One of the largest UK contractors BAM Construct UK is to insist that its scaffolding contractors should be members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).

BAM has written to scaffolding contractors informing them that it believes that membership of the NASC represents best practice and backing the NASC's approach to health and safety.

Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: "BAM's decision to use NASC members is a significant backing for the industry's commitment to spread best practice and change regarding safe erection of scaffolding. It will help scaffolding contractors to use collective protection and comply with the Work at Height Regulations (this protects both themselves and those around them)."


Frank Garnett, Director of Health and Safety at BAM Construct UK, said: "Our goal is continuing to reduce accidents and creating an incident free work place for the benefit of all personnel on BAM sites. We also believe in engaging with our supply chain for the betterment of the industry. We are committed to ensuring all our sites are safe places of work and doing this through collaboration and leadership. That's why we have committed our support to NASC by stating that in future BAM will only employ NASC member companies on all our construction sites."

BAM's change in policy will be brought in over a period of time, allowing non members to align themselves and join the NASC. The company will work with partnering scaffolding contractors to ensure this transition is as trouble free as possible thereby allowing adequate time for committed companies to become members.

Operatives of NASC member companies are estimated to account for over 50% of the qualified scaffolder workforce. Accidents statistics in its annual safety report show that by conforming to its guidance and membership requirements fewer accidents are likely to happen.