A new policy on scaffolding has been introduced by the council on The Isle of Wight to safeguard both construction workers and the public. The legislation marks the culmination of work between the Council and Island Roads, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Working Well Together group (IWWWT). Supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it will promote good practice within the construction industry.
The aim is to ensure scaffolding on or affecting the public highways is safe for both construction workers, and road and footway users. The Working Well Together group wants to ensure it does not impede pedestrian access with structures only in place for as long as necessary. From September, applications for scaffolding over or on the highways will need to include more information on the purpose of the scaffolding and how it will be constructed.
Those erecting it will be required to have the necessary industry-standard accreditation in accordance with the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). Scaffolding towers will be required to display consent from the council, as well as the agreed dates the structure can remain in place. By 2019, they will also have to demonstrate accreditation to the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation.
“It is imperative scaffolding is erected and used correctly and I am delighted that the Island now has more robust policies in place to ensure that happens”, said the Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, Cllr Tig Outlaw.
“This is not a case of excessive bureaucracy or overbearing health and safety requirements – it is quite simply about keeping people safe.”
IWWWT chairman Cllr John Nicholson, also an owner of a construction company, added: “Those companies on the Island who are professional and conscientious – and most are – have absolutely nothing to fear from this new approach. The price of an application will not rise but by being more rigorous it will help ensure scaffolding erected on Island highways complies with safety regulations and professional standards. It will also help Island Roads, which manages the highway network on the council’s behalf, to monitor and regulate scaffolding that is on the highway.”
One of the major drivers of this fresh approach was to force out those companies operating without proper insurance, training or qualifications.
Steve Ashman, Island Roads service director, explained: “As a business, Island Roads operates to the highest health and safety standards and we were delighted to work with like-minded people at the council and within the construction industry to develop this new approach.”
Four drop-in sessions are being organised at Island Roads’ HQ at Daish Way, Newport, for any business who have queries over the new policy.
They are on 8 August (2-4pm), 21 August (10-12 noon), 23 August (2-4pm) and 29 August (2-4pm).
