The Lighthouse Club’s Construction Industry Helpline App now offers critical free Sleepstation support.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’s free Helpline App has now been upgraded with ‘Sleepstation’, an NHS approved service aimed at improving support with insomnia and poor sleep health.
The confidential and clinically proven support is being provided completely free of charge by the charity and is in response to callers to the charity’s 24/7 helpline reporting difficulties with sleeping due to emotional, financial or other physical wellbeing issues.
Whilst most of the restrictions relating to Covid-19 have been lifted, many are still struggling with transitioning back to ‘normality’ or dealing with major life changes as a result. This in turn can impact on a good sleep pattern and so the addition of this extra help offers yet another lifeline to those that need it.
A good night’s sleep helps us deal with stress, improves resilience and optimises our immune system but with a fifth of all work related illness in construction due to stress, anxiety and depression, it is unsurprising that many are struggling.
Sleepstation is a clinically validated sleep improvement programme that looks at all the underlying reasons why people aren’t sleeping. Known as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) this approach has been proven to combat even the most severe insomnia and shown to be far superior to pharmaceutical interventions in both short and long-term management of sleep issues in adults of all ages.
Dedicated support teams deliver a holistic plan dependant on the issues identified and sleep issues can be improved significantly with just four sessions.
What Sleepstation offers:
An understanding of what is normal and what constitutes sleep deprivation
A personal sleep assessment and expert analysis
Confidential advice and reports
Support from an expert team who offer personal advice.
Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said: “I am absolutely delighted that we can now offer this invaluable service completely free of charge to our construction community. Simply by accessing our Helpline app, users can avoid lengthy waiting times and access the highest level of support without a GP referral. If someone is being affected by physical, financial or physical wellbeing issues, this too is likely to impact on their sleep, which means they are less likely to be able to cope, and the problem quickly spirals out of control. And as well as affecting mental wellbeing, for our construction workforce who often work with heavy machinery and plant, feeling fatigued could easily result in a serious or fatal accident on site. The addition of Sleepstation is yet another step in helping us achieve our mission that no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis”.
A budding scaffolder with Downs Syndrome has been named Achiever of the Year at the Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) Awards.
The awards were held at The Marriott City Centre Hotel in Bristol on 17 September are recognised across the South West built environment as the biggest and brightest celebration of best practice.
32-year-old Todd Scanlon who is currently striving to become a fully qualified scaffolder won the Achiever of the Year award in recognition for his excellent contribution to the South West Built Environment sector.
Scanlon who works for Coles Scaffolding Ltd in Swindon has been said to be a ‘model employee, that is strong, dedicated and always on time. His boss Martyn Coles has been guiding Todd and championing him every step of the way since he started with the company three years ago.
However, Todd is no stranger to winning awards or the limelight, in 2019 Todd was awarded the accolade of Apprentice of the Year by On The Tools and has been featured in many TV interviews with mainstream media.
Speaking to Access Point about the award, Todd’s boss Martyn Coles who accepted the award on his behalf explained that it came as a surprise: “We didn’t know that Todd had been nominated, he was just invited down for the ceremony, which unfortunately he couldn’t attend so I went instead.I still didn’t know anything about it, it wasn’t until about two awards out that someone told me that I will be receiving the award on Todd’s behalf.”
Martyn Facetime called Todd so that he could be a part of the ceremony via his mobile phone.
Martyn Coles (Right) accepting Todds award with him on call. Image Credit: CESW
Martyn added: “It’s great to see Todd getting recognition for his hard work by winning these awards. The next step is getting him proper recognition by getting him qualified, but at the moment we are struggling to get our foot in the door of the traditional routes.”
A contractor has been fined nearly £20,000 after a worker fell 15ft from a scaffolding tower in the Trafford Centre, Manchester.
The TA Knox Shopfitters Ltd employee suffered multiple fractures from the fall that happened on 24 October 2019.
Manchester Magistrates Court heard that he was working from a tower scaffold at the front of the Footasylum Store in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, when the scaffold moved throwing him off balance.
He fell back against the safety rail of the scaffold, which gave way and he fell fifteen feet to the ground. The employee suffered ten fractured ribs, a fractured shoulder and a collapsed lung.
An investigation by the HSE found that the safety rail had not been fixed in place correctly, causing it to give way when the employee fell against it. It also found that the tower scaffold had not been erected by somebody with the appropriate skills, knowledge and training.
If the edge protection had been suitable and sufficient and the tower was constructed by somebody competent to erect tower scaffolds, the incident could have been prevented, says the HSE.
TA Knox Shopfitters Ltd of Hollingworth Road, Bredbury, Stockport pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,623.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and severe injuries in this country. The risks associated with work at height are well known. This incident could so easily have been avoided by ensuring that suitable and sufficient edge protection had been used and qualified people had been on site to erect a tower scaffold.”
Members of the Armed Forces were introduced to some of the outstanding opportunities that await them on civvy street within the scaffolding industry at a military careers event last week.
Scaffolding trade association the NASC saw more than 100 current service personnel stop at its stand at the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) event at Tidworth Leisure Centre.
All were greeted by NASC’s Training and Recruitment Officer Henry Annafi and representatives from NASC Contractor members Severnside Scaffolding Ltd and S & K Scaffolding Ltd, also attending was NASC Information member SIMIAN.
Henry said: “It was great to see such interest and enthusiasm shown by so many serving Armed Forces personnel. Many of these people had little or no knowledge of what the scaffolding industry can offer them but were very receptive to what we had to share with them.“They were very impressed by the structured and progressive nature of the CISRS scheme – and the NASC’s Armed Forces Training Fund, which will fully cover the costs of retraining and qualifying as a scaffolder – along with the variety of the work, camaraderie and earning potential.“Whilst at the event S & K Scaffolding immediately set up interviews with three candidates and more than 40 jobseekers took our NASC Careers information away with them, which is a very positive response. I’m optimistic that many of these will take be seeking to take up positions in our industry in the near future. “I’d like to thank each of the members who gave up their time to represent the NASC and the scaffolding industry at this event, it is imperative that scaffolding employers engage in events such as this one, in order to promote the sector and inform the wider labour market us of the many vacancies we are looking to fill. “Our efforts would have been far less effective without their support. We now look forward to the BFRS virtual careers fair on Tuesday 28 September.”
One of Scotlands largest scaffolding providers has revealed how the firm erected a 24m-high circular scaffold around the Hamilton Mausoleum in preparation for major repairs.
JR Scaffold Services, a division of the JR Group has erected a full perimeter scaffold structure including a huge circular/radial scaffold around the dome of the building ahead of restoration works.
The scaffold, which was supplied on behalf of Go Wright Ltd, will stand erected until 2022, upon completion of planned stone restoration and lead replacement works.
Project Scotland reports that following a campaign from the Hamilton Mausoleum Trust, South Lanarkshire Council pledged to invest thousands into repairing the historic building.
They later commissioned repair work to combat water ingress and reverse signs of wear and tear.
Located in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, the Hamilton Mausoleum was the resting place of the family of the Dukes of Hamilton.
Built-in the grounds of the now-demolished Hamilton Palace, it’s high stone used to hold the record for the longest echo within any man-made structure in the world, taking 15 seconds for the sound of a slammed door to fade.
In recent years the Mausoleum has hosted modern and classical music performances and art installations.
JR Scaffold Services worked with Historic Scotland to erect the scaffolding project in a way that would protect the building and its history.
Speaking to Project Scotland John Jack, contracts manager at The JR Group, said: “We’re proud to be playing a part in the restoration of the Hamilton Mausoleum – one of the country’s most iconic buildings that holds a fascinating history. Over a four-week period, we built a scaffold structure around the entire perimeter of the building including the dome, along with a full-height loading bay, staircase and hoist bay. The scaffold will allow for important works to preserve the Hamilton Mausoleum, which has been showing signs of water ingress.“JR Scaffold Services worked closely with Historic Scotland throughout this process to ensure that the building and its features were protected. Vital repair works have now begun and when completed will breathe new life into the landmark, helping to safeguard its future.”
Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK has expanded its extensive offering with two new powerful XGT 40VMax Brushless Impact Wrenches.
The new TW007G and TW008G impact wrenches offer four-speed options, so users can easily adjust the output to match the task for optimum operation.
The new tools can deliver up to 2,900 impacts per minute and reach a no-load speed of up to 2,300rpm ensuring operator efficiency.
For ease of use, both models also feature a trigger switch that allows operators to activate full speed mode at the press of a button.
To ensure user comfort, both impact wrenches have been ergonomically designed with a rubberised soft grip which means the tools can be used for extended periods of time without fatigue.
In addition, the new LED job light means the work area is always illuminated for clear visibility and safety.
Finally, the TW007G and TW008G feature an electric brake which quickly stops rotation for increased operator safety.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “At Makita we are dedicated to offering trade professionals across any sector a wide range of machines that they rely on to complete tasks quickly, efficiently and safely. The latest products added to the line-up give tradespeople even more choice so they can always find the right tool for the job.”
To find out more about Makita’s XGT line up visit: www.makitauk.com
Proptech startup SearchLand has launched a new tool to allow developers to search for permitted development (PD) sites.
SearchLand is used by developers, investors, architects and anyone else looking for sites to develop on. It layers disparate sources of data, from land ownership and boundaries to planning permissions and prices paid, on top of satellite image maps, with intuitive search functionality.
The new upgrade to its software-as-a-service platform makes it quicker and easier for users to find sites that have PD rights. This means certain building works and changes of use can be carried out without the need for a full planning application.
PD rights were introduced by the UK Government as part of its target to ensure 300,000 new homes are added to the national housing stock every year. The Government says that in the five years to March 2020, change-of-use PD rights created 72,687 new homes.
PD rights are designed to be temporary, allowing the government to correct imbalances in the property market. For instance, in the case of Class MA (mercantile to abode), this PD right is an attempt to take brownfield stock from languishing high streets and convert into much-needed residential property.
SearchLand aims to increase the number of developers accessing PD sites and, in turn, boost housebuilding activity in order to address the UK’s housing crisis – its class MA permitted development tool currently has 27,599 opportunities identified. The update comes as SeachLand continues to break ground in its mission to disrupt the site sourcing process through automation and the more intelligent use of data and technology.
SearchLand’s PD tool works by cross-referencing a range of datasets, including use class, planning constraints and internal measurements to identify sites that meet predefined criteria. It automates and thereby significantly accelerates developers’ search for viable plots of land.
Hugh Gibbs, co-founder of SearchLand, said: “The addition of the PD tool is a really exciting moment for SearchLand. Our site sourcing solution is already providing many developers with a competitive edge, but the ability to now rapidly pinpoint PD sites through our platform is another significant step forward.“Planning permissions are a major stumbling block for developers. PD sites lower that risk, hence they are so highly sought after. So, as well as helping developers hunt down that proverbial needle in the haystack, SearchLand is pleased to be aiding the UK’s housebuilding efforts.”
Founded in 2020, SearchLand is working to automate the entire site sourcing workflow, from site identification to landowner engagement. As site finding becomes increasingly competitive, being able to speed up the process is going to be essential for site finders to remain competitive in the coming years.
For any complex structure, innovative temporary works solutions help to reduce imposed loads on permanent structures helping to bring various elements of the project together.
The A52 Clifton Bridge, ‘a major National Highways upgrade project’ in Nottingham, is one of these complex structures, which is undergoing repair works inside and underneath the bridge to strengthen the concrete with the installation of new steel cables.
Spans 4 and 5 are critical structural sections of the bridge as they sit directly above the River Trent, making access to this section more technical than most.
By working closely together, and understanding the project’s requirements very early on, PERI proposed a full integrated scaffolding and formwork solution to main contractor VSL Systems UK. The design was subject to stringent checks by National Highways and VSL prior to the build. This involved detailed planning and demonstrating how the suspended access would be installed to the underside of this section of the bridge, which spans over 100m.
The scaffolding provider also worked alongside specialist contractor Newco Scaffolding to ensure continuity throughout the installation of various applications, encompassing on-site demonstrations and product system support prior to and during the build.
Over 140 tonnes of PERI UP scaffolding has been used on the project to support a range of access requirements, keeping the temporary load of the solution to a minimum throughout each phase. This has involved incorporating the lightweight PERI UP 75 Flex Stairs where possible for greater flexibility, with its range of stair lifts accommodating changes in working height throughout the build. Other systems included birdcage scaffolds with high load capacity to store large amounts of material on opposite sides of the river leading up to the suspended scaffolding and walkway to the underside of the bridge.
Access to material was enhanced by integrating the 40kN-capacity PERI UP loading bays on site, as they provided ideal storage space at the required levels and could be accessed via the main working platforms.
One of the key benefits of PERI’s involvement was its supply of essential formwork products in the early stages of the project and how it integrated with the PERI UP Flex system to prevent clashes throughout the build.
3D planning and the benefits of system integration enabled the lightweight DUO formwork, GT beam formwork and VARIOKIT to work around the scaffolding structures with ease, resulting in a unified temporary works solution.
“We wanted to provide a clear walkway to allow repair works to be carried out seamlessly with minimal interruptions to the interface and existing structure. We have been able to achieve this through detailed 3D planning of the vision we had proposed to VSL in the early stages of this project in conjunction with our in-house design team. This has proved beneficial for the site team and our designers as we were able to carry out a clash detection exercise with our formwork and scaffolding to deliver a secure and obstruction-free working area suspended above the ground. We are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with VSL and other customers in similar challenging infrastructure environments,” says Business Development Manager for PERI UP, Charles Stratford.
HSE’s inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting firms within construction in a month-long inspection blitz.
Starting Monday 4 October 2021 the HSE are to check that businesses health standards are up to scratch.
This year inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease, the HSE will be looking at the control measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from construction dust including silica, asbestos and wood dust.
This is part of HSE’s longer-term health and work strategy to improve health within the construction industry.
Although the primary focus will be on health during this programme of inspections, the HSE says if an inspector identifies any other areas of concern, including immediate safety risks, they will take the necessary action to deal with them.
Inspectors will be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls. If necessary, they will use enforcement to make sure people are protected.
The initiative will be supported by HSE’s WorkRight campaign, aimed at influencing employer behaviour by encouraging workers to download free guidance and advice, increasing knowledge and capability to protect workers’ health.
More than 3,500 builders die each year from cancers related to their work, with thousands of more cases of ill-health and working days lost.
HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Sarah Jardine, said: “Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents. “Our inspection initiatives ensure that inspectors are able to speak to duty holders and visit sites to look at the kind of action businesses in the construction industry are taking right now to protect their workers’ health, particularly when it comes to exposure to dust and damage to lungs. These are mature health challenges that the industry ought to be managing effectively. “There are a few simple things that everyone can do to make sure they are protecting their health and their future. Be aware of the risks associated with activities you do every day, recognise the dangers of hazardous dust and consider how it can affect your health. We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust by working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right protective equipment.”
HSE is being supported by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) and Tier 1 industry contractors. Throughout October 2021, HCLG members will carry out more than 1,000 site visits to assess the effectiveness of measures in place to controls workers’ exposure to respiratory risks from dust.
Findings from site visits and a survey will allow the industry to feed into HSE’s broader commitment to improve the health of construction workers by providing HSE with a wider dataset to evaluate ongoing practices across the industry.
HSE and industry Insights will support HSE’s strategic plan to broaden the range and depth of future regulatory health interventions.
A construction company has been fined £200k following an incident where three bricklayers fell from height suffering serious injuries.
North Somerset Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 18 July 2018, three bricklayers fell approximately 2.5 metres onto a concrete floor sustaining serious injuries ranging from a broken back, a broken sternum to a swollen knee.
The three workers fell through a temporary stairwell cover, which gave way underneath them because it had not been correctly fitted.
An investigation by the HSE found that St Modwen Homes Limited did not have a robust system in place to ensure that the temporary stairwell cover was identified as a temporary working platform and treated as such.
It failed to coordinate matters relating to the safe use of the temporary platform and it failed to plan, manage and monitor the installation, inspection, maintenance and use of the temporary working platform.
St Modwen Homes Limited based in Birmingham pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £13,332.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Stephan Axt-Simmonds said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Temporary stairwell covers need to be inspected the same as any other working platforms.“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
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Over 140 tonnes of PERI UP scaffolding has been used on the project to support a range of access requirements, keeping the temporary load of the solution to a minimum throughout each phase. This has involved incorporating the lightweight 
One of the key benefits of PERI’s involvement was its supply of essential formwork products in the early stages of the project and how it integrated with the 
HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Sarah Jardine, said: “Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents.
“Our inspection initiatives ensure that inspectors are able to speak to duty holders and visit sites to look at the kind of action businesses in the construction industry are taking right now to protect their workers’ health, particularly when it comes to exposure to dust and damage to lungs. These are mature health challenges that the industry ought to be managing effectively.
“There are a few simple things that everyone can do to make sure they are protecting their health and their future. Be aware of the risks associated with activities you do every day, recognise the dangers of hazardous dust and consider how it can affect your health. We want businesses and their workers to think of the job from start to finish and avoid creating dust by working in different ways to keep dust down and wear the right protective equipment.”
HSE is being supported by the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) and Tier 1 industry contractors. Throughout October 2021, HCLG members will carry out more than 1,000 site visits to assess the effectiveness of measures in place to controls workers’ exposure to respiratory risks from dust.
Findings from site visits and a survey will allow the industry to feed into HSE’s broader commitment to improve the health of construction workers by providing HSE with a wider dataset to evaluate ongoing practices across the industry.
HSE and industry Insights will support HSE’s strategic plan to broaden the range and depth of future regulatory health interventions. 
