HSE update guidance on driving and riding for work

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HSE update guidance on driving and riding for work

The HSE, working in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), has published updated guidance on work-related road risk (WRRR) for employers and workers.

The gig economy and the increasing use of personal vehicles for work purposes – the so-called ‘grey fleet’ – has created some confusion over where responsibility for legal compliance lies, says the regulator. Driving for work is likely to be the most dangerous activity most workers will ever undertake.
  • Every week there are around 200 deaths and serious injuries involving people using the road for work
  • It is estimated that 40,000 people working in occupations such as sales, deliveries or taxi-driving are involved in road traffic collisions every year
  • Company car drivers in the UK are 49% more likely to be involved in traffic collisions, even after correcting for demographic variables and their relatively high mileages
  • Countless other will suffer stress, anxiety and/or minor injuries from unreported incidents.
HM Inspector for HSE’s Transport and Public Services Unit, Nicola Jaynes, commented: “The Health and Safety at Work Act sets out the legal duties of employers and those engaged to work for them, their responsibilities to manage WRRR are nothing new. However, the landscape is changing and we wanted to ensure guidance reflects these changes and also remains relevant for years to come. “Companies who otherwise have robust health and safety policies sometimes fail to consider their responsibilities adequately when it comes to driving or riding for work. Everyone should come home from work safe and well, whether they’re working behind a desk or behind the wheel.” Prosecutions could lead to significant fines and custodial sentences, as well as driving bans and/or operator licences being revoked. In 2020, a company found guilty of failing to effectively manage fatigue for their employees driving for work, was fined £450,000 and ordered to pay £30,000 costs after two men lost their lives in a motorway collision. All drivers and riders have an individual responsibility for their driving behaviour under road traffic laws. However, when driving for work, the organisation they work for has legal responsibility for their employees’ health and safety. For example, ensuring employees do not drive an excessive number of hours and checking their vehicle is properly maintained, even if it belongs to the employee. The regulations apply to all workers including those using two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters and ebikes. The updated guidance is informed by HSE research which included a literature review, survey and interviews with those working in the sector. Nicola Jaynes added: “The shocking number of injuries and fatalities associated with driving for work demonstrates that more needs to be done to manage WRRR.  This updated guidance will give employers the guidance they need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their drivers and riders. Organisations with a positive safety culture and clear, well-managed policies for driving and riding for work can have a significant influence keeping our roads safe for everybody.” Read the newly updated guidance on work-related road risk here.

CITB is set to protect and increase training capacity for scaffolding

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CITB is set to protect and increase training capacity for scaffolding

CITB has announced that scaffolding training will continue at its facility in Erith, Kent while also increasing capacity at Bircham Newton in Norfolk.

Speaking to Scaffmag the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) said in addition to creating increased capacity at the Bircham Newton, Norfolk-based, training site, retention of the training centre at Erith has now been confirmed, in order to ensure that high-quality provision remains available for the sector.   

This is to ensure employers’ access to specialist training provision in the region, particularly in the priority skills area of scaffolding.   

National Construction College (NCC) South, run by expert instructors, continues to provide high-quality training alongside CITB’s other colleges at Bircham Newton, Norfolk, and Inchinnan, near Glasgow. 

The training board says supporting employers’ core skills and training needs and tackling long-term people and skills challenges underpin CITB’s 2021/22 Business Plan, published in March. And the CITB remains focused on supporting learners at the three NCC centres to continue delivering excellent training for construction employers.  

Its new commitment comes after the CITB shelved plans earlier this year to sell off the NCC’s at Bircham Newton, Norfolk and Inchinnan after failing to find buyers.

The CITB’s training update has been welcomed by industry body the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). 

David Mosley, CISRS Managing Director, said: “It’s great news that the scaffolding training facility at Erith is to be retained by CITB, whose expert instructors have provided training for London and South East employers for so long. 

“The construction industry urgently needs new workers to ensure contracts are fulfilled and the industry can be more productive, so the retention of Erith provides much-needed continuity, reassurance and confirmation that CITB remains committed to training the next generation of scaffolders.” 

Jackie Ducker, CITB Customer and Product Director, said: “Scaffolding has been identified as a priority skills need and training is in high demand.  

“Employers in the South East and London can have the confidence that they can access the training they need through CITB, which will continue to support a dedicated high-quality training facility run by experts, for professionals, to benefit the region, industry, and wider economy.” 

Scaffolding Association Welcomes Improved Mental Health Support

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Scaffolding Association Welcomes Improved Mental Health Support

New research suggests that over a third of businesses have reported that employee mental health support has got better since the start of the pandemic.

A recent survey conducted by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) who work with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships, found that over a third of British employers have seen their mental health support improve since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses were asked about whether they had seen a change to employee mental health and wellbeing support in their organisation:
  • over a third (36%) said it had got better
  • nearly 1 in 10 (9%) said it had got worse
  • half (50%) reported it as staying the same
  • 6% of employers did not know
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association welcomed the findings. He said “Whilst the results from this survey are largely positive, there is much more work to do across all sectors to ensure employees can access the help and support they need on this really important issue. The construction industry in particular, must be more proactive in tackling the huge problem it has with the lack of wellbeing support provided to its workforce. Poor mental health in the industry is exacerbated by requirements to work away from home, heavy workloads, long hours and job insecurity”. A recent report published by the construction sector stated that seven in ten construction companies surveyed do not measure the mental wellbeing of their staff and Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that more than 2,000 construction workers took their own lives in the UK in the decade to 2017 which is more than four times the number of constructions workers killed whilst working during the same period. For more information on this latest research from ACAS visit: https://www.acas.org.uk/over-a-third-of-businesses-report-that-employee-mental-health-support-has-got-better  

Advanced Scaffolding (SW) Ltd Wins Top Business Award

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Advanced Scaffolding (SW) Ltd Wins Top Business Award

Advanced Scaffolding (SW) Ltd, have won a top business award that names them as ‘Best Employer’ in North Devon’s independent Business Action Awards 2021.

Business Action Awards Judges said they were impressed with Advanced Scaffolding’s open approach to recruitment and its belief that “everybody deserves a chance to shine and achieve their potential”. The firm has taken on many young people who have grown and matured while working for the business since it was established in 1999 by Matt Bacon. Advanced Scaffolding is one of the largest scaffolding contractors in the area employing more than 50 people. The company has new build sites in the Exeter, Tiverton and Barnstaple areas. The business also benefits from nationwide contracts with Aldi supermarkets, Lloyds bank and Marks & Spencer, predominantly located in the South of England and Wales. The business aims to create a family atmosphere, having an open-door policy so everyone feels comfortable discussing their ideas, concerns or suggestions, the judges said. Speaking to AccessPoint about winning the award Gemma Bacon, the company’s Office Manager, said: “To be awarded the winners of ‘Best Employer’ was a huge honour. We have dedicated employees who have worked with us learning their trade from the ground up – from apprentices to SMSTS Advanced Scaffolders – a number of whom have been part of the team for almost 20 years. This reflects the teamwork and the family ethos that we strive for.”

3t Energy Group expands in China

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3t Energy Group expands in China

3t Energy Group is expanding its presence in China after winning several new contracts for its training and technology solutions with leading state-owned energy companies in the territory.

As part of the expansion, 3t Energy Group will move to larger premises within Tianjin’s Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) – the heart of the Chinese oil and gas industry. This additional space will allow 3t to create a state-of-the-art technology suite for demonstrations of the Group’s latest innovations in training technology such as virtual and augmented reality training, training management software, simulators and mobile apps. As well as a move to larger, improved premises, 3t Energy Group is recruiting an additional five personnel to support customers in the region and to build further new relationships across China. Since establishing its China base in 2018, 3t Energy Group has been working with some of the country’s largest oil and gas companies to drive continuous improvement and greater efficiencies. It recently won a clutch of new training contracts for its simulators and training and competency management software systems, as well as helping companies adopt internationally recognised training standards and accreditations. 3t Energy Group combines the expertise of advanced simulator developer and manufacturer, Drilling Systems with leading energy sector training provider, AIS Survivex, and software and training technology expert, 3t Transform. Paul Attrill, Vice President of China and MENA regions at 3t Energy Group, said: “Continued growth and new contract wins with leading state-owned enterprises such as CNOOC and COSL have bolstered confidence in China as a key region for 3t Energy Group. “Our move to new offices and our newly expanded team will help strengthen our position in China and enable us to continue supporting leading organisations with the development of workforce training, skills and competence to internationally recognised standards utilising the latest technology. “Our technology suite, in particular, will allow proper in-person demonstrations of some of our most cutting-edge technologies such as simulators, e-learning, virtual reality and integrated software, which together with traditional training methods, enhance the skills, knowledge and performance of energy sector personnel.”

CSCS Industry Placement Card Launches for New Academic Year

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CSCS Industry Placement Card Launches for New Academic Year

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has launched a new Industry Placement Card and a number of other partner schemes, in time for the new academic year.

Initially announced back in June, the card is for learners aged sixteen or above on qualification or training programmes requiring a minimum of 30 days’ work placement, which is intended to ultimately lead to a job in construction and the built environment. The card is designed to support learners transitioning from the classroom to the workplace and mirrors changes to educational policy in the UK, which have seen an increased focus on vocational education. This includes the introduction of the Traineeship Skills Development Programme and T Level qualifications, with these new pathways into construction involving a mixture of classroom learning and extensive on-the-job experience. Initially, the following four-card schemes will make the card available from September 1st, 2021:
  • The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
  • The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS)
  • The Engineering Services SKILLcard
  • JIB Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB PMES)
All card schemes are keen to highlight the importance of applying to the card scheme relevant to the learner’s chosen construction pathway. For example, a learner undertaking a T Level in Building Services Engineering with a specialist pathway in Protection Systems Engineering should apply to the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme. The introduction of the Industry Placement card follows extensive engagement with the industry including engagement with the Construction Leadership Council and the Department for Education, alongside feedback from an industry-wide consultation carried out in early 2021.

NASC publish new and updated guidance

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NASC publish new and updated guidance

Scaffolding trade body the NASC has today published two new guidance notes and updated another.

The new guidance titles published today are CG21:21 An Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks and TG25:21 Scaffold Tube Storage Racks. The NASC has also published updated guidance for TG16:21 Anchoring to the Ground.  Their full members will receive free hard copies of the titles shortly. Guidance can also be downloaded for free via the Guidance page of the NASC website. Non-members of the NASC can also purchase the new and updated guidance via the NASC shop. CG21:21 gives contractors help and assistance when taking on new operatives and reflects the latest rules and regulations following Brexit changes which came into force on July 1 2021. Scaffold tube storage racks are a common feature of every scaffolding contractor’s yard and many long-term live sites. Whilst tube racks are usually constructed as basic birdcage-like structures, they generally support many tonnes of equipment, so their design needs special consideration. TG25:21 guidance note considers the design, use and maintenance of scaffold tube storage racks. Many free-standing scaffolding structures, such as access towers, major signboards, fences and enclosures, need to be anchored to the ground, primarily to resist wind forces. Whilst all structures requiring restraint via anchoring to the ground should be subject to a bespoke design produced by a competent engineer, TG16:21 considers different types of anchors available and typical indicative holding capacities, the possibility of disturbing underground services, the use of guys and scaffold tube restraint.

Altrad eyes acquisition of French industrial maintenance firm Endel

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Altrad eyes acquisition of French industrial maintenance firm Endel

Altrad has entered into exclusive negotiations with the Engie group for the acquisition of Endel, the French leader in industrial maintenance and services to the nuclear sector

Endel is a specialist in industrial maintenance and services for the energy sector. Endel’s know-how in mechanical engineering and metallurgy, the group’s strong network in France and its strategic positioning across the entire value chain enable it to offer unique services to its customers. Endel’s activities generated revenues of approximately €550 million in 2020 in energy and industrial services. The transaction is expected to close by early 2022, subject to regulatory approval and the customary suspensive conditions, and after consultation with employee representative bodies. This acquisition will enable Altrad to open a new page in its development in France, by strengthening and diversifying its industrial offering in engineering and mechanics, the company said. Altrad’s acquisition of Endel is part of a long term industrial project that will create value for Endel’s employees and customers. Mohed Altrad, President of the Altrad Group, said of the transaction: “With its considerable industrial expertise, Altrad wishes to participate in Endel’s development and give all its teams the means to implement a structured and viable strategic plan. We have every confidence in Endel’s ability to develop and prosper, with Altrad’s support, and have the deepest respect for Endel’s skilled and qualified employees. Welcoming our new colleagues is a very important step for us in the evolution of Altrad as a whole. A  new page in our history is being written.”  Ran Oren, Altrad’s co-CEO, added: “Within Altrad, Endel will remain an independent organisation, in line with the Group’s organisational and management philosophy. Altrad is also committed to protecting the jobs and rights of all Endel employees. In this respect, we will engage in constructive discussions with the staff representative bodies and the trade unions, to explain our common industrial project in the best possible way.”

Update: Two Die in DIY Scaffold Tower Fall

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Update: Two Die in DIY Scaffold Tower Fall

The two pensioners that died in a scaffolding incident in Scotland fell from a “DIY scaffold tower”, PASMA says.

As previously reported the two men both aged 77 fell from the toppled tower at a church in Peterhead, Scotland on 18th August. George Forbes died at the scene and Alistair Buchan died in hospital five days later. According to reports, the men were painting the building as volunteers when the incident happened. Although the exact cause or circumstances of the accident is still unknown, photos from the scene show a toppled “DIY scaffolding tower” that PASMA says is a type of tower that is not safe to use, ever, in any situation. In a blog post on the PASMA website, the association say they are deeply saddened, shocked about the incident but also angered that non-compliant ‘DIY towers’ are still being sold and hired in the UK. “They’re sometimes sold as ‘DIY towers’, a term that misleads unsuspecting members of the public into believing it’s a recommended product for a quick bit of painting or maintenance,” says PASMA. “The truth is, these are flimsy, dangerous towers that are not recommended by anyone, for any purpose – at least, not by anyone who cares about the safety of the people using them. Irresponsible manufacturers, importers and suppliers choose to cut costs by offering a tower that doesn’t comply with any recognised standard, so they can leave out essential components and basic safety features that prevent towers toppling or people falling.” “Calling it a ‘DIY tower’ is a ruse to convince buyers they’re getting a ‘no frills’ bargain. But stabilisers, guardrails, secure platforms and a safe means of access are essential safeguards, not optional extras. Stripping them out means the tower is cheap to buy, but could cost you your life.” “And it’s not just home DIYers who get caught out. These towers are finding their way into workplaces too, putting even more people at enormous risk.” PASMA have put together some general guidance on how to choose safe towers to work from that can be found here.

Richter opens new Polish office

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Richter opens new Polish office

Temporary works engineering firm Richter has announced it has established a new overseas office in Krakow, Poland.

The company has established a foothold in Europe in line with the company business strategy to provide world-class engineering design service to the construction industry. Michal Wodynski CEng MIStructE is the new Director in charge of its new office and brings with him 16 years of temporary works and structural engineering experience that has been gained across the UK and his native Poland. Maciej Adamczyk and Filip Trzeciak, both Senior Design Engineers will be working with Michal delivering various items of temporary works, but drawing upon their strengths in formwork/falsework and scaffolding. In addition, and joining the team in Poland is Mateusz Kotlarski, Senior Design Engineer and BIM specialist who will be representing the 48.3 Scaffold Design Limited, part of the Richter Group. Roger Tice CEng FICE, Group Managing Director welcomes the new team members and said: “The engineers comprising the team in Poland where all known to Richter and each team member has been following our organisation on a number of projects we have both been involved in. By contrast, we have been impressed with the solutions they have undertaken for schemes that we had CAT3 checking responsibility for and over the last 18 months during COVID19 pandemic and home working, we have found it possible to work seamlessly via remote means and that output can still be maintained to ensure construction programme milestones were met. The distance between them and our UK offices was simply not a barrier to productivity and maintaining engineering standards, so when a discussion was had about the potential opening of an office in Poland with these talented individuals, and securing the direct services of them was a very easy decision to make. Having met the team and set up the new office, we quickly established a working relationship across all of our offices that is the envy of organisations who have people sat next to each other. Our clients have responded well to remote working and you simply wouldn’t know you are dealing with a business that is outside of the UK. I wish them all well in their new roles and I know they will be a great addition to our existing business.” “All of Richter’s engineers build with integrity and as the ‘Richter Way’ creates waves in Poland, our business will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable construction, by engineering value with our clients and building a better world that we all want to live in.”
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