Daily, I meet numerous owners of scaffolding firms, often six or seven per day. I almost see scaffolding in my dreams. I look at structures, who the company is, if we have spoken previously and whether it’s properly erected. Not that I’m an expert in this particular field, however, I’ll examine regardless given my experience. I’m consumed by all aspects of safety at work within this industry, it made me think, how did scaffolding come about? Where did the idea come from? Did the Egyptians use it? Did the Colosseum in Rome utilise scaffolding when under construction? Sad, I know – I need to get out more! This leads me to my thoughts on where it all began.
Ancient civilizations are the route of the scaffolding industry, with evidence of scaffolding-like structures used in ancient civilizations, ancient Egyptian pyramids, and the construction of Roman aqueducts. However, the modern scaffolding industry as we know it today took shape in the 19th century with the advent of industrialisation and the rise of large-scale construction projects. A key innovation that led to the development of this industry was the invention of the steel tube in the early 1800s, which allowed for the creation of strong, lightweight scaffolding that could be easily assembled and disassembled. William LeMessurier revolutionised the industry when patenting the first modular steel scaffold system, and as it continued to grow, so did the demand for scaffolding. In the early 20th century, specialist scaffolding companies began to emerge, with many specialising in the rental of specific equipment, which allowed construction companies to save on costs and focus on their core business goals.
The scaffolding industry played a crucial role during World War II by constructing military infrastructure and facilities. Due to the government’s large investments during the war, the demand for scaffolding increased dramatically which led to a significant expansion of the industry and new businesses entering the market. In the decades that followed, new technologies and innovations were introduced, which helped further evolve the industry. For example, the use of aluminium allowed for a lighter and more durable scaffolding system.
Today, the scaffolding industry is a global enterprise, with companies operating virtually in every country. The industry plays a vital role in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, and is an essential part of the modern-day economy. With the continued growth of the construction industry, the scaffolding industry is set to remain a vital and growing industry in the years to come.
During the early years, there was very little attention paid to health and safety aspects, handovers, inspection forms, and RAMS wouldn’t have been considered. Safety regulations and standards play a crucial role in the industry today, with the increasing heights of construction projects and inherent risks that come with working at such heights, there is no room for mistakes. Industry standards and regulations have evolved, and now include specific requirements for scaffold design, construction, and inspection.
Today, many companies are making the necessary changes to be more environmentally conscious, transforming to digital solutions. With our help, we can eradicate all paperwork and streamline current systems and procedures to a manageable efficient cost saving application.
Throughout the UK and Ireland, almost 500 firms have made this transition and are now using the iPhorms App.
Why don’t you give it a try?
Send me an email kevin@iphorms.com – I would be delighted to discuss how we can save you time, money, and potentially lives, over a quick zoom call.