Simian International has an existing partnership in Qatar with local company QISC. They managed to keep their centre operating throughout the pandemic by introducing a strict set of COVID related RAMS and procedures, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning regimes and the wearing of masks.
They successfully completed their CISRS annual accreditation audit earlier in the week and continue to deliver a range of OSTS courses both at their centre and various on-site locations across the region.
Dave Mosley added: “We were concerned that the COVID pandemic may have had a negative effect on the OSTS scheme, however it continues to flourish in Qatar. There is a lot of work coming off in the oil, gas and energy sectors in the coming years and we will be pushing to ensure that scaffolders continue their training and assessment moving onto Level 2, 3 and 4.
“CISRS plans to return to Qatar in the coming months to hold a seminar for clients, contractors and government officials to promote the benefits of a trained, qualified and competent workforce.”
Simian International opens new CISRS training centre in Doha
A new training partnership has been forged between Simian International and Enertech Qatar resulting in a new facility opening in Doha, Qatar.
After almost two years since its last visit to the region due to the Covid pandemic, CISRS has recently been out to the new facility and awarded it an official accreditation.
The new centre will offer CISRS OSTS Level 1, Level 2, Basic Scaffold Inspection, Advanced Scaffold Inspection and Scaffolding Supervisor courses.
Dave Mosley, CISRS Managing Director, said: “This project has been a long time in the making, due to discussions with several potential UK provider partners and then the onset of the COVID pandemic. We are very pleased to have at last had the opportunity to get out to Doha and carry out the accreditation visit.
“They have done a great job with the practical area and it has been fitted out with all brand-new materials.”
Simian International will provide experienced qualified CISRS instructors to deliver the OSTS courses and it is envisaged that training will start in the next few weeks.
Simian International has an existing partnership in Qatar with local company QISC. They managed to keep their centre operating throughout the pandemic by introducing a strict set of COVID related RAMS and procedures, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning regimes and the wearing of masks.
They successfully completed their CISRS annual accreditation audit earlier in the week and continue to deliver a range of OSTS courses both at their centre and various on-site locations across the region.
Dave Mosley added: “We were concerned that the COVID pandemic may have had a negative effect on the OSTS scheme, however it continues to flourish in Qatar. There is a lot of work coming off in the oil, gas and energy sectors in the coming years and we will be pushing to ensure that scaffolders continue their training and assessment moving onto Level 2, 3 and 4.
“CISRS plans to return to Qatar in the coming months to hold a seminar for clients, contractors and government officials to promote the benefits of a trained, qualified and competent workforce.”
Simian International has an existing partnership in Qatar with local company QISC. They managed to keep their centre operating throughout the pandemic by introducing a strict set of COVID related RAMS and procedures, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning regimes and the wearing of masks.
They successfully completed their CISRS annual accreditation audit earlier in the week and continue to deliver a range of OSTS courses both at their centre and various on-site locations across the region.
Dave Mosley added: “We were concerned that the COVID pandemic may have had a negative effect on the OSTS scheme, however it continues to flourish in Qatar. There is a lot of work coming off in the oil, gas and energy sectors in the coming years and we will be pushing to ensure that scaffolders continue their training and assessment moving onto Level 2, 3 and 4.
“CISRS plans to return to Qatar in the coming months to hold a seminar for clients, contractors and government officials to promote the benefits of a trained, qualified and competent workforce.”
Twin brothers launch platform for better mental health in business
Duncan and Guy Robertson have constructed an integrated platform with the goal of mitigating the impact of poor mental health in the workplace.
The brothers based in the North-East aim to actively track, manage and mitigate the impact of mental health in the business while linking employees to a community of shared lived experiences.
Scaffmag has previously highlighted the excellent work being done across the scaffolding industry in terms of mental health. It seems the message is getting across the business spectrum like never before.
As the co-founders of Dittolo, a stage created to facilitate actionable insights, risk assessments, and cost impacts enabling organisations to implement “more proactive and preventative” support interventions, they hope to educate and offer better solutions than many current fragmented ones.
Carrying great experience in change management, Guy explained: “Most organisations simply don’t know the state of employee mental health in the business and can’t effectively quantify the cost. A report by Deloitte revealed poor mental health costs UK businesses an estimated £45bn every year.”
“What we want to do is empower organisations with actionable insights and provide employees with a safe and trusted space to connect with others who have a shared experience.”
Before the pandemic kicked in Duncan had completed more than 20 years in the airline industry. He added: “We are seeking to collaborate with organisations and their employees, to shape and define the platform in line with what works for them so we can provide the most effective tools, resources, and support that meet their needs.”
Their scheme has been strengthened after joining up with the Accelerator programme purpose-led by Nat West and based in the North-East. It’s predominantly aimed at those entrepreneurs redefining what it means to be a business and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Duncan revealed: “The Accelerator has been invaluable in terms of upskilling our business-iq and providing a broader operational perspective for our business. We’ve also enjoyed working with other entrepreneurs and learning from them.”
Both large and small scaffolding businesses will be taking note as it’s clear the mental health of their workforce is of paramount importance both now and in the future.
JR Scaffold Services embarks on first project with premium house builder
One of Scotland’s largest scaffolding suppliers has marked the start of a new partnership with housebuilder Dandara East Scotland on a new Midlothian development.
In its first job for Dandara, JR Scaffold Services – a division of leading construction firm, The JR Group – will deliver scaffolding services for the affordable homes part of the housebuilder’s Shawfair development.
Sitting alongside the development’s 38 private homes, the 18 affordable apartments will be housed within two three-storey blocks.
John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold Services, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be embarking on a new project with the team at Dandara East Scotland. A major part of our ethos is partnership working and, based on our early conversations with the Dandara team, we can see a long-term future working together.
“Scaffolding is a key division of The JR Group and is the foundation on which the business was built, so we’re keen to bring this expertise to the Shawfair development and to play a key role in facilitating the provision of affordable homes on behalf of Dandara. We hope this will be the first of many projects to come.”
Stuart Dallas, Contracts Manager at Dandara, said: “We are delighted to have JR Scaffolding Services – on board for its first development with Dandara, and look forward to working together now and in the future.”
JR Scaffold Services is the original division of The JR Group, and was founded in Govan in 1995. Over the past 26 years, it has grown to become one of Scotland’s largest scaffold suppliers.
JR Scaffold Services’ extensive experience has seen the teamwork alongside Historic Scotland on a host of listed buildings and historic monuments. The team also provides services to many of the UK’s leading private and affordable housebuilders, as well as routinely working on MoD installations, schools, hospitals and government buildings.
Leach’s plants 100 trees and Launches Range of Eco-Products
Scaffolding supplier Leach’s has launched a range of new environmentally-friendly products and to celebrate 100 years in business it’s planting 100 trees to help reduce its carbon footprint.
Leach’s, one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of scaffolding supplies and height safety equipment, is planting 100 trees to celebrate 100 years of business as part of its ongoing sustainability initiative.
The company is working with Trees for Life to plant 100 trees in the Scottish Highlands.
As the firm continues its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, it is also launching two brand-new environmentally friendly products, Leach’s Eco Harness and BIGBEN® Ultralite Eco Gloves, delivering sustainable product options to the scaffolding and construction industries.
For much of Leach’s first 100 years, it has prioritised taking care of people. That has involved delivering the ultimate protection for all tradespersons working at height, including scaffolders and construction workers. Now, it is widening its focus to include protecting our planet.
Leach’s has launched a first if it’s kind Eco Harness that’s made from upcycled PET bottles and is certified-free from harmful chemicals. As scaffolders get through many pairs of gloves week in week out the company is also launching BIGBEN® Ultralite Eco Gloves that are made from one recycled plastic bottle per pair of gloves. What’s more, they are washable and reusable too.
Russell Tennent, Managing Director at Leach’s, said: “In recent years, as part of our efforts to implement environmentally friendly working practices across industry, we’ve successfully introduced products like BIGBEN Eco Scaffold Sheeting that can be recycled; we’ve taken more of our manufacturing in house to help reduce our carbon footprint; and we have plans to reduce the waste from our packaging.
We’ve been taking the steps needed to push the industry towards sustainable business practices. These new product launches, alongside the trees initiative, forms the latest in a series of new endeavours to protect our planet.”
Russell Tennent, Managing Director at Leach’s, said: “In recent years, as part of our efforts to implement environmentally friendly working practices across industry, we’ve successfully introduced products like BIGBEN Eco Scaffold Sheeting that can be recycled; we’ve taken more of our manufacturing in house to help reduce our carbon footprint; and we have plans to reduce the waste from our packaging.
We’ve been taking the steps needed to push the industry towards sustainable business practices. These new product launches, alongside the trees initiative, forms the latest in a series of new endeavours to protect our planet.” New innovative product for roof edge protection launched
TRAD UK has launched a new product that offers complete flexibility for both temporary and permanent roof edge protection.
TRAD UK, part of the TRAD Group, has launched its latest innovation – the All-in-One EdgeGuard system. Building on the popularity of its long-standing EdgeGuard product, the new all-in-one has been designed to meet both British and European Standards that offers an easier, safer and smarter way to protect roof edges up to a pitch of 10°.
This new patent-pending product offers a range of features:
- Meets BS EN 13374:2018 Class A and the new BS 13700:2021, making it the leading choice for all project site, whether it be for temporary or permanent installation, or both.
- Lightweight modular components that are easy to install.
- No specialist tools are required.
- Improved safety with low-profile feet and non-slip rubber mat.
- Free-standing, folding or fixed options.
- Minimal training is required to install.
Teal Scaffold support Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
To mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, Northwest firm Teal Scaffold is encouraging its team and urging the wider industry to perform self-examinations.
Teal Scaffold is backing the national campaign to highlight the importance of self-examination and regular testing. It is widely reported that testicular cancer most often develops in young and middle-aged men between 20 to 30 years old.
The company’s management is going to great lengths this month to stamp out the stigma, to promote positive male health and wellbeing.
As part of the UK’s Best Place to Work, The Sovini Group, the scaffolding company plans to build on their momentum of raising awareness of testicular cancer beyond April, encouraging, and signposting the Group’s colleagues to get tested.
As part of the campaign, Teal will be advocating on behalf of The Testicular Cancer Network within the Group and encouraging conversations amongst colleagues.
Teal Scaffold Head of Operations, Dan McGregor says: “We are encouraging the men in our team and our wider Group to take their health seriously. We are always looking for ways to further elevate key health messages to our colleagues, customers and beyond.”
“Just like the checks we perform on scaffolding to ensure health and safety; testicular self-examination should be a part of our daily routine too. It is incredibly important that we support Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. It is remarkable the work that The Testicular Cancer Network are doing and hopefully we can help amplify their message. Awareness will save lives.”
Community Engagement Manager, Darren Couchman at The Robin Cancer Trust shares: “It is so important that men get to know the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and how to carry out a self-examination. Us chaps need to talk about our health more and break the stigma that testicular cancer is an embarrassing illness. It’s not. As a testicular cancer survivor of 21 years, I know first-hand how vitally important it is to be aware, perform a monthly self-check and not to be embarrassed to visit your GP. It’s fair to say that if I wasn’t aware of what to look out for, I wouldn’t be here now. It’s fantastic that Teal Scaffold is advocating testicular cancer awareness amongst their employees. With companies like Teal Scaffold supporting the cause, we can reach so many more men with our life saving campaigns.”
Testicular Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for young men in the UK, but if detected in its early stages, it’s 98% curable.
For a guide on how to check for testicular cancer, or for more information on how to join, support or donate to the charities visit The Orchid Cancer Charity, Testicular Cancer Charity , Robin Cancer Trust or Baggy Trousers UK.
CITB Grants supports businesses bringing new entrants into industry
CITB data reveals that almost 14,000 businesses have been supported in the form of grants, with over £77m paid out in the last year, and over 45% of grant spent went to small and micro businesses.
The CITB Grants Scheme provides grants for employers in the construction industry that provide day-to-day training for their workforce. There are several areas whereby businesses can apply for grants, including apprenticeships, short courses, and short/long qualifications.
The scheme is just one of the many ways CITB supports employers to maintain standards on construction sites and ensuring the right skills are available for the industry to grow. CITB also offers employer funds, which last year amounted to over £19m back to industry, assisting with standards development, training delivery and apprenticeships.
The data from the last year also indicates that apprenticeships have taken prominence, being the highest utilised area of grant amongst businesses, with 64% of grant spend claimed by apprenticeships in 2021/22. This support was maintained at a crucial time following the pandemic, allowing employers to adapt to the changing environment while continuing to deliver training. An additional £14m has been made available for 2022/23 to support a forecast increase in apprenticeship take up.
This is extremely encouraging news at a time when an additional 217,000 workers are required by 2025 to meet demand. CITB’s recent Rethinking Recruitment report also highlights some of the challenges industry currently face when recruiting new entrants, and this places greater emphasis on apprenticeships as a key way of securing a pipeline of future talent.
One business that has benefitted from the CITB Grants Scheme in recent years is Daniel Jeffries Carpentry. The Bournemouth based business has become well-known for taking on elaborate, quirky builds, garnering attention far and wide and helping them to secure various contracts across the world.
Speaking about the support he’s received, Daniel said: “The scheme was great for me because when I first started, I was just on my own. Then I got talking to a painter on site one day and he suggested I look into getting some support. I’d never thought about it really because I’d always thought it would be a bit complicated, and a bit too much paperwork and hassle, but it was actually really easy.”
Following a call with a CITB Adviser, Daniel discovered he was entitled to grant support and has since expanded the business, now employing a team of 10 people, including two apprentices. This has enabled the business to venture into larger-scale projects, having recently worked on a design of a snow lodge in the UK, which they then shipped out to America.
Daniel said: “Harvey was my first apprentice; he’s qualified now but just needs to complete his final assessment. I watch him on site and he’s so good at what he does; being able to get that extra support into the team really made a big difference to us.
“I was also able to get the rest of the team on training courses through CITB support. They’ve been doing all sorts of different tests here, including some essential training like the health and safety courses.”
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the support the Grant Scheme has been able to provide in the last year, helping many smaller businesses through a turbulent time. The Grant Scheme is in place for all eligible employers who are registered with CITB, making it a huge opportunity that could really make all the difference for a business wanting to expand or further develop their skills.
“If you would like more information about becoming registered and claiming a grant, we’d really encourage you to get in touch and speak to one of our advisers.”
LIVE: Scaffolding Championships
Watch teams of scaffolders from eight different scaffolding contractors based in Lithuania, Finland and Sweden take part and compete in the scaffolding championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Participants include employees from Hot Rema, Globalita, Bjorli Bygg, Global Scaffolders, Bailey Industries, MSA Telineet, Bygg Stillas as and Telinetiimi.
International Scaffolding Championship to get underway tomorrow
After two long years of postponements due to the Covid pandemic and travel restrictions organisers in Lithuania are ready to welcome eight teams of scaffolders from around Europe to compete in the 2nd Scaffolding Championship.
Teams of scaffolders from eight different scaffolding contractors based in Lithuania, Finland and Sweden are limbering up in preparation to compete in tomorrow’s scaffolding championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Participants include employees from Hot Rema, Globalita, Bjorli Bygg, Global Scaffolders, Bailey Industries, MSA Telineet, Bygg Stillas as and Telinetiimi.
In 2019 Scaffmag’s Editor visited the first successful scaffolding championship event that aimed to promote a professional scaffolding trade while showcasing the improved safety standards in the Baltic region.
That event saw nine teams participating from five countries, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia. Each team had to safely erect and dismantle a designed freestanding scaffold within two hours. The teams were against the clock and the scrutiny of industry expert referees.
This year’s event organisers, The Baltic Scaffolding Association (BSA) are live streaming the championships that we will be hosting here from 7am Friday 22nd April.
Revealed: the UK’s biggest van theft hotspots
New research has revealed the UK’s biggest hotspots for van theft, with some regions seeing the number of offences more than double year-on-year.
The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, issued Freedom of Information requests to police forces to discover how many vans were stolen in 2020 and 2021.
Cambridgeshire is the UK’s biggest hotspot for the crime, with a 103% increase in van theft over the two years. The number of trade vehicles stolen rose from 68 in 2020 to 138 in 2021.
Cumbria isn’t far behind, with offences doubling over the time period from 15 to 30 (100%).
In fact, almost two in five (38%) police forces saw increases in van theft between 2020 and 2021.
Over the two years, 14,919 vans were reported stolen across the UK, with an average of 466 per police force.
However, as many crime reports fail to specify the type of vehicle, this figure could be even higher.
Almost half (46%) of the total number of offences were in London. In 2020 and 2021, 6,839 incidents of van theft were reported to The Metropolitan Police Service.
To help tradespeople protect themselves from van theft, Dan Powell, motoring expert at Desperate Seller, offers security advice.
1) Park in well-lit, highly trafficked areas
“This can often be the most effective deterrent as it makes a discrete getaway extremely difficult. If it means paying a little more for parking or walking an extra few minutes to your destination, it’s a lot less effort and cost than the alternative.”
2) Secure your spare wheel
“Spare wheels are often unscrewed and stolen without the van owner’s knowledge. Once you’ve checked that you still have yours, make sure it’s secured with a wheel lock. There are inexpensive products on the market that can save you the hassle of being caught out.”
3) Make sure you have insurance
“Most importantly, it’s always worth having adequate van insurance in case of theft or damage. Ensure the insurance policy includes tools and equipment left in the van overnight. Not all insurance products will provide this, and if you need to leave valuables in the vehicle, it’s essential to make sure they are covered.”
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “Sadly, van theft is a common problem across the UK and offences can have a devastating impact on tradespeople, both personally and professionally.
“Our research has revealed which areas are seeing particularly large spikes in cases, but you need to be careful wherever you live, and that’s why we’re working with experts to share their top bits of advice on how to protect yourself.”
