Main contractors to sign-off scaffold

Main contractors working in Liverpool will be expected to assess, design and sign-off each element of their subcontractors' scaffolding contracts before being allowed a work permit to start construction. This is due to a new protocol being introduced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
The new scaffolding protocol, a partnership initiative drawn up between the industry, the HSE and both Liverpool City Council and Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, was launched last month.
It follows an inspection of
construction sites across the city, which resulted in 19 out of the 36 visited being issued with a
prohibition notice over safety concerns.
The awareness initiative is designed to make main contractors take a more active role in the design of each element of
scaffolding works and exactly when and where it should be erected on site.
If contractors are unable to supply the information to the councils involved in the scheme, a work permit will be rejected, resulting in that element of construction stopping on site.
"In the past, the subcontractor would be told by the main contractor to get scaffolding up in a matter of days with no further interaction," said Wayne Crumpton, principal inspector for construction across Scotland and the North West.
"On occasions this resulted in scaffolding being erected in a rush, either in poor light or in dangerous locations. This greater interaction from the main contractor will mean that more thought will go into the design process of scaffolding. This will be better for worker safety and members of the public.
"This is even more important for Liverpool with the hive of construction activity happening in the city at the moment, as it will soon receive the status of capital of culture," he said.
Crumpton denied that the move would place an extra burden on the main contractor as it takes on more responsibilities from its subcontractors.
"The main contractor should be taking more care and consideration into the design aspect of construction projects for health and safety. This protocol is just part of that process," he added.
If successful, the HSE will take a look at the results of the initiative and could roll it out through a national programme.