Facing the Labour Shortage: Benefits of System Scaffolding over Tube & Fitting

The UK, like many countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, is experiencing a serious construction skills shortage. This labour shortage has an even greater impact on scaffolding companies that use tube and fitting, also known as tube and coupler or tube and clamp. While tube and fitting is easy to assemble, it can take longer than alternatives, making it less attractive in today’s market. 

System scaffolding, a modular system of pre-engineered components, is a compelling option for modern scaffolding projects. While system scaffolding is more expensive than tube and fitting, there is an inverse relationship between the cost of scaffolding and the amount of labor required to assemble it. In countries where labour is expensive, saving minutes on assembly and disassembly can mean significant financial savings. This article explores these savings as well as the other benefits of system scaffolding over tube and fitting.

Benefits of System Scaffolding Over Tube and Fitting

Lightweight Design and Simplified Assembly: Compared to tube and fitting, system scaffolding boasts lighter and fewer pieces, resulting in shorter installation and dismantle times, and thus reduced labour costs. A recent study calculated that system scaffolding took 80% less time to erect than tube and fitting. The lightweight design not only simplifies assembly but also contributes to easier transportation and handling of system scaffolding components, further enhancing its efficiency and practicality on construction sites. These efficiency benefits directly translate into improved productivity and operational efficiency for construction projects utilizing system scaffolding.

Adaptability to Complex Structures: As construction designs evolve, system scaffolds have kept pace, easily accommodating sophisticated structures such as curved building façades. This adaptability ensures that scaffolding projects of varying complexities can be executed efficiently and safely. The ability to adapt to diverse project requirements enhances the versatility of system scaffolding, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of scaffolding applications. Plus, system scaffolding is compatible with tube and fitting, enhancing its flexibility. 

Cost-Effectiveness and Safety: Timber boards commonly used in tube and fitting scaffolding have faced price increases and shipping delays, posing financial and logistical challenges. Conversely, system scaffolding components are non-combustible and thus are not a fire risk. Plus, unlike timber boards, system scaffolding decks are usually engineered for enhanced traction and have a much longer life span. With minimal components required and built-in safety features such as guardrails and toe boards, the risk of falling objects, slips, trips, and falls is significantly reduced, enhancing both efficiency and safety on-site. This contributes to the overall cost reduction associated with system scaffolding, enhancing its appeal over tube and fitting scaffolding.

Access to New Markets and Preparedness for Future Challenges: System scaffolding enables companies to diversify their offerings and access new sectors, fostering business growth and resilience in changing economic conditions. By proactively investing in system scaffolding and embracing innovative solutions, companies can better prepare for future challenges and adapt to evolving market dynamics, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.

In conclusion, system scaffolding’s unparalleled efficiency, versatility, and safety benefits make it a clear choice over traditional tube and fitting scaffolding. By adopting this innovative solution, scaffolding companies can not only streamline their operations but also future-proof their businesses for continued success in an ever-evolving landscape.

Making system scaffolding design simple

To utilize system scaffolding most effectively, a scaffolding design is required. Avontus built Avontus Designer to make these designs simple. Just import a plan, add scaffolds wherever needed, and walk through your design in 3D or virtual or augmented reality with the free Avontus Viewer app. You and your customers can view a life-sized image of the scaffold before work starts, saving you money by reducing the need for re-works.

Avontus Designer works with over 40 manufacturers, can incorporate tube and fitting, and generates a bill of materials instantly. Plus, Avontus Designer integrates with Quantify so you can track your equipment and bill your customers with ease. 

Check out the link below to learn more about Avontus Designer.