The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has partnered with Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) — both organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which both organisations agree to support activities and education opportunities that will enhance safety in the industry.
SAA Managing Director Robert Thiess said: “The establishment of the Scaffolding Association Australia was born out of a shared vision – a vision to foster a culture of excellence, safety, and innovation in our industry.
“As professionals in scaffolding, we understand the vital role we play in ensuring the safety of workers, the success of construction projects, and the overall growth of our nation.
“Collaborating with SARNZ will play an essential role in enabling us to lead and advocate for our industry as our missions as industry associations align,” said Thiess.
Both entities have agreed to work collaboratively to deliver events, education campaigns, guidance and advice for the advancement of the scaffolding industry, and to support each party in their activities to affect positive changes in safety culture.
The SAA and SARNZ will develop strategies targeting key stakeholders within the government and industry with regards to increasing the profile and positive actions required to address scaffolding, access, training and legislation that affect everyone involved.
This includes working together to closely align SAA’s scaffolding training systems.
SARNZ CEO Tina Wieczorek said: “SARNZ is thrilled to be supporting SAA on building a better industry for all New Zealand and Australia in the Access Trades and were thrilled to host SAA representatives at this years SARNZ Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Auckland. Learning of the new goals of the association now they have nationalised, which we believe to be a really positive step, was great to hear are closely aligned with ours here at SARNZ.
“Together we hope to raise standards, commit to continual improvement and improve consistency in best practice to become leaders in the global construction community.
“Our partnership with SARNZ will be a unifying force within the scaffolding industry. By actively engaging with each other, we can influence policy decisions, drive industry-wide initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the construction sectors in both countries,” said Wieczorek.
