One hundred and twenty-three workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in the last year, according to figures published today by the HSE.
The annual data release covers the period from April 2021 to March 2022, during which time most pandemic restrictions were lifted and the economy began returning to normal.
The industries with the highest deaths were construction (30), agriculture, forestry, and fishing (22), and manufacturing (22); though agriculture, forestry and fishing has the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers.
The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be falling from height (29), being struck by a moving vehicle (23), and being struck by a moving object (18).
The 123 worker deaths in 2021/22 is lower than the previous year, though it is in line with pre-pandemic figures. There has been a long-term downward trend in the rate of fatal injuries to workers, though in the years prior to the coronavirus pandemic the rate was broadly flat.
A further 80 members of the public were killed following a work-related accident in 2021/22. This is an increase on the previous year but below the pre-pandemic level. This is likely to reflect the various COVID-19 restrictions in place.
The release of the annual figures coincides with the 50th anniversary this month of the publication of the Robens report. The landmark report led to the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974, which ultimately led to the HSE being set up the following year.
Since then, Great Britain has become one of the safest places in the world to work with the number of workplace deaths and injuries falling significantly.
HSE’s Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “While Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, today’s figures show we must continue to ensure safety remains a priority. Every loss of life is a tragedy, and we are committed to making workplaces safer and holding employers to account for their actions, as part of our mission to protect people and places.”
The figures relate to work-related accidents and do not include deaths arising from occupational diseases or diseases arising from certain occupational exposures (including Covid-19).
The HSE has also published the annual figures for Mesothelioma, which is a cancer that can be caused by past exposure to asbestos. The figures show that 2,544 people died from the disease in 2020. This is in line with the average of 2,523 deaths over the previous eight years. Current mesothelioma deaths reflect exposure to asbestos that mainly occurred before the 1980s and annual deaths are expected to decline during the next decade.
Top bosses from the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) have recently met to discuss their incoming new president’s objectives that are set to benefit its members and the wider scaffolding industry.
NASC’s Managing Director Robin James and David Mosley, Director of Training & CISRS Managing Director met up with incoming NASC president David Brown – Managing Director of Barnsley-based IBN Scaffold Access Ltd.
The trio met up in Barnsley at IBN Scaffold Access Ltd’s head office premises on Wednesday 29 June.
Discussions on the subject of David Brown’s Presidential objectives, when he succeeds Lynn Way (Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd) as NASC President at their AGM in London on Friday 18 November 2022.
According to the scaffolding trade body, David’s objectives as incoming NASC President include a wide range of topical and innovative targets and will benefit prospective and existing NASC members and widen the footprint of the scaffolding industry generally.
Presidential objectives are designed to complement ongoing (but separate) NASC objectives. Typically, they build upon existing objectives and help set out a template for the kind of legacy that a departing NASC President wishes to leave behind when they step down upon completion of their term of office.
The usual term of office for an NASC President is two years. However, due to the Covid pandemic, Lynn Way’s presidency was extended for a further year, and she will have completed three years in the post when David steps up to the NASC Presidency in November.
It’s understood that David will reveal further details on his objectives at the NASC AGM and within the NASC 2023 Yearbook that will be published in November.
The NASC AGM will precede the NASC Ball & Awards which are being held at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza, London on Friday 18 November 2022.
The UK’s largest scaffolding trade body is holding its first-ever annual conference for both its members and non-members from across the UK scaffolding and access sector.
The event will be held on the 29th of September 2022 at the Heart of England – Conference & Events Centre. Over 300 delegates are expected to attend the conference from across all areas of the scaffolding and access sector.
Organisers at the Scaffolding Association say, since opening for membership in 2013, they have proactively listened to what their members are saying about the industry and have composed a conference programme which they hope to be engaging, informative and above all else relevant to their audience.
Conference keynote speakers will include Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Richard Turfitt, Senior Traffic Commissioner.
Other speakers and sessions will be announced over the coming months, the Scaffolding Association said.
Having not been able to hold face-to-face events during the pandemic, the Scaffolding Association were pleased to say they have made provision for two hours of dedicated networking time to allow conference delegates to establish relationships with other industry professionals on a more personal level.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said; “I’m incredibly proud to be able to say we’re now in a position to be able to host the UK’s first dedicated scaffolding and access conference event. The event will bring together some of the best, most progressive leaders in the sector and we hope that the planned programme will offer delegates a range of insights and tools that they can take away to implement within their own businesses.”
There are a limited number of Earlybird tickets available as well as discounts for booking multiple places. For more information on the Scaffolding Conference and to book your ticket, visit: https://www.scaffoldconference.co.uk
Aberdeenshire-based Northern Platforms & Stagings has expanded its transport capabilities further with the new Mercedes-Benz Atego.
Supplied by Mercedes-Benz supplier for the north of Scotland, BLS Truck & Van, the 7.5-tonne GVW Atego is the fourth that Peterhead-based Northern Platforms & Stagings has purchased from BLS Truck & Van since the dealer’s appointment in 2018.
Like its predecessors, the truck is an 816 variant with ClassicSpace S-cab and a 5.1-litre engine that produces 115 kW (156 hp) and is paired with a smooth and fuel-efficient Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission. Its platform body, meanwhile, was built in Mirfield, near Huddersfield, by Advance Commercial Bodies.
Acquired with funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, the Atego is now being inspected and maintained under a Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contract at BLS Truck & Van’s workshop on the Altens Industrial Estate, Aberdeen.
Northern Platforms & Stagings was established in 1984 by John Johnston, who remains at the helm as Managing Director.
The company offers a comprehensive range of scaffolding services at competitive prices but without compromising on safety. It has extensive experience of serving customers from the petrochemical and marine engineering sectors in the Grampian region, as well as local builders and construction firms.
The Atego range from 7.5 to 16 tonnes GVW is purpose-designed for light- and medium-duty distribution work, and construction applications.
Northern Platforms and DStagings in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, with their new Mercedes-Benz Atego 7.5 tonne truck.Picture Simon Price/Firstpix
John Johnston said: “We’ve been running Mercedes-Benz vehicles for well over 10 years and have never had any problems with them. The fact that they don’t let us down means they make a valuable contribution to the efficiency of our operation.”
“The Atego is entirely fit for purpose. It’s the right size and carries the weight well, while the guys like their trucks because they’re so comfortable. As a business with an unwavering commitment to health and safety, and compliance, we’re also reassured by the knowledge that Mercedes-Benz Trucks leads the field when it comes to the protection not only of those who use its vehicles, but also of other road users.”
A Lincolnshire-based company that specialises in lifting and handling equipment has been fined after an employee died after falling with a work platform onto the M25 motorway.
Reading Crown Court heard that Rick Jeager-Fozard, an employee of Kimberly Access Limited, was carrying out a routine pre-delivery inspection on a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) in June 2013.
The MEWP extended to an unsafe angle, resulting in the MEWP falling onto the M25 motorway. Mr Jeager-Fozard was working in the platform of the MEWP, falling with the device.
An investigation by the HSE found that the device had become unsafe because a miscalibration of its secondary boom angle sensor, which started to extend even though the boom had not been raised to the necessary angle. It was found that the MEWPs secondary boom had raised to an angle around 6-degrees lower that required, the boom then extended beyond its safe working limit and tipped over.
The miscalibration occurred through incorrect data being manually manipulated and uploaded onto the machine via a laptop using password protected WebGPI software. The carrying out of warranty repairs on the machine during this period, including granting access to the WebGPI software, fell within the conduct of Genie UK Ltd’s undertaking.
Genie UK Limited of The Maltings, Wharf Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £270,000 and ordered to pay costs of £165,175.
HSE inspector Stephen Faulkner said: “This was a tragic and harrowing incident. Modern high reach MEWPs rely on accurate data to ensure they extend and operate safely, and steps should be taken to ensure the process of calibrating sensors is correctly followed.“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
A group of 13 volunteers have taken on and completed the iconic Hadrian’s Wall Walk to raise money for UK construction charity Band of Builders (BoB).
The team tackled the Hadrian’s Wall Path – an 84 mile (135 km) from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast – adding on a few miles along the way to hit a total of 90 miles across four days.
The team, backed by two support drivers, walked over 20 miles a day, braving sweltering heat, downpours, blisters and injuries to raise more than £20,000 for Band of Builders, a registered charity set up to help members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury.
The charity is about to start work on its 26th project, which takes place in northern Ireland, and has more in the pipeline throughout 2022 plus a mental health initiative dubbed The Big Brew.
Martin O’Donnell, fundraising coordinator at Band of Builders, led the team on the challenge. He said: “Most people take on Hadrian’s Wall across six or seven days, so to complete it in four days was no mean feat.“We had plenty of highs and lows along the way, but everyone agreed that blisters, injuries and long days are worth it to do our bit to help others when they need it. There’s still time to sponsor us as we aim to make this the biggest fundraiser from BoB to date.”
BoB is not only backed by tradespeople from across the UK, but is also supported by major names within the construction industry, including DEWALT, Jewson, Gibbs & Dandy, V12 Footwear, Talasey, Resideo and Haemmerlin.
The Hadrian’s Wall team included a group of eight volunteers from DEWALT, which is matching their fundraising to add even more money to the pot, and four volunteers from Talasey also joined the group for one day of the challenge.
So far the group as a whole has raised just over £20,000 and is keen to boost that total, which will go to future Band of Builders projects to help tradespeople in their hour of need.
Aimee Cooper, Senior eCommerce & Digital Manager from DEWALT, said: “Our team are always inspired by the incredible people at BoB and the work they do to support members of the construction community. When we shared the opportunity to participate in the Hadrians Wall Walk with our teams, we received a fantastic response!”“As a group we all came together and supported one another through the challenges & toughest moments, with the ambition to make this BoB’s biggest fundraising event yet!”
To sponsor the Band of Builders Hadrian’s Wall Walk, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/band-of-builders-hadrians-wall-challenge
PERI UP Easy scaffolding has been shortlisted for the British Construction Industry Awards in the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ category after recently making the shortlist for the Construction News Specialist Awards.
Since its launch and introduction to the UK market on the Blake Tower project last year, the scaffolding system – designed for façade applications – has contributed to improved construction programmes on recladding and refurbishment projects in London.
End-user requirements are at the core of the system’s design. Its low-weight components like the 7.2kg standard and fast connections such as the innovative advanced guardrail have accelerated build times, with a typical scaffolding bay taking just two minutes to construct.
Mark Holmes, Industrial Manager at PERI, said: “It’s a great achievement for PERI UP Easy to be recognised and shortlisted in these categories. The system has come a long way since its launch, and we are excited to work alongside our customers to demonstrate its benefits on future projects.”
The BCI Awards recognise and reward excellence in project delivery and, crucially, delivering positive outcomes for society. More specifically, the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ award recognizes innovation in product design and how it improves overall project outcomes. The winners will be announced on 12th October 2022.
Engineering and maintenance provider Bilfinger UK, has pledged to hire 400 apprentices over the next five years to deliver future growth and attract and retain more young people across the sector.
The new commitment will see the firm hire 86 new trainees this year across its network in England and Scotland, with the majority of the positions created within its maintenance, modifications and operations (MMO) business.
Bilfinger UK, which is headquartered in Warrington in Cheshire, is one of Britain’s largest tier one contractors with 4,500 employees and 13 locations across the UK’s key industrial hubs.
Each apprentice will undertake either a three or four-year programme of work experience and appropriate off the job training relevant to the discipline being worked towards, which will be certified by a recognised awarding body.
Damian Redmond, HR Director at Bilfinger UK, said: “It is common knowledge that there is a skills shortage in the UK engineering industry and as a major contractor and employer, we recognise the importance of our role in attracting new talent into the sector and providing them with the skills and opportunities to build successful careers. “This is an exciting time to come into engineering. The sectors we operate in are changing rapidly as the UK accelerates towards the energy transition, from our traditional markets of oil and gas and utilities, through to major renewables in onshore and offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen and carbon capture.“Our scheme represents a significant opportunity for those with a curiosity of how we make and maintain the infrastructure that makes the world turn. And it’s this proposition that the industry collectively needs to embrace to attract tomorrow’s generation of engineers.”
Molly Fox from Minehead, Somerset, started her apprenticeship with Bilfinger UK in November 2019, with on-site training at Hinkley Point C, where the company is delivering inspection work and maintenance services for NSSS (Nuclear Steam Supply System), BNI (Balance of Nuclear Island) and BoP (Balance of Plant).
Molly said: “My apprenticeship has been such a valuable experience. Not many people my age will have had the same opportunities that I’ve had: getting hands on experience on one of the UK’s biggest engineering projects of the century.“I’d really encourage anyone with an interest of science and engineering, who’s uncertain of what career path to take, to see how they could build a bright future as a Bilfinger UK apprentice.”
To apply for the roles, please visit: www.jobs.bilfinger.com
Millwall Football Club has announced that Masons Scaffolding has become the club’s back-of-shirt sponsor for the 2022/23 campaign.
The firm’s company logo will adorn the home, away and third kit shirts across the course of the new season.
London-based Masons Scaffolding established in 1993 offers a specialist scaffolding and access service across the capital, South East and Home Counties.
Masons Scaffolding Managing Director, Grant Mason said, “As a Millwall supporter, I’m delighted to sponsor the shirt, It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do it, but it’s a privilege and I’m proud to do it.
“To see your name on the shirt is every supporter’s dream. I’m delighted to get behind the club in any way I can. I’m looking forward to a good season.”
Andrew Stead, Millwall FC’s Hospitality & Partnerships Manager, added, “We’re delighted to be working with Grant and Masons Scaffolding. Grant has supported the club for a number of years now and it’s great to be able to have his logo on the back of the shirt for the upcoming season. I want to thank him for his support.”
The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) have agreed on a below-inflation pay rise for site workers covered by the working rule agreement.
The deal follows months of talks between the CIJC, construction unions and contractors under the CIJC pay framework.
The one-year pay deal, will start from Monday 25th July 2022 and includes a 5% pay increase across all rates and a two-stage increase in non-taxable allowances.
The CIJC sets minimum wages for more than 500,000 workers.
The National Federation of Builders was happy with the outcome of the deal, “This agreement is in line with the mandate given to the NFB’s negotiators by the membership survey, so we are pleased to be achieving the increases members asked for,” it said in a press release.
