Scaffolding
USADenver Scaffolding
Scaffold Industry News
More scaffolding and cranes may be seen around Denver as the city looks to speed up construction projects in light of today’s recessionary times. Denver’s mayor, John Hickenlooper, is looking to bolster the city’s economy with expedited improvement projects, 200 to be exact, over the next four years. This goal aims completion of these projects a year earlier than the initially proposed five-year plan. These improvement projects vary from high-rise condominiums and apartments to hospitals and healthcare facilities. As the construction increases around Denver, so does the need for reliable scaffolds and trained workers.
Though scaffolding may seem like a minor consideration in the $550 million “Better Denver” bond package, reliable, secure scaffolds are actually a major facet of these projects. Most of these rebuilding and new construction initiatives will require some form of scaffolding, increasing the demand for the structures and the creating more scaffolding jobs for trained workers. In fact, a construction project can only be as successful as the construction materials, practices and workers involved.
It is critical that scaffolds are not only safe, sound structures, but that the workers erecting, dismantling and working from the structures are properly trained. Likewise, the workers must be provided with appropriate safety gear and equipment, such as harnesses, hoists, ladders and the like. Workers’ safety has gained more emphasis, as OSHA regulations have tightened and Denver worker’s compensation insurance premiums have escalated. As such, trained workers and quality, reliable scaffolding is central to a safe job site.
With construction booming in Denver, it is critical to emphasize the need for sound scaffolding structures, enhanced safety measures and comprehensive training for workers. The occurrence of scaffolding accidents is already at a high and with many more projects being started over the next few years, these incidences are likely to increase as well. Improved scaffold security will not only better workers’ conditions and safety, but also that of bystanders and pedestrians who can be hurt or even killed when scaffold accidents occur.
Due to Denver’s size, it is likely that scaffolding, cranes and other signs of construction will be commonplace around the city throughout the next four years. If all goes according to Mayor Hickenlooper, the new construction will strengthen the weakened economy, creating jobs and bettering the city. In addition to the improvement projects, the mayor is also seeking to expedite transportation and energy efficiencies to further bolster the hurting economy. Though the scaffolds strewn throughout the city may be a temporary nuisance, hopefully the long-term benefits of the new construction will be reaped by Denver’s economy, and likewise, its residents.