Merit over Nepotism
Following on from a previous featured piece, ‘The Robots are coming… and we are building them’. I was inspired to detail my own thoughts on paper. Now, if you have not read this article, I urge you to do so. The concerns of Simon Boyes were; if we are hindering the current and future generations of scaffolders to be creative thinkers. I completely agree with his concerns. As a scaffold designer, I could well be part of the problem.
When I first began this trade, certification was not the defining attribute it is today. There were untrained (in construction college terms) who were incredible scaffolders and truly creative thinkers. Even if there was an Advanced card on-site, this did not determine rank. Rank was based on an unspoken agreement from construction merit.
Now, this is not to say I do not believe in the construction colleges or their training and certification regimes, I do. I really do. I want more! However, it must be based on time served and construction merit.
All too often now, new starts can begin as a labourer then depending on funds available to them or favourability from their employers can progress to an Advanced scaffolder essentially in a mere two years. Here is my issue. In the industry of delivering someone somewhere, does not matter who or where, as an industry we are to get you there safely. How can all this be delivered and absorbed within two years? Scaffolding is a vast industry, from assembling structures for new build properties – to front elevations on busy city centre streets – to enclosed space platforms within substations – to hangers off a rig in the middle of the sea.
This Advanced status can be claimed by operatives who have only ever gone round housing plots, then effectively could secure a role of instructing a part two trained individuals who have spent their working life offshore developing their skills in how to construct that previously mentioned hanger amongst other structures. This is not to say I favour one style of scaffolding to the next, but they are very different. I have found the same concerns in reverse when an offshore operative was the chargehand on a housing site and the setting out procedure was ‘interesting’.
Now, back to the creative thinking problem. In an industry where nepotism is all too obvious, I would like to remove the opportunity for the “who you know” and bring it back to “what you know”.
In an industry so physically demanding as ours, it is great to see the progression in monetary terms so quick for our operatives. However, reaching the salary cap at effectively 20 years old and believing you know there is all to know is a concern. Until scaffolding labourers can ‘read’ a job and have all components laid out for their team for the next lift, I do not believe a part one course should be offered or a tool belt strapped around their waist. Understanding the process is so important in developing the creative mind of a scaffolder. Once individuals have the tool belt status it is clear, they do not like to continue labouring. However, by not enduring the process of not only supplying the components but also watching and learning, labourers themselves as well as us who allow these practices to happen, stymie the development of creative and understanding minds within the industry.
Obviously, not just now with the current pandemic where operatives should remain within one squad to prevent transmission possibilities. However, something I found extremely beneficial in learning my trade, was being the labourer within many different squads. Offering the opportunity to learn from many different chargehands. Learning different possibilities and solutions to similar problems. A common belief within the industry is that giving the same problem to a range of scaffolders would bring a range of different structures. As long as they are safe and provide access to the required area then that is the fundamentals of what we are all trying to provide. I believe that this is extremely beneficial to the new era. Obviously, this is constrained where bespoke design is implemented. However, within “standard scaffolds” that are covered within TG20, where design input is not required then this is where creative thinking scaffolders need to be nurtured and developed so they can perform.
So, delay the training, advance the learning and cultivate the creative minds of scaffolders of the future!
This Advanced status can be claimed by operatives who have only ever gone round housing plots, then effectively could secure a role of instructing a part two trained individuals who have spent their working life offshore developing their skills in how to construct that previously mentioned hanger amongst other structures. This is not to say I favour one style of scaffolding to the next, but they are very different. I have found the same concerns in reverse when an offshore operative was the chargehand on a housing site and the setting out procedure was ‘interesting’.
Now, back to the creative thinking problem. In an industry where nepotism is all too obvious, I would like to remove the opportunity for the “who you know” and bring it back to “what you know”.
In an industry so physically demanding as ours, it is great to see the progression in monetary terms so quick for our operatives. However, reaching the salary cap at effectively 20 years old and believing you know there is all to know is a concern. Until scaffolding labourers can ‘read’ a job and have all components laid out for their team for the next lift, I do not believe a part one course should be offered or a tool belt strapped around their waist. Understanding the process is so important in developing the creative mind of a scaffolder. Once individuals have the tool belt status it is clear, they do not like to continue labouring. However, by not enduring the process of not only supplying the components but also watching and learning, labourers themselves as well as us who allow these practices to happen, stymie the development of creative and understanding minds within the industry.
Obviously, not just now with the current pandemic where operatives should remain within one squad to prevent transmission possibilities. However, something I found extremely beneficial in learning my trade, was being the labourer within many different squads. Offering the opportunity to learn from many different chargehands. Learning different possibilities and solutions to similar problems. A common belief within the industry is that giving the same problem to a range of scaffolders would bring a range of different structures. As long as they are safe and provide access to the required area then that is the fundamentals of what we are all trying to provide. I believe that this is extremely beneficial to the new era. Obviously, this is constrained where bespoke design is implemented. However, within “standard scaffolds” that are covered within TG20, where design input is not required then this is where creative thinking scaffolders need to be nurtured and developed so they can perform.
So, delay the training, advance the learning and cultivate the creative minds of scaffolders of the future! TRAD Group Launches 50th Anniversary Celebrations
The TRAD Group has announced that it is launching a year of celebrations to mark its 50th year in business.
There are a host of events and commitments to mark the anniversary, the company has confirmed today. Scaffolding and construction contractors can get used to seeing the Group’s special 50th-anniversary logo, and to hearing about various charity events, as the Group has committed to raising a significant amount of money during the year. “Supporting charities is very important to us,” says Paige Matthews, Chief Financial Officer for the Group. “We have chosen three charities for our anniversary year – the Royal British Legion, MIND and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. These have been chosen by members of staff and we are looking forward to raising at least £25,000 for each charity during 2021.” With a culture of promoting from within and mentoring staff so that they can make the most of opportunities within the group, TRAD has a number of employees who have been with the company for many years. During the celebrations, there are plans to feature these long-serving employees, hearing their stories about earlier days and finding out what’s changed over the years. “As someone who is entering my own fourth decade with the Group, this is a significant milestone for me and for TRAD,” says Des Moore, CEO of TRAD Group and President of the NASC from 2017-2019. “It’s a very special company and we have fantastic staff who are committed to delivering the best products and service to the industry. I’m really looking forward not just to celebrating our successes, but using our sense of teamwork to raise a lot of money for our chosen charities.”PERI UP helps deliver flexible seating solution for London Stadium
PERI UP has helped bring fans closer to the action at the London Stadium thanks to a successful collaboration.
In 2020, changes to the London Stadium seating were made to bring fans closer to the pitch and enhance the overall match-day experience. This involved the reconfiguration of the north and south lower tier stands, which saw a successful collaboration between PERI, Arena Group and scaffolding design engineers 48.3.
The requirement was a flexible seating solution that could be easily adapted to suit various event arrangements throughout the year. Event seating specialist, Arena Events Group were responsible for concept development and brought in PERI to deliver an efficient solution with reduced build times.
This will allow seating to be installed, retracted and removed to create space when required, facilitated by PERI UP’s quick erecting and dismantling operations.
Designed for flexibility
PERI told Scaffmag that around 66 tonnes of PERI UP equipment was delivered to site to build birdcage scaffolds which formed the seating foundation. Special requirements were also fulfilled by PERI’s Gunzburg factory within short timeframes.
These bespoke components were made to help Arena Group deliver the squared-off seating arrangement that was specified in all corners of the pitch, and to enable efficient use of space. This involved the creation of 1600 special 1.6m ledgers and bespoke angle connectors, so that adjacent stands could be joined at the required angles.
Business Development Manager for PERI UP, Charles Stratford commented: “This has been a great project to reinforce the relationship PERI have with Arena Group.
The ability to quickly develop bespoke components for complex projects such as this one is a strength of ours and something that Arena Group requires in this environment. I am sure the supporters will welcome the renewed seating arrangements and the enhanced pitchside atmosphere it will create.”
“We’re looking forward to continuing supporting Arena Group this year with flexible scaffolding solutions to meet the current requirements and guidelines in the events industry.”
Leach’s set for the best Scaffolder’s Day yet
Leach’s Scaffolder’s Day is back tomorrow and its the best one yet!
2020 was a tough year, but Leach’s know scaffolders are made of strong stuff. That’s why the company is entering 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism… oh, and it’s biggest and best Scaffolder’s Day yet.
Put the date in your calendar and join Leach’s on Thursday 14th January. This year they’ve really gone the extra mile, putting together some truly exceptional rewards and offers.
Special Scaffolder’s Day Offers for January
- FREE BIG BEN Scaff Snacks (orders over £150*)
- FREE BIG BEN Deluxe Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoody plus Scaff Snacks (orders over £300*)
- FREE BIG BEN Ultralite Height Safety Helmet plus Scaff Snacks and hoody (orders over £600*)
- FREE BIG BEN Holdall Kit Bag plus Scaff Snacks, hoody and helmet (orders over £1000*) *prices do not include VAT
Two new BIG BEN products featured this Scaffolder’s Day
To celebrate Scaffolder’s day this year, BIG BEN is launching two brand-new products to its range. The first, catering exclusively for scaffolders, is the all-new Scaff Snack. Scaff Snacks deliver the opportunity to indulge in our mouth-watering Nacho pack including Crisps, Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese and Jalapenos, rounded off with a thirst-quenching can of coke.
All of this is packaged in a handy BIG BEN reusable lunch cool bag, and Leach’s has even provided the cheese grater! All you need to do is heat until the cheese has melted and wait for those taste buds to burst. The perfect on-site snack for scaffolders.
The second new BIG BEN offering this year is a Deluxe Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoody, a trendy addition to the ever-growing BIG BEN workwear range, and certain to be a big hit with scaffolders and tradespersons.
Sounds good doesn’t it? Join Leach’s this Scaffolder’s Day on Thursday 14th January 2021.
Altrad Secures Oil Refinery Contracts Worth £30M
Altrad has signed two long term contracts with Total Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Lincolnshire, UK in support of their operations with an estimated value of £30 million.
The first contract, for the provision of access scaffolding, insulation and painting (AIP) services, is an extension of Altrad’s existing Lindsey Oil Refinery contract for a period of three and a half years. The contract is supported by between 80 and 150 of Altrad`s highly skilled staff whereby every day, they provide critical services to support the asset operating safely and efficiently. Altrad told Scaffmag the second contract is for ‘General site services’ that will encompass Altrad extending the provision at the refinery, to include specialist environmental services for a period of five years. These contracts will be delivered by approximately 40 Altrad cleaning specialists together with some of the most advanced technology available in the market, to ensure the service is delivered in a safe, progressive and value-enhancing manner. Chris Smith – Maintenance Manager at Lindsey Oil Refinery said “Lindsey Oil Refinery is very much aware of the essential contribution to performance made by every member of the site team. Altrad proved from their earliest days on-site that they shared exactly these values, that have underpinned their year on year improvement in safety and productivity over the last seven years. As one of our key contract partners, they have always responded positively to new challenges and we have been able to continually evolve and adapt our contract together. Our decision to expand their scope of supply from AIP to wider site services from the beginning of 2021, followed a rigorous technical and commercial process, but one which has given us confidence that a similar trend of continuous improvement can be achieved during the next phase.” Altrad’s Business Unit Director – Karl Bramwell added, “We are delighted to have signed both these contracts with Total Lindsey Oil Refinery, which builds upon a successful strategic relationship that spans back over seven years. We look forward to using the ingenuity of our people to create extraordinary outcomes, as we deliver critical support services, which support the safe and efficient operation of the refinery.New TG20:21 guidance set to launch in the spring
NASC’s eagerly-anticipated eGuide scaffolding design software update and expansion of TG20:21 will go on sale from March, it has been confirmed.
The latest updated version of TG20 builds on TG20:13, the NASC’s innovative, user-friendly and widely-adopted eGuide software, with a number of revisions to make the process of producing a compliant scaffolding design even simpler and additions to make the software even more useful. As demonstrated at the trade body’s AGM in November these additions include exterior birdcages, tube and fitting mobile towers, tube and fitting loading bays without beams and tied independent scaffolds with three inside boards. Also, TG20 compliance sheet will now be double-sided with the illustration and principal compliance criteria on the front side and the detailed compliance criteria listed on the reverse in landscape format. The NASC has said users will be able to access TG20:21 – and the associated and updated Operational and Design guides – via a link from their website using a unique serial number and login credentials rather than via a file download or CD. NASC members will benefit most with a set price of £75 per eGuide subscription per year while non-members will need to part with £300 for the same subscription per year. A full price guide can be found here. However, the scaffolding trade body has said that existing users transitioning from TG20:13 to TG20:21 will have a short period of free use of the new software. All TG20:13 users will have three months of TG20:21 free, while those that purchased TG20:13 in 2019 will receive nine months of the new software free. Those that purchased TG20:13 in 2020 will be entitled to use TG20:21 for free for 15 months before subscription fees apply. NASC President Lynn Way said: “TG20:13 was a huge step forward for the scaffolding industry, revolutionising the way scaffolding contractors produce day-to-day scaffolding designs and ensure their scaffolding projects are safe and compliant. “TG20:21 is another step forward. Not only has the scope of TG20 been expanded but it’s also been further simplified – making it easier than ever to use and covering a broader range of scaffold designs. “On top of this, the TG20:21 suite will be accessible via a dedicated digital portal, again, making it much more user friendly. I’d like to thank all the NASC Committees that played a part in working on TG20:21 as well as our long-standing software developers CADS for their efforts in bringing it to life. “Of course, the work doesn’t stop here and we’ll continue to innovate and improve in any way we can to make the scaffolding industry safer for all.”Business Secretary writes open letter to construction
The new Business Secretary has written an open letter to all within the UK’s construction sector praising workers, and stating ‘It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times.’
In his first move as Business Secretary, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP has written an open letter to everyone working in the UK’s construction sector. He confirmed it was vital that firms and tradespeople in construction and its supply chain continue to operate during lockdown. His letter reads: “On 4 January, the Prime Minister announced new national lockdown restrictions across the country to help us control and push back against the spread of a new variant of Covid-19. This brings new restrictions, including asking people to stay at home apart from essential travel.” “As the new Business Secretary, I would like to take this opportunity to restate the Government position, which is that firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown. I would also like to make it clear that where it is essential to travel or to stay in accommodation, whether to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, those in the industry are able to do so. “It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and I want to reassure you that the Government values the crucial contribution your sector is making. Whether delivering on large or small construction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.” “To help ensure that it is safe for you to operate whilst carrying out your work, the Construction Leadership Council has published the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) and Branch Operating Procedures, which reflect the latest guidance from Government. The Government and devolved administrations continue to update their safe working guidance which can be found on GOV.UK.” “My Ministerial team and I are in regular contact with industry leaders about the risks, issues and challenges you face. Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.”Scaffolding Association celebrates booming membership levels
Scaffolding trade body, the Scaffolding Association has become the largest of its kind after hitting 500 member milestone.
The Scaffolding Association is celebrating its booming membership numbers, with more than 500 companies now working together to help raise industry standards and expand work opportunities. It is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and was established to represent scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants. The trade body says it offers scaffolding contractors, who have often felt marginalised by the myth that there is only one place to go for representation, a dynamic voice. Since its inception, the Scaffolding Association says it has been breaking down those beliefs and providing a fair and accessible platform for scaffolding contractors who are committed to effecting change in the sector. Chief Executive Robert Candy said: “2020 has undoubtedly been a difficult year for everyone, and the strength and resilience our sector has shown is astounding. At the start of the pandemic I could never have imagined that we could have sustained such levels of growth and be welcoming our 500th member. As a trade association, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone within our industry has access to advice and support that will help them work safely and grow their business. We have created an open and inclusive community of scaffolding businesses, and our growth last year demonstrates that our approach is one that really resonates with the forward thinkers operating in our industry.” The Scaffolding Association provides assistance and advice to scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants of all sizes across the country. Offering various levels of membership, it works closely with trade, government and accreditation organisations, to provide a robust support network designed to help its members deliver safe and quality services.Worker dies in London scaffold fall
