In construction, safe and efficient access solutions are essential. For decades, scaffolding has been the industry standard and continues to play an important role in countless projects across Australia.
Alongside scaffolding, modern modular construction systems like SuperAccess™ are providing new ways to meet evolving site needs. SuperAccess™ was developed to address access requirements with pre-assembled, modular components like temporary stairs, prefab ramps, pedestrian and site bridges, and temporary loading platforms – all designed to boost safety, improve efficiency, and reduce disruption on site.
In this article, we explore how SuperAccess™ compares to scaffolding across areas like installation time, safety features, load capacity, and adaptability – offering a clearer understanding of how each system supports different site needs.
Understanding the Differences: Scaffolding and SuperAccess™
Setup & Installation
- Scaffolding: Requires careful, staged assembly with multiple workers. Installation and dismantling can take considerable time, especially on large-scale or complex sites.
- SuperAccess™: Delivered pre-assembled and installed quickly by our dedicated crew. In most cases, modular stairs, temporary ramps, modular bridges, and temporary loading platforms can be installed in as little as a day.
Safety & Fall Prevention
- Scaffolding: With proper installation and inspections, scaffolding remains a safe and proven option. However, risks like loose planks, unsecured mesh and access points, open edges, and gaps in guardrails require constant vigilance to ensure safety.
- SuperAccess™: Our modular structures are built with safety in mind. Fully enclosed walkways with welded mesh for complete fall protection, secured guardrails, 10 kPa waterproof roofing, and anti-slip surfaces ensure maximum worker safety.
Structural Stability & Reach
- Scaffolding: Stability depends on ground conditions and precision of assembly. Limited in length to a maximum of 20 metres, scaffolding may require additional bracing or workarounds for wider crossings or access.
- SuperAccess™: Our temporary structures are engineered and pre-tested to ensure optimal structural integrity and even weight distribution. Thanks to our innovative design, we can provide temporary bridges up to 24 metres in length.
Flexibility on Challenging Sites
- Scaffolding: Custom scaffolds can be built for difficult areas but may require additional time, materials, and design.
- SuperAccess™: Modular components are easily reconfigured or relocated. Whether it’s temporary stairs for construction, a prefab bridge, or a temporary ramp, our team can quickly adjust as your site evolves.
Load-Bearing Capacity
- Scaffolding: Heavy-duty scaffolding is designed to handle substantial loads and impact forces. According to Safe Work NSW1 guidelines, it can support up to 675 kg per bay, making it suitable for high-intensity tasks like bricklaying, concreting, and demolition work.²
- SuperAccess™: Our modular structures are engineered to support significant loads. Our temporary loading platforms, for instance, are built for high-capacity lifting and material handling and can bear loads of up to 13 tonnes. This makes them ideal for delivering large, bulky items, such as formwork, plant, and palletised materials, directly to elevated work areas, reducing crane time and manual handling risks.
Long-Term Project Costs
- Traditional Scaffolding: Over time, costs can add up with ongoing inspections, adjustments, and labour. Accidents or downtime can introduce further financial risk.
- SuperAccess™: Fast installation, fewer labour demands, and reduced risk exposure can lead to long-term cost savings, particularly on high-traffic or time-sensitive sites.
SuperAccess™ in Action: On-Site Success Stories
SuperAccess™ continues to prove its value on real-world projects, delivering practical, high-performance solutions across a variety of sectors, from construction to rail.
On a recent project with Richard Crookes Constructions, the team required a safe, efficient access system that could be installed quickly with minimal disruption. According to Wayne Famlonga, Senior Site Manager, SuperAccess™ delivered on every front:
“The team at SuperAccess™ have done a great job on our project, providing a fit-for-purpose access solution which not only got our workers to and from site safely but saved us thousands of dollars by keeping the workforce productive during inclement weather.”
Elsewhere, RMA Contracting faced a complex culvert crossing. The original plan involved a permanent steel bridge – a solution that would have added significant time and cost. Instead, the team turned to SuperAccess™ for a more flexible alternative. The result? A modular bridge system that resolved the access challenge quickly and at a fraction of the cost.
“SuperAccess™ gave us a smarter and more cost-effective way to resolve our access dilemma – without the need for a permanent structure.”
In both cases, we helped teams stay productive, maintain safety standards, and avoid costly delays.
A Fresh Take on Access - Flecible, Fast and Site-Ready
Site access is a critical component of any successful project, and today’s construction environments demand solutions that are safe, efficient, and adaptable. While scaffolding remains a trusted option, modular systems like SuperAccess™ are offering new ways to improve installation speed, enhance worker safety, and streamline operations across a variety of site conditions.
With pre-assembled components, built-in safety features, and the flexibility to adapt as your site evolves, SuperAccess™ helps teams maintain momentum and meet deadlines with confidence.
Looking to Optimise Access for Your Next Project?
We’re here to help you navigate access challenges with confidence. Call 1800 297 297 or visit our website to learn more about how SuperAccess™ can support your next project.