No Freeze On Kindness in Watford

Grahame Anderson
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No Freeze On Kindness in Watford

A scaffolding company is continuing to mark out their cones in the new spirit of giving following the coronavirus pandemic.

During the recent UK heatwave, Hertfordshire based scaffolding firm Watford Scaffolding Ltd wanted to thank the fantastic NHS by hiring an Ice Cream van and dish out free Ice Creams to NHS Keyworkers. Managing Director Tony Shehu takes up the story: “We’d been looking for local charities that we could help during this difficult time. With the recent heatwave, we decided upon an Ice Cream giveaway to the local hospital nearest our yard, Watford General Hospital. “Having decided, we started to look into the logistics of this and how it could be organised. We contacted Watford General on Wednesday 24th June and spoke to a lady called Zoe Nicholls, the PA to Charity Director, who made all kinds of enquiries before giving us permission to make the necessary arrangements.  “We were aware the weather would be at its hottest on the Thursday so made last-minute arrangements with Mister Creamy Ice Cream Van Hire. He was very helpful and held all the relevant Insurances and Hygiene ratings required. The following day from noon he’d be able to supply a  pre-paid number of ice creams to NHS key workers. Arrangements were finalised with all parties concerned and everyone was looking forward to a successful day.” Then at 5pm it seemed their plans had been licked somewhat when Zoe contacted their offices to explain they were unable to accept ice creams unless ‘it was a Level 3 Heatwave’. At that time the temperature stood at level two. Disappointed but undaunted, the company cancelled arrangements for the following day. This is Britain of course, and wouldn’t you know it – nature was set to play a helping hand with our inconsistent weather. Tony added: “At 9.00 am on Thursday morning a lady called Freya Hollingsworth called from Watford General explaining we had now hit a Level 3 heatwave, and could they please rebook the Ice Creams. Next step … back to Mister Creamy who so kindly managed once again to refit us into his schedule. We attended Watford General Hospital that afternoon and gave away more than 600 ice creams to the NHS Workers – a great response from everybody.” There are certainly no coneheads at Watford Scaffolding, so given their previous success, it was time to visit the other two sites of NHS West Herts. This time both St Albans City Hospital and Hemel Hempstead Hospital were the lucky recipients the next day to the tune of 600 more ice cream treats. And at no risk of ‘flaking out’, the team also managed to pop into one of their own sites to help cool the cream of their tradesmen at Watford Cross, Weston Homes. Tony said: “This has been a very difficult time for us all, we consider ourselves very lucky to be in the position to help these wonderful people who have put themselves at risk to care for others.  “To highlight our thanks for the NHS, we have had a batch of “Thank You NHS” signboards made up. These are now adorning all our live jobs.” Well, you know what they say – ‘charity begins at cone’ – or is that home? Well done Watford Scaffolding Ltd.

HSE: Death rate in construction on the rise

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HSE: Death rate in construction on the rise

Latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive reveal death rates in construction have increased.

The figures show 40 construction site workers were killed as a result of injures sustained while at work in the year to 31st March 2020. The sector is one of the few industries that saw an increase in the results and is 22% above the record low of 31 seen in 2019/19. Although construction has the largest share of deaths the HSE says that over the last five years the number has fluctuated. The annual average for the past five years is 37. But the annual average rate over the last five years in construction is around 4 times as high as the all industry rate. The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be; workers falling from height (29), being struck by a moving vehicle (20) and being struck by a moving object (18), accounting for 60 per cent of fatal injuries in 2019/20. Following the release, HSE’s chief executive, Sarah Albon, said: “No one should be hurt or killed by the work they do. In these extraordinary times, we have seen many workers risking their lives to help others during the coronavirus outbreak. Although these statistics are not a reflection on Covid-19 related loss of life, it is a pertinent time to reflect. “Every workplace fatality is a tragedy and while we are encouraged by this improvement, today’s statistics is a reminder that we cannot become complacent as we look to continue to work together to make Great Britain an even safer place to live and work.”

Latest SOP version says site canteens can reopen

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Latest SOP version says site canteens can reopen

Belly busting breakfasts are back after the CLC publishes its latest version of the Site Operating Procedures, allowing site canteens to reopen.

In line with the recent government’s revision to social distancing guidance, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published Version 5 of its coronavirus Site Operating Procedures (SOP). Although minimal changes in other areas from Version 4 the latest SOP version has given the all-clear for contractors to reopen site canteens across Britain. Previously, unless workers were attending large remote sites the majority of smaller site canteens were closed across the construction industry when the lockdown came in. Now hungry workers can rejoice with the news that they can use the site canteen, but a checklist of rules must be observed by sites according to the CLC.
  1. Consider increasing the number or size of facilities available on site if possible
2. The capacity of each canteen or rest area should be clearly identified at the entry to each facility, and where necessary attendants provided to supervise compliance with social distancing measures 3. Break times should be staggered to reduce congestion and contact at all times 4. Drinking water should be provided with enhanced cleaning measures of the tap mechanism introduced 5. Frequently clean surfaces that are touched regularly, using standard cleaning products e.g. kettles, refrigerators, microwaves 6. Hand cleaning facilities or hand sanitiser should be available at the entrance to any room where people eat and should be used by workers when entering and leaving the area 7. A distance of two metres, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres is not viable, should be maintained between users. Seating and tables should be reconfigured to reduce face to face interactions 8. All rubbish should be put straight in the bin and not left for someone else to clear up 9. Tables should be cleaned between each use 10. Crockery, eating utensils, cups etc. should not be used unless they are disposable or washed and dried between use 11. Payments should be taken by contactless card wherever possible 12. Canteen staff should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food 13. Canteen staff and workers may use the same rest areas if they apply the same social distancing measures 14. Consider arrangements for monitoring compliance. Download Site Operating Procedures Version 5

North East scaffold business awarded top accreditation

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North East scaffold business awarded top accreditation

North East scaffolders JMAC Scaffolding have become the latest in a long line of top firms to receive NASC membership status.

The scaffolding company and associated JMAC businesses have been in the industry for almost four decades and in recent years has seen continued growth and innovations lead them to become one of the most reputable firms in the North. Based in Stockton On Tees the company have a client base spanning from housing associations, house building giants to the petrochemical and industrial sector. JMAC has prepared for 10 years to apply to be an NASC full contracting member and feels they are now in a strong position with the infrastructure, staff, and robust health and safety management systems they now have in place, which has now been backed up by their newly awarded certification from the NASC.  Speaking to Scaffmag JMAC Group Managing director, Luis McCarthy, said: “NASC is something we’ve aspired towards since myself and James took the operational reigns in 2011, JMAC has grown exponentially over the years, and through growth we’ve learnt some valuable lessons. Competent management and Continual auditing drives the quality of the scaffolding and culture at JMAC, our standards and quality are higher than ever before and we are continuously striving to improve every day. “NASC guidance documents are fantastic and we have followed the NASC guidance documents and E Guide since its inception, we regularly audit, monitor and improve our workforce, with the support of our in house HSEQ Manager Kieren Cattanach and leading scaffolding external consultancy, Simian Risk Management. To be able to offer our experience and hold a voice at the table of the NASC trade body is very important and we hope that by becoming a member we can help to not only improve our business, but to aid the NASC to improve through a new voice that brings ideas and innovations to the table for the good of the industry.“  JMAC Group HSEQ Manager, Kieren Cattanach, added: “I’m delighted to have worked alongside the team at JMAC to achieve our NASC accreditation. As the group HSEQ Manager, I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved and it makes me even prouder to be part of the JMAC Group. “I’ve been with the company since October, and I have worked with preparing for this day since then. The NASC accreditation will allow us access to a forum of other like-minded individuals in senior management positions within scaffolding organisations, this accreditation is held in high regards with most tier-one clients so this will hopefully open up some new clients that we wouldn’t of normally been able to tender for. We are looking forward to bring our ideas to the NASC regional meetings and discussing with other scaffolding management professionals in areas we can improve.” 

‘Build build build’ PM set to announce New Deal for Britain

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‘Build build build’ PM set to announce New Deal for Britain

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today announce a “New Deal” which puts jobs and infrastructure at the centre of the government’s economic growth strategy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today (Tuesday 30th June) announce a “New Deal” which puts jobs and infrastructure at the centre of the government’s economic growth strategy. In a speech in the West Midlands, the Prime Minister will underline his commitment to ‘build, build, build’ in order to upgrade Britain’s infrastructure and skills to fuel economic recovery across the UK. According to a Government press release the Prime Minister is expected to say: “It sounds positively Rooseveltian. It sounds like a New Deal. All I can say is that if so, then that is how it is meant to sound and to be, because that is what the times demand. A government that is powerful and determined and that puts its arms around people at a time of crisis…. “…this is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country’s great unresolved challenges of the last three decades. “To build the homes, to fix the NHS, to tackle the skills crisis, to mend the indefensible gap in opportunity and productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK. To unite and level up.

“To that end we will build build build. Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires.

The Prime Minister will announce that we bring forward £5bn of capital investment projects, supporting jobs and the economic recovery, including: • £1.5bn this year for hospital maintenance, eradicating mental health dormitories, enabling hospital building, and improving A&E capacity. This will improve patient care, make sure NHS hospitals can deliver world-leading services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections. • £100m this year for 29 projects in our road network to get Britain moving, from bridge repairs in Sandwell to boosting the quality of the A15 in the Humber region. Plus £10m for development work to unblock the Manchester rail bottleneck, which will begin this year. • Over £1bn to fund the first 50 projects of a new, ten-year school rebuilding programme, starting from 2020-21. These projects will be confirmed in the Autumn, and construction on the first sites will begin from September 2021. • £560m and £200m for repairs and upgrades to schools and FE colleges respectively this year. • £142m for digital upgrades and maintenance to around 100 courts this year, £83m for maintenance of prisons and youth offender facilities, and £60m for temporary prison places, creating thousands of new jobs. • £900m for a range of ‘shovel ready’ local growth projects in England over the course of this year and next, as well as £96m to accelerate investment in town centres and high streets through the Towns Fund this year. This will provide all 101 towns selected for town deals with £500k-£1m to spend on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets, and transport. The Prime Minister will talk about an “infrastructure revolution”: building infrastructure, building jobs and building healthcare through a bold programme of national renewal, uniting and levelling up the UK. He is expected to say: “Too many parts of this country have felt left behind, neglected, unloved, as though someone had taken a strategic decision that their fate did not matter as much as the metropolis.

“And so I want you to know that this government not only has a vision to change this country for the better, we have a mission to unite and level up – the mission on which we were elected last year.”

Spring Budget 2020 set out ambitious plan to invest in our future prosperity. Today’s announcement redoubles government’s efforts to get on with this now, in support of economic recovery and jobs right across the country. To support the ambition to ‘build build build’, in the Autumn the government will also publish a National Infrastructure Strategy which will set a clear direction on core economic infrastructure, including energy networks, road and rail, flood defences and waste. The Government also intends to bring forward funding to accelerate infrastructure projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – we will work with the devolved administrations to identify where we can get spades in the ground, build our communities, and create jobs faster for citizens across the United Kingdom. We will carry out a review to look at how best to improve road, rail, air and sea links between our four nations to create a more connected kingdom. To protect the UK’s natural infrastructure, the Prime Minister will recommit to reforest Britain by planting over 75,000 acres of trees every year by 2025. He is also set to pledge £40m to boost local conservation projects and create 3000 jobs, including new Conservation Rangers, and safeguard a further 2000 – training young people and others in the community to protect their local environments. This will go a long way to safeguard the UK’s natural carbon stores and wildlife habitats – our meadows, rivers, and local green spaces – which are central to capturing and removing CO2 from the atmosphere, protecting precious biodiversity, and connecting people with nature. Recognising the crisis has driven job losses across the country, and many people are worried about their jobs and incomes, the Prime Minister will announce action to support jobs and skills in his speech. This government is committed to building an economy that works for working people across the country. While in the long-term the government must set a path to balance the books, the Prime Minister is clear that we will not do so at the expense of investing now in the productive potential of the economy, or at the expense of the resilience of the UK’s public services. The Prime Minister will finish by saying: “If we deliver this plan together, then we will together build our way back to health.

We will not just bounce back, we will bounce forward – stronger and better and more united than ever before.”

48.3 Gets Its Claws Into a TIGER

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48.3 Gets Its Claws Into a TIGER

Forward-thinking scaffolding and temporary works consultants 48.3 have announced the arrival of a new Business Development Manager – Mark Parkin

Mark has over 32 years of experience in contract scaffolding. Working as a scaffolder and gaining his advanced ticket through the 1980’s and 1990’s before forming his own contracting business M&M in 1995. Most people within the industry however will know Mark from the many successful years leading Tiger Scaffolding in the North East, a company with a strong reputation for delivering complex structures in a safe and efficient way, time and again for their clients.  Following the announcement 48.3 Managing Director, Ben Beaumont spoke to Scaffmag, he said: “I have personally known Mark for over 15 years, and we have worked together in various forms during that time, mostly as design engineers for Tiger. We have delivered some challenging and complex scaffolds and built a great working relationship.  We all know how important buildability is to scaffold design and at 48.3 we’ve always employed and trained ex-scaffolders to work in our design teams. Bringing Mark into the business is fantastic for us and continues that successful strategy. He has seamlessly integrated with our design team and is providing additional practical, commercial and H&S related expertise across our projects.” 48.3 have a vision for delivering scaffolding and access design that is unique. We believe in a fully integrated solution that considers both the scaffold, the surrounding interfaces, temporary works and the permanent structure in harmony. This engineers value into every project and ensures a solution that is right for the project for its full life cycle.” Ben also added: “This is the future of scaffold design, that we are delivering for our clients today. Mark will be helping us deliver this whilst also providing tender support, developing access strategies, project and commercial management services and site support to our clients. We are all really excited about Mark joining and are looking forward to getting started on upcoming projects where we can fully engage his experience and expertise.” Scaffmag has exclusively discussed the move with Mark, a long term supporter of the website and magazine, he told us: “When I was asked to join 48.3 & Richter I was really excited to become a valued member of a dynamic team of engineers. Their creative vision, ethos and management structure made this a perfect move. I am looking forward to the challenges this role will bring and having the opportunity to utilise my experience in this way, whilst developing my own technical knowledge and skillset.” 48.3 have established offices in Redhill, Leeds, Gateshead and Glasgow as well as recently opening in Birmingham, Marlow and Exeter to cater for growing demand and to deliver their services to new and existing clients in those regions. The company has said Mark will be joining its existing business development team at 48.3 and Richter to bring its services to a wider market across all regions as the company focuses on their integrated design, commercial and management services.  48.3 are also currently recruiting for new staff across the UK. If you would like to see the roles they have available please visit: https://www.483.co.uk/about-us/join-us

Yorkshire scaffolders set to start work on £61m Sheffield City Centre flats complex

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Yorkshire scaffolders set to start work on £61m Sheffield City Centre flats complex

Burflex Scaffolding is poised to start work on a 17 storey £61m flats complex in Sheffield’s City Centre.

The East Yorkshire based company has been awarded the substantial contract and are set to provide a full scaffolding package starting in July.

Leading construction firm Watkin Jones awarded the scaffolders the contract. Watkin Jones has entrusted Burflex on a number of other projects in Sheffield and Leicester. The Welsh construction business is tasked with building the large redevelopment project located on Rockingham Street in Sheffield’s City Centre.

The development comprises of five blocks, up to 17 storeys with 794 beds for mainly student accommodation. Additionally, 106 beds will be for up-market flats aimed at young professionals.

The new blocks will be built on the old Grunwergs site, former home to houseware and catering products supplier Grunwerg.

ScaffMag understands that Burflex will be providing and erecting over 12,000m of scaffolding, 234 loading bay lifts and using 336m of beams. The project will also be wrapped and sheeted using 7,500m2 of monoflex.

Teams of Burflex scaffolders are set to start erecting from 1st July 2020 with the dismantling phase concluding by the end of May 2021. 

Gareth Kay, Burflex Cost & Estimating Manager said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract in Sheffield City Centre, this is another significant win for the business to complement our other ongoing contracts within the Burflex Projects Division. This win and other recent wins further demonstrate our proven capability at delivering these large and complex major construction projects. 

Our relationship with Watkin Jones has really flourished over the last 3 years due to our safe approach and can-do attitude. We have enjoyed repeat business following the completion of 3 other sites in Sheffield and we are also currently working on a site a similar size to Grunwergs in Leicester where the scaffold erection is currently nearing completion.”

“Since opening our Leeds office and Depot last year we have continued to grow and deliver within this sector and we are certainly looking forward to targeting and achieving further growth.

It is also worth noting that as part of the Grunwergs contract Burflex are tasked to employ local labour from Sheffield, as such we are actively recruiting in the area.”

CITB cuts Levy bills to help support sector’s skills-based recovery

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CITB cuts Levy bills to help support sector’s skills-based recovery

CITB has today announced its plan to help employers recover from the impact of Coronavirus, including a substantial reduction in Levy bills.

The CITB has published its Skills Stability Plan 2020-21 which protects apprenticeships and provides direct funding to employers to adopt new ways of working needed in the wake of Covid-19. The training board have announced that employers will continue to have a payment holiday on the Levy until September and then up to a full year to pay the 2020/21 levy. They also say it will propose a 50% discount on the 2021/22 Levy rate. This means employers will pay 18 months’ Levy out of 24, making an overall saving of 25% across two years. For example, An employer with an average annual levy bill of £1,200 would normally pay £2,400 over 2020-22. Instead, they will pay nothing from April to August this year and then take advantage of spreading the costs – £100 per month up to February 2022, paying £1,800 overall. The changes will see CITB’s forecast Levy income drop by £166m across two financial years, it said. However, despite this large drop in income, the CITB stressed that its Skills Stability Plan will protect apprenticeships, direct funding to employers and the Grants Scheme. CITB has also confirmed it is also cutting costs and using its reserves to support employers’ skills needs. CITB Chief Executive Sarah Beale said: “This represents a radical plan of action that balances the need for a reduction in the Levy at this time, alongside vital investment in the skills needed by employers now and in the future. “It is the result of hundreds of conversations with employers across the length and breadth of Britain and I’m confident it meets the sector’s immediate needs. We are committed to making the Levy work hard to protect apprenticeships and support hard-pressed employers as they equip themselves for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” CITB will now seek the views of industry employers and federations about the development of a new strategic plan, covering 2021-23, with the plan expected to be published in September.  Sarah Beale added: “We have spoken to employers and federations and most have suggested that they want us to focus full-time on helping the industry meet the challenges posed by Covid. We have confirmed with the Department for Education that we will not run the usual Consensus process and instead we will speak to employers and industry groups to seek their views on our plans for next year. “We will continue to be responsive and collaborative, working closely with the sector and Government to return the industry to growth. We will listen to industry and respond to its priorities and give every employer the confidence that we wish to understand and learn from their concerns and ambitions.” Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Chief Executive and Skills Workstream Lead at the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), said: “Our industry has come together to develop an effective plan to come back from the effects of Covid-19, as detailed in the CLC’s Roadmap to Recovery document. CITB’s Skills Stability Plan builds on this work and clearly outlines how they will play their part in delivering the skills we need. We very much support efforts made by the CITB to substantially reduce the Levy. It is right that Consensus is delayed so we can work together to make sure that our recovery, still in its early stages, is as strong as possible.” Read the full announcement here

Leading Fall Protection Firm Buys Safety & Access

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Leading Fall Protection Firm Buys Safety & Access

Kee Safety a leading global supplier of fall protection and work at height solutions has acquired scaffolding and access training provider Safety and Access Ltd.

Kee Safety Ltd which specialises in the global supply of bespoke fall protection systems and equipment for working at height has signed a deal to take full ownership of the CISRS approved training provider.

The buyout, for an undisclosed sum, will see Kee Safety have overall control of Safety & Access’s operations here in the UK.

However, Rick Statham, Safety & Access Joint Managing Director stressed: “There will be no changes at all, It’s business as usual here in the UK and with our network of international partners”

“I am delighted with the acquisition as the deal will secure the future of the business and its staff. It will also place us in the perfect position for further expansion. We have been in discussion with Kee Safety Ltd since 2019, they are a great fit for the Safety & Access brand.” 

Safety & Access have confirmed to ScaffMag that both existing Directors Rick Statham and Ray Johnson will remain in their positions and their staff structure will remain the same.

It’s is one of the UK’s leading scaffolding and access training and H&S consultancy providers offering a wide range of professional support services to a broad range of industry sectors for almost 30 years. 

They have purpose-built training venues in Nottingham, Humberside and London. The business also provides training overseas in the Middle East, Far East and beyond.

Scaffolding firm fined £5K after scaffolder fell eight-meters

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Scaffolding firm fined £5K after scaffolder fell eight-meters

A scaffolding company has been fined £5000 after one of its workers fell from an eight-meter-high scaffold.

JR Scaffolding Services has claimed responsibility in court after a cantilever scaffold collapsed leaving a scaffolder with serious injuries in September 2016.
The 47-year-old scaffolder sustained a collapsed lung, a ruptured spleen, and multiple rib and shoulder fractures. His spleen was also removed as a result of the incident. The Paisley based company pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Glasgow Sheriff Court to failing to make suitable and sufficient risk assessments. The firm also admitted failing to provide a safe system of work to be followed by employees. And it failed to ensure the tower scaffold was attached to the building The court heard there were not enough anchors to secure the scaffold to the building in Glasgow’s Alexandra Parade and instead used a friction tie. It was also found the scaffolding structure was erected in the wrong place at the property. According to reports, JR Scaffolding Services Managing Director instructed a cantilever to be built onto the existing scaffold rather than dismantling the entire structure. Prosecutor Selina Brown told the court that the cantilever was attached to the existing scaffold with rope. The scaffolder pulled the cantilever up as parts were given to him by his workmates. He was then asked to put boards on the structure while his colleague attached them to the rope. Miss Brown said: “As he was carrying out this task, he felt the cantilever and tower begin to move. “The cantilever then collapsed along with the top of the tower scaffold and he fell eight meters to the ground, sustaining multiple injuries.” The scaffolder was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment and was discharged two weeks later. It’s understood he made a full recovery but requires to take antibiotics every day to fight off infection for the rest of his life.

Investigation

An investigation found that due to a lack of anchors and a ballast to support the scaffolding, it was unable to support the weight of the cantilever. The court was told, “The incident could have been avoided if the task was properly planned, the existing scaffold was correctly positioned and securely attached to the tenement.” Defence counsel, Susan Duff, said: “This offence occurred in a particular set of circumstances which didn’t reflect the company’s attitude to safety and employees.” Sheriff Andrew Cubie reduced the fine from £10,000 to £5000 due to the current pandemic. He said: “The direct consequences of these failures responded to the scaffolding collapsing and the scaffolder sustained serious injuries. “I accept from the material before me that the failures were not the company’s normal practices and standards. A number of factors appear to have transpired which caused the accident on that day.”
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