Guest Post by UKPN: The Crucial Link Between Scaffolding and Overhead Power Lines

October 4, 2023

It’s National Scaffolding Week and we’d like everyone to consider the potential danger of coming into contact with electricity when working with scaffolding tubes.

UK Power Networks own and maintain the overhead power lines, underground cables and substations delivering electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses. This includes 170,000 km of underground cables and overhead power lines, across the East of England, London and the South East.


Sadly every year, I hear of people are killed or seriously injured when they come into contact with high-voltage electricity. Your life can be lost within seconds if you come into contact with electricity. Even if you escape with injuries, it can have a far-reaching and devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues. 


Our overhead power lines run across the countryside, supplying local communities with power. The wires can be on wooden poles as well as metal pylons and carry voltages from 230 volts (domestic supply) up to 400,000 volts. Depending on the voltage the wires will be at different heights above the ground. Overhead power lines should be 5.2 metres (17 feet) above the ground, however, associated live equipment fitted on poles may be as low as 4.3 metres (14 feet).


These could be reached when you offload and erect scaffolding tubes, or disassemble them after project completion. Any machinery or equipment that is used near overhead power lines must be considered and controlled to keep everyone safe. There are several different types of scaffolding materials and designs, but whichever type of scaffolding is used, the project planning must start with Safety as the highest priority. 


So far this year there have been 15 incidents involving scaffolding and overhead power lines. The risk of these incidents happening could have been reduced if we all encourage an increased focus on concentration, planning and avoiding distractions.


Always remember to:


  • Assess your safe working clearances to overhead power lines
  • Ensure everyone working on site, contractors and casual workers are aware of the location and voltages of overhead power lines
  • Contact UK Power Networks for information on shrouding and disconnections before starting work
  • Find out the maximum height of any equipment and machinery when all parts are fully extended
  • Clearly signpost the dangers with high visibility warning notices


Finally: Check, look out and look up for power lines before starting work. You can view the UKPN's safety video on overhead lines here - please feel free to share with your colleagues.


*This post was supplied by UK Power Networks for National Scaffolding Week

Where's The Careers Advice for the Roles That Build Britain

April 23, 2025
The Construction Skills Shortage and the Scaffolding Sector’s Missing Message The UK’s housing targets are under pressure. The construction sector faces a growing skills shortage, and as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently highlighted, one of the root causes is alarmingly simple: young people aren’t hearing about careers in construction. But this problem runs even deeper than housebuilding. At National Scaffolding Week , we see how the lack of construction-focused careers advice affects the entire scaffolding and access sector. Scaffolding is the backbone of construction — from maintenance on heritage buildings to the delivery of modern megaprojects — yet the pathway into our industry remains under-promoted and often misunderstood. Breaking Down Barriers and Busting Myths Despite offering structured training, clear progression routes, and a wealth of skilled and professional opportunities, scaffolding still suffers from outdated stereotypes. Too many young people, teachers, and even parents see it as just a stopgap job, not the highly technical, safety-critical profession that it is. Scaffolding is so much more than tubes and boards. It's about design ingenuity, engineering precision, safety leadership, and project management excellence. It’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and making a visible difference to the world around us. Why Early Engagement Matters If we’re serious about tackling the skills shortage — and if we want to secure the future of the access and scaffolding sector — we need to start early. Careers advice in schools must reflect the real breadth of opportunities available across construction, including scaffolding. That means: Embedding scaffolding into careers education programmes. Creating engaging, relatable role models who can share their stories with young people. Showing the exciting projects and life-changing infrastructure that scaffolders help to make possible. National Scaffolding Week: Leading the Conversation Our mission at National Scaffolding Week is to make scaffolding visible, accessible, and aspirational. We’re here to champion the essential role our sector plays in building Britain — and to ensure that scaffolding is part of the careers conversation in every school and college. Because if young people can’t see it, they can’t be it. Let’s work together to showcase the skills, passion, and pride that drive the scaffolding industry — and inspire the next generation to help us build the future.

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The #BeatMyScaffold2025 competition has officially concluded, celebrating some of the most innovative and well-executed scaffold designs from around the world. The contest, which showcased the skills and creativity of industry professionals, saw strong participation from scaffolding experts, judges, and voters alike.
Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders –

Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders – Essential Driver CPC Module Launched by Scaffolding Association and RHA

February 13, 2025
Scaffolding transport comes with serious risks and getting it wrong can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, loss of an operator’s license, and, more tragically, serious injuries or even fatalities. For this reason, the Scaffolding Association and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have this week launched a brand-new Driver CPC training module, 'Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders.' This course contributes to the required thirty-five hours of periodic Driver CPC training, mandatory for all professional HGV drivers. Failing to complete this training can result in being unable to legally drive. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: "Scaffolding transport is both high-risk and heavily regulated and getting it wrong can have devastating consequences. Poorly secured scaffolding loads can cause serious injuries, collisions and even fatalities. This new course equips drivers with the knowledge to prevent such incidents, protecting lives and protecting businesses from enforcement action and legal consequences.” Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said: "Load security is a priority for police and enforcement agencies who actively target non-compliant vehicles. There’s a moral obligation too as unsecured scaffolding and unsafe loads not only lead to penalties, but they also put lives at risk. This DVSA-approved course is designed specifically for scaffolding-related transport and equips drivers and businesses with the essential skills to stay compliant and safe. It arms drivers and businesses with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents, avoid fines, and protect the public." This Course Will Ensure: ● Drivers and operators fully understand the latest legislation ● Scaffolding materials are transported safely, securely, and legally ● Vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with operator license requirements ● Businesses avoid costly enforcement action, fines, and prohibitions What Delegates Will Learn: ● Load Security – Key updates and who is responsible ● Staying Safe & Compliant – The right way to load scaffolding vehicles ● The Consequences of Getting It Wrong – Prohibitions, fines, and legal action ● Daily Vehicle Checks – What must be checked and how to record defects ● Defect & NIL Defect Reporting – Keeping vehicles roadworthy ● Enforcement Agencies – Their powers, documentation, and what to expect Who Needs to Book This Course? ● All professional HGV drivers transporting scaffolding ● Operators and supervisors responsible for loading & securing scaffolding materials ● Businesses that want to avoid enforcement action and protect their operator’s license For full course details including dates and locations, please visit: https://www.rha.uk.net/Training/England-Wales/Driver-CPC-Courses/-Safe-Loading-and-vehicle-checks-for-Scaffolders
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