International Scaffolding and Access Day announced

The International Access & Scaffolding Association (IASA) has officially launched International Scaffolding and Access Day, which from 2026 onwards will be celebrated every year on 14 May. This marks the first fully independent global day formally recognised by IASA and its international membership.

For the inaugural event this year, IASA has selected the day’s theme as, “Recognising the industry. Supporting its people. Shaping its future.”

International Scaffolding and Access Day will celebrate the essential role of the scaffolding and access industry worldwide, while at the same time raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. It provides a unified platform for contractors, employees, manufacturers, educators and industry bodies to stand together in recognition of the professionalism, skill and courage of those who work in scaffolding.

Speaking about the announcement of this new celebration of the industry, David Brown, Chairman, IASA, said “IASA is delighted to announce the date for International Scaffolding and Access Day. It will be a moment for our global community to celebrate the skill, professionalism and courage of those who work in scaffolding and access.

“It provides an opportunity to highlight the vital role our industry plays in construction, infrastructure and safety, while also focusing on the challenges and opportunities that will shape its future. By coming together on 14 May each year, we can promote excellence, inspire the next generation of talent, drive innovation, and strengthen standards across the world. This day is for everyone in scaffolding to stand with pride in the work they do and the difference it makes.”

Five major challenges

International Scaffolding and Access Day will be centred around five key global challenges identified by IASA as fundamental to the future success and sustainability of the scaffolding industry:

• Improving the Image of Scaffolding: promoting professionalism, safety, skill and pride across the sector.
• Developing Global Talent: attracting, training and retaining the next generation of scaffolding professionals worldwide.
• Driving Innovation: encouraging new technologies, systems and methods that improve safety, productivity and sustainability.
• Strengthening Compliance: supporting high standards, ethical practice and effective compliance to protect workers, clients and the public.
• Standardising Training: working towards globally recognised training standards that enhance competence, consistency and workforce mobility.

Positive and inclusive

Since its launch in September 2025, IASA has expanded its membership with four new country associations joining. It now numbers 10 member organisations representing 11 countries with a combined population of over 2 billion people and combined GDP of more than $65trn.

International Scaffolding and Access Day is intended as a positive, inclusive and industry-led initiative, providing the global scaffolding community with a shared voice and a clear focus on the challenges that will shape the industry’s future.

To mark the introduction of the day, IASA has written to presidents and prime ministers across the world, highlighting the vital contribution the sector makes to construction, infrastructure, safety and economic development around the world.

IASA is calling on all scaffolding contractors and their employees globally to celebrate International Scaffolding and Access Day every year by sharing a message of support, solidarity and courage in recognition of the industry and its workforce. It also encourages organisations and individuals to mark 14 May by engaging with colleagues, clients and communities, and by sharing messages, images and stories that demonstrate pride in the industry and commitment to its continued development.