Midas will only use NASC scaffolders

As of 1 January 2010, Midas Group will only use scaffolding companies who are full members of NASC (the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) from their subcontractor database.

The Midas Group is one of the largest independent property services providers in the UK and has some 36 scaffold companies throughout the UK listed on its database, only 60% of them are currently members of NASC.

NASC operates a strict policy of full compliance to all legislation, best practices and its own code of conduct. Annual and biennial membership audits ensures that members uphold best practice, this means they do not look for shortcuts on safety, which could put lives at risk.

John Cottington, Health and Safety Director at Midas Group, said, "We have adopted this very clear policy of only considering awarding future contracts to those organisations and companies who are full members of the NASC. We believe that the standards of technical and professional guidance and customer service that the NASC embody, is exactly in line with our vision for the future."

Bob Whincap, President of the NASC, said: "Midas' decision to only use NASC members companies should be commended and should ring some very loud alarm bells to those scaffolding contractors not already part of our confederation. The 40% of scaffolding contractors who will no longer be valid for Midas projects now have two options...conform to the industry benchmark of regulated scaffolding practice, or look for work elsewhere! Scaffolding is fundamental to almost every construction project and it is clear that main contractors want professional companies working to best practices that can be fiercely regulated."