Scaffolders working on a chemical plant have postponed their strike action after talks with bosses lead to a new improved pay offer.
Around 25 Altrad scaffolders based at Mitsubishi Chemicals in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees are back on the tools today after earlier strike action lead to a new “improved pay offer” for the workers.
The scaffolders who were working for less than £12.50 an hour walked out on mass on 4 November. The official strike was planned to run until 4 December and involved scaffolders, insulators and painters who voted unanimously for strike action.
As previously reported Unite the union said the basic pay for a scaffolder at the chemical plant is £12.06 an hour, when the rate for their job under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) is £17.45 an hour.
A spokesperson for Unite the union told Scaffmag this morning: “The improved pay offer is now being balloted on by members. The strikes have been postponed and the ballot result will be known on 19 Nov.”
The Mitsubishi Chemicals plant produces battery electrolytes and methacrylates, which are base chemicals for the manufacture of acrylic plastics. The strike caused major disruption at the plant, the scaffolders, insulators and painters are involved with the sites maintenance and repair schedule.
In an earlier statement Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “In a sign of good faith, our members have agreed to suspend strike action at the Billingham plant to allow last-minute negotiations to be held. “If an agreement that meets our members expectations is not reached, however, the rest of the scheduled action will continue.”
The Alimak Group has launched a new scaffolding product for the construction industry, making the scaffolding process as efficient and safe as possible.
The new product is called the Alimak STS 300 and has been designed in conjunction with PERI in Germany.
The new Scaffold Transportation System is an innovative scaffolding transportation system that offers a range of features that enhances safety in combination with efficiency.
It provides scaffolders more productive erection and dismantling time, as well as better ergonomics, and it also supports horizontal movement on the ground level which makes it more user friendly and efficient.
The Alimak STS 300 is designed to fit the PERI UP scaffold perfectly. PERI UP scaffold secures scaffolders are always in a guarded position when installing or dismantling scaffold.
Some Lifting tools currently on the market do negatively impact this safe position of scaffolders, except when using the Alimak STS 300, Alimak said in a statement.
“We are continuously focusing on adding customer value and are very pleased to be able to launch this new scaffolding product, which will not only improve productivity and efficiency for our customers but also provide a safer, smoother and overall better scaffolding working environment for scaffolders,” says David Batson, Executive Vice President for the Construction division at Alimak Group.
The Alimak STS 300 is designed to fit the PERI UP scaffold perfectly. Credit: Alimak Group.
Thomas Imbacher, responsible Board Member for Innovation & Marketing of PERI AG said “We are very pleased to have this partnership with Alimak Group. The Alimak STS 300 will enable scaffolders to improve their entire logistic process, starting from the warehouse towards the jobsite and backwards. Due to the innovative approach, waiting times decrease and it is easy to assemble and dismantle scaffolding with a team of two scaffolders.”
According to a statement, initially, the Alimak STS 300 will only be available in Germany but will be gradually rolled out to more markets, globally.
The UK’s biggest supplier of fuel cards is launching a new service that can offset 100% of the carbon its customers currently release from the 1 billion litres of fuel they use each year.
UK Fuels, owned by Radius Payment Solutions, has partnered with UK-government endorsed carbon offsetting company Forest Carbon to invest in renewable energy projects.
The new carbon offsetting service will benefit the 76,000 British businesses of all kinds that use fuel cards from UK Fuels, the 500,000 drivers who work for them and of their customers.
Businesses that take up the new service can reduce their carbon footprint and support their social and environmental responsibilities while avoiding the risk of wasted investment in ineffective offsetting schemes.
UK Fuels has pledged not to take any profits from the new biodegradable ‘Radius Future’ fuel card. Companies will pay 1 penny on each litre of standard fuel, which will be invested by both Forest Carbon and UK Fuels.
Renewable energy projects will include wind, hydro, waste-to-energy and solar power in countries including India, China, Turkey and Guatemala, says UK Fuels. And the projects have been chosen for their ability to achieve immediate carbon neutrality.
Its customers footprints will be calculated using UK government conversion factors that correlate litres of diesel and petrol to the equivalent emissions in tonnes of CO2, and businesses that participate can request a certificate showing their carbon offsetting record.
Forest Carbon
Forest Carbon, whose other partners include Microsoft, Siemens, Stagecoach and Ofcom, played a pivotal role in establishing national quality assurance standards that guarantee the ecological impact and carbon sequestration rates of any project.
Their new woodland schemes are certified by the Woodland Carbon Code, which is supported by the UK government and internationally recognised by ICROA whilst their peatland programmes are certified by the Peatland Code which is supported by the IUCN. These certification codes guarantee that each tonne of carbon stored is permanent and incremental.
Through planting over 13 million trees since 2006, Forest Carbon is already removing nearly 3 million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, as well as providing other benefits to society including flood mitigation and enhanced biodiversity.
A previous project by Forest Carbon in Baspa, India generates hydro-electric. Credit: UK Fuels
UK Fuels Managing Director Jonathan Haseler commented: “As a company, our whole strategy is now focused on planning for sustainable travel in the future. This includes investing in electric vehicle charging solutions and green energy. If every customer takes up Radius Future, together they could accelerate Britain towards the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
To make the service as inclusive as possible, UK Fuels will offer the same carbon offsetting service with any of the other branded fuel cards it provides, which include all the big energy companies plus smaller chains and supermarkets. Businesses that choose this alternative approach will still see their offset carbon itemised on each invoice.
Companies interested in carbon offsetting the diesel or petrol they use can find out more by visiting ukfuels.co.uk/radius-future
A sunken protest pontoon has been installed today at COP26 for the Climate Coalition thanks to a partnership between ScaffFloat and scaffolding specialists i-Scaff.
The protest pontoon was erected for press photos this morning (9 November) at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. Leaders and negotiators from around the world are meeting to discuss making fundamental changes to try to avoid global warming.
Toby Budd, Managing Director at ScaffFloat said: “The pontoon was mobbed at short notice and installed with the help of our local Approved Installer, i-Scaff, who are one of Scotland’s largest independent specialist scaffold contractors.The duo installed an 8m x 4m scaffold platform that was sunk just below the waters surface, and supported by a set of plastic ScaffFloats on deck. “This gave the impression of a ‘flooded’ floor which the charity utilised for a creative photo showing world leaders meeting on a flooded stage,” Tony said.
Ross Brown, MD at i-Scaff said ”We love helping our customers find innovative solutions to their problems, and this has been a great example of the sort of work we can do. We worked in partnership with the ScaffFloat team who did all the design, project management, RAMS and on water safety, whilst we supplied the scaffold and an experienced scaffolder to help with the build.”Image credit: ScaffFloatToby added, ”This is such a great example of how we add value. Initially, the client only wanted a floating pontoon with a banner, then we suggested we sink the pontoon to create this great photo opportunity. We knew the objective was press coverage so worked hard to give them a photo that would get traction in the worlds media – and within an hour it was on BBC News Glasgow Daily Times Sky News to name but a few.”
Taylor’s Hoists boss Paul Price has taken on an extra role as Lyndon SGB’s Mechanical Access Director.
Lyndon SGB has today announced that Paul Price, Taylor’s Hoists Managing Director is now the all-new Mechanical Access Director at Lyndon SGB. He is taking control of the nationwide MASTCLIMBERS™ operations, alongside his on-going leading role at Taylor’s Hoists.
Paul has been with Taylor’s Hoists for almost its entire 15-year history and has been MD there since before the BrandSafway takeover of Lyndon SGB in early 2019.
He is now heading up the Lyndon SGB Mechanical Access Division – which brings a new focus to the nationwide provision of both the hoist and MASTCLIMBERS™ divisions, under one roof, with various regional bases serving UK-wide construction client needs.
Lyndon SGB says the mechanical access division of the business will integrate with the core scaffolding, QuikDeck® suspended access and safety services available including its new Rapid EPS edge protection system that offers its clients nationwide ‘hybrid access’ solutions.
Speaking about the new role, Paul said: “It was a pleasure to accept the role as Mechanical Access Director leading Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™ as well as Taylor’s Hoists, as one. After taking on the job, I met with the mechanical access teams in Glasgow and Manchester and witnessed first-hand the skill, dedication and effort each branch can offer their customers. We have decades of experience in both hoist and MASTCLIMBERS™, superb customer service and the very best machines – giving our clients the best possible mechanical access solutions nationally. “Our mechanical access teams always strive to treat each customer like they are number one – no matter if they only have small single MASTCLIMBERS™ or 10 large twin MASTCLIMBERS™ and multiple hoists on their project. And this level of service quality goes back to the drawing board and in-house design teams, not just the on-site delivery and completion from our many skilled operatives.“Having been part of Taylor’s Hoists growth in UK construction for 15+ years and the BrandSafway era, my expectations are very high, but I already know that the Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™ team is able to meet and deliver these high standards from what I have witnessed over the last month. We are all very excited about the future and the exciting projects we are currently and will be working on, in the whole of the UK. “My vision is that we continue to perfect the great service we already offer, continue to invest in the newest, greenest fleets and ancillaries – assisting our clients with their mechanical access needs, however complex. I look forward to growing and aligning the mechanical access business with the great, large-scale team we already have to support our goal – to be the best access provider in the country.”
Lyndon SGB says, In the first month since Paul took on the new role, there have already been some significant changes – netting great rewards for Lyndon SGB, MASTCLIMBERS™ and Taylor’s Hoists customers countrywide.
The NASC, Q.F.S Scaffolding and system scaffolding giants HAKI will represent the scaffolding industry at the UK’s leading construction show.
With a super-sized shared stand, the trio aims to showcase the scaffolding and access industry at the award-winning show that is widely viewed as one of the best festivals of construction.
London Build features 500+ speakers across 6 conference theatres, hundreds of exhibitors and free to attend networking events.
The two-day show takes place from Wednesday 17 November at Olympia in London. Q.F.S Scaffolding, HAKI and the NASC will be found on Stand E14.
NASC’s Health & Safety Advisor, Stephen Allen-Tidy said: “We’re delighted to partner with Q.F.S and HAKI, long-standing NASC Contractor and Supplier members, respectively. Between us, we’ll be able to answer any scaffolding questions London Build visitors may have – from equipment and erection through to compliance and industry guidance.”
David Probert, Sales Director at HAKI UK, added: “HAKI are thrilled to be exhibiting at London Build 2021 in conjunction with the NASC and QFS. This is a great opportunity to showcase the scaffolding and access industry and to demonstrate its collaborative approach.“By having the UK industry trade body, a leading contractor and a global supplier of system scaffold all on one stand, visitors to London Build will be able to see how the scaffolding industry works together.”
More on London Build 2021 here.
Slow paying customers could stop SME’s reaching a greener future says the Small Business Commissioner.
The Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay has called for big businesses to help their smaller suppliers with the transition to net-zero and suggested that they should share the benefits.
As the COP26 Summit in Glasgow enters its second week, the commissioner who took over in July appeared to criticise big firms, in a statement released by her office.
“My team and I focus on helping small businesses struggling to deal with the poor payment practices of larger firms. These often include late payments, short-notice contract variations or, even non-payment for work.These have a negative impact on the cash flow of a small business and aren’t acceptable. Given some of the wider challenges small businesses face post-Covid around debts, loan repayments and rising costs, waiting to get paid could stop them taking steps towards carbon reduction.”
The statement continued, calling on bigger customers to commit to simple and quick payment processes, giving priority to paying small business invoices, and giving practical help to their small suppliers.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association – the UK’s largest scaffolding trade association welcomed the message commenting: “The Scaffolding Association advocates moving towards a sustainable future, but businesses, particularly SME’s, cannot do this without help and support. Some of this needs to come from the government but industry must also do its bit and changing the behaviour of big businesses has a vital part to play in this.
He added, “Given that the construction sector accounts for 20% of the UK’s SME’s and has more than any other industry sector, this approach for us, is even more critical.”
A yard worker at a scaffolding company in Norfolk has made an eye-catching memorial for Remembrance Day.
Yardman Michael Barnard, 68, better known as Barney, who works for Mr Safedeck based in Gorleston, Norfolk has created an impressive scaffolding display for Remembrance Day.
He and he and his colleagues regularly create special displays for passersby to enjoy, reports Eastern Daily Press.
Inspired by his grandfather who served in the First World War and his father who served in the Second World War, Mr Barnard erected a Remembrance Day display on Monday with poppies and saluting soldiers.
Credit: James Weeds – Eastern Daily PressCredit: James Weeds – Eastern Daily Press
He made the display in his spare time using recycled materials after his Halloween display received local praise.
Mr Barnard said: “We got a few good responses for the Halloween one and people asked us to keep going.”“I thought it would be nice to show veterans they have our support.”
All organisations have a legal requirement to carry out risk assessments on any activities which could have a significant impact on their employees or others who may be affected by their undertakings.
Where a company employs five or more staff, it has to be written down. However, if a company or business employs less than 5 people, having written risk assessments can demonstrate that hazards and associated risks for the work have been considered.
Some activities which involve higher risk hazards may also require additional measures to reduce the risks to those carrying out the work, sometimes referred to as a safe system of work or a Method Statement.
Although a method statement is NOT a legal requirement, they are usually requested along with risk assessments as part of tendering and accreditation processes to show how the company will carry out works safely.
What you need to consider with a method statement
The production of a method statement can seem like a daunting task. But knowledge about how the activity will be done and what the risks are will help to ensure that the document is relevant and importantly, that staff will follow it.
Firstly, when looking at the activity being carried out, refer to the risk assessment.
Summarise the hazards present and make sure that the control measures are detailed and correct.
Look further into the activity and consider if you will need any additional training for those doing the work, any permits or licenses, or personal protection offering higher levels of protection etc.
The level of detail will increase the more complex the works are and the higher the risk is.
How to set out a method statement
There are lots of templates available for producing method statements but in general, they need to contain the following;
Clear title, show the address or location of the work, company details including management/staff names and emergency contact details.
A description of the work or activity with start/completion dates, details of access restrictions, emergency procedures etc.
Sequence of work. This should be kept simple to avoid confusion but contain enough detail for everyone involved to understand what will be done and how.
Be reviewed when necessary
Think of the sequence of work in a method statement as ‘recipe’ which explains in a step by step way what will be done, when and by who.
The sequence of work can be in the form of a bulleted list and should outline what will be done from arrival on site, all the way through to leaving the site on completion of the work.
Include references to any inductions required, the site set up, restricting access to the work area where needed, site clearing and removal of all waste and equipment at the end of the works.
You are the expert in the work you do. Ensuring that you complete risk assessments and method statements sometimes referred to as (RAMS) for your higher risk activities can demonstrate that you are doing what is necessary to reduce risks, but can also be an excellent opportunity to improve health and safety management, reduce costs and increase staff awareness.
Cut out the faff
We’re here to help you cut out the faff and our Alcumus Consultants can review your RAMS to help you ensure that they comply with current statutory and regulatory requirements.
Call 01484 439930 or visit www.alcumus.com/faff-free to find out more.
Scaffolders at British Steel in Scunthorpe have entered their fifth week of all-out strike action in a long-running pay dispute with bosses.
As previously reported over 60 scaffolders employed by Actavo walked out of the steelworks in October and took to the picket line over a long-running row over their pay.
Now into their fifth week of strike action backed by Unite the union, the scaffolders remain solid and determined in their fight for what they say should be the correct rate for the job.
The workers want to be paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). The rates for the scaffolders are currently 10 to 15 per cent below these rates, according to Unite.
Over the past five weeks, the scaffolders have picketed the three main gates at British Steel every day from 5.30 am till 2.30 pm. The group also held an early morning march that lead them around the site and into Scunthorpe town centre.
Scaffmag understands that a strike committee has now been set up to involve more strikers in the running of the dispute, and are considering ways to up the ante on Actavo and British Steel bosses.
According to the Socialist Newspaper, a family and friends Saturday town centre march has been suggested, and also a ‘solidarity with the Scaffs day’ to appeal to the 900 Unite members on the British Steel site to join the strikers on the picket line.
The scaffolders have gained support from other construction workers joining them on the picket lines from nearby Keadby and Drax power stations.
Alistair Tice, Yorkshire Socialist Party said in a post: “To win, the dispute it needs active support inside British Steel, to stop other scaffolding firms doing Actavo work, and for British Steel Unite stewards to lead from the front by standing on the picket lines and talking to their members not to cross.”
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“Our mechanical access teams always strive to treat each customer like they are number one – no matter if they only have small single MASTCLIMBERS™ or 10 large twin MASTCLIMBERS™ and multiple hoists on their project.
And this level of service quality goes back to the drawing board and in-house design teams, not just the on-site delivery and completion from our many skilled operatives.
“Having been part of Taylor’s Hoists growth in UK construction for 15+ years and the BrandSafway era, my expectations are very high, but I already know that the Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™ team is able to meet and deliver these high standards from what I have witnessed over the last month. We are all very excited about the future and the exciting projects we are currently and will be working on, in the whole of the UK.
“My vision is that we continue to perfect the great service we already offer, continue to invest in the newest, greenest fleets and ancillaries – assisting our clients with their mechanical access needs, however complex. I look forward to growing and aligning the mechanical access business with the great, large-scale team we already have to support our goal – to be the best access provider in the country.”
Lyndon SGB says, In the first month since Paul took on the new role, there have already been some significant changes – netting great rewards for Lyndon SGB, MASTCLIMBERS™ and Taylor’s Hoists customers countrywide. 
“Our mechanical access teams always strive to treat each customer like they are number one – no matter if they only have small single MASTCLIMBERS™ or 10 large twin MASTCLIMBERS™ and multiple hoists on their project.
And this level of service quality goes back to the drawing board and in-house design teams, not just the on-site delivery and completion from our many skilled operatives.
“Having been part of Taylor’s Hoists growth in UK construction for 15+ years and the BrandSafway era, my expectations are very high, but I already know that the Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™ team is able to meet and deliver these high standards from what I have witnessed over the last month. We are all very excited about the future and the exciting projects we are currently and will be working on, in the whole of the UK.
“My vision is that we continue to perfect the great service we already offer, continue to invest in the newest, greenest fleets and ancillaries – assisting our clients with their mechanical access needs, however complex. I look forward to growing and aligning the mechanical access business with the great, large-scale team we already have to support our goal – to be the best access provider in the country.”
Lyndon SGB says, In the first month since Paul took on the new role, there have already been some significant changes – netting great rewards for Lyndon SGB, MASTCLIMBERS™ and Taylor’s Hoists customers countrywide. 
