The Scaffolding Association (SA), the UK’s largest trade association for the scaffolding and access sector, has announced the achievement of a monumental milestone.An impressive 600 members have now joined the UK scaffolding trade association. ‘This significant accomplishment underscores the association’s dedication to providing superior service and fostering an exceptional experience for its members’, the SA said in a press release published today.In a statement, the SA said, Since its founding, the Scaffolding Association has been unwavering in its mission to create a collaborative and inclusive community. It is the steadfast support and dedication from each of its members that has played an integral role in carving out the association’s successful journey and strengthening its growing foothold in the scaffolding and access industry.The addition of each new member significantly bolsters the Scaffolding Association’s network of professional organisations that collectively envision an ambitious future for the industry. This cohesive community encourages members to engage in productive dialogues, exchange innovative ideas, and collaborate on pioneering projects – a dynamic synergy that fuels industry-wide innovation and progress.Chief Executive Robert Candy stated: “Achieving this milestone is a vivid testament to the trust and value scaffolding companies put into our association to advocate for their interests and facilitate their growth. The ongoing expansion of our membership base signals a positive shift in the industry as it acknowledges the indispensable role the Scaffolding Association plays in endorsing unity and promoting positive change.”“Our diverse membership now encompasses companies of all sizes, from small-scale businesses to leading industry corporations. We take immense pride in cultivating a community embodying the extensive and multifaceted scaffolding industry,” Candy added.The surge in membership has empowered the Scaffolding Association to expand and diversify its service offerings, ensuring a comprehensive range of benefits catered to the ever-evolving needs of its members.
Altrad, a renowned global service provider, has officially announced securing a five-year contract, valued at over £150 million, for fabric maintenance of multiple assets belonging to a significant North Sea operator. The contract, with an option for two two-year extensions, will commence operations on August 1st, 2023.This development forms a key part of Altrad’s remarkable offshore sector strategy, which has witnessed robust growth over the past three years. Altrad will deliver various fabric maintenance services, including project management, planning and coordination, scaffolding, rope access, protective coatings, insulation, and industrial cleaning services, across the operator’s complete offshore and onshore asset fleet.Altrad’s Executive Vice President Peter Hughes expressed enthusiasm over the latest venture, “We are delighted to have secured this multi-year, multi-asset contract in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). We look forward to working collaboratively with our new client, while using our industry-leading skills and capabilities to enhance the performance of these contracts to be the best they can be.”The contract also contributes to increasing Altrad’s offshore and onshore teams’ scale in Aberdeen significantly. Altrad said they are eager to welcome and encourage these new team members to develop satisfying careers. The contract award also recognises Altrad’s technical excellence and ability to enhance safety and efficiency through its advanced digital tools. Chris Garland, Vice President, Upstream, at Altrad, echoed these sentiments, “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this contract, on the basis of our best in class technical expertise and our ability to enhance safety and efficiency via the deployment of our digital tools. We look forward to demonstrating our value, not just in words, but in the form of tangible improvements that add value to our client at every touch-point.”This contract symbolises a significant step in Altrad’s strategic development in the offshore sector while further cementing its position as a leading provider of industrial services in the UK and across the globe.
Cameron Hardy, a Senior CAD Technician at Creator Scaffold Designs Ltd, along with a team of friends, is preparing to tackle the National 3 Peaks Challenge on June 23, 2023. Their mission involves more than the physical challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in just 24 hours. It’s a quest to raise awareness of mental health issues within the construction and scaffolding industry and to generate support for Samaritans, a leading charity focused on suicide prevention.Having witnessed firsthand the unique pressures and mental health challenges within his profession, Hardy sees the importance of raising awareness about this often-overlooked aspect of worker well-being. “By undertaking this physical challenge, I aim to raise awareness about mental health within the construction and scaffolding community, encouraging conversations, and promoting support for those who may be struggling,” Hardy shared.The funds raised from this endeavour will go directly to Samaritans, an organisation Hardy praises for its dedication to providing emotional support for anyone in distress. Creator Scaffold Designs, a leading scaffold design firm where Hardy serves as a Senior CAD Technician, has expressed complete backing for his initiative, underscoring their commitment to the welfare of their employees and the community at large.To support Hardy and his team in their mission, our readers are encouraged to donate via their GoFundMe page: National 3 Peaks In Aid Of Suicide Awareness. The page offers an easy way for supporters to contribute to the cause and follow the team’s progress. Donations of any size can make a significant impact on someone’s life.Stay updated on the team’s journey by following their official social media channels. Their daring attempt to conquer the three peaks embodies the resilience needed in the face of mental health struggles, demonstrating that no peak is too high when it comes to supporting mental well-being.
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) showcased its unwavering commitment to the military and their mission to alleviate the recruitment crisis in the construction industry during the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) Career Fair in Colchester.The event held last week, sponsored by the NASC, drew an impressive crowd, attracting veterans, their families, industry professionals, and stakeholders from other non-profit organisations committed to supporting veterans.NASC’s participation aimed to amplify their initiative, Military 2 Construction (M2C), a joint effort between BFRS and NASC to mentor and aid veterans transitioning into civilian careers, particularly in the construction sector. The program offers practical guidance, boosts confidence, and opens doors to potential employers for veterans.Representing NASC at the career fair were Jim Scott, Head of Trainee Recruitment and Development at Alltask Limited, and Andy Peake, Project Surveyor at SRK Scaffolding. Both expressed their strong support for the M2C initiative, underlining its crucial role in supporting veterans.Scott, a veteran himself, underscored the significance of the program in his address. “The NASC M2C program is exactly the kind of guidance and confidence veterans need to partner with potential employers,” he said. “When you team up with an NASC member, you’re guaranteed a professional organisation that will provide training and career progression.”Echoing Scott’s sentiments, Henry Annafi, NASC’s Training and Recruitment Manager, lauded the success and popularity of the M2C program among NASC members. “We are thrilled to witness the positive impact of the M2C program on veterans’ lives,” Annafi stated. “It has become a cornerstone of our mission to empower veterans by partnering them with our members and providing rewarding career opportunities. The program’s success is a testament to the unwavering dedication and support shown by our NASC members.”The event provided a crucial platform to demonstrate NASC’s steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between the military and the construction industry, fostering meaningful connections with veterans, and engaging in stimulating discussions with representatives from organisations dedicated to their support.For more information about the M2C program and NASC’s ongoing efforts to assist veterans, please visit the NASC website.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned bosses to safeguard their workers during extremely hot weather this summer. The warning was issued in response to the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office’s yellow heat-health alert set for the upcoming days, from Friday, June 9 to Monday, June 12.Last year, record high temperatures in Great Britain prompted an enormous rise in people seeking advice from HSE, with visits to its online hot weather working guidance skyrocketing by nearly a thousand per cent. The number of concerns related to hot weather reported to HSE also nearly doubled in July when temperatures exceeded 40oC for the first time in recorded history. This year, the HSE wants employers to take preemptive action to protect workers from the scorching heat.Although there’s no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, HSE emphasises that heat is a hazard and should be treated as such. The law mandates employers to assess risks to the health and safety of their workers, including risks from extreme weather conditions such as heat waves. HSE advises employers to have an open discussion with their workers to manage these risks better.Simple and affordable measures proposed by HSE include ensuring workplace windows can be opened or closed to prevent hot air from circulating, using blinds or reflective film on windows to provide shade, and relocating workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Other measures include offering flexible work hours, providing free access to drinking water, and relaxing dress codes if possible.A positive example set by Nottingham-based engineering firm, CNTL Ltd., which adapted to the changing climate by implementing measures like changing to LED lightbulbs that emit less heat and adjusting work hours to cooler times of the day.John Rowe, HSE’s Head of Operational Strategy, issued a strong message to employers: “Last summer should have been a wakeup call for all employers. Climate change means we’re likely to get hotter summers and that could have a big impact on the workforce of this country, affecting everything from health of workers to productivity on construction sites. The extreme heat we experienced in 2022 isn’t going away so sensible, supportive employers will be planning now how they should respond.”
In a groundbreaking move, Safety Respect, a leading global manufacturer of edge protection products, has announced a significant investment in the UK’s construction market.
Following the success of the initial Swedish intervention in the UK temporary edge protection sector in the early 2000s, the firm is set to redefine safety standards in the industry.
After creating a new team and heavily investing in a UK logistics centre, Safety Respect is ready to meet the rising demand for high-quality edge protection products in the UK.
The company, which manufactures over 100,000 barriers globally each year, aims to deliver record-breaking stock levels and unmatched delivery speeds from its advanced European plants.
Safety Respect UK is now poised to offer an unprecedented range of products and services at every stage of the Work At Height Hierarchy. The company, established initially in Ostersund, Sweden, in 2007, has ambitious growth plans across various markets, with the UK singled out as a primary focus.
To aid its entry into the UK market, Safety Respect has acquired Vivatec UK and appointed former Vivatec boss Oliver Gwinnell to lead the venture. Gwinnell, an industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience, was part of the Swedish firm’s product sales team, instrumental in reshaping the UK’s temporary edge protection industry.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Gwinnell said, “We have huge aspirations in the UK, and we think now is the perfect time to launch here and offer something different. Safety Respect UK isn’t going to be another ‘me-too’ company. We can truly design bespoke solutions and because of our size we have the capability and control to deliver products fast.”
Highlighting their dedication to innovation, Gwinnell hinted at upcoming technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and safety. Combining an experienced team and an eager group of innovators makes Safety Respect well-positioned to revolutionise the industry again.
Echoing Gwinnell’s optimism, Safety Respect CEO Per Ramberger said, “There is much opportunity in the UK, and we are excited by this announcement. The UK is a mature, sophisticated market, wanting clever products and solutions. Our production capabilities are substantial, and we have invested heavily in technology creating smarter ways of working.”
Ramberger’s aspirations are clearly rooted in his Swedish heritage, as he noted that striving for excellence and innovation are integral parts of their culture. These values have undoubtedly contributed to Safety Respect’s rapid ascent to becoming the world’s biggest manufacturer of temporary edge protection products.
In addition to its core offerings, Safety Respect UK will provide a wide range of safety equipment and certified training courses to ensure on-site competence. These offerings will encompass all steps of the Work At Height Hierarchy, aiming to make the UK construction industry safer than ever.
In a landmark move towards promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry, Construction College Midlands (CCM) has officially launched a state-of-the-art £1M scaffolding training facility and an innovative suite of green skills courses.This significant investment is coupled with the introduction of several pioneering ‘green courses’, marking the college’s commitment to sustainable practices in the construction industry.Located in Birmingham, CCM a branch of Walsall College, has seen a threefold increase in the delivery of scaffolding, groundworks, and roofing-based training since it acquired the Kings Norton site in December 2020. The college’s new facility, part-funded by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership’s (GBSLEP) Growing Places Fund, is set to fuel this growth further.The upgraded facility enables the college to provide additional apprenticeships and industry-recognised qualifications within the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). Comprehensive courses will be available for trainees, supervisors, and those seeking to renew their scaffolder labour cards.“With this newly established facility, we can accelerate the pace for employers to access the skilled workers so urgently needed by this sector,” said Jatinder Sharma CBE DL, Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College.The facility caters to current professionals and aims to attract the next generation of construction workers. Sharma added, “By replicating a ‘real-world’ scaffolding and building work environment, we are better equipped to nurture and grow a pipeline of talent.”The new facility has received an investment of £300,000 from GBSLEP’s Growing Places Fund. Henriette Breukelaar, Chief Executive of GBSLEP, emphasised the project’s lasting impact: “Our investment will make a difference for generations to come – it’s a lasting legacy of the partnership work we have done with education leaders, local authorities, and businesses.”The launch of the new facility was accompanied by the unveiling of the college’s Green Skills Sustainability Centre. This centre aims to assist businesses in reducing their carbon footprint by providing courses in green roofing, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), external wall insulation (EWI), permeable paving, retrofit courses, solar panel training, and greywater harvesting.Sharma expressed his enthusiasm for the college’s sustainability initiative: “It has long been our ambition to grow our training provision in line with industry needs while supporting employers in delivering eco-friendly practices…We are delighted our values along the green sustainability agenda now fully align with those of the industry.”This landmark development from Construction College Midlands represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the construction industry. The industry eagerly awaits the impact of these groundbreaking programs and the promise they hold for a more sustainable future.
Last week, the third annual international scaffolding championship, held in the Lithuanian capital, truly soared above expectations. The event attracted over 400 people from across the globe and was live-streamed to thousands more, creating an inspiring atmosphere of camaraderie and competition. The championship, that’s now dubbed ScaffChamp, not only celebrated the high-level skills within the scaffolding industry but also reinforced the global sense of community amongst its professionals.The international scaffolding industry came together in a grand spectacle at the annual ScaffChamp 23. This event, hosted last week in Vilnius, Lithuania, by the Baltic Scaffolding Association (BSA) and Layher Baltic, celebrated its third successful year, continuing to grow in size and significance globally.
From its humble beginnings in 2019 to the present, the championship has seen an impressive surge in growth and popularity. This year, it drew a diverse audience of over 400 attendees worldwide, demonstrating its expanding influence in the scaffolding industry.
Again, The competition was live-streamed, which captivated a diverse global audience with skilled commentary by professionals from the USA and Germany who delivered insightful commentary throughout the event.
The event’s key highlight was the intense competition among fifteen international teams. Their challenge: erect and dismantle a specifically designed Layher Allround scaffold structure as swiftly and safely as possible, turning the event into an exciting race against the clock.
The Swedish team, Kaefer AB, emerged victorious, setting a new record with a time of 59 minutes and 1 second. Lithuanian teams, Globalita and defending champions Hotrema secured the second and third positions, respectively, demonstrating their strong scaffolding prowess.
Swedish team, Kaefer AB
Oleg Abramov, Project and Marketing Manager at Layher Baltic, reflected on the successful execution of ScaffChamp 23. In an interview with ScaffMag, Abramov highlighted the event’s growth from its planning stage in October 2022 to its grand culmination, calling it an “exhilarating adventure filled with determination, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.”
One of the most heartwarming moments Abramov noted was the participation of the Mongolian team, NBIK Hawks. “Watching the Mongolian team who travelled a 16-hour flight to Lithuania to take part was my best moment during the event,” said Abramov. Their dedication underscored the sense of global community fostered by this event.Mongolian team, NBIK Hawks in action
Mark Parkin, Business Development Manager at Richter from the UK, was one of the invited referees at the event. Speaking about the assessment criteria during the competition, he said, “While refereeing, we looked at a number of different things. In the UK we work to SG4 but the rest of the world doesn’t and as this is an international event we looked at the teams walking on ledgers and how many boards they were working from and marked them up or down accordingly.”Mark Parkin
Parkin reminisced about the inception of ScaffChamp, “I remember talking to Victor when he had the idea for ScaffChamp; he was worried that only a couple of teams would attend. But look at it now,” he said. “15 teams from around the world with the possibility of 20 plus teams attending next year. It’s been an incredible event.”
Speaking after the event, Abramov extended his gratitude towards the event’s sponsors, KEWAZO, ScaffPlan, and Layher Baltic, UAB. He also emphasised the importance of fostering networking opportunities and building a robust scaffolding community. He lauded the team effort behind the event, thanking referees, broadcast commentators, and influencers for their pivotal roles in ScaffChamp’s success.
The success of ScaffChamp 23 underlines the growing recognition of scaffolding as a skilled profession and its central role in global construction. As the event continues to grow each year, it not only elevates the level of competition but also cements the bonds of this unique international community.
In Abramov’s words, “I invite you all to join in celebrating the success of this incredible journey.”
The CEO moves on after 30 years at TRAD, including time as President of the NASC
Des Moore, who has been CEO of TRAD since the business was acquired by Altrad in 2013 has announced that he has moved on from the business to pursue new career opportunities.
Des, who left school at 15, and has built his career in access products, construction and allied trades, is starting his own consultancy business.
He will be sharing his considerable management experience with businesses who are working towards sale or acquisition, need advice on preparing growth strategies or are looking for support with organisational change that delivers increased profitability. Access products construction and allied trades.
He will also be available for mentoring roles, and as a public speaker, concentrating on mental health issues, diversity and equality, women in construction and authentic leadership.
“I’m very excited about this next phase in my career,” he told Scaffmag.
“Over the years, I have built up a huge amount of knowledge, experience and proven success. My new consultancy, MOR1X, gives me the opportunity to use those skills to help other businesses – in scaffolding, construction or indeed any sector – to succeed.”
The company has won awards for product innovation and its charity fundraising
TRAD UK is celebrating two prestigious wins as part of Altrad’s annual meeting. The company won a President’s Award for product innovation with its All-in-one EdgeGuard system, and a second award for raising £33,000 for Anthony Nolan Trust in memory of past director, John Paterson.
The Patent-Pending All-in-one-EdgeGuard system is a unique modular edge protection system which is flexible enough to adapt for temporary use, but is also built to last for permanent use. So, it delivers a safe and smart solution for builders and building management teams.
Traditional edge protection systems can be responsible for trip hazards – in fact they are one of the most common trip hazards found on roofs – which is not necessarily a desirable feature for edge protection! When developing the product, TRAD used its team’s experience of working on these projects, and its in-depth awareness of UK Health and Safety regulations to ensure the new product minimises this problematic feature, while also being extremely easy to use, safe to install and robust enough to last.
“We were delighted to win the President’s Award for product innovation,” says Colin Dobson, MD at TRAD UK. “We are rightly proud of our track record in product innovation – especially where that applies to safety on site, and the ability to manage projects easily and cost-effectively. It was a real honour to have the All-in-one EdgeGuard showcased in this way.”
The CSR award is equally important to the business. ‘£22k for 2022’ was TRAD’s tagline for its 2022 fundraising campaign, which focused on raising money for Anthony Nolan Trust – a charity that supported past director John Paterson and his family when he was ill.
L-R: Ros Howe, Colin Dobson and Heidi Taylor with there CSR Award
Putting together a full calendar of charity-raising events, the company surpassed its target by £11,000, raising £33,000 overall. The fundraising had considerable support not just from within TRAD, but from suppliers, clients and industry bodies – something really appreciated by Jane Paterson, John’s widow, who made a video specially for the Altrad Award presentation.
“It was incredibly important for us to mark John’s contribution to TRAD and to all his colleagues by raising money in his memory,” says Ros Howe, HR Director. “It was amazing for us to see how motivated people were to take part in events so that they could help to make a difference. It is fantastic to have this effort recognised by the Altrad President’s Award.”
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