 2023

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 Scaffolder Fulcrum 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 SGB Jack 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 Ltd Peter 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 App The 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 Fechan Rise 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 Ltd The 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, London The 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.

SAA and SARNZ Join Forces to Raise Industry Standards

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.”

Drax Shutdown Workers Receive Bonus Pay

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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.”

London Tower Block Incident: Two Injured as Cradle Falls 90 Feet

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Two construction workers narrowly escaped a tragic accident at a residential tower project in London when a defective cradle they were working in plummeted approximately 90 feet.  The incident occurred on 4th June 2020 at the Pennington Street building, where Marcel Botnaru and Radu Baracu were stationed on the ninth floor in the ill-fated cradle. The catastrophic incident was attributed to improperly fitted support beams with incorrect-sized end stops, causing the cradle to roll off the platform and crash to the ground below.  Miraculously, Mr Botnaru suffered six broken ribs and a punctured lung, while Mr Baracu was forced to take six weeks off work due to injuries. Both men, however, were fortunate to escape more severe and potentially life-threatening harm. Two companies specialising in access equipment provision and installation faced legal repercussions for this accident. They were collectively fined a total of £240,000 during their sentencing at Croydon Magistrates Court on 10th November 2023. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Zarafa Height Solutions Limited, the manufacturer of the support beams, failed to ensure their safety before leaving their Grantham factory. Giraffe Access Company Limited, responsible for installing the cradle and support beams at the London Dock site, also failed to identify the defects during their safety checks before commissioning. Both companies, located in Hungate, Pickering, North Yorkshire, are part of the Zarafa Group and pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. As a result, Zarafa Height Solutions Limited received a fine of £120,000 and was ordered to pay £3,987 in costs, while Giraffe Access Company Limited was fined £120,000 and required to cover £3,996 in costs. Following the court’s decision, HSE inspector Kevin Smith emphasised the gravity of the incident, stating, “This incident could have ended in a double tragedy. Both of these men suffered injuries but were fortunate to escape with their lives. The fines imposed on these two companies should underline to everyone in the construction industry the importance of ensuring that rigorous safety checks are carried out on equipment before it is put to use. We will not hesitate to take action against companies which do not do all that they should to keep people safe.”

New CISRS System Inspection Course now available for Plettac Metrix 

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has expanded its System Scaffold Product Inspection courses to include TRAD UK’s Plettac Metrix Scaffold System.  This addition significantly enhances safety and compliance in the UK’s growing systems scaffolding sector. With the rising popularity of systems scaffolding in the construction industry, CISRS has been working closely with various scaffolding manufacturers and suppliers to offer a broader range of inspection courses while maintaining standardised training for system inspection. This collaborative effort has resulted in bespoke one-day inspection courses for prominent scaffolding systems, including HAKI, Layher, PERI, and now, TRAD UK’s Plettac Metrix. The System Scaffold Product Inspection courses are designed to equip delegates with system-specific technical knowledge. The courses include a written theory test, a practical inspection examination, and a written report. Successful completion of all components is necessary to pass the course. Alan Slater, Head of Technical and Product Support at TRAD UK, expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of the CISRS-endorsed inspection course for the Plettac Metrix Scaffold System.  He stated, “It is fantastic news that a CISRS endorsed inspection course is now available for TRAD UK’s award-winning and revolutionary Plettac Metrix Scaffold System. This will make it easier for our clients and main contractors to ensure their scaffolds are fully compliant and, most importantly, safe to use. Here, at TRAD UK, our aim is to produce and supply inherently safe systems which make life in the scaffold industry easier, to make measurable efficiencies on site without compromising health and safety, and this new course is a significant step in helping us to achieve that goal.” The CISRS System Inspection courses are open to individuals holding a CISRS Basic (BSI) or Advanced Scaffolding Inspection (ASI) card. CISRS Scaffolders or Advanced Scaffolders with inspection endorsements obtained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are also eligible to attend these courses. David Abraham GradIOSH MIIRSM of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, who played a pivotal role in creating the new one-day course, emphasised the importance of safety and comprehensive training in scaffolding structures, stating, “Our commitment to safety and industry excellence is encapsulated in the launch of the Metrix Scaffolding Inspection Course. We believe that education and comprehensive training are pivotal in ensuring the well-being of every individual working with scaffolding structures.” CISRS expressed its gratitude for the contributions of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training and TRAD UK in developing this valuable new course. For further information about system scaffold training and inspection, interested parties can visit https://cisrs.org.uk/system-scaffold-product-training-scheme/

Midway Holding Set to Change Name to HAKI Safety

In a strategic move that reflects its commitment to safety, Midway Holding, the parent company of system scaffolding firm HAKI, has proposed changing its name to HAKI Safety. The decision was announced by the company’s Board of Directors and is set to be discussed at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for December 12, 2023, in Malmö, Sweden. The proposed name change comes as Midway Holding undergoes a significant transformation from a conglomerate to a focused industrial group specialising in safety products and solutions aimed at creating secure working conditions at temporary workplaces. The move underscores the company’s dedication to prioritising safety and its evolution in response to industry demands. With a rich heritage rooted in the renowned Swedish brand HAKI, which was established in 1956, the group has expanded its product portfolio and geographical presence through strategic acquisitions in recent years. These acquisitions have diversified the group’s exposure across various sectors and broadened its range of safety products and solutions. Additionally, they have paved the way for synergies in purchasing, production, logistics, and sales. Lennart Pihl, Chairman of the Board, expressed his views on the proposed name change, stating, “The proposed name change marks that we have refined and carried out a clear change in strategy for the company. We are convinced that our new strategic direction lays the foundation for a more profitable business. With HAKI’s increasingly broader offer and geographical presence, the group becomes less sensitive to business cycles, which is a prerequisite for generating stable returns to the shareholders.” The group’s strategic vision includes strengthening HAKI’s already strong position in the European market. To achieve this, they plan to enhance their range of safety products and solutions tailored for infrastructure.

New Online Learning Tool Helps Businesses Address Work-Related Stress

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In a move aimed at combating the growing problem of work-related stress, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a groundbreaking online learning tool as part of its “Working Minds” campaign.  This free-to-use resource is designed to provide businesses with the guidance they need to prevent and address work-related stress while ensuring compliance with the law. The HSE’s new online tool comprises six interactive modules, offering practical insights and solutions to help employers understand how to recognise, manage, and mitigate workplace stress effectively. It addresses common scenarios that businesses encounter, such as identifying signs of stress in individuals and teams, dealing with regular lateness to work, withdrawn employees, and higher staff turnover. Liz Goodwill, head of work-related stress policy at HSE, highlighted the urgency of the tool’s release, stating, “More than half of small and medium-sized (SME) businesses recently visited by HSE knew they had a legal duty to assess the risk of work-related stress, but the number who actually did this was significantly lower. This new online tool will help employers understand the steps and actions necessary to help bridge this gap. It is a much-needed solution.” She further emphasised that time, financial constraints, and lack of expertise often hinder businesses from effectively addressing work-related stress. This new resource aims to simplify the learning process, making it more accessible for companies of all sizes. Goodwill stated, “Businesses will come away with an understanding of what the law requires of employers and what actions they need to take. It provides an opportunity for employers to refresh their existing knowledge and help drive the culture change that the Working Minds campaign is aiming to achieve. I encourage them to give it a go.” The online tool was officially launched during HSE’s online Health and Work conference on Wednesday, November 8th, and is accessible via the HSE Workplace Stress website. Work-related stress has become an increasingly costly issue for employers in the UK. Since 2019, the total annual cost of poor mental health has surged by 25%, reaching up to £56 billion a year. More than half of working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, making them the leading causes of work-related illness in the UK, with numbers continuing to rise. Goodwill pointed out, “The Mental health and employers report from Deloitte suggests employers see a return of £5.30 on average for every £1 invested in staff wellbeing. By providing this free learning, our aim is to help lower the investment cost and assist employers in reaping the potential benefits, including increased productivity, lower absenteeism, and reduced staff turnover.” The Working Minds campaign encourages employers to adopt five straightforward steps based on risk assessment: Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks identified, Reflect on actions taken, and make it Routine. These steps aim to create a culture where discussions about stress and employees’ well-being become the norm in the workplace. In light of the growing impact of work-related stress on businesses and individuals, the HSE’s new online learning tool offers a much-needed resource to help organisations tackle this issue head-on, protect their employees’ mental health, and ensure legal compliance.

Layher Allround Elevates Science Museum Project

In the heart of London, the iconic Science Museum is undergoing a transformative renovation, and it’s not just the exhibits that are evolving. Kent-based Browne’s Scaffolding Ltd has taken centre stage on the project by using the versatile Layher Allround scaffolding system to enhance the accessibility and safety of this prestigious project. We spoke with Darren Bond, Project Manager at Browne’s Scaffolding, to get an inside look at their ground-breaking approach. The journey began in October 2022 when HLS McConnell approached Browne’s Scaffolding to tender for the Science Museum project. After winning the contract, the team conducted a comprehensive site visit to assess the unique scaffolding requirements necessary for the stipulated works. During this initial assessment, it became clear that the museum’s limited access and egress presented a significant challenge. Initially, the project called for installing a free-standing hoist with a scaffold frame support solely to the front of the sunscreen area. However, Browne’s Scaffolding had a vision for a more comprehensive solution. Darren Bond explained, “Our idea was to incorporate both a stair access scaffold and a hoist tower support into a single scaffold structure. This not only provided a secondary means of escape but also offered an alternative access route to the roof, enhancing safety and efficiency.” With this innovative approach in mind, the project was entrusted to Browne’s Scaffolding’s appointed scaffold engineer, who meticulously designed and calculated the necessary components. This led to a ground test to ensure the area could support the scaffold’s weight, with a major point of concern being how to tie the scaffold securely. Kent-based Browne's Scaffolding Ltd has taken centre stage on the project by using the versatile Layher Allround scaffolding system to enhance the accessibility and safety of this prestigious project. Overcoming Obstacles: Tying the Scaffold The challenge of tying the scaffold arose due to the considerable distance between the existing gantry walkways, exceeding 8-10 meters. This necessitated calculations to overcome this issue, resulting in the incorporation of 152 x 76 x 19kg structural T steels behind the existing tubular steelwork to ensure the scaffold’s integrity. Despite some logistical challenges, effective communication within the team helped overcome space and storage issues during the erection sequence. In the upcoming weeks, a cantilevered hanging scaffold will be erected from the 4th to the 3rd floor, further showcasing Browne’s Scaffolding’s expertise with the Layher system. Layher’s Versatility: The Key to Success Speaking about their experience with the Layher system, Darren Bond expressed their satisfaction, “As a company, and following feedback from the lads carrying out the works, we are extremely pleased with the practicality of using the Layher system. It has proven to be greatly adaptable and efficient in providing the access required.” Browne’s Scaffolding has embraced the Layher system not only on this project but also in their European endeavours, where the system is becoming a favoured choice over traditional tube and fitting. With works in Germany and France currently underway, the Layher system is gaining traction among both existing clients and scaffolding professionals on the ground. Shaping the Future of Access Solutions The Science Museum project stands as a testament to the innovative solutions Browne’s Scaffolding Ltd brings to the scaffolding industry, with the Layher Allround scaffolding system at the forefront of their success. As they continue to push the boundaries of scaffolding excellence, it’s evident that this dynamic partnership will shape the future of access solutions across various projects.