Scaffolding sites are familiar to anyone who lives in a major city, as they are used in many types of projects, from renovating small homes to erecting tall skyscrapers. Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding for these construction sites. They might work on any of these buildings, but they can also work on bridges, statues, and more. They have to do their job well because many lives are at stake if they don’t. They are well compensated, with the highest-paid scaffolders in the UK making as much as £ 90,000 a year.

A scaffolder is a construction worker who erects and dismantles temporary structures so that workers can work at heights safely. There aren’t formal qualifications for the job, but they need a good sense of balance, and they should be comfortable working at heights. They need good hand-eye coordination and some physical fitness. They should also be able to work as a part of a team. They are usually trained for safety, which is critical for the job.

When scaffolders start out, they often begin as a labourer. They learn skills on the job so that they can become fully qualified as a scaffolder. They may take an apprenticeship for around 18 months to develop the skills they need, where they work on-site in addition to having trained at a college. They need the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) safety certificate to train and work on-site.

Although scaffolders can make as much as £90,000 a year, the starting salary is around £40,000 a year. In general, entry-level positions are £27,953 a year, and more experienced workers make up to £56,170 a year. In 2018, a Federation of Master Builders report showed that a scaffolder has a higher average salary than architects, nurses, teachers, and dentists. This report indicates that there has been a change in the demand for skilled scaffolders.

The daily tasks of scaffolders vary depending on the specific job they are doing. They will work outdoors nearly all the time, but they can erect smaller scaffolds indoors for painting or maintenance work. However, regardless of where they work, they share specific tasks in common.

Before scaffolders start building scaffolds, they need to unload the equipment. Next, they need to ensure that they have suitable materials and the correct number of poles. Most scaffolding comprises three parts: standards, transforms, and ledgers.

The standards are the vertical poles that run the structure’s entire length and hold it up. They also help spread the weight along the ground with baseplates that stabilise them. The ledgers are poles that run horizontally, and they also help hold the scaffolding in place. The transforms are another horizontal pole, and they are set perpendicular to the ledgers to strengthen the structure. The wooden platforms are placed on this part of the scaffolding.

The first part of building scaffolding is to set base plates along the ground to spread the weight out evenly. Next, the standard poles are placed in the base plates, and they are connected to ledgers and transforms using a coupler, a connecting device.

Next, they fix the scaffolding to the building with short tie tubes, which holds the vertical poles upright. This is important for ensuring that the scaffolding can handle the weight of the workers and supplies.

One of the most critical parts of this job is ensuring that the scaffolding is safe. They will attach guard rails and safety netting to ensure that the structure is safe. It is required that scaffolding has a guard rail on all open sides and ends, and then, it needs to be inspected. The scaffolders will continue to inspect it and ensure that it is safe after it is up. They should go back at least once every seven days. In addition, they must wear a hard hat, non-slip shoes and avoid working on scaffolding when it is wet or windy.

The planks are usually wooden, and they serve as the platforms where construction workers stand. They can be one of three different thicknesses, and they are typically protected with a metal plate attached to the end. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that it is safe for use daily.

When businesses are starting a construction project, scaffolders meet with them to advise them on the best option for the project. They have specialised knowledge about the different types of scaffolding and the advantages and disadvantages of using each one. They can advise how it should be erected and work with builders and design teams to determine the best plan. They are a critical part of any construction project that requires elevated platforms for workers.

Scaffolders can work on a variety of sites. Some are in a residential neighbourhood, while others will be in the middle of a big city. Most teams develop a strong bond because they need to work together to ensure everyone’s safety. Communication is critical, and everyone brings their best skills to the job. 

Being a scaffolder is a good job, and they make a decent living. They get training and experience on the job, then work independently. Scaffolders work with a team, and they adhere to strict safety guidelines, as the safety of the construction workers and anyone else who uses the scaffolding is in their hands. Scaffolders earn an average of £40,000 a year, but the highest-paid workers in this industry can earn as much as £90,000 a year.