Scaffolding is the name given to a temporary platform that allows workers to access high levels during construction, maintenance or cleaning.

Scaffolding is installed before a project is started to provide support and elevation in a safe way for workers to access and transport materials around the building. Scaffolding can be erected in various designs to meet the needs of a project and deal with access issues.

Scaffolding is a key part of the construction industry. Without it, some projects would be impossible to complete. Even with lower buildings, ladders are not always a safe alternative for jobs that rely on the stability of workers.

This article will look at three reasons why scaffolding plays a key role in the construction industry.

1. Health and Safety

Without a doubt, health and safety should be a priority on any construction site. In fact, legislation in the UK demands that risk assessments are carried out and that employers or self-employed contractors take ownership of ensuring safety for their workers, visitors and the public.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 stipulates that adequate safeguards should be to stop falls. Scaffolding provides a method of carrying out work at heights while avoiding falls and should be put in place whenever possible.

Scaffolding helps to ensure safety because it provides a stable, flat platform allowing multiple workers to access a site simultaneously. The stability also will enable workers to use equipment safely and effectively.

Handrails on scaffolding provide an extra safety feature that reduces the likelihood of falls. Combined with harnesses, this can significantly improve safety for construction workers who are working at heights.

Guard rails, barriers and netting also help prevent materials and other debris from falling onto passers-by, while tubes allow safe disposal of waste materials.

It should be evident to anyone that preventing accidents, injuries, and even fatalities is a critical part of construction and should be a foundation of the industry.

The good news is that by improving safety, workers will be able to work more efficiently, which can speed up a job. In an industry where time and efficiency are critical factors in bidding for work, offering a stable, safe working environment is essential.

2. Improving Accessibility

Construction often involves difficult to access aspects, often with obstructions that make it almost impossible for workers to reach without taking risks. Tall or complex structures often feature places where it is difficult for workers to access to complete their work.

Scaffolding provides an excellent solution to this problem by allowing workers to operate in hard to reach places. It will enable them to focus without any barriers or fears for their safety.

Bespoke scaffolding can be built to conquer most access issues and provide a stable base for workers to carry out their work in a comfortable environment.

Examples of common access issues are roofs, chimneys, high-rise buildings, churches, cathedrals, extensions, protruding windows or unusual eaves. However, other infrastructures also require customised scaffolding during construction or repair, such as bridges and tunnels.

The customisation of scaffolding is what makes it so versatile. It can be designed to overcome most access issues.

As well as challenging areas, many sites are extensive, with work carried out throughout the building. Scaffolding allows workers to walk around the building without going up and down every time.

Erecting scaffolding around a building will significantly improve the efficiency of transporting materials and speed up the completion of work. It will also reduce exhaustion which could affect the performance of workers.

In an industry where quality is essential, scaffolding provides the means of getting the best out of workers and allows them to execute their work to their best ability. Planning scaffolding with an expert provider can make a significant difference to the final result of a project.

3. Better Position

When working from the ground, you can stand at the perfect angle from a building to carry out your task. Imagine how you stand if you are painting compared to how you turn when using a drill.

The work carried out on a construction site varies enormously, and each type will involve a different range of movements. One thing is certain; it is rare for a worker to stand still to complete a job!

Now think about doing those jobs at height. A ladder may be fine for a simple repair, but the angle it rests against a building means that movement and position are limited.

The position is a crucial role for scaffolding in the construction industry. The balanced platform sits close to the building allowing workers to move about freely.

Without holding onto a ladder, workers can perform the full range of movements required to perform their tasks well. They can even pass other workers safely on the platform to work in other areas.

You may have seen window cleaners using scaffolding to access high-rise buildings. They can operate at arm’s length and move up and down quickly to get large areas of the building completed quickly.

Scaffolding allows workers to do their jobs more efficiently. Some tasks may require precision or specialised skills, and workers will be able to access the proper equipment and carry out their work to a good standard.

Final Thoughts – Reasons Why Scaffolding Plays A Key Role In The Construction Industry

You can see that scaffolding plays a key role in the construction industry. It ensures safety on a construction site for employees, visitors, and the public, but it also improves the efficiency and quality of work.

Many projects simply could not be completed without scaffolding, while other jobs benefit from scaffolding because of its advantages.

Of course, it’s imperative that the correct scaffolding is used to maximise safety and efficiency. Before you undertake a project of any size, it is worth seeking some advice about scaffolding. Contact a specialised scaffolding company that can provide a bespoke solution for your job.

If you have any questions about what type of scaffolding is best suited to your next construction project, get in touch with the professionals at M1 Scaffolding.