A scaffolding company involved in a major scaffolding collapse in Sydney, Australia which killed a teenage apprentice has pleaded guilty to offences.
Synergy Scaffolding Services Pty Ltd (Synergy) has pleaded guilty to a Category 1 offence under New South Wales workplace safety laws, in relation to the scaffolding collapse that happened on 1 April 2019 at a construction site.
The collapse resulted in the death of 18-year-old Christopher Cassantiti and seriously injured another worker. It was reported that the young teen fell from a height of almost eight-storeys when a large section of scaffolding suddenly collapsed at the Macquarie Park worksite.
Sentencing will take place on 21 November 2022.
Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said it is one of the first prosecutions of its kind for SafeWork NSW since major amendments were introduced to strengthen work health safety laws in 2020.
“No family should ever have to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one through an incident at work as the Cassinitis did,” Ms Petinos said.
“This is a reminder that our work health safety laws are important and must be upheld by all operators”.18-year-old Christopher Cassantiti
In the past two years SafeWork NSW has implemented numerous programs to improve safety for workers in the construction industry including:
The establishment of a Family and Injured Worker Support Group to provide advice and feedback to SafeWork NSW for families and injured workers impacted by a workplace tragedy.
The Young Workers eToolkit, for employees and workers, containing tips and training materials about work safety rights and responsibilities.
The Speak Up Save Lives app which allows people to anonymously report unsafe work practices directly to SafeWork NSW.
CWIC is a unique CITB-funded all-Wales training centre with its hub forming part of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s in Swansea.
Gareth Evans/ Barry Liles, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Skills and Lifelong Learning at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) said: “CWIC’s activities are already supporting employers in the construction industry across Wales. Our partnership with CITB is delivering world-class training and bespoke programmes for this hugely important sector to the Welsh economy. Access to such facilities and expertise through CWIC gives employers the confidence to develop their employees and to recruit new entrants into the industry.”
The facility underwent an approximately £1.5million refurbishment, thanks to TRJ Construction, to create an Access Hall of 2,000 m2 including classroom and IT facilities.
Since its initial CISRS approval in 2020, the centre has really hit the ground running, welcoming almost 1000 trainees through its doors on a range of courses since that date.
In addition to those undertaking the recognised CISRS Pt1, Pt2 route to qualification, Inspection and Supervisory training, around 50 operatives are currently nearing completion of their Scaffolding Apprenticeships, with another 18 candidates signed up for 2022-23 plus a waiting list of 20 in place for the next cohort.
This is a considerable feat for any new centre but all the more impressive when taking into consideration the COVID pandemic and Storm Damage to the Academy Roof in the last 18 months.
Sheila Holmes -CWIC Scaffolding Academy Director said: “The addition of the CISRS advanced scaffolding course ensures that the Welsh scaffolding industry has direct access to the whole scaffolding training provision here in Swansea and will no longer have to travel to England or beyond to acquire a full set of skills.“We are proud of the development at the Academy and gaining the CISRS advanced accreditation is the culmination of hard work and commitment by the whole team.”
CISRS Auditor Trevor Donoghue added: “The CWIC Scaffolding Academy in Swansea has constructed an excellent training facility and has consistently been developing its delivery capabilities over the last few years.It was a pleasure to witness the recent Pilot CISRS Advanced Scaffolding Course and confirm the upgrade in the centre’s CISRS accreditation to Advanced delivery status.Congratulations to the centre’s management team and staff on this achievement, I wish them every success in the future.”
Amazing footage captures the moment a massive bolt of lightning hit a yard in Penzance, Cornwall after the UK saw record-breaking temperatures this week.
Scaffolders are seen running for their lives in the shocking footage below captured by Zak Harries an employee of scaffolding and access specialists Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding.
The terrifying strike hit at around 6:50am on Tuesday (July 19) while scaffolding workers were loading up trucks with materials for the day ahead.
Mr Harries had been filming the dark sky when lightning suddenly cracked from the sky towards the ground.
Although the strike was initially thought to of hit scaffolding in the yard, further investigation found it struck a yard light in the Great Western Railway Depot that is directly opposite Chris Sedgeman’s yard. It knocked a signal out on the line and caused chaos for commuters with trains between Penzance and Plymouth were heavily impacted.
Chris Sedgman Managing Director of Chris Sedgman Scaffolding said; “The strike was so strong it was felt by everyone in the yard, making us all think that it was our yard that was hit. After further investigation, we could see it was not our yard. It did, however, knock all our WIFI, Server and some phones out.”
The recent heatwave made us all focus on the importance of reducing our carbon footprint for the good of the planet, but on a recent project for its client Taylor Woodrow, UKSSH literally covered a major step forward in the journey to carbon neutrality, supplying a work shelter to provide a controlled environment for the first major pour in the UK of an ultra-low carbon concrete.
The pour took place at EcoPark South, the first building phase in North London Waste Authority’s plans to create a £1.2bn sustainable waste management hub in Edmonton; the North London Heat and Power Project. Developed over four years by Ecocem and VINCI Construction, the technology – Ecocem Ultra – forms part of VINCI Construction’s Exegy® ultra-low carbon concrete range, and
reduces the carbon footprint of the construction project by up to 70% when compared to traditional concrete. It has already been tested on several projects in France, but the EcoPark provided the perfect opportunity to launch it in the UK.
The innovation is so significant that Exegy® ultra-low carbon concrete’s first use in the UK was witnessed by an invited audience from across Europe, so it was imperative that the notoriously fickle British weather wouldn’t pour cold water on the event: That’s why Taylor Woodrow approached UKSSH to supply a temporary work shelter which was 19.80m wide, 24.40m long and 1.50m high at the eaves to provide a controlled work environment.
Gary Griffiths, MD of UKSSH commented “We were delighted to play our part in an event which demonstrated how new technology can contribute to ultra-low carbon emissions.“At UKSSH we are committed to minimizing environmental impact: From the obvious choices like running electric vehicles and placing high importance on the environmental impact for all purchasing decisions, to the hidden benefits of our products – for example, the fact that lighter and fewer components for a project significantly reduce transport requirements. It’s probably no coincidence that our products were used at COP26 in Glasgow”.
The Haki Temporary Work Shelter isn’t just a preferred option for high profile events – built to any length in 3.05 metre modules, and able to cater for any width, it is quick and easy to install as either a static or mobile unit and its proven ability to keep out the worst that the British weather can throw at it means that the Haki Temporary Work Shelter is the cost-effective way to allow work to continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Engineering and maintenance contractor Bilfinger UK, in collaboration with Layher UK, designed the world’s first underdeck scaffolding system using FlexBeam to provide safe access to the underside of an oil rig.
Bilfinger was tasked to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution which would provide safe access to the underside of the platform to remove and replace the underdeck oily drains pipework.
Bilfinger partnered with Layher Scotland’s technical team to design the system scaffold configuration using Layher’s cutting-edge aluminium scaffolding FlexBeam, reducing construction time by 40% when compared with traditional conventional tube and fitting scaffolding.
David Cruickshank, Project Manager at Bilfinger UK, said: “As we continue to support operations within a maturing basin, innovation has never been more important. Layher FlexBeam is a step change in the way we offer access solutions to our clients, this collaborative project has gone some way to showing what can be achieved when you have a fit for purpose solution, a forward thinking client and an engaged workforce.“Having watched this project progress from the early engagement sessions with Layher, all the way through to our Scaffold Foreman carrying out its first scaffold inspection, I am extremely proud of what our team have achieved. This project was delivered on time, within budget and most importantly with zero HSE concerns; an outstanding accomplishment from everyone involved.”
By utilising FlexBeam, Bilfinger installed the access system six days ahead of the initial estimation and 15 days ahead of the time estimated if utilising tube and fitting scaffolding. This equates to 246 work hours ahead of schedule and 601 work hours ahead of what would have been required if using traditional tube and fitting scaffolding, providing a labour saving of around £30,000.
Ryan Clegg, Bilfinger Scaffold Technical Authority, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bilfinger are the first to bring this fantastic access innovation to the offshore industry. As Scaffold Technical Authority, it has been great to be part of this project from planning through to successful execution. This is a huge step change for an alternative access method that we are excited to bring to all our onshore and offshore operations.”
Sean Pike, Managing Director at Layher UK, added: “We are delighted to have been involved in and to have supported Bilfinger UK in this flagship underdeck system with our FlexBeam. It is the first use of our FlexBeam offshore on the underside of an oil rig, not only in the UK, but also in the rest of the world.“We were therefore very excited to play our part in support of the whole team at Bilfinger UK, from the procurement departments, technical and T.A. management team through to the scaffolders that had the job of turning the scheme into reality. We were also delighted to assist in product familiarisation and hands on training onshore, at our Livingston depot so as to ensure, as best as possible that the scaffolders were as prepared as they could be on a dry run, prior to the real installation out at sea.“From our point of view the final realisation is superb and with Bilfinger UK we now look forward very much to achieving the same success and time and money savings on several more offshore rigs – I would especially acknowledge the hard work and positivity of the scaffolding crew in particular, and all of the Bilfinger UK team involved without whom this level of project build and delivery success would have been harder to achieve.”
The UK’s largest scaffolding trade association has officially launched ‘National Scaffolding Week’ a one-of-a-kind campaign to raise the profile of careers and achievements within the sector.
National Scaffolding Week (NSW) which will run from 26th – 30th September 2022 has been set up by the Scaffolding Association. It aims to provide a platform on which to showcase the diverse range of career options within the scaffolding and access industry to inspire a new generation or those looking for a new challenge to take up a role in the industry.
NSW also aims to provide a platform on which to highlight some of the great achievements of organisations and individuals already operating within the sector and showcase best practice, innovation and determination.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with NSW, whether you currently work in scaffolding, are looking to change careers or are about to embark on your first role after leaving school – there’s something for everyone.
During the course of the week, NSW will be bringing first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in the industry, skills and training resources as well as the chance to nominate your ‘Scaffolding Star’ – an individual that has gone above and beyond in their role. There are a whole host of digital assets you can download to show your support for the campaign as well as tips and tricks to help make the best of your social media posts.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said; “It’s no secret that the scaffolding and access sector is struggling to garner the interest of young people as a potential career choice, or for those looking to change careers in later life. NSW aims to firmly establish scaffolding, and the diverse range of roles available, as a rewarding and viable career.”
For more information, visit www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com
RISING FUEL costs are hitting UK scaffolders and many other tradespeople hard with 90% being forced to increase their prices to keep their businesses alive.
With petrol and diesel reaching record levels and topping £2 per litre in some areas, IronmongeryDirect, surveyed 500 tradespeople to reveal the impact this is having on the industry.
The data revealed that almost every respondent (96%) said that their livelihood is reliant on their vehicles, and workers drive over 5,000 miles a year for jobs, on average.
This annual mileage will now cost individuals and businesses almost £500 more for diesel vehicles, and over £450 for petrol users, than it did this time 12 months ago.
Almost half (47%) of tradespeople say that their profits are being affected by the fuel crisis, and a third (33%) say that their company is struggling to cope.
Understandably, many are increasing their prices to keep up. Nine in ten (90%) tradespeople say they will up their quotes as a direct result of the fuel costs, with the average increase standing at 24%.
Scaffolders increase prices
The survey also found some trades are increasing them more than others, and scaffolders are planning the most significant price hike by 39%.
The trades planning on increasing their prices the most because of rising fuel costs are:
#
Trade
% increase
1
Scaffolder
39%
2
Roofer
35%
3
Bricklayer
34%
4
Building Surveyor
30%
5
Electrician
28%
6
Plasterer
27%
7
Carpenter
26%
8
Joiner
25%
9
Builder
22%
10
Plumber
22%
11
Painter Decorator
16%
12
Landscaper
16%
Some tradespeople plan to stop driving altogether, and one in seven (14%) say that they are now using public transport to get to jobs, because they can’t afford the fuel.
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The fuel crisis is affecting all of society, but people who drive regularly as part of their job, like most tradespeople, are being hit particularly hard. “Worryingly, its independent traders who will feel the most impact, as their profit margins are likely far narrower than larger corporations, who may be able to ride out the wave. “Hopefully prices will begin to fall before too long, but in the meantime, reducing mileage and increasing fuel efficiency will help to slightly soften the blow.”
CISRS has announced it will once again, with the support of a group of their approved training centres, be offering a number of subsidised CPD courses across the UK costing just £50.
The funded courses are set to coincide with the launch of CISRS CPD Phase 2 which will go live Monday 1st August 2022.
The requirement to successfully complete the CPD refresher course started in July 2017, when it became mandatory for all Scaffolders and Advanced Scaffolders wishing to renew their cards.
The decision to make the CPD mandatory back in 2017 was initially driven by the HSE through their involvement with the Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation, (ASITO) CISRS accepted that this was the correct decision for such a safety-critical sector.
Although at the time there were other trades which already had similar requirements e.g electricians, CISRS faced opposition from some within the sector following the initial launch.
It was, however, seen by the wider industry as a positive move with CISRS often being cited as an exemplar card scheme.
Since its inception Over 20,000 Operatives have now renewed their CISRS status after successfully completing the 2-day programme.
In the 5 years since its launch, CISRS and its participating training centres have offered a series of subsidised courses which allowed the delegates to attend for only £50, a saving of around £300 per course.
Funded programmes have taken place every year with the exception of 2020 which was hampered by COVID restrictions, however, in order to make up for this, additional courses took place in 2021.
In total 97 of these subsidised CPD courses have been made available at locations up and down the country, benefitting over 1000 individuals and seeing CISRS reinvesting over £300,000 back into its stakeholders, those holding the industry recognised qualification and card.
CISRS Compliance Manager Tony Barry has hosted a series of lunchtime webinars to bring instructors up to speed with the new Phase 2 content.
The subsidised CPD courses will be held at the following centres:
• CWIC (Swansea) 7-8 September 2022
• Construction College Midlands (Birmingham) 14-15 September 2022
• Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training (Flintshire) 8-9 September 2022
• LTC (Cullompton) 14-15 November 2022
• LTC (Plymouth) 3-4 October 2022
• NCC East (Bircham Newton) 19-20 September 2022
• NCC Scotland (Inchinnan) 30-31 August 2022
• NCC South (Erith) 1-2 October 2022
• NETA (Stockton) 22-23 August 2022
• Safety and Access (Nottingham) 13-14 October 2022
• Safety and Access (Immingham) 5-6 October 2022
• Simian (Warrington) 13-14 September 2022
• Simian (Waltham Forest) 20-21 October 2022
• Simian (Weston Super Mare) 1-2 September 2022
• Simian Aspects (Coventry) 27-28 September 2022
• Training 2000 (Blackburn) 17-18 August 2022
CISRS has said delegates will need to contact the training centres directly to check availability, with places offered on a first come first served basis.
CISRS centre contact details can be found on the CISRS Website www.cisrs.org.uk
Trades working on the construction of Hinkley Point C were evacuated after a fire broke out on scaffolding erected at the site.
According to reports fire crews tackled the blaze on Monday, July 18 at around 8.48pm on the construction site near Unit 1.
Hinkley Point C said “workers were evacuated” and “there were no reports of injuries”.
The company also added that “an investigation will take place to establish the cause”.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews were also in attendance with special appliances.
A spokesperson for Hinkley Point C said: “Fire crews from Hinkley Point C and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue attended a scaffolding fire on the construction site at Unit 1 shortly before 9pm last night (July 18).“Workers were evacuated from the area and the fire was put out shortly after. No one was injured. An investigation has been launched into the cause.”A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.48pm and sent five fire appliances plus special appliances.”
MSA Safety a leading global manufacturer and supplier of safety solutions has announced the return of its UK and Europe Roadshow, designed to connect face-to-face with customers and industry peers to offer an interactive safety training experience.
The MSA Roadshow is travelling across Europe providing demonstrations, training and hands-on previews of safety products.
Specifiers and customers have the opportunity to use and try all types of safety equipment first-hand for an extremely versatile and exciting learning experience. The truck will be seen at many of the leading health and safety shows throughout Europe, as well as distributor and customer demonstration days, and MSA would love to hear from anyone who would like a visit from the truck.
Supported by MSA’s experts in the field of industrial safety solutions, it is a great aid to supporting training courses.
A range of real-situation training and demos
From fall protection and head protection, to portable gas detection and confined space entry solutions, the Roadshow will demonstrate MSA’s 360 approach to safety.
Visitors can also view MSA’s industrial M1 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and experience safety products in a virtual environment across roofing, confined space and oil and gas.
Alfonso Fernandez, Marketing Manager (Europe) for MSA, comments: “We are delighted to get our safety truck back on the road – there is no substitute for hands on experience, and the tour gives us a unique opportunity to talk to the industry about recent safety trends and how we can continue to overcome safety challenges. We hope to see at many people as possible at each stop.”
If you would like to request a visit from the MSA Roadshow click here
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The fuel crisis is affecting all of society, but people who drive regularly as part of their job, like most tradespeople, are being hit particularly hard.
“Worryingly, its independent traders who will feel the most impact, as their profit margins are likely far narrower than larger corporations, who may be able to ride out the wave.
“Hopefully prices will begin to fall before too long, but in the meantime, reducing mileage and increasing fuel efficiency will help to slightly soften the blow.”
