JDC Scaffolding & UKSSH look smart in Kensington

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JDC Scaffolding & UKSSH look smart in Kensington

Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to minimise disruption in Kensington High Street.

Even with the reduced footfall and lower traffic levels created by Covid-19, scaffolding an iconic building in Kensington High Street poses major challenges, including the need to minimise impact on pedestrian traffic and the requirement to ensure that store windows and access routes are not obstructed, not to mention the fact that the scaffolding has to be erected during night-time possessions.

JDC Scaffolding were responsible for erecting the scaffold on what was formerly Barkers Department store – one of the most iconic buildings in the Kensington Square Conservation Area. Contracted by PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd who were undertaking extensive refurbishment of the spectacular Grade II* listed Art Deco façade, JDC Scaffolding knew exactly how to fulfil the brief.

Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to span over the existing lightweight canopy and support double width access scaffold above.

Tripods helped achieve huge time savings

Each single tripod could carry a permissible load of 60Kn which reduced enormously the amount of scaffolding that had to be used at street level: This had multiple benefits as Adam Callow, Design Manager at JDC Scaffolding explains: “Using the HAKI tripods helped us to achieve huge time savings compared with using tube and fittings. It also enabled the pavement to be kept open throughout the project (even allowing the free movement of mobility scooters) and also providedclear visibility of display windows while work was progressing.”

Adam also praised UK System Scaffold Hire’s approach to the project: “UKSSH were fully on board with the project from day one: They understood the requirements from a technical perspective, they responded to our needs for accurate and on time delivery to comply with our night-time possessions and they integrated their skill sets with our overall design which involved utilising tube and fittings once the 10 metre high Tripod element  had provided the foundation for a working gantry above the building’s decorative canopy. The result is a project that we can all be proud of.”

Quarter-million workers receive CITB training as pandemic loomed

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Quarter-million workers receive CITB training as pandemic loomed

CITB supported the training of nearly a quarter of a million construction workers in the last financial year, according to newly published accounts.

The annual report, laid before Parliament on 28 January 2021, shows that in the 12-month period ending 31 March 2020 more than 15,000 construction employers and over 20,000 apprentices were supported by CITB. CITB provided direct funding for training of £105.1m to employers through the Grants Scheme, the Skills and Training Fund and Training Groups of which £76.9m was received by small, micro or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An additional £28.8m was invested in specific projects, benefiting firms of all sizes.  Sarah Beale, CITB Chief Executive, said: “In 2019-20 we provided funding to over 15,000 construction employers which funded the training of around 245,000 of their employees, the vast majority from SMEs. “So much has changed in the past year that it now seems a long time ago. Construction, like all industries, underwent unprecedented upheaval due to the pandemic, and CITB immediately took action to support industry.  “Now starting to stabilise since the pandemic began we’re tackling the skills challenges of Net Zero and Brexit with a new generation of home-grown talent, while new technologies and modern methods of construction can help industry recover stronger and more sustainable than ever.”   The accounts show that 25 Construction Skills Fund (CSF) hubs trained 13,200 people to become site-ready for employment in the industry. An Immersive Learning commission saw dozens of employers participating through supply chains, an example being BAM Nuttall using handheld tablets to improve memory retention and streamline site induction teaching. CITB supported the creation of 4,528 new apprenticeships and provided ongoing support for 15,844 with an investment of £35.3m, part funded via ESFA, Welsh Government and Skills Development Scotland. Apprenticeship grants were offered to industry employers, with £48.8m provided in 2018-19 compared to £61m in 2019-20, an increase of 25%. Last year the national COVID-19 response initially shut down most construction sites, with reopening in accordance with strict safety measures. CITB enabled apprenticeship attendance grants to be paid in advance to employers, and contacted over 11,000 apprentices to provide support through the pandemic – just 2.5% ended up being made redundant, with half of those going on to start a new construction apprenticeship. On 1 April the Skills and Training Fund was expanded to include medium-sized employers as well as small- and micro-sized. A Leadership and Management Fund for large levy-registered businesses was developed shortly afterwards, ultimately approving 38 bids worth £2.8million to support more than 7,000 workers. To aid cashflow for employers, CITB suspended levy collection for five months and halved the amount due for 2021-22. To maintain service, CITB depleted its reserves and a £10million loan was secured from the Department for Education. Further cost control measures included a staff restructure and further reduction in operational size, in addition to previous programmes. MB Roche & Sons Ltd is one of the many SMEs to fund training through CITB. Daniel Roche, Company Director, said: “Upskilling means we are able to access tendering processes which companies with lesser qualified operatives can’t. A fully trained workforce is more engaged, efficient and productive and makes sound business sense.” CITB’s 2019-20 accounts took longer to prepare due to COVID-19, a restructure and systems change. The next corporate business plan will be published in the spring. Read the Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20

No design and inadequate ties lead to scaffolding collapse

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No design and inadequate ties lead to scaffolding collapse

A scaffolding contractor has been hit with a £15,000 fine after scaffolding collapsed across the entrance to the car park of Coventry Skydome.

The Birmingham based firm erected scaffolding, which was approximately 13 metres in length and four metres high to protect the public from falling debris. Coventry Magistrates’ Court heard that on the 3rd of March 2020, the structure collapsed in high winds during Storm Freya trapping motorists for hours in the Skydome’s car park. Luckily, no members of the public or motorists were passing under as it fell – which would almost certainly have caused severe damage, injury or even death. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the scaffolding was not adequately fixed into the structure and was not designed and installed to withstand foreseeable wind loads. The management of the scaffolding operation was well below the expected standard because it did not identify the need for a bespoke design, required to ensure the strength and stability of the proposed structure, the HSE said. Climar Scaffolding Limited of Widney Avenue in Birmingham pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,532. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Edward Fryer said: “Scaffolds need to be adequately tied, in line with the recognised health and safety requirements or a bespoke design should be created based on established engineering principals. In this case the scaffolding was not properly designed or adequately tied into the permanent structure. “It’s only a matter of fortune that nobody was seriously injured, the collapse presented a significant risk to the safety of the public.”

TRAD delivers Millbank project during COVID restrictions

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TRAD delivers Millbank project during COVID restrictions

Using PLETTAC Metrix system TRAD Scaffolding Contractors (TRAD) has completed the erection stage of work on 9 Millbank, a busy central London development managed by St Edwards Homes.

TRAD was engaged by the client late last year to provide the complete scaffolding package for the development of the former government-owned building.

The original building was partly demolished, and the remaining Grade II listed section is currently being refurbished. Phase 2 of the works is a new build section which retains the traditional look of the existing building and is set to become a highly desirable luxury residential centrepiece within our client’s portfolio.

Gracing the banks of the River Thames at the heart of historic Westminster, the stunning location has The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Big Ben within its gaze.

TRAD Scaffolding has recently completed the refurb and new build elements of the project, in a contract worth more than £2m, using its own highly adaptable and impressive Plettac Metrix system scaffold.

Working to strict deadlines and in one of the busiest locations in London the team worked around the clock to quickly deliver a stunning looking scaffold envelope incorporating some 2000 tons of brand-new equipment.

  • TRAD Scaffolding Contractors (TRAD) has completed the erection stage of work on 9 Millbank, a busy central London development managed by St Edwards Homes.
  • TRAD Scaffolding Contractors (TRAD) has completed the erection stage of work on 9 Millbank, a busy central London development managed by St Edwards Homes.
  • TRAD Scaffolding Contractors (TRAD) has completed the erection stage of work on 9 Millbank, a busy central London development managed by St Edwards Homes.

The on-site team, led by senior Black Hat foreman Scaffolder Nigel Garner, worked very closely with their design team, TRAD contracts management and the client to deliver the scaffold safely and to a very precise and high standard.

TRAD Scaffolding Managing Director Peter McShane said: “I have visited the site regularly during the build process and I have to say every time I’ve approached the project the scaffold has stood out aesthetically. The team has done a great job here and they should all be hugely proud.”

TRAD, with the support of the St Edwards Homes team, has also taken the opportunity to introduce several apprentices – male and female – along the way. Closely managed by their site team they have made very positive contributions and have experienced working on a large and important development project. 

Peter McShane added: “St Edwards Homes has been very supportive of our apprentices being involved in the project. They recognise that these young people are the future of our industry and I’ve been really pleased with the progress I have seen from our apprentices on site.”

With a large proportion of this project delivered during Covid lockdowns the team has maintained programme safely, within budget and been fully aware of the health and wellbeing of its own team, other teams on-site and the general public.

Dismantle is due to start shortly and the TRAD team are all looking forward to seeing the full reveal over the coming months.

CISRS brings clarity with wording change

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CISRS brings clarity with wording change

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is set to change the wording for endorsements on the rear of all new CISRS cards in a bid to bring clarity to the card system.

From the 1st February 2021 the wording of certain endorsements and the order in which they appear will change on most CISRS cards issued. The first endorsement on all cards will show the card category. Any following endorsements will show additional training modules and qualifications held by the cardholder at the date the card was issued. Endorsements showing the route of achievement for Scaffolder and Advanced Scaffolder cards will now no longer appear on the new cards. The change comes after a steady influx of courses and qualifications now offered by the record scheme such as CPD, SSPTS, System Inspections and the like, the rear of the cardholder’s card was becoming pretty overcrowded, CISRS said. Recently CISRS has seen some instances mainly with scaffolding instructors who have had to be issued 2 cards due to the sheer number of endorsements they hold. CISRS Managing Director, David Mosley said: “The card endorsement listings change is basically about space and clarity. We think this is a clearer way to show that the individual has met the relevant criteria to hold a particular card at a certain level e.g. Scaffolder, Advanced. We felt it was more important to highlight any additional endorsements the person may have e.g. SSPTS Layher rather than the route to qualification e.g. COTS Pt1, Pt2 VQ etc.” The authenticity of all CISRS cards can be checked by calling the CISRS helpline on 0844 8157223 or emailing [email protected]. Or alternatively, you can use the NOCN online CISRS card checker by clicking HERE.

Lee Marley apprentices continue training despite COVID challenges

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Lee Marley apprentices continue training despite COVID challenges

Scaffolding and construction company Lee Marley Brickwork has responded to COVID challenges with a revised training plan allowing apprentices to continue their valuable training.

With colleges and training establishments being closed across the country Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) has been continuing its coaching efforts with scaffolding apprentices on-site so they don’t miss out on their practical training due to Covid restrictions.

“During the first Covid lockdown, it became clear that our apprentices would not receive the same theory and practical training they would have done at college and on-site”, Christian Hatherall-Good, Apprentice Training Manager at LMB told Scaffmag.

“This lockdown, with colleges being closed, we developed a revised training plan, so our apprentices do not miss out on either the theory or practical side of their training.”

Christian Hatherall-Good, Apprentice Training Manager at Lee Marley Brickwork

Christian joined LMB last Summer, since then his role has been to support and teach the apprentices on-site. The restrictions placed in education has meant that students will not be allowed to attend until at least the end of February.

The company has been mindful that their apprentices don’t miss out on very valuable practical time and have responded to the situation.

Christian continues to visit the apprentices on-site in controlled and socially distanced conditions in order to carry out teaching and provide guidance to the apprentices while they work. The apprentices are usually placed in pairs on projects.

Many of the firm’s current apprentices are from Brooklands College where Christian worked as Head of Construction Curriculum and as a bricklaying tutor before he joined LMB last year. He has been working closely with the new tutor at Brooklands College and between both parties a plan for training the apprentices has been developed.

New Training Plan

As part of LMB’s new training plan, a Google classroom group has been set up for each level of apprentice group. Across each classroom, a wide a range of resources has been developed. These consist of ‘how to’ videos that the tutor filmed previously, Workbooks, PowerPoints, scenario assignments, worksheets and revision quizzes.

On the apprentices’ usual college day, they attend at least two, one-and-a-half-hour theory sessions on Google MEET’s group video call with their tutor. All links are placed on their Google classroom with the necessary resources needed the day before.

LMB says Christian has also organised a one-to-one review session for each apprentice on Google MEET’s with their tutor and on-site assessor. The aim being to check on the student’s wellbeing, work progress, targets and to provide advice on any work they needed help with.

The apprentices continue to have remote learning from the College tutor and from the Training Manager on their usual college day.

There’s nothing stopping these construction students!

Scaffold Director Daniel Cooke

Scaffold Director Daniel Cooke added: “Within any industry, the importance of training and helping individuals on their career path from the bottom up is so critical in the everyday running of a business. Our success rate has been fantastic! 

Today we have guys that have completed their apprenticeship and are very happy with continuing a career with us. At present we have 12 scaffolding operatives at various stages of their apprenticeship, and I am very proud of all of them.

One of our apprentices, Conor Carolan, has recently completed his apprenticeship. He has spent a great deal of time working on our Park Royal project and has helped with the scaffold erection and dismantle across multiple phases including the 27-storey high tower that has a white box feature on top taking it to 29 floors in the air.”

Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd currently offers both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships in order to bring the next generation of tradesmen into the construction industry.

To find out more about apprenticeship and careers opportunities at LMB please email [email protected]

Firm and boss fined after two workers fall from scaffold tower

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Firm and boss fined after two workers fall from scaffold tower

A north-west roofing supplies firm and its director have been fined after two workers fell from a scaffold, sustaining serious injuries.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how in November 2018, two employees of Rooffabs Direct Ltd had been working with the firms boss Paul McMahon, the sole director of the company, to install signage at retail premises in Prestwich.

The workers used a tower scaffold to carry out the work. During the afternoon, when their boss was no longer on-site, the tower scaffold moved away from the building and the two employees fell approximately two metres, suffering fractures to their legs and ankles.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the tower scaffold had not been erected by someone with suitable training.

There were missing guard rails on the scaffold and no outriggers in place at the time of the incident. The company also failed to report the incident as required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

Rooffabs Direct Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013. The company was fined £20,000. The firms boss Paul McMahon, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013.

He was ordered to complete 100 hours community service, pay compensation orders of £500 each for the two injured persons and was ordered to pay costs of £1,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Norton 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 having a suitably trained person put up the tower scaffold and ensuring that the required guardrails and outriggers were in place.”

Young people receive 100s of new starts in scaffolding

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Young people receive 100s of new starts in scaffolding

Members of the NASC are providing more than 290+ 18-24-year-olds across the UK with scaffolding industry experience through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which officially launches today.

A total of 50 NASC scaffolding contractors and suppliers have signed up to the Kickstart Scheme through the UK  scaffolding trade body. Each company has committed to providing six-month work placements to out of work young people. The NASC says the vast majority of these firms will take on more than one candidate under the Scheme, with a handful providing 20+ positions, helping to push the combined total of vacancies to 294.  Henry Annafi, NASC Training Officer, who successfully co-ordinated the NASC’s gateway organisation bid and will support the 50 NASC members through the Scheme, said: “I am absolutely delighted but not surprised by the fantastic interest and take-up of the Scheme by NASC members.  “These members are as committed to training and recruitment as the NASC is as the UK trade body for the scaffolding industry and I’d like to applaud each and every one of them for their effort and enthusiasm to date. “Through my conversations with these members it’s become clear that they’re all intending to go well beyond the parameters of the Scheme and will look to place all successful participants on apprenticeships or full employment once the six-month placement ends.  “There’s a long-term commitment being made and that’s because the members aren’t just keen to provide young people with short-term jobs, they want to give them a career.”   The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new job placements for young people on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Henry Annafi, NASC Training Officer
Henry Annafi, NASC Training Officer
Kickstart Scheme applications originally had to be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If a single employer was unable to provide this many placements, they could apply for a smaller number through a Kickstart gateway. Henry Annafi added: “The NASC has for many years led the way in the promotion of the industry to potential job seekers. This took a huge step forward in 2020 through the launch of our dedicated careers website, aimed at encouraging would-be employees of all ages and backgrounds to take up a position in the scaffolding industry. “Our Kickstart Scheme efforts – supported so admirably by our members – is another huge step forward. We can’t wait to get started.”

HAKI slashes CISRS training costs

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HAKI slashes CISRS training costs

HAKI is offering a substantial discount on its CISRS BASE courses in January and February.

System scaffolding firm HAKI is offering 15% off its 5-day CISRS BASE that will teach participants how to erect, alter and dismantle simple scaffold structures up to 6m high. The course aligns itself with the organisation’s mission to open up career opportunities, improve skills in the industry and assure safety. The company is offering 15% off the course for any delegate who signs up for a February or March 2021 programme in January and February 2021. Usually valued at £585 (ex. VAT) the discount means participants will pay only £497.25 – a saving of nearly £100! Over the 5-day programme, delegates will learn about HAKI’s products. They will also learn how to safely construct simple structures through a series of theory and practical assessments. After completing an end-of-course theory test participants will receive a CISRS BASE certificate, where HAKI will apply on their behalf for a CISRS BASE card. This card permits non-scaffolders to construct HAKI structures up to a maximum height of 6m, providing they are not in an environment with a general public interface. Chris Partridge from HAKI Training Centre says: “Our BASE course is ideal for small housebuilders, roofing and double-glazing companies who often lose money due to the delay in waiting for the scaffolders to return to base out or erect the next lift. This qualification allows professionals to erect the HAKI universal system scaffold themselves to suit the progress.” HAKI can be hired or purchased from Enigma. The first 5-day course launches on 1st February 2021. It is currently live and available for booking. Details are found at: https://www.haki.com/services/training/booking/. Delegates can quote ‘janbase21’ when booking to receive the discount. According to HAKI, February 28th 2021 is the final date to use the 15% discount on one HAKI BASE course in either February or March 2021. It is one discount per HAKI BASE course. There is limited availability on each course, with only a maximum of six places available. No proof of purchase requirements. Only the discount code will be used. There are no further restrictions to its normal T&Cs.

Construction output set to rise 14% this year

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Construction output set to rise 14% this year

Industry experts are predicting a 14% rise in construction output in 2021 and a 4.9% increase in 2022.

The Construction Products Association (CPA) has announced that construction will see a ‘W’-shaped economic recession and recovery. Their assumption takes into account the new lockdown restrictions overwinter 2020/21 before a sustained recovery from 2021 Q2 as vaccines are rolled out and the services-based economy can reopen again. The CPA say, while some sectors of construction are dependent on consumer and business confidence returning, construction activity has largely been able to bounce back quicker than the overall economy. “With the government making it clear that the construction and manufacturing sectors should continue to operate despite Covid-19 restrictions, output has been able to rise and recover relatively rapidly.” The 14.0% rise in 2021 follows an estimated contraction of 14.3% overall in 2020 caused by the sharp fall in the first half of last year. However, the CPA warned that output is only expected to recover to pre-Covid levels in 2022. There is also the risk that once the furlough and self-employment support schemes end in April, there may be a sharp rise in unemployment that could potentially dampen this recovery. the CPA’s Economics Director, Noble Francis, said: “The spectre of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit that would have badly affected the UK economy and construction in the short term has been avoided but questions over the long term impact of Covid-19 on the structure of the economy still remain. This continues to leave questions about the fortunes of certain construction sectors. This is most notable in the commercial sector, where there is still lots of uncertainty about the future of retail and office space. It will be crucial to observe how businesses change their operations as the vaccine is rolled out in the coming months and to what extent there is a ‘return to the office’. “While the fortunes of some sectors have been tied to Covid restrictions and associated business and consumer confidence in the wider economy, infrastructure has largely escaped such uncertainty. Projects have been able to effectively enact safe operating procedures given the sector’s large construction sites that have fewer different trades mixing than in most sectors. As such, infrastructure has been least-affected by Covid restrictions and output is expected to lift the whole industry over 2021 and 2022. Main works on HS2, Europe’s largest construction project, along with offshore wind and nuclear projects are expected to be the main drivers of activity.”  
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