Coronavirus claims life of former Scaffolder

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Coronavirus claims life of former Scaffolder

A popular former scaffolder from Gateshead who tested positive for Covid-19 has died in hospital on Friday

John Borthwick, 78 of Low Fell, Gateshead had Alzheimer’s disease and developed a chest infection. According to reports he was taken to the hospital where he tested positive for Covid-19, sadly he lost his life in the early hours of Friday (10th April).

Mr Borthwick used to work as a scaffolder, he was part of a team who erected scaffolding on the arch of the Tyne Bridge in the 1970s for maintenance. He later went on to work offshore.

A family member told the ChronicleLive: “He travelled a lot through his work and went to places like Holland and Germany doing different jobs. He talked about working on top of the Tyne Bridge a lot – at that time they went up there without any harnesses or ropes. They just climbed up.

John Borthwick on the Tyne Bridge (prictured kneeling on the right, at the back) Image Credit: ChronicleLive

“Working on the Tyne Bridge was something he was very proud of.”

John was also well known and respected in his community.

“He was so popular and was adored by hundreds of people,” his family said.

“If he went out for a pint, he would be shaking hands with everyone in every pub he went to, in Newcastle and Gateshead. It was like that every time he went out. Wherever he went, everyone knew him. He was such a lovable man.”

John’s family have also praised the hospital staff who helped to care for him.

They said: “The nurses were absolutely amazing, they were fantastic. They really looked after him.”

Industry Charity CEO Calls For Immediate Help

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Industry Charity CEO Calls For Immediate Help

Bill Hill, The CEO of The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has made a personal appeal for help to aid the charity’s work.

In an industry where two construction workers take their own life every single working day and where 20% of all work absence is due to poor mental wellbeing, a pandemic such as Covid 19 is always going to have a devastating impact.  

That’s why it was encouraging last week to hear from Business Secretary, Alok Sharma that our country and our economy needs the critical contribution of our construction workforce right now. This workforce is responsible for building our schools and homes, our energy plants and ensuring our infrastructure supports everything we do in our daily lives. Things that our society often takes for granted without perhaps a thought about the pressures behind working in this sector even on a ‘normal’ day. 

Today, these same builders, plasterers, groundworkers, electricians; plant operators, the list is endless; are building temporary hospital wards for our country, installing complex and life-saving oxygen systems and improving the infrastructure that we need to function in this current climate. 

As CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the only charity that provides financial and mental wellbeing support to the construction industry, I normally refrain from political comment but as we are hearing on an almost hourly basis, these are unprecedented times. 

We have a moral obligation to ensure our workforce and their families aren’t left to cope alone in a crisis and I have already written to Mr Sharma to highlight the critical situation for our charity and our construction community. Given that over 50% of our workforce in construction are either self-employed, agency workers or on zero-hour contracts we are finding it impossible to keep up.  Many of these workers are only one or two paydays away from poverty and need our immediate help.  

Our 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline is still fully operational but we are already being overwhelmed with requests for help. Calls are increasing by 25% each week and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. For individuals there are difficulties in accessing the support they need. One desperate caller to our helpline told us that he was number 22,000 in an online queue to get access to Universal Credit. 

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has also said that small construction businesses are having difficulties accessing the Government funding they need. 10% of their members applications have been rejected and 84% were still waiting for a response. 

The systems in place simply cannot cope with the demand. Thankfully, this is where we step in to provide a lifeline to those workers that are falling through the safety net. We’re providing emergency financial aid so that they can buy food for their families and making sure they can keep the heating and lights on. We’re also providing mental wellbeing support, but tragically we don’t reach everyone in time. We’ve just heard from the partner of a worker who was already having problems with debt before the pandemic. Being laid off was just too much to cope with and he took his own life in the family home. His partner found him and she is now attempting to deal with the horror of what has happened. He leaves two young children. 

As our charity receives no government funding, we rely on the generosity of those within the industry to support their own, which means that at a time when the industry needs us the most our ability to respond is at its lowest capacity.   

My proposal to Mr Sharma is one that could have considerable political capital.  In 2018/19, *£54.5 million in fines were issued to duty holders found guilty of health and safety offences across all business sectors. A large proportion of that will have come from construction companies. The single largest fine was £3 million and 36 cases received fines of £500,000 or more. This revenue goes straight into the treasury. Surely it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that during these extraordinary times that some of this revenue could be ring-fenced and diverted to our cause? I have always thought that this money should be returned in some way back to those that need it the most, but now it’s critical. As a charity we already have the processes in place to manage this and I’m certain that this proposal would receive widespread support by the construction industry. It would make headline news. I’m awaiting for a reply. 

In the meantime and in the absence of any Government funding, we have launched a Crisis Appeal to raise as much money as possible to help our industry through this pandemic. I’m conscious we are asking the community in crisis to put their hands in their pockets during this time of considerable uncertainty, but any donation would be hugely appreciated. 

https://www.lighthouseclub.org/construction-workers-family-crisis-appeal

I promise that any public funded donations to our charity will not be diverted to charity overheads, every penny will be restricted to and used to support those in need.

Finally, and on a positive note; with your support and the construction community pulling together, no matter how unpredictable the future feels at the moment, we will get through this and be stronger as a result.

Stay safe. 

*Source; Enforcement statistics in Great Britain, 2019 https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/enforcement.pdf

HAKI Maintains The Flow On Gade Valley Project

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HAKI Maintains The Flow On Gade Valley Project

Located between junctions 20 and 21 of London’s M25, the 450m-long Gade Valley Viaduct carries thousands of commuters as they make their way around the capital’s busy motorway. During planned strengthening works expected to run from November 2019 to December 2021, temporary solutions provider, HAKI, supplied its market-leading scaffolding systems to assure safe access to the Gade Valley project’s programme of works.

Gade Valley Viaduct is a multi-span composite viaduct comprising twin decks; both of which are fashioned from four open top steel girders with an in-situ cast concrete slab. To ensure the viaduct continues to perform at its best, strengthening works were a complete necessity. HAKI worked alongside main contractor, Osborne, on this project, utilising up to 300 tonnes of its materials on this site. HAKI’s Universal system and tube and fitting scaffolding were specified to enable crucial access to strengthening works at the underside of the viaduct, through vast birdcage structures.

Ideal for projects where high-level access is essential, birdcage applications using HAKI are efficient to erect and enable the safe ingress and egress from particularly hazardous areas on an infrastructure site. HAKI’s scaffolding system is also highly robust, meaning it can withstand greater loadings than most comparative solutions.

Furthermore, the simple ‘hook-on’ and spring-lock catch mechanism – unique to HAKI – reduces the risk of component displacement and falling materials, and minimises noise pollution, to protect both workers and wider public from injury. As well as keeping workers safe, the sophisticated system also lowers installation time, meaning works can be executed to strict programmes and deadlines common within the infrastructure industry.

Scaffolding, insulation and asbestos management specialist, Alltask, installed HAKI’s products and praised their sophistication: “As well as delivering on technical support, HAKI crafts products which encompass the essential safety and access requirements set by complex projects. For the Gade Valley Viaduct’s strengthening works, the utilisation of HAKI’s temporary works solutions allowed the project’s high safety and access demands to be made a reality. With the project due for completion at the close of 2021, everything will no doubt run smoothly with the presence of HAKI’s expert solutions.”

G-Deck Waives Hire Fees While Sites Lie Dormant

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G-Deck Waives Hire Fees While Sites Lie Dormant

Load deck systems firm, G-Deck, has pledged to freeze all hire fees for its customers until the COVID-19 crisis is over and construction sites are live again.

The Leicester based company joined the list of others that has made the bold promise in response to concerns that continuing costs and the long-term financial impact of programme delays could hit construction hard.

The move will allow construction firms and subcontractors to free up cash flow to keep employees on the payroll and ease the burden of other outgoings.

Ty Wilson from G-Deck explained: “Our customers have enough to worry about at the moment without having to find the funds to pay for hired equipment that they can’t even use while sites are mothballed. Our philosophy is that helping our customers in this way now contributes to a healthier construction delivery chain for everyone in the longer term, and we want to be part of a robust recovery for the sector when the pandemic is over.”

The firm said they have been able to offer its customers a rent-free period for the load deck systems it has out on hire thanks to a full order book and anticipated high volumes of activity later in the year.

They have also said, it’s still able to service any construction sites remaining open during the pandemic, with a 24-hour turnaround on any new hire requirements.  It is also continuing to respond to sales enquiries for its products, with large UK stockholding and continuing supply from its manufacturing plant in Poland, which it says remains open.

“We have closed the office and the manufacturing plant here in the UK,” Ty continues, “Because we want to keep our staff, installers and customers safe. However, we’re committed to helping our customers, whether that’s by responding to new orders or waiving fees on equipment installed on sites that are currently dormant, so both our phone line and email address remain active.

“The biggest challenge for all companies at the moment is to decide on the right way to act responsibly. We believe we’ve made the right choices for our customers, our team and our business.”

Scotland Stops All Non-essential Construction

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Scotland Stops All Non-essential Construction

The Scottish government has ordered all work on construction sites to stop unless its for essential projects.

The news comes after the Scottish government published new guidance for the construction industry yesterday. The document has made it clear that work on construction projects should cease unless it is supporting crucial work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Projects that are deemed essential can only continue operating if it can comply with the social distancing rules during the COVID-19 outbreak. Any site unable to meet those requirements should close, the guidance says.

Essential projects include:

  • those to create or repurpose facilities which will be used directly in COVID-19 related activities
  • projects to create or repurpose facilities which will be used to accommodate key workers, or free up space in facilities to be used directly in COVID-19 related activities
  • projects which are considered essential public services
  • the repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for businesses of all kinds, but the Scottish Government’s priority is saving lives and fighting COVID-19.

“To this end, all construction sites should close unless they are essential to the health and welfare of the country during this crisis. I want to make clear our thanks to the construction workers who are continuing to work on these essential projects.

“This guidance offers clear and comprehensive advice on how the industry should respond in these unprecedented and difficult times. I am grateful to the STUC, Unite the Union and Construction Scotland for their input.

“In this public health emergency it is vital that all businesses act responsibly and align fully with the social distancing measures introduced to protect the nation’s heath, well-being and economic future.”

HSE Warns it will Take Action on Social Distancing Failures

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HSE Warns it will Take Action on Social Distancing Failures

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has stressed it could shut construction sites down if social distancing rules are not followed.

However, how they plan to do this is unclear, as its thought HSE inspectors are at home self-isolating after the government agency suspended all routine inspections last week.

In a joint statement between the HSE, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) the HSE said: Social distancing is a key public health measure introduced by Public Health England to reduce the spread of infection. Most employers are going to great lengths to ensure social distancing wherever possible. The HSE, CBI and TUC wish to publicly support these efforts. Firms that can safely stay open and support livelihoods should not be forced to close by misunderstandings about government guidance.”

The HSE goes on to warn within the statement that if issues are brought to their attention on employers not complying to Public Health England guidance on social distancing where practical, it will consider a range of actions. Actions will include providing advice to employers, issuing enforcement notices and prohibition notices, it said.

The statement also encourages workers to raise any concerns on working conditions first with their employer or trade union. If issues can’t be resolved locally, workers can approach their local authority or HSE directly for help here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm

Read the full statement here

Scaffolding Trade Body Issues COVID-19 Industry Guidance Notes

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Scaffolding Trade Body Issues COVID-19 Industry Guidance Notes

The Scaffolding Association has launched two Scaffold Industry Guidance Notes (SIGNS) which address the requirements for scaffolding inspection during COVID-19.

In light of ongoing Coronavirus crisis, the Scaffolding Association has published two documents of guidance for its members and the wider industry. It’s concentrated its advice on scaffold inspections and risk considerations during the current situation.

Stacey Underhill, Head of External Affairs, said: “We have had a large volume of enquiries from contractors and clients asking for clarification on scaffold inspections during COVID-19, particularly where sites are ceasing to operate.

These documents will clarify those requirements and offer up some of the risks that you should be considering when sending people to site to undertake those inspections.”

The documents are free to download from the Scaffolding Association website: https://scaffolding-association.org/covid-19-advice/

Latest Coronavirus Site Operating Procedures Withdrawn

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Latest Coronavirus Site Operating Procedures Withdrawn

The newly revised version of the Site Operating Procedures guidance during the coronavirus outbreak has been ripped-up after immediate ‘feedback’ from the construction industry

The new version of the Site Operating Procedures was published yesterday by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) but withdrawn within just a couple of hours.

The edited (version 2) of the procedures for the construction industry stated that where it is not possible or safe for workers to distance themselves from each other by two metres then work should NOT be carried out.

The original (version 1) imposed a less stricter regime stating workers should do their best to observe the two-meter rule, not that they should stop work if cannot.

According to sources, the edited version caused an uproar within construction firms as it would mean all sites would have to close. It also conflicted with the government’s position that construction sites should stay open during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The CLC swiftly wrote on the newly updated version 2 “There has been significant feedback on the updated Site Operating Procedures Version 2. Whilst the feedback is reviewed the CLC has reissued version 1 which is the document the industry should be complying with.”

Build UK this morning said: “Unfortunately, the updated version issued yesterday resulted in more confusion than clarity. Whilst we review the developing PHE guidelines, we can confirm that version 1 of the Standard Operating Procedures remains in place.

We are extremely sorry for any disruption caused; like many of you we are doing our best to keep construction operational whilst protecting the health of our people during these difficult times.”

A Crisis Within a Crisis

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A Crisis Within a Crisis

A list of critical construction projects are being considered by the government after Ministers were warned that a blanket shutdown of sites could lead to a total collapse of the construction industry

According to The Times, the stark warnings were laid out in a paper produced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It warned listed construction giants could see their share prices plummet as investors sell due to panic. It would also see “a significant impact on the entire supply chain resulting in many firms facing financial difficulties within days or weeks.”

It’s been recently revealed that 65 per cent of construction work by value has already been shutdown.

The government is now working on the formal list of critical construction works that should continue if any further restrictions are imposed. The list is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Alok Sharman

A BEIS briefing to the government took place yesterday following a letter sent from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to the Prime Minister and after an open letter to the industry from the Secretary of State Alok Sharman. Within the letter, he said that work on construction sites can continue if adhering to the Site Operating Procedures laid out by the CLC.

Confusion

However, confusion continues to be rife within the scaffolding sector as the NASC has called on the government to provide a clear definition of what qualifies as “essential” construction industry activities as a matter of urgency.

The NASC has referred to the CLC’s Site Operating Procedures document, issued by the Construction which states “non-essential physical work that requires close contact between workers should not be carried out” but believes confusion surrounds what works are deemed essential.

NASC Managing Director Robin James said: “While the Site Operating Procedures document has provided a great deal of assistance for main contractors and subcontractors – including those in the access and scaffolding industry – this crucial recommendation is far too open to interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in approach from site to site.

“It’s time for the Government to provide clarity on this issue; helping to ensure that the appropriate balance is struck between keeping core industry activities in operation whilst also protecting the health and safety of thousands of employees, their families and the population of the UK as a whole.

“Until the Government takes action on this point, we are continuing to call on principal contractors to follow the Site Operating Procedures guidance, paying particular attention to PPE including provision, storage, and establishing single or multi-use, welfare, hand washing and maintaining the 2m social distancing recommendation.”

HSE suspends routine inspections

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HSE suspends routine inspections

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stopped all routine inspections amid safety fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

It’s understood the HSE will continue to respond to serious issues but it has limited contact between individuals to ensure it is following government advice. It has halted work that cannot be completed from home, aside from essential tasks. An HSE spokesperson told the Construction News that the organisation “remains committed to responding to any serious issues that arise, in construction or any other sector, and our enforcement priorities have not changed”. “However, in line with government guidance to cease all but essential work that cannot be done outside of the home, minimising contact between individuals, HSE has paused all proactive inspections at this time to reduce any risk posed to our own staff and to members of the public,” he said.
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