After 29 years of tireless service, this month, we bid farewell to our long-standing Health and Safety Manager, Peter Booth, as he steps into a well-earned retirement.
Peter’s journey with Benchmark Scaffolding began in 1996. Within a few years, Peter’s outstanding on-site safety record and leadership saw him rise through the ranks, from Chargehand to Site Manager, Estimator, and finally, in 2000, Health and Safety Manager.
At a time when health and safety was still finding its footing in the scaffolding industry, Peter stood firm. He faced cultural resistance from the “old school” way of working and had to advocate for safer working practices when they were often seen as obstacles to speed and budget. His tenacity helped establish the robust safety culture we’re proud of today.
Over almost three decades, Peter became the cornerstone of Benchmark Scaffolding’s integrated management systems, developing our training database, digital records, and induction processes. He helped bring in our digital transformation, contributing to the content that powers our in-house safety app. His work didn’t stop at Benchmark Scaffolding – as a member of the NASC Safety Committee for 11 years, Peter helped shape industry standards, co-authoring numerous guidance documents that are used across the UK scaffolding sector today, including:
- SG4:05 Appendix A, 2008, Interim Guidance on Collective Fall Prevention Systems in Scaffolding.
- SG10:08, Requirements for Use of Brickguards.
- SG32:11, Application of Inside Board Brackets. New Guidance, Loading Bays and Loading Bay Gates.
- SG4:10, Preventing Falls in Scaffolding.
- SG4:22, Preventing Falls in Scaffolding
- SG26:22, Scaffolding and Hoists SG6:22 Management of Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry & Video
- SG16:23 Management of Fall Protection Equipment
- SG11 Dust, Noise and Vibration Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG) Committee In association with the CPA (Construction Plant-Hire Association)
- Joined January 2011 to Aug 2020 Working parties including reviewing guidance note, Transporting Scaffolding in Construction Hoists.
His legacy is simply, a safer industry, a stronger business and a new generation of scaffolders and safety professionals trained, mentored, and inspired by his work.
As Peter passes the baton, we shine a light on the exceptional safety team he leaves behind, a growing group of professionals who share Peter’s commitment and drive to improving safety.
Peter, thank you for everything. Your contributions have left a lasting mark not just on Benchmark Scaffolding but on the entire scaffolding industry. Enjoy your retirement, it’s richly deserved.
