IASA welcomes two new members
It All Begins Here
The International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA) has welcomed two more members. The addition of both the Taiwan Scaffold Development Association (TSDA) and the Korea Temporary Equipment & Engineering Association (KTEA) marks an important milestone in IASA’s ongoing mission to unite the global scaffolding and access community, strengthening collaboration, safety and professional standards across international borders.
David Brown, Chairman of IASA, welcomed the new members, “IASA is delighted to welcome both TSDA and KTEA to our international membership. Their involvement strengthens our global network and supports our mission to promote excellence, innovation, and knowledge-sharing across the scaffolding and access sector.”
Lee, Nam Soo, President of KTEA, commented, “KTEA is honoured to join IASA. Through this membership, we look forward to strengthening international cooperation and technical exchange, and to contributing to the advancement of a safe, professional scaffolding and access industry aligned with global standards.”
Peter Chen, Chairman of TSDA, added: “We are truly proud to join IASA. This marks a significant milestone for TSDA, an organisation of industry elites dedicated to advancing scaffolding expertise and quality in Taiwan. By aligning with IASA’s network, we look forward to fostering deeper collaboration and driving continuous innovation together.”
Both TSDA and KTEA bring extensive technical expertise, strong national representation and a shared commitment to advancing safe and innovative scaffolding practices. Their participation enhances IASA’s role as a global platform for knowledge exchange, regulatory alignment, and the harmonisation of training and competency standards worldwide.
As new members of IASA, TSDA and KTEA will contribute to and benefit from joint initiatives focused on:
Harmonising international training, safety, and competency standards
Sharing technical knowledge and best practice across borders
Supporting global advocacy and industry policy development
Strengthening cooperation among contractors, suppliers, and professionals
Advancing innovation and raising industry professionalism internationally
The addition of these two respected organisations, which brings the membership to 10 trade bodies from all across the world, underscores IASA’s expanding reach and its commitment to providing a unified global voice for the scaffolding and access industry.
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.
David Brown Appointed Chairman of IASA
The International Access and Scaffolding Association (IASA), the global trade body for scaffolding and access, has announced the appointment of David Brown as its new Chairman, following the death of former IASA Chairman, Wayne Connolly.
Brown, who currently serves as Chairman and President of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) in the UK, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to advancing safety, standards and international collaboration across the access and scaffolding sector.
Brown succeeds Connolly, whose dedication, vision, and leadership were instrumental in shaping IASA’s mission and strengthening cooperation across the global scaffolding and access community. IASA extends its deepest condolences to Wayne’s family, friends and colleagues, and honours his significant and lasting contribution to the industry.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman of IASA at this difficult and important time,” said David Brown. “Wayne was a highly respected leader whose passion for the industry and belief in international collaboration helped define IASA’s purpose. I look forward to building on his legacy and working closely with the IASA Board to continue promoting safety, best practice, and shared standards worldwide.”
As Chairman and President of NASC, Brown has played a key role in championing excellence in safety, quality and compliance within the scaffolding and access sector in the UK, supporting innovation and raising standards through strong industry engagement.
“As we remember Wayne and his many achievements, we must also look to the future,” said Clive Dickin, NASC and CISRS Group CEO and an IASA Board Member. “David’s experience, integrity and commitment to the industry make him ideally placed to lead IASA forward and continue the work Wayne cared so deeply about.”
IASA is the recognised global trade body representing access and scaffolding associations and their members worldwide and works to enhance industry standards, promote training and competence, support regulatory alignment and provide an international forum for collaboration and knowledge sharing. You can read more about the organisation and its members here.