NASC YEARBOOK 2012 | MARKETING
23
WIDER INDUSTRY SUPPORT
A huge demand for the NASC’s free guidance documents demonstrates a commitment to best practice by the construction industry, says marketing committee chairman, Kevin Mouatt
james wates, chairman of ukcg (UK Contractors Group) and President of the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) summed up the mood of the building and construction industry when he addressed members of the NASC at the last AGM: “The NASC plays a valuable role in the development of the highest standards with regards to scaffolding best practice, and should be commended for their efforts.” The acknowledgement of the NASC as a dynamic organisation that is committed to delivering best practice for scaffolding in the UK is now so well established it is often a challenge to keep up to date on the number of contractors who stipulate the use of ‘only NASC members’ for their scaffolding works. 2011 has witnessed many areas of the building and construction industry take positive steps to use regulated scaffolding companies; evidence of this has come not only from the main construction industry, but also the major house building companies and refurbishment sectors.
Guidance proves popular Aimed primarily at those working with scaffolding contractors, the introduction of guidance for all organisations (or individuals) who are responsible for appointing or managing scaffolding contractors has proved incredibly popular during 2011. By the middle of the year almost 1,000 organisations had requested a copy of the free
guidance. The document (which followed the same successful formula as that for the pavement licence criteria released in 2010) was provided in a free downloadable format and was designed specifically to arm those individuals who need to ensure that the scaffolding contractors they employ are operating to the latest guidance and best practice. From the research carried out with these companies the document has also proved a successful aid for tender invitations and prequalification documents. Online video guidance has also continued to play an important role in communicating to the industry at large. The videos are designed to inform scaffolding companies and the individuals who manage scaffolding companies what they need to know to remain up to date on scaffolding. Available to watch online for free, subjects include: SG4:10, TG20:08, Pavement Licence Criteria and general guidance updates. These videos are proving extremely popular: for example, the TG20:08 video has received over 5,000 views. The videos are designed to be concise snippets of information (approx. 15 minutes in length) and ideal for informing the individual and/or the workforce. In response to demand, further videos are expected to come online including information on the CISRS card system, NASC Code of Practice, and the use of scaffold handover certificates and the inspection of scaffolds.
As newer technology replaces traditional
forms of communication so social media has developed an important role for the NASC in communicating effectively to the broader industry. The NASC’s Twitter channel now has over 500 followers and is used by the NASC (alongside its website) as the first media channel for broadcasting NASC information.
Wider Industry role for the NASC The NASC is also playing an increasingly high profile within the wider industry. NASC is now an active member of UEG – the union of European scaffolding trade bodies on all matters of euro legislation; is a founding member of AIF (Access Industry Forum); has been directly involved in matters relating to the government review of Health & Safety legislation led by Professor Ragnar E Löfstedt; and has been instrumental in the ‘No more working at height accidents, ever’ initiative with other key safety organisations including RoSPA, IOSH, HSE, IIRSM and the British Safety Council. The NASC was also directly represented in an industry public discussion in May with the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) and APS (Association for Project Safety) on what aspects architects should be considering at the design stage of any project with regards to safe working at height. It is clear from the NASC’s welcomed engagement with stakeholders that everyone wishes to rid the scaffolding industry of the cowboy element forever and recognise the industry as a tightly regulated profession.
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