Before employing professionals to provide support on your construction project, ensure they are the ideal team for the project. Whether you are hiring decorators to refurbish your house or moving specialists to help you move house, the work must be done to the highest possible standard. This is equally as important when dealing with scaffolding hire and installation services. To protect your structures as well as the health and safety of your workers and passers-by, it is essential to have a scaffolding tower on your construction site.
However, a poorly designed or erected scaffolding tower is as dangerous as having none in the site whatsoever. As a result, working with safety-conscious, experienced, and well-trained scaffolding companies is essential. Sadly, finding a reputable scaffolding company for hire isn’t the easiest thing to do. There are a lot of companies out there who claim to provide impeccable service, and it can be tempting to just go with the first option.
However, if you do your homework, you will enjoy the peace of mind of getting a good team of specialists. Good scaffolding companies will ensure that your project is completed within the set schedule and budget and in accordance with your project specifications. What method is appropriate for starting your search? We created this mini-guide to simplify the process for you.
Are they safety-conscious?
When dealing with scaffolding structures, safety is an essential element to be considered. Therefore, the scaffolding contractor you are using must have a reputation for best practices when it comes to health and safety. Health and safety executives release a list of companies with poor performance or misdemeanours; you can conduct a quick investigation by checking with them.
Please note that some poor scaffolding contractors may not have been caught yet, but this is the right first step anyway. So, apart from checking with the health and safety executive, you should also look out for scaffolding companies who have cover for unavoidable scenarios — those that have excellent employee and public liability insurance (accidents can occur even with the best suppliers).
Checking their level of compliance with health and safety regulations is also highly recommended. We, for instance, are members of the SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) here at JL Scaffolding in Uckfield. Scaffolding companies that wish to become members of the SSIP must comply rigidly with the health and safety regulations put in place by the SSIP in order to be eligible. Scaffolding companies that are members of the SSIP are more trustworthy, so this should be considered when making hiring decisions.
What are the installation techniques and materials they use?
Asking for information about the type of installation materials and strategies used by the company is a good way to assess the quality of scaffolding installation work the company you intend to hire does. A trustworthy scaffolding company will be willing to provide you with details of their processes from installation to dismantling.
Are they insured?
Although a scaffolding company may be very careful with materials and installations, accidents may still happen. The risk of accidents, property damage, and on-site injuries can not be eliminated even when the best scaffolding company is used. You should protect yourself from costs associated with accidents by hiring a scaffolding company that has good insurance coverage. Compensation should be provided by your scaffolding company in the event an accident occurs on your site. Make sure you look into the insurance details of the scaffolding contractor before employing their services.
Look for a local company
We suggest that you always go with a local scaffolding contractor because, since equipment and scaffolders will not be transported over long distances, it will be a more cost-effective choice for your project.
Do they offer relevant support?
The support system of a scaffolding company should influence your final hiring or purchasing decision. Throughout the duration of your construction project, you will need a company that can provide emergency support. Always verify if the initial project quote includes support throughout the project. Damaged areas of your building can deteriorate and your project can face considerable delays if support is not available when you need it.
Are the scaffolders on their team adequately trained?
The expertise and competency of the scaffolding contractors you want to hire must be assessed, in addition to their experience with the specific nature of your project. A valid National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) membership is a key identifier of a trustworthy scaffolding company. Look for a NASC membership before making a choice.
Why is this important?
According to a 2010 NASC scaffolding safety report, there was a 30% reduction in falls from height in 2018. This statistic shows a 19% drop when an NASC registered company was used. According to the president of the NASC, Bob Whincap, the body aims to prove to the public that all of their activities are positively affecting the construction industry. He also states the safety report is proof of the fact that NASC registered companies are safer.
Does the scaffolding company have the kind of scaffolding structure you need?
Before deciding on the scaffolding contractor to work with, it is essential to take the minutiae of your project into account. Even though you might need a typical scaffold tower, you have to ask yourself – is there any other equipment that I will need for my project? Whether you need a scissors lift so you have more space to work with, or a Ginny lift to access all levels of your building, you need to ensure the scaffolding company you hire can supply what you need. By thoroughly knowing your specifications, you can instantly say if the scaffolding company is going to be the best match for your construction project.
Is the company experienced for the type of scaffolding erection you need?
This needs to be repeated even though it seems clear-cut. You stand a better chance of getting quality service by working with a company with lots of industry experience. Scaffolding companies with a wealth of experience have time to adjust and develop their services to suit the customers’ needs. They’ll have the best fit for your scaffolding requirements. Websites can be great resources for assessing scaffolding companies, but their years of operation in the industry is another great way to identify a credible company. The years of experience a company has in the industry is often displayed by trustworthy companies on the home page of their website. It would be wise to reconsider the company you have chosen if they are no indicators of their experience.
What do their reviews say?
Customer reviews are a great way to get information about a scaffolding company’s interactions with its clients. This is a good technique for assessing the strengths and shortcomings of a company while also revealing any possible warning signs. Never forget to examine the portfolio section on the website and check out previous jobs done. If your project has unique requirements, the portfolio of the scaffolding company you plan to hire can show you if they have worked on similar projects and if they possess the required experience.
