Construction Business Review

Up & Away Scaffolding
Raising the Scaffolding Standards in Canada

Matthew Beaton, Business Owner, Up & Away ScaffoldingMatthew Beaton, Business Owner
Scaffolding is not just metal pipes and planks; it is the backbone of construction efficiency.

Whether builders shaping city skylines or homeowners embarking on renovation projects, the choice of scaffolding company is critical. This is where indigenous-owned companies like Up & Away Scaffolding offer a unique set of benefits that can significantly influence the success of a project.

It distinguishes its business through deep-rooted local expertise and knowledge. This not only enables the firm to offer cost-effective solutions but is crucial in supporting local communities.

The team’s proficiency in adapting to region-specific building codes and regulations, combined with the ability to select the best building materials and techniques suited to each area, adds another layer of finesse and reliability to the projects. They maintain stringent quality control and ensure high standards across all its services, including stationary towers, facade scaffoldings, dancefloors, stages, birdcages, bridge scaffolds, temporary hoods and hoarded scaffolds, to address the diverse scaffolding needs of industrial, commercial, and residential projects.

“One of the areas our company excels in is tackling projects that involve working in confined spaces and less-than-ideal conditions such as around machinery or in elevated spaces,” says Matthew Beaton, business owner of Up & Away Scaffolding. This expertise reflects the team’s adaptability and skill in navigating complex construction environments.

Moreover, as an indigenous-owned enterprise, Up & Away Scaffolding has access to unique platforms in Canada, such as the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB). This government-led initiative boosts the involvement of indigenous businesses in federal procurement. For clients, this means partnering with a competitive company constantly expanding its reach and resources to secure and manage large-scale, government-backed projects.

Up & Away Scaffolding’s involvement in such initiatives also contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. This aligns with the company’s focus beyond just acquiring construction projects; it is about building bridges for a future where local business communities feel more empowered and have a stronger presence in the global market.

This focus on empowerment and market presence is rooted in the company’s origins. The scarcity of reliable scaffolding services prompted Beaton, an industry veteran with 12 years of experience, to establish Up & Away Scaffolding. His expertise allowed the company to effectively fill this gap, offering reliable and high-quality scaffolding services tailored to region-specific construction needs.

In just one year since inception, the company has completed five major projects, along with numerous smaller ones. This impressive track record highlights the company’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to the construction industry’s evolving demands.

When collaborating with clients, fostering open communication and building strong relationships are Up & Away Scaffolding’s biggest tenets. This reciprocal relationship helps the team consistently meet favorable outcomes, generating positive recommendations and contributing to the company’s sustained growth through word of mouth.

An example of the team’s commitment was evident in their response to a scaffold-related incident, where despite not being the original builders, the company was summoned to amend the issue. The response involved a comprehensive overhaul: dismantling, redesigning and reconstructing the scaffold. Up & Away Scaffolding secured endorsements from a certified engineer and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) authority to ensure the scaffold met all safety standards, affirming its obligation to safety and regulatory compliance.

With safety as a paramount concern, especially in the inherently hazardous field of scaffolding, Up & Away Scaffolding also diligently abides by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) code. The company even enforces daily fall protection plans to ensure its training is consistently current.

  • One of the areas our company excels in is tackling projects that involve working in confined spaces and less-than-ideal conditions such as around machinery or in elevated spaces

To further bolster safety measures, Up & Away Scaffolding has implemented a rigorous triple-check system. This process begins with the scaffolder in charge of erection carrying out the initial inspection to verify design specifications and the condition of components. A qualified supervisor then conducts a secondary review, focusing on overall safety. The scaffolder who will use the structure then performs the final check, ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols and design criteria. This systematic, measured approach minimizes the potential for accidents and maintains a secure working environment.
At the heart of these efforts is a team of committed individuals, the business owner Matthew Beaton, his wife administrating the bookkeeping, and Nathan B. serving as foreman steering the crew through each project. This close-knit group has proven that success is not just measured by the size of the crew but by the strength and value of its relationships.

Its instance can be seen in the company’s dedication to meeting deadlines—a cornerstone of its reputation for reliability. In cases where the team cannot deliver within the timeline, the company has a policy of refunding the client. In a recent assignment at a gas plant, Up & Away Scaffolding excelled by erecting a complex scaffolding system within a stringent 10-day deadline. The timely delivery met the client’s requirements and showcased the company’s efficiency and dependability.

Up & Away Scaffolding demonstrates it is not just another scaffolding contractor on the block; it is an embodiment of excellence, reliability, and commitment that sets a new benchmark with every project.