Bamboo-zled

Ever seen those great edifices of bamboo scaffolding in China and wished you could do it here? After all, it seems like such a quick, cheap and strangely elegant solution.

Well, think again.

New research in Hong Kong shows that while it may be quicker to erect and cheaper than metal scaffolding, bamboo is more dangerous and, frankly, hell to work on.

Researchers found that in every risk factor, from overloading to faulty guardrails, bamboo scaffolding was approximately twice more risky than metal.

And workers seem to know. Researchers recorded heart rates of workers on bamboo and found their pulses were veritably racing compared to their lucky colleagues on metal scaffolding. As well as being a more nervy bunch, the bambooists were more tired and more prone to acting erratically.

The results of the research are published in a fascinating book entitled Construction Safety Management Systems, edited by Steve Rowlinson of the University of Hong Kong. If nothing else, it gives a curious glimpse into site safety around the world, including the Caribbean.

Some of the articles are a bit duff, like the study of “Professional burnout in Australian construction” which concludes, after 34 pages of bewildering tables, that “burnout” is, er, rather complex.

CM has one review copy to give away. To enter your name in a draw for the book, send us an email with “bamboo” in the subject line.