Blogs
New Construction Laws for 2026: What Contractors Need to Know
Every year brings new rules, and 2026 is no exception. While laws vary by state and city, there are a few nationwide trends contractors should have on their radar.
Key Areas Seeing Changes
Key Areas Seeing Changes
Workplace Safety Standards – Expanded Fall Protection & Training Documentation
Fall protection continues to be one of the most heavily enforced areas across construction and scaffolding. In 2026, many jurisdictions and safety programs are tightening expectations around docume
…
Feb 1st 2026
Disaster Relief Construction: What to Look for in a Contractor Before You Hire
This past week, we had an Ice Storm here in Texas. Behind my studio, a construction company lost its entire roof. Many people lose a lot during any type of disaster. Homeowners and business owners are already stir crazy, tired, and just want to get back to normal. But along with any storm, ice, hurricane, torado or hail, there will be scammers looking to take your money and run. How do you separate the scammer from a legitimate company?
Step 1: Verify Licensing and Insurance
Ask for:
State lic
…
Jan 29th 2026
How Construction Companies Should Conduct Employee Reviews (Without Making Everyone Hate the Process)
Let’s be honest, most job site reviews feel like a formality. Someone fills out a checklist, signs a paper, and everyone goes back to work. But done right, employee reviews can actually make your job sites safer, your crews stronger, and your company more profitable.
At Southwest Scaffolding, we’ve seen firsthand how the best-performing crews usually aren’t just the most skilled; they’re the ones who feel seen, trained, and backed up by leadership.
Step 1: Review the Work
…
Jan 27th 2026
Scaffold Inspections — Your First Line of Defense on the Jobsite
Even the best-trained crews and highest-quality scaffolding can become a hazard if inspections are skipped or rushed. Scaffold inspections are a critical step in keeping your jobsite safe, maintaining compliance, and avoiding costly downtime. At Southwest Scaffolding, we’ve seen how consistent inspections prevent accidents and keep projects moving efficiently.
Why Scaffold Inspections Matter
Scaffolding is a temporary structure exposed to constant change. Weather, shifting ground, materia
…
Jan 26th 2026
Common Scaffolding Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
Scaffolding accidents rarely happen because of one big mistake. More often, they’re caused by small oversights that stack up over time: rushed setups, skipped inspections, or ignoring load limits.
At Southwest Scaffolding, we’ve seen these patterns and help crews prevent problems before they become incidents. Here are the most common scaffolding mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skipping Training or Rushing Setup
Speed is often the enemy of safety.
Common issues include:
Missing pin
…
Jan 22nd 2026