Coronavirus and its impact on the scaffolding industry

Daniel Norton
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Coronavirus and its impact on the scaffolding industry

As the Coronavirus spreads across the globe like wildfire how is it going to potentially impact the scaffolding sector?

There have now been nearly 100,000 cases worldwide of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) confirmed and as Scaffmag went to press, 90 people in the UK have caught the highly infectious disease. The government who is obviously anxious to slow down the spread of the respiratory disease, on Tuesday, laid out some potentially drastic measures if the situation gets any worse. Possible action includes closing schools, cancelling events, banning large public gatherings and working from home. Which is not something that’s possible within the scaffolding and wider construction industry. According to reports, it’s possible that up to 80% of workers could be unable to work during the forthcoming peak weeks of the outbreak. Evidence shows the COVID-19 virus has already penetrated into the industry after energy firm EDF who are building two new nuclear reactors said yesterday one of its workers on Hinkley Point C had contracted Coronavirus.
Coronavirus at Hinkley Point C
A worker on Hinkley Point C has contracted Coronavirus
A large majority of ill workers will, without doubt, have a knock-on effect and slow down of many construction projects across the country, with many workers with symptoms having to self-isolate for two weeks.

Supply of Materials

Supply chains are also expected to be somewhat impacted as a result of many scaffolding materials like tube and fittings are imported from the Coronavirus epicentre country China. George Roberts, one of the UK’s largest supplier of scaffolding for hire and sales is already seeing the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak. The firm is currently taking additional steps to increase stockholding by spreading purchases across geographical locations to hopefully reduce the potential impact of shortages. Matt Johnson, External Hire & Sales Executive at George Roberts (NW) said: “We are extremely aware of the current global situation, as always we carry vast stocks of equipment and have been in close communication with our supply chain. At this stage it remains fully operational, additional steps have also been taken to increase stockholding and mitigate the potential impact by spreading purchases across geographical locations. We are also using remote solutions to monitor and ensure product quality along with strict quality checks in the UK upon arrival of goods.” “However, nobody can forecast how this situation will develop so we continue to monitor things daily and take positive action to do all we can to prevent stock issues and support our client base.”

Business as usual

Layher Factory in Germany
Layher headquartered in Eibensbach, Germany.
Looking at the system scaffolding market, the worlds largest producer Layher headquartered in Eibensbach, Germany, has said it’s still in a ‘very good position to deliver’. In a statement released to Scaffmag the company said that due to the nature of its business and as pre-planned, they used its full production capacity over the winter months up to February, and continued to expand the stocks at its factory in Germany and at its 140+ service centres worldwide. Layher explained they do this in order to be well prepared for its traditional busy spring/summer seasons. Due to the past uncertainty over Brexit, Layher UK had already upped its high stock levels considerably. “We have equally as large stocks of raw materials, are not dependent on supplier products – such as from China. We are therefore well in hand for many months,” Layher said. A similar response was also echoed over at HAKI. Thomas Schüller CEO at HAKI Scaffolding said: “We have until today not seen any effects or slowdowns due to the virus. We are following the situation closely and we act/will act upon recommendations from the authorities on the markets we act on or plan to visit. We give our employees thorough information and access to antibacterial.”

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

The NHS suggests the following:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
  • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work.
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
  • Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

BrandSafway elevates U.S. construction site safety

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BrandSafway elevates U.S. construction site safety

BrandSafway has introduced the only fully compliant temporary public access stairs and ramp in North America.

In partnership with Universal Manufacturing, BrandSafway has launched temporary public access stairs and ramp constructed from scaffolding that meets the International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mathieu Grumberg, director of product development at BrandSafway said: “This combined solution is one of the safest available in North America.” According to BrandSafway IBC and ADA standards are more stringent than the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards used for construction stairs. “Before we introduced this combined temporary public access solution, there were no true IBC- or ADA-compliant products constructed of scaffolding available,” Grumberg added. “The industry was using construction-grade stairs and adding wood and guard rails to try to make it as safe as possible and bring it up to code.” After nearly eight months of rigorous testing and design improvements, the stair system was introduced to help minimize disruption to the public and provide safe access as needed during construction and renovation projects throughout the U.S. The access ramp, which is generally custom designed based on site-specific needs, meets the even stricter ADA requirements for safety and accessibility. “The stairs and ramp need to meet a very high load capacity for emergency situations or events where a large number of people are using them at one time,” Grumberg said. “We used our expertise in safety and breadth of experience in developing solutions for a diverse range of industries to help Universal improve the design and meet all standards.” “Our products don’t get approved for use without first getting an independent engineering seal of approval to ensure we are bringing the safest solutions to the market,” said Mike Bredl, national sales manager for Universal. “We know there isn’t a solution in North America that comes close to offering the safety that this stair tower and ramp provide, and we’re excited to help meet this critical safety need in the construction industry.”

Enigma to undertake end to end charity motorbike ride

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Enigma to undertake end to end charity motorbike ride

Enigma Industrial Services is set to take part in a charity motorbike ride spanning a massive 984 miles.

The nationwide access service provider is asking for support for its employees and partners who are undertaking the ultimate endurance challenge. On the weekend of Saturday 27th June 2020, its fundraising team will ride motorbikes from Lands End, Cornwall to John O’ Groats, Scotland. The firm is aiming to raise awareness and funds for Combat Stress, a Veterans Mental Health Charity who help former members of the armed forces and their families with invaluable support for issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. The “End to End Charity Motorbike Ride 2020” challenge will fully test the riders spirit, strength and stamina throughout the fundraising journey. Enigma has said their team would welcome support, donations and encouragement whilst travelling along the epic route. Enigma Industrial Services have recently signed the corporate covenant which is a public pledge demonstrating its support for the Armed Forces community. With the British Armed Forces Covenant setting out the relationship between the nation, the government and our Armed Forces. You can help raise funds for Combat Stress a Veterans Mental Health Charity and pledge a donation via this official Virgin Money Giving Event page.

New digital service for work experience on building sites

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New digital service for work experience on building sites

CITB is developing a new online service featuring work experience opportunities on local construction sites, part of a drive to link candidates with employers.

The new service will feature on CITB’s one-stop-shop careers site Go Construct. With more than 2.5 million unique users visiting the site since its launch in September 2015, CITB is keen to help more construction employers tap into this reservoir of potential recruits. Construction companies are also being urged to add their apprenticeships vacancies to the three GB Governments’ national apprenticeships services so they can be offered to potential applicants using Go Construct. Go Construct directs aspiring apprentices to find apprenticeships on the English, Scottish and Welsh Governments’ websites, but not all vacancies are posted there, with some employers using informal recruitment techniques such as word of mouth.  Sarah Beale, CITB Chief Executive, said: “Go Construct was built in response to industry telling us that an information portal for careers was needed. We’re now acting on further feedback from employers, to offer the millions of people who have visited the site the ability to see more and more vacancies through the three Governments’ national apprenticeships services. “We’ll also be developing a feature for work experience opportunities too, to increase the supply of potential industry recruits to employers. We’re determined to build on our high-quality information portal with a full signposting service to link construction employers with the workers they need.” In January nearly 2,000 people clicked through from Go Construct to external vacancies sites such as the National Apprenticeship Service, up from 1,504 in January last year. CITB welcomes this progress and is committed to seeing it rise much further.   Go Construct was developed after feedback from more than 400 construction employers, and guides visitors through the different trades, detailing likely salaries and qualifications required and providing help, support and information to employers, careers advisors to young people and their parents. The website is one part of a framework of initiatives to attract new recruits and apprentices to industry, through schemes such as the Construction Skills Fund; to support employers to take them on, including SMEs, with increased grant funding; and to help learners gain the vital work experience they need to enter employment in industry with pilots like Brickwork Academy.

Interview: Lynn Way NASC President

Richard Trenchard
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Interview: Lynn Way NASC President

Our man Richard Trenchard interviews Lynn Way, the new and first-ever female NASC President.

Whichever way you look at things, there is still so much work to be done within the construction sector before anything like equality is achieved. Just look at the numbers if you don’t believe us. 

Statistics from 2018 suggest just 20% of people employed in British construction are female. In engineering roles, this drops to 8.7% — fewer than any other country in Europe. Levelling the playing field will be no easy task. Sexism remains an issue that many brush under the carpet, but perhaps most insidious of all is the fact many women simply can’t picture themselves working in a stereotypically male sector.  

Enter Lynn Way, a professional who is both an anomaly in terms of those numbers and a leading light when it comes to increasing engagement in construction among women.

“The turning point in my career was when we started working on larger contracts.”

Having just been made president of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, NASC, the first time a woman has been given the post, her tenure could do plenty to inspire others to pursue careers in the industry. 

“I first began working in the construction industry just after my brother started his new company, Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding back in 1996,” Way replies when we ask about the formative years of her career, explaining how she went full-time in 1998.

“The turning point in my career was when we started working on larger contracts. This is when I started going on site with Chris and started getting involved with the prelims and various meetings.

“I then progressed with achieving my accountancy and management qualifications that really helped me within my role in the company.”

Skip forward to today and Way’s track record speaks for itself. Continuing to work at Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding as it grew from startup to major player, she would go on to occupy the position of South West & South Wales Regional Chair of the NASC.

Her recent President’s Report for the NASC Yearbook 2020 expands on how she was the first woman on the Council, and at that time was used to being the only female in the room. Times thankfully change, though, as do rooms.

Lynn Way at the NASC

“I walk on to a variety of sites now and people do not look surprised that you have walked in the room,” Way explains when our questions move to any negative experiences of gender within construction. “I can honestly say when I have attended site, people have been really accepting and respectful.  I can only really remember one instance when a site foreman could not understand how a woman could be in charge of men. 

“This was the only time in my career I can say I felt uncomfortable on site.  I have had instances very early on in my career when it was assumed I was on-site to be Chris or Stephen’s secretary but after I attended sites more often people start to realise who I was and the position I was in.”

The responsibilities of the NASC president are far-reaching and complex. Way is clear on her desire to continue the work of her predecessor, Des Moore, who did much to encourage and improve representation of women in the industry.

Lynn Way with Des Moore

Her plans don’t end there, though, having set an objective to have scaffolding included on a list of industries for which funds are available to repatriate ex-military personnel, pledging £150,000 of Council money to get the initiative underway.

It’s a noble idea and one that points to Way as a champion of improving access to careers within a vital sector of UK business.

And she’s also clear on the need to provide support and guidance to firms themselves — whether based on home turf or overseas, not least given ongoing uncertainty amid one of the most economically damaging political stalemates in the country’s history.

Safe hands indeed, and for the NASC at least the future looks bright.

This article was originally published in Issue 8 of the ScaffMag magazine, read the digital version here. 

Digger driver jailed after rampage at Liverpool Travelodge

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Digger driver jailed after rampage at Liverpool Travelodge

A digger driver who wrecked a newly completed Travelodge in Liverpool has been jailed.

John Manley, 36, caused a trail of destruction at the new Travelodge because he was owed £600 in wages. He drove the digger through the front doors of the hotel on 21 January 2019 and caused over £400,000 worth of damage. Videos of the incident went viral online and showed colleagues asking Manley to stop as he shouted: “All you had to do was pay me.” Manley was sentenced today (26 February) to five years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court for damaging property and being reckless as to whether life is endangered. Judge David Aubrey QC said: “You were intent on maximum damage and you intended to leave a trail of destruction.” The court heard Manley, who had an emotionally unstable personality disorder, had a number of issues in his life. Prosecutor Trevor Parry-Jones said he effectively destroyed the ceiling, wiring and structure of the building after he drove through the front doors of the 71-bedroom hotel, where people were still carrying out work. Two colleagues eventually managed to disconnect the fuel line to the vehicle, leaving one of them temporarily blinded after diesel sprayed into his face, and Manley jumped out of the vehicle and scaled a 10ft wire fence to flee the scene. Mark Sharman, defending, said the father-of-two could not afford electricity or to buy food because he had not been paid, and therefore could not have his children, aged six and 11, to stay. Manley was also disqualified from driving for four years and one month.

Rilmac Scaffolding bags long term housing projects

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Rilmac Scaffolding bags long term housing projects

Rilmac Scaffolding has announced two new contracts which, between them, will provide three and a half years work for the expanding nationwide business.  

The first of these projects is for Countryside Properties where Rilmac will be on The Colleys development in Grantham for around two years.  The entire development will see over 300 timber-framed houses being built with a potential for further expansion. Rilmac Scaffolding began on-site in February 2020 and has already started well. The second project is for Vistry Homes (formerly Linden Homes and Bovis Homes) with Phase One of a total 120 plot development at Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln starting in April.  Rilmac will be on-site at the Bracebridge Manor development for 18 months providing access scaffolding for the timber-framed housing build. “Housing is an important part of our business mix.” said Des Booth, Managing Director of Rilmac Scaffolding. “It complements our industrial and infrastructure work and we are proud to have landed these two long term projects.” Rilmac Scaffolding is also involved in many other long-term construction projects including: further housing developments in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, large scale student accommodation blocks, a football stadium and a cinema.

Support the Lighthouse Construction Industry Peaky Climbers

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Support the Lighthouse Construction Industry Peaky Climbers

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is throwing a challenge out to the construction industry to complete an epic 4 Peaks Challenge   

They are the only charity that provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families who have suffered an injury, long term illness or just need some extra support and last year saw them deliver £1.13M of charitable services to support the wellbeing of our construction industry. The charity is hoping to raise a total of £300,000 from their 4 Peaks and On Yer Bike Challenge.  They’re asking companies and individuals to scale four of the highest mountains in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. The challenge is to summit Ben Nevis (1,345m), Helvellyn (950m), Snowdon (1,085m) and Carrauntoohil (1,038m) all within a 48-hour window between 10-12 September 2020.  But this story comes with a bit of a twist as the charity also has team members who are taking up the challenge and joining in the fun.  Dubbed as the Peaky Climbers, Bill Hill, Charity CEO, Michelle Finnerty, Marketing Manager, Laura Anderson, Digital Marketing Executive and honorary Lighthouse team member, Laura’s dad, David Anderson will be leading the way in helping to raise much-needed funds for the charity. They are covering all their own expenses, so every penny donated will reach construction families in crisis.  The first three peaks, Ben Nevis, Helvellyn and Snowdon will be completed on day one, with a dash to Holyhead to get the ferry over to Dublin ready for the next day where they will then tackle Carrauntoohil, the central peak of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Irelands highest mountain range.  Bill Hill, Charity CEO said, “I’m conscious that my head may have made a commitment that my body can’t keep! This event is team building at its absolute best and it’s something that we and everyone else will remember for the rest of our lives. It goes without saying that this is going to be a huge personal challenge for everyone involved, both physically and mentally. What will really motivate us is to see our fundraising amount increase, so we’re hoping to get lots of support. As a charity, it’s vital that we continue to deliver pro-active interventions for our construction workers in crisis and ensure that situations do not reach a life critical stage. Our mission is to ensure that no worker feels alone in a crisis, so please be generous with your sponsorship.”  Alongside the 4 Peaks Challenge, the charity is also organising an ‘On Yer Bike’ cycling challenge, with cyclists covering 210 miles from Leitrim to Killarney in three days, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way.  Both events will culminate in Killarney with a celebratory gala dinner to celebrate everyone’s achievements and compare notes on weary legs!   If you’d like to sponsor the Lighthouse Club’s Peaky Climbers then visit their Justgiving Page  Or if you feel you’re up for the challenge too, then we’d love you to join us. You can find out more information about both events here:  4 Peaks Challenge                  On Yer Bike Challenge

CITB sells Bircham Newton

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CITB sells Bircham Newton

The CITB has confirmed that it has sold its Bircham Newton National Construction College in Norfolk.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is set to sign terms of agreement with West Suffolk College based in Bury St Edmunds. Up until 2018 It was the must-go-to campus for thousands of budding scaffolders for more than 50 years until the CITB pulled out of direct training as part of its reform programme, Vision 2020. The sale will see the CITB and West Suffolk College enter a period of due diligence with a view to transferring the ownership of the National Construction College. In a joint statement CITB chief executive, Sarah Beale, said: “The agreements mean that CITB and West Suffolk College will be working to secure the continuity of training provision for the construction industry in relation to both quality and quantity. They also mean that the north west Norfolk area would continue to host a major British training college. We are looking forward to working together to build and grow the training at Bircham Newton, which will benefit the construction industry, NCC and the local area.” Dr Nikos Savvas, Principal of West Suffolk College, added: “West Suffolk College is delighted to be working with CITB on the acquisition of the National Construction College – Bircham Newton. We have a long history of working with employers to upskill and retrain their staff across a number of campuses and firmly believe that we can maintain, develop and build upon the industry-wide reputation of NCC as the home of construction training in the UK. We want to build on the experience and knowledge of the NCC team to make Bircham Newton a Centre of Excellence in UK.” The National Construction College remains open for business and is taking bookings throughout 2020.

School children injured after scaffolding collapses

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School children injured after scaffolding collapses

Nearly 30 school children have been injured after scaffolding collapsed at a Sydney school.

It has been reported that Year 12 students at Campbelltown Performing Arts School at Campbelltown, in Sydney’s south-west, were preparing for school photos when the temporary scaffold structure they were stood on, collapsed. School staff immediately provided first aid and the emergency services were called, according to a Facebook post. 12 children have been rushed to a local hospital and more than 27 have been treated for injuries. The students aged between 16 and 18 were treated for leg, torso and head injuries at the scene. Safety experts from WorkSafe NSW are currently investigating. The collapse comes just months after the Australian scaffolding industry was put on notice after data revealed that nearly half of all construction sites in NSW had non-compliant scaffolding. Inspectors discovered that 44 per cent of scaffolds had missing components, while 36 per cent of scaffolds had been altered by unlicensed workers or removed components.  
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