Getting the best team for your project should be your topmost priority when looking to employ scaffolding professionals. Whether you are hiring decorators to revamp your home or moving experts to help you move house, the work must be conducted to the highest standard possible. The same is also applicable to scaffolding hire and erection services. Scaffolding towers serve an important function in construction projects. If the tower has a poor design or is shabbily installed and dismantled, it may become a health and safety risk for you, your workers, and the general public.
As a result, working with safety-conscious, experienced, and well-trained scaffolding companies is essential. However, it can be difficult to locate a reliable scaffolding firm. 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. You will be rewarded with peace of mind if you conduct adequate research before choosing a company.
Good scaffolding companies will ensure that your project is completed within the set schedule and budget and in accordance with your project specifications. How do you begin your search? And what is the best way to go about it? To help with that, we’ve created a mini-guide below.
Are they safety-conscious?
Safety is important when considering scaffolding systems. For this reason, it is vital that you choose a scaffolding company with a spotless health and safety record. Health and safety executives release a list of companies with poor performance or misdemeanours; you can conduct a quick investigation by checking with them. It is worth noting that although not all companies have been caught yet, checking is still a good step. Check for companies with good contingency plans in case of mishaps in addition to consulting with the health and safety executives.
Opt for a company with good employee insurance and public liability insurance. We advise that you look into how strictly they adhere to health and safety policies. For example, at JL Scaffolding in Seaford, we are members of the SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement). To be a member of the SSIP you have to fully comply with all health and safety policies outlined by the SSIP. If the scaffolding company you hire is an SSIP member, then they are more likely to be reputable.
What are the installation techniques and materials they use?
The type of materials, equipment, and installation methods used by a scaffolding company will directly impact the quality of scaffolding work the company will deliver. Checking these materials is a good way to assess quality. Most reputable scaffolding companies are always open to explaining their processes to you in detail.
Are they insured?
No matter how careful or safety-conscious a scaffolding company is in a construction site, accidents can still happen. This means that even the most reputable scaffolding contractors report accidents and damage on their work sites. Shield yourself from unprecedented costs by using a scaffolding company with proper insurance policy. The scaffolding company should have a compensation system in place in the event of any unforeseen incidents on your project site. It is very important to inspect a company’s scaffolding information before making hiring decisions.
Look for a local company
We recommend you always go with a local scaffolding contractor. This would be a more cost-effective option for your project, as equipment and scaffolders will not be transported over long distances.
Do they offer relevant support?
Make sure you choose a scaffolding company that can provide the necessary design services and technical support in case emergency access to heights is needed. This is important whether you are buying or hiring a scaffolding structure. Before signing a contract, confirm if the initial quote covers the entirety of the project. You will be faced with delays and possibly building damages if your scaffolding company is not available to provide support and assistance with construction challenges.
Are the scaffolders on their team adequately trained?
Before signing any contracts, you should ensure you are getting only trained scaffolding professionals with experience in the kind of scaffolding needed to work on your project. There are several credible scaffolding companies you can choose from, and they all share one thing – they are members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
Why is this important?
The NASC scaffolding safety report showed there was a 30% decrease in the number of falls from heights in 2018. According to research, a 19% decrease in falls on construction sites was reported whenever a NASC registered scaffolding 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?
When selecting a scaffolding contractor to work with, it is important to consider the smaller details of your project. Although you might require a traditional scaffold tower, you need to ask yourself – are there other pieces of equipment I will need for my project? Construction projects have different requirements. Ensure that the company you choose can satisfy all your project needs, whether it’s a scissors lift or a Ginny lift. You can instantly say whether a scaffolding company would be the best match for your construction project by knowing your requirements entirely.
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. The ability to modify scaffolding services to fit with the requirements of the client is one that experienced scaffolding companies possess. Experienced companies tend to have more knowledge and understanding of your scaffolding requirements.
While websites are a great platform to learn about a brand, the time they have worked is another useful indicator of credibility. A reputable scaffolding company will cite their years of experience on the home page of their website. We advise that you reconsider your choice if there are no references to their experience.
What do their reviews say?
To get a sense of how a scaffolding business deals with its customers, you can check out their customer feedback. This is a sure-fire way to learn the firm’s strengths and weaknesses and determine potential red flags. Look through examples of their past works by reviewing their portfolio. If you have special needs for your project or have unique features in your building, you will be able to tell from their portfolio if the scaffolding company you are considering has the appropriate experience or worked on similar jobs to yours.
