Nationwide Research Results: Small Scaffolding Projects can be regulated as easily as Large Projects

The NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) have recently carried out research within their membership to ascertain the size of projects undertaken.

An NASC member is a strictly audited scaffolding company that must abide by the criteria set by the confederation (including working to the latest industry health, safety and technical guidance.) Each member is re-audited initially after their first year of membership and then biennially. Failure to comply with the NASC’s strict criteria and a member can face expulsion from the organisation. (Six members were expelled in 2008).

With such a strict discipline to abide by you’d think that only the largest scaffolding contractors working on the largest scaffolding projects would be able to work to this sort of regime in our current economic climate. Wrong!

As part of a nationwide research project carried out in June 2009, the NASC’s 200 regulated member companies were asked to stipulate the range of scaffolding contracts undertaken.

  • 35% of NASC member companies currently carry out competitive contracts on very small scaffolding projects such as a one to two day refurbishment of a residential home.
  • This equates to over 25% of the total UK’s scaffolding workforce.
  • Furthermore the coverage of these regulated scaffolding companies ensures 100% coverage of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland and the furthest corners of Scotland.

The NASC’s smallest member company currently consists of only 4 individuals.

Though these same companies that carry out these small works may also be able to work on much larger projects, what is clear is that scaffold best practice and stringent safety levels are available to anybody.

“The cowboy style approach to scaffolding is unfortunately still very visible on small scaffolds seen on many public streets.” states Bob Whincap, President of the NASC. “I think there has been a misconception that using a regulated scaffolding company such as an NASC member was restricted to larger projects. This research proves otherwise. This should now prompt any individual, any company and any contractor anywhere in Britain to insist on only using a competent and regulated scaffolding contractor for their work”

The NASC has seen a sharp increase in membership applications due to main contractors insisting as part of their corporate policy that their scaffolding contractors must be members of the NASC. By stipulating only the use of NASC member companies, non-regulated companies are being forced into a corner where they have to raise their working practices to meet this industry standard or risk losing work.

 NASC News Item

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