Accident rates for scaffolders have risen in 2014, but are only directly proportionate to an increase in the contractors workload.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has published its 2015 Safety Report, showing a 9% increase in a number of injury incidents reported by member companies. However, this is in parallel with a 9% increase in the total number of operatives working for NASC companies.

In 2014, NASC members reported a total of 105 accidents. This was an increase from 96 in 2013. There were no fatal accidents within the membership.

14,988 operatives were employed by NASC member companies in 2014, spanning 451 office locations. Overall, the accident rate for NASC was 0.7%, approximately one per year every 150 employees.

Furthermore, the Safety Report shows a total of 24 falls from height in 2014, the highest being reported from 6 metres. Reports of falls from scaffolding or work platforms totalled 9, including 6 from under 4 metres. 3 falls were reported at 4 metres and above, with a total of 7 falls from ladders.

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The highest number of accidents in 2014 occurred in the 21-30 age group (43). This was followed by the 41-50 age group (24). Both these groups accounted for 64% of all accidents.

Between the ages 16-40, slips, trips and falls on the same level were the major cause of accidents (23), followed by falls from height (16), manual handling (13) and falls of materials (2).

In the 41+ age groups, slips, trips and falls on the same level (16) were also the major cause of accidents.

These accidents followed a similar trend to the 2014 NASC Safety Report.

Slips, trips and falls on the same level totalled 39 incidents during 2014, which accounted for 37% of the total number of accidents recorded. These figures show a decrease of nearly 5% on the corresponding number of incidents reported in 2013.

Overall, scaffolders suffered the largest number of accidents across all age groups. The NASC also identified a decrease in the number of incidents related to trainees

Kevin Ward, NASC President said: "The annual report continues to demonstrate to the wider industry the continued commitment of NASC members when it comes to dealing with all matters Health and Safety related. It is therefore no surprise that continuous positive performance is evident in this latest set of statistics. These hard facts help to underpin the professional status for NASC regulated member companies."

(LM/CD)