The importance of scaffolder training to ensure site safety

Why is scaffolder training so valuable?

Every year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) produce statistics about accidents and fatalities at work. Although it may not make for cheery reading, it can help your business adhere to safe working practices.

Some of the latest figures show that there has been an increase in the number of deaths due to falls from height. In fact it is one of the most common causes of fatal injuries across all business sectors.

Deaths caused by falling from height made up nearly 30% of all work-related fatalities between 2022 and 2023. While that number is not specific to scaffolding, training in that area can only help reduce that number.

We asked Alex Minett, Head of Product at Markets at CHAS, for his view:

“Accident and injury rates from working at height remain stubbornly high and scaffolding collapses can result in very serious injuries to workers and those passing by. CHAS accreditation is a recognised stamp of approval that demonstrates you are a responsible scaffolding business to work with and showcases your compliance with the latest health and safety legislation and risk management standards.”

With that in mind, it is not just ‘nice’ to make sure you’re properly trained for working with scaffolding, it is vital.

What are the requirements for employers?

Part of owning your own business means familiarising yourself with your legal requirements.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 tell us that any work done from height should be properly evaluated for three main elements. That is the resource required (scaffolding itself), risks involved (such as slipping/falling/dropping) as well as the skill and training requirements of the worker involved.

As an employer, it is therefore your responsibility to make sure you are properly trained, and also that your employees have had the right scaffolder training. Falls from scaffolding, roofs and cranes will still happen, but all tradespeople should do their bit to reduce those numbers.

Getting you or your employees on the right scaffolding course is key.

Hopefully you’re familiar with the Health and Safety Regulations for your scaffolding business. Why not have a quick check of our article as a reminder?

How do you find the right scaffolding course?

The Scaffolding Association is the UK’s largest trade body for the scaffolding and access sector. Currently they represent around 570 businesses. They provide access to all relevant types of training for companies within the scaffolding industry.

Trade businesses that work in scaffolding should consider joining the Scaffolding Association. As an employer you should also help build customer trust by getting CHAS accredited. The Scaffolding Association are a partner of CHAS and members can enjoy discounted accreditation rates with CHAS.

There is a whole range of scaffolder training available for businesses, so it is worth checking out what you need and finding a provider.

Access Industry Training

The Access Industry Training Scheme (AITS) provides training options for the whole of the scaffolding and access industry. AITS provides employer led training solutions, with the aim of increasing capacity and quality across the sector. With the right training in place, it helps satisfy the training and skills needs for employers of trade businesses.

CISRS Training Courses

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is the preferred scaffolding qualification for a number of organisations across the UK. Recognised by the industry for over 40 years, the scheme has more than 60,000 card holders, and is recognised by CSCS, NASC, Build UK and Unite.

There are a number of CISRS scaffold training courses throughout the country, ranging between 1 and 10 day courses.

Construction Industry Training Board

The UK’s recognised training board for the construction industry, the CITB offers a wide range of scaffolder training courses through the National Construction College (NCC). The NCC also works closely with industry bodies, and are accredited to deliver courses that meet standards for the NASC and CISRS.

How do you find the right scaffold inspection course?

As an employer, you might require additional training for your scaffolding business. Beyond standard training, you may need to go on a scaffold inspection course. That way you can check the work of your employees and guarantee everyone’s safety.

Being able to inspect a scaffolding setup is the primary aim of a scaffold supervisor course.

The CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor course and Scaffolding Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) are the primary things to consider. As well as providing all the necessary knowledge, completing the courses will also give you the right certification.

If you pass a scaffold inspection course, it will give you access to a Scaffolding Supervisor card, a necessity for trade business owners who work in scaffolding.

How does scaffolder training affect your business insurance?

Safety is an essential part of the scaffolding trade. Get it right and everyone can work easier. Get it wrong and it can go very badly for everyone involved.

There are a range of common accidents related to scaffolding, and potential damage to property as well.

• People falling
• Falling objects
• Collapsing scaffolding
• Damage to home/building
• Damage to property
• Theft or vandalism

As a result, there is a broad variety of insurance that your trade business will need. All Checkatrade members require public liability insurance (PLI), but there are other types of cover you will want.

We’ve put together a handy article outlining all that scaffolders need to know about getting the right insurance for their business. Getting the right scaffolder training for all of your employees will help reduce your premium.

As part of our extensive member benefit program, Checkatrade has arranged a 20% discount on PLI insurance. Become a member today and start saving across all aspects of your business.