SCAFFOLDING and access trade body NASC has released its 2025 Safety Report, which highlights continued improvements in health and safety standards across the industry.
The annual publication presents an overview of accident statistics and trends, based on RIDDOR reports from NASC’s contractor members.
Key Findings from the 2025 report include:
- The lowest accident rates on record: In 2024, the Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) was 0.20 and the Accident Incident Rate (AIR) was 3.75.
- This was achieved despite contractor membership increasing by 22% in 2024, with 54 new scaffolding contractors and 2,775 operatives joining NASC last year.
- A 16% fall in accidents, despite a 17% increase in operatives.
- High levels of reporting and transparency: 100% of full contracting members submitted comprehensive RIDDOR data, reinforcing NASC’s commitment to industry transparency and accountability.
NASC has been compiling data on safety for scaffolders since 1975 and in 2025 members recorded the lowest number of accidents in that 50-year history.
Wayne Connolly, NASC president and chair of CISRS, said, “This year is one of significant milestones. While NASC is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary, we should also recognise that it is 50 years since we made it compulsory for all contractor members to report RIDDOR accidents on an annual basis. Last year, despite a major increase in the total number of NASC operatives we saw a decline in the number of reported accidents. This is an outstanding achievement. In fact, this year’s statistics are some of the best in the 50 years we have been collecting them.”
Clive Dickin, NASC CEO, added, “The figures in this year’s report reflect the hard work, professionalism and safety-first culture embraced by our members. These results aren’t just statistics; they’re proof that high standards and collaboration can save lives.
“But there can be no complacency when it comes to the safety of individuals working at height. We ensure that every NASC member has the tools they need to succeed. That means working to designs that meet the highest standards, fully audited and compliant companies and fully competent operatives, who are CISRS cardholders.”
NASC said the organisation’s investment in technology and digital tools such as TG20 and TG30 has contributed to these improved outcomes, with more members adopting new technologies for site safety management. The trade body has been supporting members in their drive for an incident-free record by producing guidance, three User Guides (A6 pocket sized booklets: SG4, SG6, TG20), bulletins, posters, videos and arranging H&S and technical advice lines.
The report tragically includes one fatality involving an experienced advanced scaffolding inspector. The scaffold had previously been inspected and handed over to the customer and was in use. None of the customer’s operatives working on site witnessed the fall. This event remains under investigation.
The full 2025 Safety Report is available, along with all recent reports at: nasc.org.uk/information/safety-reports
