NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

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NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), bringing together the UK and North America’s leading scaffold and access bodies in a formal agreement to advance safety, training, and standards worldwide.

Signed on 7 August 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, the deal represents a significant step towards aligning international best practices in scaffolding.

A Transatlantic Alliance

Under the new partnership, NASC and SAIA will work closely on shared priorities, including:

  • Exchanging technical expertise on scaffold and access equipment testing

  • Sharing best practice in training and education

  • Promoting safer, more efficient scaffold structures

  • Exploring mutual recognition of training and membership standards

The agreement also introduces reciprocal membership benefits and access to events for senior representatives, creating opportunities for future joint ventures in certification and standardisation.

Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC, said: “This is an exciting partnership that will deliver huge benefits to NASC and SAIA members as well as the wider scaffolding and access sector.

Both organisations are committed to driving up quality and improving safety standards around the world.”

Mike Bredl, President of SAIA, added: “The partnership between SAIA and NASC represents far more than the pursuit of global standards — it’s a powerful commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of the men and women working on jobsites around the world.”

Raising the Bar

NASC has represented the UK scaffold industry for over 80 years, providing guidance, support, and training for members while acting as the recognised authority on access and scaffolding standards.

SAIA plays a similar role in North America, widely respected for its training programmes, equipment testing, and technical resources.

Together, the organisations bring a wealth of expertise and infrastructure, positioning the partnership to make an immediate impact.

The MOU reflects a shared ambition to address global challenges through collaboration, standard-setting, and continuous improvement.

Scaffmag understands that discussions are already underway to begin rolling out the first initiatives under the agreement.

 

Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

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Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American market through a strategic partnership with U.S.-based access solutions firm Sky Climber.

The agreement will see Sky Climber exclusively distribute Pilosio’s patented FlyDeck suspended platform system across its 10 locations in North America. The partnership marks Pilosio’s first major move into the U.S. and Canadian construction sectors, extending its reach beyond Europe and the Middle East.

The deal was signed at Pilosio’s headquarters in Tavagnacco, Italy, by Pilosio President Nereo Parisotto and Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler. Also present were senior executives from both companies, including representatives from Pilosio’s UK, UAE, and Asia divisions.

FlyDeck is a modular suspended structure designed to provide safe and efficient horizontal access for maintenance and construction work. While Sky Climber has traditionally focused on vertical access systems, the addition of FlyDeck expands its offering to include horizontal suspended platforms. The system is expected to serve growing demand in sectors such as infrastructure and data centre maintenance.

As part of the agreement, the two companies will also offer a full-service package including equipment rental, sales, technical support, and training — services Pilosio has developed over time in Europe.

Sky Climber CEO Kelly Winkler said the partnership was “a strategic step forward,” describing Pilosio’s FlyDeck system as a response to “the needs of the field” and a product that sets a new standard in suspended access.

Pilosio UK’s Business Development Manager, Francesca Fuser, who helped broker the deal, noted that early site visits and product demonstrations played a key role in securing the partnership.

“This culminated in the signing of a significant Italian-American partnership,” she said. “It’s a milestone achieved in a challenging global climate, highlighting the importance of quality and professionalism.”

The FlyDeck system was recently showcased on a project beneath the A13 bridge over Italy’s Po River, where it was used in combination with a specialist waste containment setup designed for environmental protection.

Pilosio’s move into the U.S. market follows its recent growth in the Middle East and Asia. For Sky Climber, the collaboration enhances its product portfolio and allows the company to meet rising demand for versatile suspended access systems.

Both companies have positioned the agreement as a long-term alliance aimed at improving jobsite safety and efficiency across North America’s construction and industrial sectors.

Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

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Scaffolding Association Joins Build UK to Boost Industry Voice

The Scaffolding Association has formally joined Build UK as a Trade Association Member, a move aimed at strengthening the voice of the scaffolding sector within the wider construction industry.

Announced this week, the partnership will see the Association contribute to national discussions on key issues such as regulatory reform, workforce development, and procurement practices.

Build UK, widely regarded as the leading representative organisation for the UK construction sector, brings together contractors, clients, and specialist trade bodies to address the industry’s biggest challenges. Its collaboration with the Scaffolding Association is expected to improve visibility and recognition for scaffolding firms across the supply chain.

Both organisations have pledged to work towards raising standards, improving safety, supporting training, and encouraging fairer commercial practices.

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Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said the partnership marked “a significant moment” in the Association’s development.

“Since our formation in 2011, we have worked to create an open and inclusive organisation that amplifies the voice of our members and provides practical support to businesses,” Mr Candy said.

“This alignment with Build UK reflects our shared priorities — from raising safety standards and strengthening training, to establishing consistent and fair procurement practices. It will enhance our ability to influence policy and promote best practice throughout the supply chain.”

The move gives Scaffolding Association members a greater platform to shape national campaigns and contribute to guidance developed in collaboration with major contractors and industry leaders.

Key benefits include participation in strategic discussions on issues such as sustainability and competency frameworks, as well as support in implementing the Common Assessment Standard — a key initiative designed to reduce pre-qualification duplication and streamline contractor assessment.

The Scaffolding Association, which represents scaffolding and access businesses across the UK, has positioned itself as a voice for the sector on matters ranging from training and health and safety to payment and procurement.

Build UK’s membership includes a wide range of major industry players and aims to improve collaboration and efficiency across the construction supply chain.

ScaffCycle Launches to Help Firms Trade Surplus Scaffold

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ScaffCycle Launches to Help Firms Trade Surplus Scaffold

A new online platform designed to help scaffolding companies buy and sell surplus equipment has officially launched today in the UK.

ScaffCycle aims to reduce waste in the scaffolding sector by connecting businesses holding unused stock with others seeking cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to buying new.

The platform has been developed by industry veteran Tony Stevens, who has spent more than 50 years in scaffolding. It offers firms a dedicated digital space to list, search and trade second-hand scaffolding materials, with the goal of improving efficiency and supporting the construction sector’s shift towards a circular economy.

“There’s a huge amount of perfectly usable scaffolding sitting idle in yards across the country,” said Tony. “ScaffCycle gives companies a smarter way to manage their stock — and make better use of what’s already out there.”

From International Export to Domestic Reuse

ScaffCycle was created following the success of Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd (WWSA), a business Tony founded with his wife Karen in 2017. WWSA initially focused on exporting new scaffolding materials to global markets such as Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Over time, the business began facilitating deals for used scaffolding — brokering stock sales between major UK suppliers and European buyers. A high-value transaction in 2024 between a national sales business and a Somerset-based contractor helped shape the concept for a permanent, scalable solution.

“That deal made it clear how much demand there is for used scaffold — and how disconnected the market still is,” said Tony. “ScaffCycle is about bridging that gap.”

A Circular Solution to a Growing Problem

According to industry estimates, thousands of tonnes of scaffolding equipment are scrapped in the UK each year due to a lack of space, surplus stock or changing project needs — despite much of it remaining fit for use.

Research from the Carbon Trust suggests reusing scaffolding materials can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% compared with manufacturing new equipment.

“The construction sector has a huge role to play in driving the circular economy,” said Keith James, Head of Public Sector Partnerships at WRAP. “ScaffCycle is a practical tool that helps extend the life of materials, reduce environmental impact, and deliver economic value.”

Industry Backing

The platform has been welcomed by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), which supports efforts to make the sector more efficient and sustainable.

“This is exactly the type of innovation we want to see,” said Clive Dickin, NASC Chief Executive. “ScaffCycle provides a real-world solution to challenges around surplus kit, stock management, and sustainability.”

The platform is available now, with registration open to scaffolding suppliers, contractors, and asset managers across the UK.

“It’s about more than just buying and selling,” said Tony. “It’s about helping the industry work smarter — and greener.”

U.S Scaffolding Industry Leaders Sign Safety Pact

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U.S Scaffolding Industry Leaders Sign Safety Pact

Two leading American safety organisations have announced a formal partnership aimed at improving occupational health and safety across the United States.

The Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing workplace accidents and promoting best practices, particularly in sectors involving work at heights.

The agreement was signed at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, held at the Orange County Convention Centre in Florida.

Under the terms of the alliance, SAIA and ASSP will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including advancing national safety standards, advocating for regulatory changes, and promoting volunteerism and knowledge sharing among their combined memberships.

ASSP President Linda Tapp said the agreement marked a shared commitment to advancing the safety profession.“We recognise the benefits of collaboration to improve occupational safety and health practices while elevating the voice of our profession,” she said.

“Together we strive to strengthen advocacy efforts that reduce worker illnesses, injuries and fatalities across the board.”

SAIA President Michael Bredl echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for collective action across safety-focused organisations. “It’s important for organisations to share best practices in workplace safety and health for the benefit of the greater community,” he said.

“Our mutual interests in increasing engagement and advancing worker safety will create many opportunities to work together in areas of professional practice.”

The partnership will also include joint promotion of content and case studies, as well as efforts to expand the visibility of community-based safety successes. Both bodies aim to establish a larger, more engaged safety network that can drive measurable improvements in health outcomes.

ASSP, which represents more than 35,000 safety professionals worldwide, maintains several collaborative agreements with other organisations. This new partnership with SAIA adds a strong focus on scaffolding and access equipment – sectors that remain high-risk for serious injuries and fatalities if not properly managed.

SAIA, which serves scaffold and access professionals across the US, has a track record of providing safety resources and training to support the proper use of equipment and hazard awareness on job sites.

The alliance arrives at a time of heightened awareness regarding fall protection and safety regulations in the construction and industrial sectors. According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death in the workplace.

Both organisations state that they are committed to ensuring their joint efforts deliver tangible outcomes throughout the duration of the agreement.

New PERI UP Stair System Launched in UK After Global Debut

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New PERI UP Stair System Launched in UK After Global Debut

PERI’s latest addition to its scaffolding range, the PERI UP Public Stairs system, is now available in the UK, offering a compliant and flexible solution for safe public access at construction sites and events.

PERI has announced the UK rollout of its new PERI UP Public Stairs system, a modular stair solution aimed at improving public access in high-footfall areas such as infrastructure projects, building sites, and event venues.

Unveiled at the bauma 2025 trade fair in Germany earlier this year, the system is designed to offer safe, rapid assembly and user-friendly access routes in locations where pedestrian safety and adaptability are critical. Built on the existing PERI UP Flex scaffolding framework, the Public Stairs use just seven additional components and comply with UK SG4 and European standards.

Matthew Binder, National Product Manager at PERI UK, said the system was developed in response to evolving site requirements: “Today’s projects – whether infrastructure or events – demand flexible solutions that can adapt quickly without compromising safety.”

The stairs support loads of up to 7.5 kN/m², making them suitable for large crowds. Key safety features include system-integrated handrails, anti-slip surfaces, gravity locks, and height-adjustable components aimed at enhancing both user safety and on-site efficiency.

The system is intended for use in a range of scenarios:

  • On construction sites, it can serve as secondary access around building works or in multi-storey refurbishments.

  • In infrastructure projects, such as rail upgrades, it provides a secure way for pedestrians to navigate around ongoing work.

  • In event settings, such as festivals or sports tournaments, the structure offers a stable and clearly defined path through complex venues.

According to PERI, the modular design reduces setup times and labour needs for contractors, while offering the public a more stable and accessible alternative to temporary walkways.

The launch of the Public Stairs marks a further expansion of the PERI UP scaffolding system, which is widely used for façade works, stair towers, shoring, and temporary roofing. The new addition is expected to appeal to UK contractors and event organisers seeking compliance without delay or disruption.

Mr Binder added, “We believe the Public Stairs will become the go-to solution for any project that demands fast, safe, and user-friendly public access.”

The system is now available for deployment across the UK.

Nominations Open for ScaffStars 2025

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Nominations Open for ScaffStars 2025

Nominations are now open for this year’s #ScaffStars – an initiative celebrating individuals who go above and beyond in the scaffolding industry, as part of National Scaffolding Week 2025.

Organised by the Scaffolding Association, National Scaffolding Week will run from Monday, 6 October to Friday, 10 October. Now in its fourth year, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the sector, promote career opportunities, and highlight the industry’s role in communities across the UK.

A central feature of the week is #ScaffStars, which recognises people working in all areas of scaffolding – from site teams to office staff – whose efforts often go unacknowledged but make a real impact on businesses, teams, and clients.

According to the Scaffolding Association, nominees can include scaffolders, apprentices, drivers, inspectors, designers, admin teams, supervisors and support staff.

“This is about highlighting those individuals who embody the values of the scaffolding profession,” the Association said. “People whose work ethic, positivity, or quiet leadership helps raise standards and support others.”

Nominations are open until Monday, 30 September 2025. Selected individuals will be featured on the National Scaffolding Week website and promoted through its social media channels during the campaign.

The Association is also encouraging wider participation in this year’s events. A free digital toolkit is available to help firms take part, including downloadable graphics, banners and email footers. Supporters are being urged to share stories online using campaign hashtags, engage with local schools or colleges, and even suggest new ideas for activities.

To submit a nomination or get involved, visit:
www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com/scaffstar

For more information, email: [email protected]

New Zealand to Ease Scaffolding Rules on Construction Sites

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New Zealand to Ease Scaffolding Rules on Construction Sites

New Zealand is set to overhaul its scaffolding regulations in a bid to reduce costs and improve efficiency across the construction sector.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced on Monday that the government will begin consulting with industry stakeholders on changes aimed at reducing unnecessary scaffolding use and streamlining health and safety procedures.

The proposals include a revised approach to working at height, where alternatives such as ladders or harnesses may be deemed sufficient in low-risk situations.

“We’re simplifying scaffolding rules and streamlining the prequalification process to make them more practical and better aligned with the level of risk,” van Velden said.

The move follows concerns that existing regulations encourage over-compliance, leading to higher building costs and longer project timelines. Officials are now working on a “hierarchy of controls” to help clarify when full scaffolding is necessary.

Van Velden also highlighted the administrative burden faced by construction firms, many of which must complete numerous prequalification forms for different clients. To address this, the government has instructed workplace regulator WorkSafe to update its guidance and provide standardised, free-to-use templates.

In addition, an Approved Code of Practice will be developed to clarify overlapping health and safety responsibilities when multiple contractors are working on the same site.

“The current ambiguity may be encouraging the over-use of prequalifications in situations where it is not necessary,” van Velden said.

The review will also examine scaffolding certificates of competence. Proposed changes include recognising on-the-job experience and updating certification categories and fees to reflect modern industry practices.

The reforms form part of the ACT-National coalition agreement to modernise New Zealand’s health and safety framework. Van Velden said the changes are intended to “cut red tape” and reduce costs for businesses and homeowners alike.

“When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders,” she added.

Public consultation is expected to begin later this year.

TG30 Update Drives Surge in Scaffold Compliance Downloads

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TG30 Update Drives Surge in Scaffold Compliance Downloads

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has seen a sharp rise in downloads of its scaffold compliance guidance, following the launch of phase two of TG30 in May.

Over 10,000 compliance sheets for TG20 and TG30 were downloaded via the NASC ePortal during the month, a significant boost attributed directly to the new TG30 features. According to NASC’s latest newsletter, the portal has now recorded almost 430,000 downloads in total since its launch.

TG30 phase two introduces key developments in system scaffolding guidance, including tied towers and new stair tower configurations for cup, pocket, rosette, and wedge systems. It also brings, for the first time, stair towers into the TG20 compliance package — broadening the scope of the guidance and supporting users of both tube and fitting and system scaffolding.

Clive Dickin, Chief Executive of NASC, described the update previously as a “game-changer”.

“Tied towers have had a proven efficiency and safety improvement, which has resulted in their recognition as the preferred access system for scaffolding,” he said in a press release in May.

“This new capability within TG20 and the major enhancement of TG30 for phase two will be a game-changer. This continues NASC’s tireless work to build inclusivity into everything we do, with quality guidance at its core.”

Developed in collaboration with leading scaffolding system manufacturers, TG30 provides standardised compliance sheets and operational guidance to help contractors plan safer and more efficient scaffolding projects.

The guidance remains free to all current ePortal subscribers, with further manufacturer-specific updates scheduled later this year.

Jersey Scaffolders Reject Price-Fixing Claims Amid Rising Costs

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Jersey Scaffolders Reject Price-Fixing Claims Amid Rising Costs

Scaffolding firms in Jersey have defended recent increases in their prices, rejecting any suggestion of coordinated or anti-competitive behaviour.

The response follows an open letter issued this week by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA), which warned the industry against price fixing and invited businesses and consumers to report any suspected misconduct.

Two local scaffolders, Gary Brenkley and Dave Lawrence, have spoken publicly to explain that rising prices are the result of growing costs rather than any deliberate market collusion.

Mr Brenkley, who operates a scaffolding business in St Helier, said: “Some people think it’s just a lorry turning up and scaffolding being chucked up, but it really doesn’t work like that.”

He pointed to increasing expenses across the board, from materials and insurance to training and regulatory compliance, as major pressures on the industry.

“We’ve got to send lads to the UK or bring approved training providers over to Jersey,” he added. “Their wage prices are going up… there’s a skills shortage as well.”

The JCRA has not accused any companies of wrongdoing but said it had received information suggesting competition in the sector “may not be working effectively”.

Chief Executive Tim Ringsdore said: “Competition benefits everyone… so it’s important that we act to identify and stop anti-competitive behaviours.”

The regulator has encouraged anyone with information about pricing or potential breaches of the law to come forward. It has promised to treat all submissions in confidence.

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