Scaffolding in the UK and Ireland: a framework to improve health and safety neglect on small and medium-sized construction projects

The health, safety and well-being of construction operatives is a fundamental aspect of the construction industry, and safety standards have improved greatly with the introduction of safety training initiatives and welfare facilities on-site. However, one area that often tends to be neglected is scaffolding safety, particularly on smaller construction sites. Therefore, this study aims to analyse current scaffolding safety systems for Kwikstage scaffolding in the UK and Ireland, identify any differences between the two regions, investigate current scaffold safety neglect, if any, and finally, create a framework to encourage operatives to be more aware of the dangers of working with scaffolding on construction sites. A detailed literature review and pilot study provided foundations for the research to lead to both qualitative and quantitative approaches, using a combination of interviews and questionnaire surveys with industry professionals. Results were analysed consistently to ensure comparability, linking key phrases and topics from each method of research undertaken. Findings identified that scaffolding safety is neglected more-so by SME's based on smaller scaled construction sites, who tend not to sub-contract scaffolding temporary works. This research led to the creation of a new ‘INSPECT’ framework, designed to be displayed at scaffolding access and egress points, along with the development of a ‘traffic light system’ for the inspection of erected scaffolding. The INSPECT framework, developed using keywords from the research undertaken, is an acronym for Inspect, Neat, Secure, PPE, Entry, Caution and Trips. Overall, the key contribution is the development of a framework, using key information to display to construction operatives on-site, to improve their overall health, safety and well-being on-site when entering a scaffolding structure.