Blog Layout

What is a Scaffolder?

Crewscaff • January 19, 2023

Are you looking for a reputable scaffold hire company in Wollongong? Crewscaff offers various solutions for your residential, commercial, and industrial scaffolding needs.

Whenever you see ongoing construction projects, you may notice that there are lots of steel structures covering almost the entirety of the construction site. And most probably, you can also see a crowd of people working on that tall steel structure.


This structure or a scaffolding, as what it is called, is one of the most common and essential elements of every construction project. And the people who are authorised to climb up on the high structures are known as the scaffolders.


To learn more of this, read through below about what scaffolding is and why is it essential in the construction industry.

heavy duty scaffolding systems and scaffolding equipment

What is Scaffolding?

Scaffoldings, also known as scaffolds, are temporary structures used to facilitate and speed up the construction of buildings and other projects by allowing access to, supporting, and protecting the structure being built, as well as guaranteeing the safety of everyone in the vicinity.


Scaffoldings enable construction workers to stand on a solid platform while they work their way up to the highest and most unreachable areas of the structure they are building. Although workers stand up in high and awkward positions, scaffoldings significantly help them do their jobs safely.

A scaffolding is usually made up of metal pipes and timber. Whatever materials and tools are used, it should be sturdy and solid enough to support the workers and building materials placed on it.

Basically, other workers use portable ladders and working platforms made up of welded brackets so they can move around the scaffold and access other areas of the whole building.


What does a Scaffolder Do?

A scaffolder is a construction professional who builds and erect scaffolding and platforms on top of structures and buildings so that construction crew members can work safely.



Besides constructing on a building site, scaffolders also work with offshore rigs, power plants, and other projects like parade viewing platforms.

restoration work on a scaffolding

Duties and Responsibilities of a Scaffolder

  • Using blueprints and plans as a guide, choose the scaffolding materials, assemble metal pipes, support braces, and planks, and then raise and align scaffolding parts and temporary roofs.
  • Taking down scaffolding after a job is over and making sure the area is clear.
  • Following the correct procedures and guidelines to protect the scaffolding, the workers, and the site.
  • Setting up braces, guard rails, and safety nets to catch dropped tools and protect everyone around and below the scaffolding.
  • Ensuring that the scaffolding equipment follows the safety standards.

And most importantly, a scaffolder should have the ability to recognise current and potential dangers in the job and working environment and act quickly to eliminate them.


How to Become a Scaffolder

To qualify and become a scaffolder, you must have a good physical fitness status since the nature of the job requires dealing in a range of environments, often in inclement weather.


You should also have at least completed your high school education. However, you could be more qualified if you have taken up a college course on Construction Operations, an apprenticeship, or you have an experience of the job itself.


It is also a plus that you undergo a formal training from a college or training provider so you can easily progress in your chosen career path and even become a construction manager in the future if you exceeded the qualifications of the employer.

scaffolders work

Working at heights comfortably can be added to your scaffolder skills. On-the-job instruction is given, and scaffolder trainees eventually have the chance to advance into their career.


Professional scaffolders with experience may eventually operate as scaffolding contractors, hiring teams of crews to complete the tasks rather than themselves.


However, if you have no experience, you can work for a scaffolding company and become a scaffolder labourer or a scaffolding trainee. Over time, you will have adequate experience and skills and you will acquire your qualifications from there.


Although it is not a requirement, many employers and companies will usually look for individuals who have an acquired a general education in English, arithmetic, design, and technology.



Why is Scaffolding Important in the Construction Industry?

Scaffolding is a standard component in all construction projects. Not only does it support all crew members but this temporary structure also serves as the stable base to hold up all types of construction materials and tools like wood, concrete, glass, and metal pipes.



Ease of Access

Scaffolds are the solution to the complexity of high-rise construction. They allow crews to access difficult to reach areas and travel safely inside a building in whichever direction they need to finish their job.

scaffolding and scaffolder crews

Ensures Safety

Working basically in the construction industry is risky and dangerous in some way. What more if you will be working in high scaffolding equipment.

As was already said, scaffolding platforms offer a safe and secure environment for contractors to complete their work while elevated.

Scaffolding not only ensures safety of the employees, but also of the employers and the public below it.


Efficient

Scaffolding increases the efficiency of any building project by enabling quick and easy access around a building of any form and size.



It only requires one day to erect scaffolding equipment. Without a doubt, it is easy to understand why scaffolding is crucial in the construction industry because of how this working platform is able to reduce the time spent working on a project on-site.

Stable Base

Scaffolding puts builders in a prime position to do their work safely. Thanks to the elevated scaffolding, they are no longer completely dependent on ladders, which can be unstable and unsafe.



What's more, scaffolding also puts employees in front of the building where they can easily operate on walls and ceiling. Additionally, scaffolding creates an opportunity for numerous builders to work side by side at the same time, which is not possible with only a ladder.

scaffolding poles in a building

Cost-Effective

Scaffolding is one of the most economically advantageous solutions for any building project since it is constructed from materials that are widely available and affordable.



Tailored Solutions for Your Scaffolding Needs

If you are in need of quality scaffolding equipment and products for your construction projects, Crewscaff provides the best services for all kinds of jobs. We offer a free quote and site assessment to ensure that we are able to provide tailored solutions for your scaffolding needs.


We are a locally-owned scaffolding specialist in Wollongong that consists of experienced scaffolding team members. Along with scaffolding rental, Crewscaff also offers roof edge protection for all kinds of roofing constructions.

Crewscaff scaffolding company

At Crewscaff, the health and safety of our workers, subcontractors, clients, and the general public are of utmost importance.



Whether you are looking for scaffolding solutions for a residential, commercial or industrial project, we will provide you with a quick response to answer all your queries.

A man is standing on a scaffolding painting the side of a building.
By Crewscaff February 18, 2025
Hiring scaffolding for large painting projects improves safety, efficiency, and access to hard-to-reach areas. Learn why it’s the best choice for your next job!
bamboo scaffolding
By Crewscaff January 24, 2025
Bamboo scaffolding, valued for strength and sustainability, remains in use despite modern steel and aluminum alternatives. See why it’s still relevant today.
A building with a lot of scaffolding on it
By Crewscaff December 20, 2024
In construction, scaffolding is an important tool for safe and efficient work at height. Here are 8 compelling reasons to hire scaffolding for your next project today!
A construction worker is welding a wall on a scaffolding.
By Crewscaff October 15, 2024
In this blog post, Crewscaff shares seven types of projects that require professional scaffolding. Learn the benefits of hiring experienced scaffolding services for your next project.
A construction site with scaffolding and a crane at sunset.
By Crewscaff September 30, 2024
Weather can delay scaffolding projects and create safety risks. Read this blog to learn how to manage these challenges and keep your project on track.
A construction worker is lying on the ground while another worker helps him.
By Crewscaff September 30, 2024
Scaffolding emergencies can happen fast. Learn the key procedures for responding effectively to ensure safety and minimise risk by reading this blog.
A large building is being built with scaffolding against a cloudy sky at sunset.
By Crewscaff September 30, 2024
Don’t let scaffolding hire mistakes prolong the completion of your project. Find out the top 5 errors and how to avoid them when choosing a scaffold hire company.
The ceiling of a building is covered in scaffolding.
By Crewscaff June 3, 2024
In this blog, Crewscaff shares everything you need to know about formwork scaffolding, including its uses, advantages, types, and how it contributes to efficient and safe building projects.
two construction workers using measuring device on the field
By Crewscaff April 2, 2024
Choosing the right scaffold hire company impacts the success of a construction project. From experience and reputation to safety record and insurance, every aspect is crucial. Read more here.
a construction worker working at heights
By Crewscaff April 2, 2024
In this guide, Crewscaff lists the top 5 benefits of choosing a scaffold for hire. Read here to discover why hiring a scaffold is a game-changer for construction projects.
More Posts
Share by: