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As we head into 2026, the construction industry is at a pivotal moment — shaped by technology, labor challenges, sustainability priorities, and evolving safety expectations. For scaffolding providers and contractors, these trends aren’t abstract news — they’re practical signals of how jobsites, planning, and risk management will change in the year ahead. ? 1. The Labor Shortage Still Defines the Outlook One of the biggest stories of 2026 is people — or the lack of …

Lessons Learned (Without Naming Names) Scaffolding is one of those things most people don’t think about—until something goes wrong. When it’s installed correctly, it fades into the background and simply does its job. When it’s installed incorrectly, the consequences can be immediate, expensive, and in some cases, life‑threatening. At Southwest Scaffolding, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when shortcuts are taken. This article isn’t about calling anyone out. …

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on what we’ve learned in the world of scaffolding. This year has been full of challenges and opportunities, and Southwest Scaffolding wants to share a few key takeaways to help you stay safe and efficient on your projects in 2026. 1. Safety Remains the Top PriorityScaffolding continues to be one of OSHA’s top violations, and for good reason. Proper setup, inspections, and training save lives. Our team has seen firsthand how …

Scaffolding has consistently landed on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations list for at least 25 years—going all the way back to the turn of the century. Prior to 2011, scaffolding violations were consistently ranked #1. Since 2016, scaffolding has remained in the Top 5, and as of 2025, it still ranks #7. That kind of longevity on the list begs the question: why hasn’t this problem gone away? The short answer is simple: Scaffolding is often treated as temporary, when …

When you’re planning a project that requires scaffolding, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to rent scaffolding or hire a turnkey scaffolding service. On paper, renting might look like the cheaper, faster option—but in practice, the right choice depends on much more than price. As someone who’s spent years around job sites, schedules, inspectors, and tight margins, I can tell you this: scaffolding decisions directly impact safety, productivity, liability, …