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

Harry Dempsey, Michael Curran, John P. Spillane

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings
EditorsLloyd Scott, Christopher J. Neilson
PublisherAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management
Pages406-415
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780995546332
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event36th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2020 - Virtual, Online, United Kingdom
Duration: 7 Sep 20208 Sep 2020

Publication series

NameARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference36th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/09/208/09/20

Keywords

  • Health and safety
  • Ireland
  • Kwikstage
  • Scaffolding

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