Scaffold Health & Safety Advisor

The Scaffold Health & Safety Advisor is a specialist health, safety and scaffolding professional responsible for providing technical support, assurance, monitoring and guidance across Lawtech projects involving scaffolding and temporary access systems.

The role supports Lawtech's duties as Principal Contractor under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 by providing competent advice, undertaking inspections and audits, reviewing scaffolding documentation, monitoring compliance and assisting project teams in implementing safe systems of work.

The postholder will act as the subject matter expert for scaffolding and access-related activities, supporting compliance with:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
• Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
• BS 5975 Temporary Works Procedures
• NASC TG20 Guidance
• NASC SG4 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations
• Relevant HSE Guidance and Approved Codes of Practice

The role shall provide independent monitoring and assurance of scaffolding activities and shall not replace the responsibilities of Project Managers, Site Managers, Temporary Works Coordinators, scaffold designers or scaffold contractors.

The postholder is authorised to:

• Stop works where there is an immediate risk of serious injury or danger to life.
• Escalate significant breaches of legislation or company procedures.
• Recommend suspension of scaffold operations where serious deficiencies are identified.
• Reject unsuitable scaffolding documentation and request revisions prior to works commencing.

This provides clarity and protection.

Specific Responsibilities:

Overall responsibilities:

• Undertake planned and unannounced inspections of scaffolding operations across Lawtech projects.
• Verify compliance with statutory requirements, company procedures and industry best practice.
• Review scaffold inspection regimes and ensure statutory inspections are being completed in accordance with Work at Height Regulations 2005.
• Monitor scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling activities to ensure works are undertaken by competent persons and in accordance with approved systems of work.
• Support project teams in implementing scaffolding management procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify trends, common failings and areas for improvement across the business.
• Attend pre-construction and project planning meetings.
• Review Traffic management plans relating to the project.
• Review interface risks between residents, scaffolders and construction activities.
• Support constructability reviews.

Operational responsibilities:

• Support compliance with Lawtech's Temporary Works Procedure and BS 5975 requirements.
• Review temporary works documentation relating to scaffolding and access systems.
• Liaise with Temporary Works Coordinators, Temporary Works Supervisors and scaffold designers regarding scaffolding risks and controls.
• Review scaffold designs for compliance, constructability and project suitability.

Note: Formal design approval shall remain with the competent scaffold designer and Temporary Works Coordinator in accordance with company procedures.

• Review and challenge scaffold contractor Risk Assessments, Method Statements and supporting documentation.
• Assist project teams with the development of site-specific control measures.
• Conduct health and safety inspections, audits and assurance reviews.
• Support incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Produce detailed reports and monitor completion of corrective actions.
• Assist in developing and improving company policies, procedures and standards relating to scaffolding and access systems.
• Monitor occupational health risks associated with scaffolding activities, including:
  • Noise exposure
  • Hand-arm vibration
  • Whole-body vibration
  • Dust exposure
  • Silica exposure
  • Manual handling activities
  • Respiratory hazards
• Verify that suitable monitoring, control measures and health surveillance arrangements are implemented where required.
• Promote occupational health awareness throughout the supply chain.
• Deliver toolbox talks, briefings and awareness sessions.
• Promote best practice relating to scaffolding operations and temporary works.
• Support competency assessments of scaffolders, supervisors and inspectors.
• Assist in identifying training needs across the business.

Supply Chain Management

• Review scaffolding contractor competency and compliance documentation.
• Support prequalification, onboarding and supply chain assurance processes.
• Undertake scaffolding contractor audits and performance reviews.
• Provide guidance on legal requirements and industry best practice.
• Escalate significant compliance concerns to senior management where necessary.