Masonry Magazine September 2007 Page. 42
SCAFFOLDING
For the mason contractors that build their own scaffolding, the guys that are typically building the scaffolding are the rookies on the crew," Dewey added. "They are the guys who have been on the crew the least amount of time, they probably have the least amount of training, the least amount of know how, and they get to do it because nobody else wants to do it. For us, that's all we do. We can come in and do it pretty quick, and do it properly."
Another advantage is that the mason contractor can rely on the service's expertise to provide a safe system that meets OSHA standards.
"In getting a reputable scaffold company, such as ourselves, the customer really limits the liability, citations and other safety issues because it's done right," said Ben Cantu, corporate marketing manager for Betco Scaffolds in Houston. "When we leave the job, we do a thorough walk-through with the customer, we inspect the scaffolding, and we address any issues that might not meet the customer's expectations. Once all of that is completed, the customer signs off on the scaffolding and we 'green tag' the scaffolding and its ready to be used."
Time & Money
Because scaffolding services can install scaffolding quicker and more efficiently, they can offer mason contractors the possibility to save money.
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CIRCLE 292 ON READER SERVICE CARD
Because scaffolding services can install scaffolding quicker and more efficiently, they can offer mason contractors the possibility to save money.
"A lot of times, when the mason contractors use their own crews, they know what their labor costs them, but they don't job cost it well enough to know what cost to allocate to scaffolding, job clean-up, mixing mortar or any of those things. They know the guy costs them money, but they don't know really how much they're spending on scaffold work," Dewey explained. "Or the mason contractor thinks 'Hey, I'm paying this guy anyway. It doesn't matter what he's doing' But, at the end of the day, I think it does save the mason contractor money; it's a better built scaffold, done faster and there's no OSHA worries."
Also, by outsourcing the scaffolding needs, mason contractors can limit their labor worries as well.
"Manpower and personnel are pretty limited these days," Cantu said. "Instead of having the mason contractor using his or her resources for erecting the scaffolding, they'll contract that service out so that they can use their resources for the actu al masonry work."
Qualifying a Scaffolding Company
AS WITH ANY OTHER outsourcing and subcontracting. you need to know who you're working with. Can the company provide exactly what they promise?
"Whether it's a scaffold builder or anyone else, you need to take a look at the company, make sure it's a reputable company, they have insurance, bonding capabilities, and they pay into work- er's compensation," Dewey said. "There are some smaller compa- nies out there that run out of somebody's garage, and if you ever had an issue on the job site, you're never going to find these guys again. All the big, credible companies are on the 'up and up'; they've got proper insurance, they've got proper liability, take care of the workers' compensation, and all of these things.
"The second thing is just to get a feel for the company's record in the industry," Dewey continued. "Has the company built scaffolding for very long? Is the company's foreman famil- iar with the special needs that a mason contractor might have? Because to build a scaffold for a mason contractor would be very, very different than building one for a guy who wants to paint or caulk. You need to make sure that you can accommo- date the loads and things of that nature.
"Finally, you need to find out what the company can do and do for you. What sort of equipment do they have and usually have available? Where does the equipment come from, and is it in good shape?"
"Also, you need to find out if they self-perform, or if they hire out," Cantu added. "Betco Scaffold self-performs and we have a department that actually trains all of our erectors and gives them a competent training course."