When discussing the construction industry and the many trades involved, immediately the mind turns to architects, surveyor’s electricians, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers, ground workers and the likes.
However, one of the most important trades is scaffolding and this is one that gets very little recognition as there are no apprenticeships needed to work in this area, despite the health and safety issues concerned.
All the trades mentioned above rely on scaffolding at different stages of a project to get their work done. Any error in putting up scaffolding could result in a serious accident or worse.
Cork Scaffolding (CSC) Ltd.’s Ger Crowley is the vice chairman in the National Association of Scaffolding & Access Contractors (NASAC) which has been campaigning for the trade to get more recognition and an apprenticeship implemented so that workers can be properly trained.
“Health and Safety is the first concern when it comes to scaffolding. The planning is a big part of that. Scaffolding can be put up almost anywhere, but it has to be carefully planned therefore valid training and experience is critical,” stressed Ger.
There is so much to learn and the training has changed a lot over the last 20 years. More experience is needed as it is a forgotten trade and it is hard to get experienced workers these days.
“Like I said the health and safety issue is paramount, there are many risks as we are working on the edge all the time. There is a code of practice in place that has to be strictly adhered too.”
Scaffolding has certainly evolved over the years and there are two main types of scaffold used, tube and fitting and system scaffolds. Galvanised system scaffolds have advanced more in recent times with the use of all round system which is making system scaffold more versatile.
Ger has been involved as a director with Cork Scaffolding since 2001 having brought a wealth of experience to the company, which was initially established by Jim, Seamus and Declan Cummins in 1992.
These days, Declan and Ger are at the helm and from their headquarters in Ballygarvan, the company specialises in Commercial Scaffolding for new construction, restoration and repairs, maintenance, churches, schools and hospitals. Industrial Scaffolding for plant upgrades, shutdowns, clean rooms, energy/power and pharmaceutical industries.
“Every job is different and like I said earlier, the planning is a massive part of the project. The complexity of major industrial plants and construction projects makes tough demands on providing access solutions. Tall buildings and structures that are difficult to reach require an absolute awareness of safety and complete expertise.”
One of Cork Scaffolding’s main projects at the moment is on Adare Manor where a new west wing and ballroom is being constructed by John Paul Construction. The Manor House is currently encased in scaffolding, while craftsmen are working to restore stone, woodwork and windows throughout the building.
“The Adare Manor project is one of many that we are working on at the moment. There has been a huge upturn in work over the past few months and to be honest it was hard to get experienced workers as most either left the country during the recession or went into other lines of work. We have 35 employees and the men we have are very experienced at what they do, many of them have been with the company for years.
We have projects going on all over the country with ongoing maintenance contracts in the Pharma and Power sectors.”
Cork Scaffolding offer a reliable and efficient service that has helped their customer base expand over the years and the amount of repeat custom that they have is a sure sign that they are dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction.
“Our focus on safety and precision is our customers’ guarantee that their project will operate safely and efficiently. Over the years we have built a reputation based on our ability to meet the high standards of specification and finish expected by clients, whilst at the same time achieving project deadlines.”
The construction trade has certainly blossomed in Dublin over the past year or so as it is reminisced to the days of the Celtic Tiger.
“Dublin is back at full tilt, but you can see the work increasing down the country as well. Here in Cork, it is getting busy again and we are delighted with the workload that we have on at the moment.
“It would be great to see scaffolding recognised as an apprenticeship/trade. Anyone involved in the business knows that there is a lot of legislation and regulations to be adhered too and any progress with this can only be a good thing for the industry”.
Contact Details:
Cork Scaffolding
Ballygarvan,
Co. Cork
Tel: 021 4888 546
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, July 2017, Vol 3 No 6
