The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction’ at the Safety & Health Excellence (SHE) Awards held at The Vox, NEC in Birmingham. The black-tie event, attended by 550 guests, was hosted by television presenter Tess Daly and organised in conjunction with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Awards by Western Business Media Limited, publisher of Health Safety Matters (HSM) magazine.The SHE Awards celebrate innovation and achievements in the British health and safety industry, emphasising the importance of innovation and the highest standards of excellence within occupational safety and health.The NASC, the UK’s oldest scaffolding trade body, entered the competition under the ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction’ category for its positive work in publishing industry-standard-setting technical and core safety guidance notes, including TG20:21, SG4:22, and SG6:22. The organisation’s support of health and safety best practices for its 480+ member companies was also recognised, with contributions such as providing access to £280,000 in training grants, publishing over 100 toolbox talks, and offering a range of specialist advisors on various topics.Acting NASC Managing Director, Dave Mosley, expressed his delight, stating, “It’s absolutely fantastic for the NASC to win this award. Championing health and safety within the scaffolding and wider construction sector is our whole raison d’être, and it’s marvelous to get recognition for the efforts of the hard-working NASC staff, working parties, committees, and scaffold sector experts that make this fine organisation what it is.”NASC Health and Safety Manager Steve Kearney added, “The NASC works tirelessly throughout the year to produce standard-setting health and safety, technical, contractual environmental, and other such guidance for its members and the whole construction industry. Our guidance helps keep people safe in an inherently dangerous industry – getting scaffolders and those who work on scaffolding home to their families every night. The work matters. It’s nice for that to be acknowledged by the health and safety industry.”The NASC triumphed over other contenders, Jarvis Contracting and the Stockport Homes Group, to claim the ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction title at the SHE Awards.
Paisley Museum, a cherished cultural landmark, is undergoing a major renovation, with JR Scaffold Services playing a pivotal role in supporting the building’s transformation.The historic Paisley Museum, a Grade A-listed building and one of Paisley’s most well-known cultural landmarks, is undergoing significant renovation. As the main scaffold supplier on this important project, JR Scaffold Services, a division of leading Scottish construction firm The JR Group, has been instrumental in erecting an impressive scaffold structure around the museum. The renovation is part of Renfrewshire Council’s £100 million investment in local cultural venues.John Jack, Contract Manager for JR Scaffold Services, expressed the company’s pride in being part of the museum’s restoration: “We are incredibly proud to be playing our part in the restoration of Paisley Museum – it is an incredibly complex job with many parts to it, but our expertise lends itself perfectly to the intricacies of it.”This ambitious project aims to completely renovate the museum, including the Grade A observatory dome, new roofs, façade stone works, glazing for multiple skylights, and a steel frame extension. To accommodate the diverse requirements of the job, JR Scaffold Services has provided various types of scaffolds, such as edge protection, independent wall, internal birdcage, cantilever, and bespoke scaffolds designed by an expert engineer for heavy loads and lifting points for stone replacement.Working on behalf of the main contractor Keir Construction, the scaffold project began in July 2021 and will remain on site until the Summer of 2024. The Paisley Museum, which first opened in 1871, was designed by architect John Honeyman and funded by Sir Peter Coats. The renovation is expected to protect the national significance of the museum for generations to come.In addition to their work at Paisley Museum, JR Scaffold Services Ltd has supported iconic buildings like the University of Glasgow, The Hamilton Mausoleum, The Hunterian Museum, and the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant. The JR Group, which began as a scaffolding business in 1995, has grown into one of the largest building and construction firms in Scotland, employing around 200 staff members.
A new safety report by the Ladder Association has highlighted the ongoing issue of unsafe and potentially dangerous ladders sold online in the UK.The report is a follow-up to the 2022 telescopic ladder market surveillance study, which found that over 80% of commercially available telescopic ladders failed to meet minimum safety requirements, with over half marked as ‘compliant’ to mislead customers deliberately.Despite previous campaigning, the problem persists, prompting the Ladder Association to re-test the same products from last year’s study, purchased from well-known online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and OnBuy.com. Shockingly, every set of telescopic ladders failed the required safety tests, with over 80% falsely claiming compliance with the EN 131 product standard.Peter Bennett OBE, Executive Director of the Ladder Association, said: “Our latest report clearly shows that the issue of unsafe telescopic ladders available for sale on the UK market is neither new nor improving. We also know the issue is not constrained to our sector.”Online marketplaces selling products supplied by third-party sellers currently have no responsibility for preventing unsafe goods from being sold on their platforms and no legal obligation to inform consumers if they have purchased dangerous goods. This allows rogue manufacturers and suppliers to sell unsafe products directly to unsuspecting buyers in the UK, often without any checks made before delivery.Bennett continued: “The Ladder Association is calling for the Government to step in urgently to make regulatory changes to hold suppliers and online platforms accountable for ensuring the products they sell are compliant and safe to use.”The association is also urging the government to release the long-awaited Product Safety Review, which is expected to contain proposals to protect people from buying dangerous products from online marketplaces.To view the latest Telescopic Ladder Surveillance Survey Report, visit: https://ladderassociation.org.uk/step-up/
In a shock announcement, event organisers today revealed to Scaffmag that the United Kingdom and Australian teams have withdrawn from the upcoming 2023 International Scaffolding Championships, now known as KEWAZO ScaffChamp 23. The highly anticipated championship is scheduled for May 26-27 in Vilnius, Lithuania, and was expected to feature teams from 13 countries, including the UK and Australia.Now in its third year, the Scaffolding Championships has experienced tremendous growth in interest and participation, with this year’s competition expected to be the biggest, most diverse and competitive yet. The event, organised by The Baltic Scaffolding Association (BSA), recently announced leading construction robotics company KEWAZO as its main sponsor for the second consecutive year. The partnership between KEWAZO and the BSA has been hailed as a powerful and mutually beneficial collaboration, further raising the profile of the event. The championship features timed system scaffolding build-offs using the Layher Allround system, attracting over 120,000 viewers worldwide during last year’s live stream on YouTube and social media networks.The reasons behind the UK and Australia’s sudden withdrawal remain unclear, but ‘unforeseen circumstances ‘ have been cited.
In a statement to Scaffmag, The BSA expressed disappointment over the withdrawal of these two competitive teams but remains optimistic about the success of the KEWAZO ScaffChamp 23. It’s understood that teams from Poland and Norway have now stepped in to take their places, ensuring that the competition remains as diverse and competitive as initially planned.
Oleg Abramov, President of BSA said: “We regret to announce that two teams originally scheduled to participate in KEWAZO | ScaffChamp has had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite our disappointment at the news, we are pleased to have quickly filled their spots with two talented teams from Poland and Norway who were on our waiting list.While we understand the disappointment that may come from the absence of the UK and Australian teams, we are committed to delivering an exceptional event for all attendees. We encourage all guests to take advantage of the opportunity to network with the many VIP guests from the region who will be in attendance.We remain committed to providing a high-quality experience for all participants, and we look forward to showcasing the remarkable skills and achievements of all teams at KEWAZO | ScaffChamp.”The KEWAZO ScaffChamp 23 will proceed as planned, featuring teams from Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Norway, Mongolia, Bulgaria, and other countries that have yet to be confirmed. The event will once again be live-streamed, with translation services available for international viewers.Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
3B Training, a leading multi-accredited health and safety training company to the construction sector, joins industry bodies in calling on the government for reassurance that Working at Height Regulations (WAHR) won’t be removed under the EU Retained Law Bill (EURL).
Under the EURL Bill, the Government is currently reviewing over 2,400 laws and regulations which are being considered for revocation following the UK’s exit from the European Union.
This includes the potential scrapping of the WAHR by the end of 2023, with the government saying that these regulations are burdensome or onerous for businesses to implement.
3B’s Managing Director Mat Bewley said: “We feel it is imperative that WAHR are not scrapped. The regulations are an essential part of ensuring the health and safety of construction workers and reducing fatalities in the workplace.”
Since their introduction, the WAHR has had a positive impact in improving safety and reducing fatalities. In the year prior to their introduction (2003/04), there were 67 workplace fatalities (29% of total fatalities.) because of falls from height. This number has fallen to 29 in 2021/22. (24% of total fatalities.)
3B Training has been established for over 12 years and delivers training for those working at height, including Scaffold Inspection and awarenessCISRs, IPAF and PASMA training alongside Health and Safety, First Aid, Plant, eLearning and NVQs to over 30,000 people annually.
3B’s Head of Training, Pete Moore, commented: “Falls from height are still the biggest cause of deaths in the construction industry and the abolition or relaxation of the regulations can only make the situation worse. If anything, we need more stringent regulations linked to a more robust inspection regime.”
3B Scaffold Trainer Matt Haddon said: “I am in full support of the work at height regs not being scrapped, as falls from height remain the main cause of workplace fatalities across all industries, not just construction; it is vital that employers have this framework in place to safeguard their employees. I really feel that removing them would be a massive step backwards for the UK.”
In terms of the suggestion that the WAHR are impracticable for construction companies to implement, Matt added: “I am yet to hear any delegate say a negative thing about having these regulations in place.”
A coalition of bodies, including BSIF, Build UK, The Scaffolding Association, IOSH, NEBOSH, RoSPA and The Access Industry Forum (AIF) are all backing a call for clarification and are urging the government not to remove WAHR.
Scaffolders have joined the ranks of 1300 offshore workers participating in historic 48-hour strike action from Monday, 24 April, causing ‘severe’ problems for major oil and gas operators including BP, Shell, and Total. Unite the union has confirmed that the stoppage next week will impact multibillion-dollar corporations like CNRI, EnQuest, Harbour, Ithaca, TAQA, and others. The trade union expects that this unprecedented strike, as part of a ‘tsunami’ of industrial unrest, may result in production shutdowns due to its members’ specialised work on offshore platforms and assets.John Boland, Unite industrial officer, emphasised the importance of scaffolders‘ participation in the strike action, stating, “An army of 1300 workers will take part in the biggest offshore stoppage in a generation. The 48-hour strike action will cause severe problems for contractors and operators. We believe that due to the specialised nature of work our members undertake, offshore platforms cannot operate safely and efficiently without them. The strike action could halt production on dozens of platforms and bring them to a standstill.”Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated, “Oil and gas companies are enjoying record windfall profits, and they can easily afford to give our members, including scaffolders, a decent pay rise. The 48-hour strike action will only be the start of the tsunami of industrial unrest if contractors and operators refuse to give our offshore members the better jobs, pay and conditions they deserve. The scale of corporate greed in the offshore sector has to be challenged, and it will be by Unite.”The striking workers come from various specialised roles, including electrical, production, mechanical technicians, deck crew, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers. They are employed by companies such as Bilfinger UK Limited, Petrofac Facilities Management, Stork Technical Services, and Sparrows Offshore Services.As the strike action unfolds, Unite will hold a rally involving the striking offshore workers, including scaffolders, at the union’s Aberdeen office at 10 am on Monday, 24 April.
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has partnered with Superbeam media production to revamp its SG6:22′ Management of Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry’ training suite, enhancing safety training for the industry. The updated training package is set to be updated this spring and includes a new pocket-sized A6 SG6 User Guide for scaffolders, featuring a refreshed design and new illustrations, and an innovative training video.NASC H&S Manager, Steve Kearney, shared his excitement about the collaboration with Superbeam, saying, “We are now working with Superbeam media production to produce an updated version [of the training video], focusing on the relevant issues and the required learning needed to keep everyone safe from injury in the scaffolding sector.” Kearney also mentioned that the video is still in its early stages but is confident that it will contribute to safer and better-trained scaffolding operatives.In addition to the updated video, NASC and Superbeam are exploring the potential of using open-world gaming software to create a more immersive and engaging training experience. Kearney said, “We see huge potential to expand our training repertoire through working with Superbeam. We are currently in discussions about using open-world gaming software to reproduce a training environment in which avatars can freely roam.”Superbeam founder Tiernan Dixon, who visited NASC’s office this week to discuss the video production with Kearney and new NASC Marketing Manager Sophie Price, expressed his enthusiasm for the innovative training approach. Dixon stated, “Open-world games can provide immersive experiences that have immense replay value. In a training environment, that ability to replay, and the realism of these types of software become an incredible tool for learning.”Once complete, the updated A6 pocket-sized SG6 User Guide and the new training video, both products of the NASC-Superbeam collaboration, will be available for purchase on the NASC website. This partnership aims to provide scaffolding professionals with state-of-the-art training materials, promoting a safer work environment across the industry.
Former scaffolder turned entrepreneur Isaac Morrison connects the construction community with his new innovative podcast, The View with VERTEX.
Isaac Morrison, a seasoned scaffolding professional with over two decades of experience, has taken his passion for engaging conversations and mentorship to the airwaves by launching The View with VERTEX podcast.
Focusing on the stories of exceptional individuals from various industries, the podcast aims to give listeners insights into the habits and mindsets that drive success and overcoming adversity.
Primarily targeted at the scaffolding industry, the podcast’s emphasis on personal stories ensures a broader appeal, with an eclectic mix of guests such as Ant Jones, a self-proclaimed “beer geek,” and Vicky Welch, the UK’s first female Advanced Scaffolder.
The podcast’s uniqueness lies in its focus on the guest and their story rather than their industry or trade. By providing a studio experience, The View from Vertex promotes cross-trade and cross-industry communication, fostering valuable knowledge exchange between different sectors.
Morrison’s primary goal is to share engaging conversations with listeners, hoping to inspire and drive positive change in both their professional and personal lives.
“I hope that by tuning in, those listening to the show will come away with an insight into what makes successful people succeed, what mistakes and pitfalls to avoid, and how to overcome adversity, potentially leading to positive change in both a professional and personal sense for the listener,” he said.
Isaac Morrison with self-proclaimed ‘beer geek’ and scaffolder Ant Jones.
Upcoming episodes will cover various topics, including suicide prevention, mental health and spirituality, and the future of the scaffolding industry.
Guests will include Graham Campbell, a scaffolder who lost his son to suicide; Rose System Scaffolding’s Operations Director, Chris Howson; and Oleg Abramov from Layher Baltic, discussing the Scaffolding World Championships ‘ScaffChamp.’
The View with VERTEX podcast is now available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow the podcast on social media to stay up-to-date on upcoming guests and special events, and be inspired by the stories and insights of the construction industry’s most innovative minds.
In a surprising turn of events, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, which would repeal around 4,000 laws, including the Work at Height Regulations, may be halted. The Guardian newspaper has reported that threats of a cross-party revolt have led to the government delaying the bill. The controversial bill, sponsored by Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, has completed its committee stage in Parliament and is awaiting further scrutiny in the House of Lords. However, media reports suggest a cross-party revolt has resulted in the government delaying the bill, possibly indefinitely, until after local elections on 4 May.As recently reported, The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height met in March, expressing concern over the possible removal of the 2005 Working at Height Regulations and other health and safety laws.AIF Chair Peter Bennett OBE commented on the recent developments, stating, “If that is the case, it will represent a triumph for common sense and will be gladly welcomed throughout UK industry, amongst employers and workforce alike.”However, Bennett urged the Secretary of State to clarify the government’s intentions without delay.
A recent report has revealed that workers in the scaffolding industry are three times more likely to smoke than those in other sectors, prompting experts to call for increased smoking cessation support.The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) reports that over one in five employees in routine manual and service occupations in England smoke, a rate three times higher than other industries. The employee smoking inequality gap has increased by 5% over the past five years, with routine and manual professionals lagging behind national smoking cessation trends.Data insights collected by Vape Club show that smoking prevalence among manual workers makes them 65% more likely to smoke than England’s average smoking rate. To achieve the government’s goal of reducing the number of smokers to 5% of adults in England by 2030, it is crucial to encourage manual workers to adopt smoking cessation methods. Experts say it emphasises the need for HR departments to address the issue and help improve worker health.Last week, the UK government launched a world-first ‘swap to stop’ scheme, providing one in five smokers in England with a free vape starter kit to help them quit. A recent trial by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the NHS Stop Smoking Service found that a vape starter kit assisted 42% of participants in quitting within a month, with an additional 15% quitting after 12 weeks.Dan Marchant, managing director of Vape Club, stated, "It's vital that everyone has the same access to support and nobody in society is left behind." He urged HR departments in routine and manual sectors to offer greater support for employees to quit smoking, emphasising the potential benefits for both individuals and businesses.
NASC Health and Safety Manager Steve Kearney added, “The NASC works tirelessly throughout the year to produce standard-setting health and safety, technical, contractual environmental, and other such guidance for its members and the whole construction industry. Our guidance helps keep people safe in an inherently dangerous industry – getting scaffolders and those who work on scaffolding home to their families every night. The work matters. It’s nice for that to be acknowledged by the health and safety industry.”
The NASC triumphed over other contenders, Jarvis Contracting and the Stockport Homes Group, to claim the ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction title at the SHE Awards. 
NASC Health and Safety Manager Steve Kearney added, “The NASC works tirelessly throughout the year to produce standard-setting health and safety, technical, contractual environmental, and other such guidance for its members and the whole construction industry. Our guidance helps keep people safe in an inherently dangerous industry – getting scaffolders and those who work on scaffolding home to their families every night. The work matters. It’s nice for that to be acknowledged by the health and safety industry.”
The NASC triumphed over other contenders, Jarvis Contracting and the Stockport Homes Group, to claim the ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction title at the SHE Awards. 
Working on behalf of the main contractor Keir Construction, the scaffold project began in July 2021 and will remain on site until the Summer of 2024.
The Paisley Museum, which first opened in 1871, was designed by architect John Honeyman and funded by Sir Peter Coats. The renovation is expected to protect the national significance of the museum for generations to come.
In addition to their work at Paisley Museum, JR Scaffold Services Ltd has supported iconic buildings like the University of Glasgow, The Hamilton Mausoleum, The Hunterian Museum, and the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant.
The JR Group, which began as a scaffolding business in 1995, has grown into one of the largest building and construction firms in Scotland, employing around 200 staff members. 
Working on behalf of the main contractor Keir Construction, the scaffold project began in July 2021 and will remain on site until the Summer of 2024.
The Paisley Museum, which first opened in 1871, was designed by architect John Honeyman and funded by Sir Peter Coats. The renovation is expected to protect the national significance of the museum for generations to come.
In addition to their work at Paisley Museum, JR Scaffold Services Ltd has supported iconic buildings like the University of Glasgow, The Hamilton Mausoleum, The Hunterian Museum, and the Dounreay Nuclear Power Plant.
The JR Group, which began as a scaffolding business in 1995, has grown into one of the largest building and construction firms in Scotland, employing around 200 staff members. 
