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NASC, the UK's leading trade body for scaffolding and access, is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Safety Report, showcasing continued improvements in health and safety standards across the scaffolding and access industry.
This annual publication presents a comprehensive overview of accident statistics and trends, based on RIDDOR reports from NASC's contractor members, which includes the leading scaffolding contractors across the UK.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report:
The lowest accident rates on record: In 2024, the Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) was 0.20 and the Accident Incident Rate (AIR) was 3.75.
From an increased membership: This was achieved despite contractor membership increasing by 22% in 2024, with 54 new scaffolding contractors and 2,775 operatives joining NASC last year (2024).
Strong performance: A 16% fall in accidents, despite a 17% increase in operatives.
High levels of reporting and transparency: 100% of full contracting members submitted comprehensive RIDDOR data, reinforcing NASC’s commitment to industry transparency and accountability.
NASC has been compiling data on safety for scaffolders since 1975 and in 2025 members recorded the lowest number of accidents in that 50-year history.
Wayne Connolly, NASC President and Chair of CISRS, said: "This year is one of significant milestones. While NASC is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary, we should also recognise that it is 50 years since we made it compulsory for all contractor members to report RIDDOR accidents on an annual basis.
"Last year, despite a major increase in the total number of NASC operatives we saw a decline in the number of reported accidents. This is an outstanding achievement. In fact, this year's statistics are some of the best in the 50 years we have been collecting them."
Clive Dickin, NASC CEO, said: "The figures in this year's report reflect the hard work, professionalism and safety-first culture embraced by our members. These results aren't just statistics; they're proof that high standards and collaboration can save lives."
He continued: "But there can be no complacency when it comes to the safety of individuals working at height. We ensure that every NASC member has the tools they need to succeed. That means working to designs that meet the highest standards, fully audited and compliant companies and fully competent operatives, who are CISRS cardholders."
This year's report tragically includes one fatality involving an experienced advanced scaffolding inspector. The scaffold had previously been inspected and handed over to the customer and was in use. None of the customer's operatives working on site witnessed the fall. This tragic event remains under investigation.
New Insights and Initiatives:
• NASC's investment in technology and digital tools such as TG20 and TG30 has contributed to these improved outcomes, with more members adopting new technologies for site safety management.
• Encouraging best practice and innovation by creating and updating relevant safety guidance (generally on a five-year cycle).
• Supporting members in their drive for an incident-free record by producing guidance, three User Guides (A6 pocket sized booklets: SG4, SG6, TG20), bulletins, posters, videos and arranging H&S and Technical advice lines.
• Ensuring relevant guidance targets ill health risks, including stress, to safeguard mental health wellbeing.
• Continuously auditing NASC members to ensure legislation and best practice is followed.
• Enabling everyone to access NASC guidance (contractor members can use the ePortal to rapidly access 100+ guidance notes).
The full 2025 Safety Report is available, along with all recent reports at:
