What Is SAIA?
Definition: The Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) is a North American trade association, founded in 1972, that represents scaffold and access equipment manufacturers, distributors, erectors, rental companies, and service providers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. SAIA develops safety education, supports industry standards, and promotes safe practices for scaffold and access work. A company listed with this qualification is a SAIA member.
SAIA is best known for SAIA University (SAIAU), its training program for the scaffold and access industry. SAIAU courses, including hazard awareness and competent person training for supported and suspended scaffolds, are developed by industry experts and delivered by approved member companies known as Accredited Training Institutes. SAIA University has trained tens of thousands of students across North America.
Beyond training, SAIA works with OSHA, ANSI, and other bodies on scaffold and access safety codes and standards, including the standards for mast climbing work platforms and transport platforms. The association organizes councils for specific segments of the industry, such as mast climbing and suspended access, as well as a Canadian Council for Canada-specific issues, and holds an annual convention that brings the industry together. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find SAIA member companies for your project.
What SAIA Membership Connects To
SAIA offers a range of programs and resources. Membership connects companies to the following.
SAIA University
Industry-developed courses in scaffold hazard awareness, competent person training, and suspended access operation.
Accredited Training Institutes
Approved member companies that deliver SAIA University courses at their facilities or on job sites.
Standards & Codes
Industry participation in OSHA, ANSI, and related standards for scaffolds, mast climbers, and suspended access.
Industry Councils
Councils for segments such as mast climbing and suspended access, plus a Canadian Council for Canadian issues.
Convention & Resources
An annual convention, technical publications, and a network of scaffold and access professionals.
When SAIA Membership Matters
SAIA membership is a useful indicator for owners and contractors in situations such as the following.
Prequalifying scaffold contractors
Industrial and commercial scaffold work
Suspended access and swing stage projects
Mast climber and hoist projects
Selecting scaffold training providers
Sourcing scaffold equipment and rentals
Projects in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
Owners building scaffold safety programs
How SAIA Membership Compares to Other Qualifications
Association membership is one way to evaluate a scaffold provider. Here is how SAIA compares to related memberships and qualifications.
UK scaffolding trade body
- Publishes TG20 and SG4 guidance
- Independently audited members
- CISRS-trained scaffolders
- Best for UK projects and standards
Canadian access association
- Canadian scaffold and access companies
- Provincial regulations and CSA standards
- Works closely with SAIA's Canadian Council
- Best for Canadian projects
North American scaffold association
- U.S., Canada, and Mexico members
- SAIA University training
- Works with OSHA and ANSI
- Best for North American scaffold expertise
Merit shop construction association
- Broad construction focus
- STEP safety and craft training
- Merit shop advocacy
- Best for open-shop construction networks
Credentialed scaffold crews
- Crews hold recognized certifications
- Can include SAIA Journeyperson credentials
- Applies to individual workers
- Best for verifying builder skill
Find SAIA Member Companies Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by qualification, and connect directly with scaffold contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers that are SAIA members.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.451 sets the general requirements for scaffolds on U.S. construction sites, including capacity, platform construction, access, fall protection, falling object protection, and inspection by a competent person. SAIA works with OSHA and standards organizations on scaffold and access safety and offers training through SAIA University that supports these requirements, including the training required under 29 CFR 1926.454.
- Scaffolds designed and loaded within capacity
- Platforms fully planked with safe access
- Fall protection and falling object protection
- Inspected by a competent person before each shift
- Erectors and users trained as required
- Manufacturer instructions followed
1926.451
Scaffolds — General Requirements — U.S. Construction Regulations
OSHA Interpretations & Rulings →
