Scaffolding is a crucial component of the construction industry, providing essential support for building projects, renovations, and maintenance. In Cornwall, scaffolders face unique challenges and rewards due to the region’s diverse landscape and weather conditions. To gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work in this demanding yet fulfilling profession, some of the team share our daily experiences, challenges, and the satisfaction they derive from their work.
Early Morning Start
Adam, Senior Scaffolder: “My day starts early, around 6 AM. After a quick breakfast, I head to our base to meet the team. We go over the day’s schedule, ensure we have all the necessary tools and materials, and then head out to the site. Each day is different, depending on the project we’re working on.”
Setting Up the Site
Apprentice Sam: “Once we arrive at the site, the first task is to unload the equipment and set up the base of the scaffolding. This is a critical step because the stability of the entire structure depends on a solid foundation. We work as a team, and safety is always our top priority.”
Navigating Cornwall’s Unique Landscape
Mike, Experienced Scaffolder: “Cornwall’s terrain can be challenging. We work on everything from coastal cliffs to listed buildings and tight harbour streets. Each site requires a different approach. For example, working near the coast means dealing with strong winds and salty air, which can affect both the scaffolding and our equipment.”
Weathering the Elements
Adam: “The weather in Cornwall is unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, and the next it’s pouring rain. We have to be prepared for anything. Wet conditions make everything slippery, so we take extra precautions. On hot days, we ensure everyone stays hydrated and takes breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.”
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Scaffolding Safety Officer: “Safety is non-negotiable. Every scaffold we erect must meet strict safety standards. We conduct regular checks throughout the day to ensure everything is secure. We also have to be aware of our surroundings, especially when working in public areas, to keep both our team and the public safe.”
Teamwork and Communication
Good communication is key. We rely on each other to get the job done efficiently and safely. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among scaffolders. We look out for each other, and there’s a lot of trust involved. We also work closely with other trades on site to coordinate our activities. Seeing the finished project is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we played a crucial role in building something that will last for years gives us a lot of pride. Whether it’s a new housing development, a restored historic building, or a new wind turbine, we leave our mark on Cornwall.
Challenges and Solutions
7 Bays Scaffolding Project Manager: “Every project has its challenges. Sometimes we encounter unexpected obstacles, like difficult terrain or last-minute design changes. Our job is to find solutions quickly. We use a combination of experience, creativity, and teamwork to overcome these challenges.”
A Day Well Spent
Working as a scaffolder in Cornwall is both challenging and rewarding. The diverse landscape, unpredictable weather, and variety of projects keep the job interesting. Safety, teamwork, and problem-solving are at the heart of what scaffolders do every day. Despite the hard work and early mornings, the satisfaction of contributing to Cornwall’s construction and maintenance projects makes it all worthwhile.
As Adam sums it up: “At the end of the day, it’s about knowing you’ve done a good job and seeing the tangible results of your hard work. There’s nothing quite like it.”
By sharing these personal perspectives, we hope to shed light on the vital role scaffolders play in Cornwall’s construction industry and the dedication they bring to their work every single day.
We are one of North Cornwall’s most well-known scaffolding companies which makes us extremely busy indeed! Over the years we have developed an excellent reputation for providing stellar scaffolding services on build projects large and small; from our high level of service to our impeccable safety and environmental record, we’re known for being the best around. From time-to-time we need to expand our team of scaffolders so often have scaffolder jobs available. Keep a check on the scaffolding jobs in Cornwall page to be the first to hear when we’re looking for new staff to join our team.