Scaffolders want training re-think

The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) is calling for the scaffolding industry to give consideration to alternative training systems with a particular view to improving site safety.

"There is clearly a lot to be gained from looking at training systems elsewhere and seeing what lessons can be learned for the UK," TGWU national secretary Bob Blackman told a conference of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation.

The union leader cited the example of Germany where there is a well-developed vocational training system and industry has the responsibility and obligation for making training places available to young school leavers.

Blackman reiterated concerns recently expressed by both the Construction Industry Training Board and Ucatt about a continuing skills shortage being matched by a lack of work experience opportunities for trainees.

"What is needed is for employers to come forward and welcome trainees on site," he said. "This is often a real difficulty, with the lack of placements being a major problem.

"Employers must provide the training opportunities necessary for young people to gain the skills and experience that can only be acquired by actually working on real sites. There is no substitute for training in a site environment."

The TGWU chief said scaffolding was a particularly high-risk occupation in a construction industry. "Falls from height are the single largest cause of fatal injuries to workers," he said.

"In fact, 47% of deaths in construction are the result of falls from a height. Given that scaffolders are constantly working at height, this places them in particular danger."

Blackman also noted that scaffolders were especially vulnerable to accidents involving slips, trips, or falls. These accounted for one-in-five of all recorded accidents.

"In the last five years the percentage of major injuries due to slipping and tripping has risen significantly with 627 accidents recorded in 1996/97 rising to 907 by 2000/01 - an increase of 45%.