The number of accidents involving scaffolders declined by 16 per cent last year to an all-time low, according to a sector trade body.
For 2024, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has reported that 73 incidents were recorded among its 303 member companies under the Health and Safety Executive’s Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
It is the lowest number in NASC’s 80-year history.
The incidents included 35 “specified injuries” and 37 “over-seven-day” injuries, which involved workers being off for more than seven consecutive days. One fatality was recorded.
The number of falls rose by 2 per cent, from 16 in 2023 to 19 last year, but this was explained by a rise in membership numbers.
NASC boosted its membership by around a fifth last year.
The accident frequency rate was 0.20, while the accident incident rate was 3.75.
“These figures have been achieved in spite of the fact that our contractor membership has increased by approximately 22 per cent in 2024, with 54 new scaffolding contractors and 2,775 operatives joining NASC last year,” the organisation said.
A total of 19,442 operatives are employed by NASC members.
NASC chief executive Clive Dickin said: “The figures in this year’s report reflect the hard work, professionalism and safety-first culture embraced by our members.
“These results aren’t just statistics – they’re proof that high standards and collaboration can save lives.”
But he added: “There can be no complacency when it comes to the safety of individuals working at height.”
The fatality reported last year involved an “experienced advanced scaffolding inspector”, the association said. The incident remains under investigation, NASC added.
Last month, Construction News revealed that a new “not-for-profit interest group” had formed over various concerns about developments at NASC and the CISRS, the standard training scheme for scaffolders.
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James Wilmore