Are Mast Climbers Safer Than Scaffolding?

How safe is your vertical access? If you’re in the UK, then the chances are vertical access is incredibly safe and is structured around a set of parameters and guidance created by both the industry and HSE.

But when you’re making the decision around vertical access you want to know that the option you take is the safest it can be.

That’s where mast climbers become the access of choice for your project.

After exploring some of the data in the vertical access industry, we’ll discuss what mast climber features make them a safe option for your next construction project.

How Many Accidents Are On Scaffolding?

Let’s start by stating that scaffolding and mast climbers are both incredibly safe forms of vertical access. The UK has one of the safest records when it comes to workplace accidents.

The HSE reports that in 2020/21 39 construction workers were fatally injured. Of the total fatalities of workers injured in the UK, 35 of those were from falling from a height, and 17 were from strikes by moving objects. Both of these are common accidents that can occur in and around the vertical access sector.

In fact, NASC, the national access and scaffolding confederation recorded its second-lowest number of accidents and injuries in the 2021 report.

While the reported accidents don’t specify whether they were on the scaffolding, mast climber or another form of vertical access it doesn’t take much to speak to those professionals using the different forms to hear first-hand experience.

You only have to log into the IPAF reported incidents to see that those from mast climbers are near misses or bumps and bruises, nothing near the falls from height and those associated with scaffolding.

We recently spoke to mast climber advocate and Contracts Director at CARA Brickwork Neil Allen who confidently said, “I can honestly say that I or any of my lads have never been hurt while working on a mast climber and you feel a lot more closed in and safe.”

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of vertical access equipment to make you not only feel safer but be safer, too.

Mast Climber Safety: Minimising Fire Risks

Minimising the risk of fires on construction projects is essential. With changes to building regulations and the choices of materials used on projects, every action is being taken to reduce the risk of catastrophe.

One of these avenues is through the removal of combustible cladding and the replacement of Class-A-rated materials. While we’ve discussed the benefits that mast climber work platforms can bring to these projects, there’s also another means by which mast climbers can benefit.

If the project you’re working on is taking every precaution to reduce the risk of fire, then it makes sense that your vertical access also helps minimise any threat, too.

Every means of access has a minimal fire risk however due to the Mast climbers having non-combustible modular units this can therefore further reduce the likelihood of fire.

Mast Climbers: Health & Safety Advantages

When you understand the musculoskeletal injuries common for those workers regularly completing tasks on scaffolding, it becomes clear that alternatives can have better long-term health advantages.

This is because a mast climber allows every job to be completed at the optimum height. Rather than being hunched over, or stretching up on step ladders, a mast climber can safely be driven to the level in order to complete the task in the safest and healthiest manner.

When you consider this along with the fire safety advantages, and anecdotal and statistical advantages mast climbers have, it becomes clear how safe an option they are for your next project.

Do you want to make your project safer? Speak to our team who will be able to create a bespoke mast climber vertical solution for your next construction project.

Understanding the Government Code of Remediation

The Government Code of Remediation is structured into four parts: the scope; undertaking remediation; living with remediation; and general compliance. Each part addresses key aspects of cladding remediation projects, to mitigate fire safety risks that are present within buildings that feature external cladding whilst ensuring the safety and satisfaction of residents. It applies to buildings regardless of occupancy levels, whether fully, partially, or temporarily occupied.

Resident-Centric Approach

The Code puts residents at the heart of remediation. It is a direct response to the Grenfell tragedy, designed to protect residents from potential fire hazards and ensure their concerns are acknowledged throughout the remediation process.

Roles, Responsibilities And Accountability

The Code mandates that roles and responsibilities related to remediation must be clearly outlined and understood by all parties involved in the project. This includes contractors, developers, building owners, tenants, residents, and management companies, so each party knows its duties and is held accountable. Parties involved in the project cannot avoid Code compliance by delegating or subcontracting their obligations.

Effective Communication and Active Engagement

It’s stated in the Code that good communication needs to be maintained from the outset of the project so that residents remain informed and sufficient transparency is achieved. Proper channels should be implemented to ensure that residents can meaningfully engage in the decision-making process. The Code acknowledges potential language barriers and encourages the use of electronic forums to ensure information is disseminated efficiently. Residents should be kept up-to-date with project developments, enabling them to contribute and participate in the design and delivery of the project.

Minimising Impact On Residents

A significant focus within the Code is on minimising the impact of remedial works on residents. Contractors and developers are expected to take measures to reduce disturbances from on-site activity, including noise, dust, and general inconvenience so that disturbances to the residents are kept to a minimum. Balancing health and safety considerations with cost and time factors is another key pillar of Part 3 of the Code. The goal is to create the least inconvenience to the residents and achieve potential cost savings for contractors and developers.

Mental and Physical Health Of Residents

Acknowledging the potential impact on residents' mental and physical health, the Code mandates careful consideration and documentation of these aspects throughout recladding projects. This additional step of record-keeping holds parties accountable for their actions and highlights the seriousness of their responsibilities.

Revaluating Your Access Method

The Government Code of Remediation sets a high standard for remediation projects with a key goal to minimise the effect recladding has on the residents. The core objective of the Code revolves around mitigating the impact on residents' homes and common facilities, while concurrently prioritising the safety and security of the building and its inhabitants.

In this context, the Code calls into question the appropriateness of using scaffolding for extended periods. A two-year presence of scaffolding, according to the principles outlined in the Code, appears incongruent with the commitment to minimise impact and ensure safety, particularly concerning security issues and prolonged inconveniences for residents.