UK construction firm demands NASC scaffolding certification

Contracting company Osborne in the UK now requires all contractors providing scaffolding services for its projects to be members of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).

The company said it wants to ensure its "scaffolding contractors have the industry recognised level of best practice and approach to health and safety that membership of the NASC brings."

Osborne group director of health and safety Peter Robertshaw said, "Health and safety and best practice are of paramount importance to Osborne. Stipulating NASC scaffold companies is the natural and responsible decision. By choosing companies that are stringently regulated to ensure best practice, we massively reduce the risk associated with our construction projects."

NASC President Bob Whincap said, "The scaffolding industry is being forced by main contractors such as Osborne to work to a clear and recognised NASC industry standard. There is no logical argument why all main contractors shouldn't be following this policy."

Osborne, founded in 1966, is a family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services company. It employs more than 1000 people and has annual revenue of £300 million.