Circumstances
A health and safety alert has been sent to all CEO of Local Authorities from the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) raising concerns about scaffold safety after several high-risk scaffold collapses in the storms in early 2024 which related to the use of unapproved and unaudited scaffolding contractors, particularly in relation to public contracts and the issuance of highway permit licences.
Hazards and risks
Scaffold collapses are high risk events which endanger workers, employees, children and visitors. Severe weather incidents increase this risk.
Scaffold collapses are reportable dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). If scaffold collapses occur this could lead to enquiries from the HSE.
Action required:
School Leadership Teams should either:
Liaise with DCC Property and Consultancy Services colleagues or their external property advisers to ensure scaffolding contractors are approved and confirm the scaffolding contactor complies with the latest scaffold safety guidance such as TG20:21/TG30:24 and applicable legislation. This includes proper design, installation and inspection protocols are followed.
Ensure there is a rigorous approval processes in place and inspections and audits of scaffolding contractors and scaffolds erected on school sites is undertaken.
Ensure procedures are in place to inspect scaffolds after severe weather events and to prevent use of and access to scaffolds until these safety inspections have been undertaken.
Further information:
DCC Working at Height policy and guidance can be found on the Schools’ information Portal (SIP) Policies - Schools' Information Portal (derby.gov.uk)
Information from the HSE – scaffolds: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm
NASC Technical guidance TG20: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm
NASC Preventing falls in scaffold Operation – SG4
https://nasc.org.uk/product-category/health-and-safety-guidance/
For further details and assistance please contact the CHST: employeehealthandsafety@derby.gov.uk
Many thanks,
Darren Allsobrook
Email: Darren.allsobrook@derby.gov.uk
Telephone Number: 01332 642380
Corporate Health and Safety Team Manager