TRAD Safety System’s unique Mini Catch Fan “flexible and time-saving”

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
TRAD Safety System’s unique Mini Catch Fan “flexible and time-saving”

The new, innovative system from TRAD Safety Systems – a market leader in providing fall safety solutions – the TRAD Mini Catch Fan offers greater protection to site workers and the public during erection and dismantling of a scaffold. 

Since the introduction of the Mini Catch Fan to the scaffolding industry, TRAD Safety System’s has seen increased take-up across the country as both scaffolding contractors and developers see the benefits. Part of the company’s fall prevention range, the Mini Catchfan has significant advantages over the traditional boarded fan during scaffold erection and dismantling:

  • Manual installation – each lightweight netting unit can be installed manually alongside the scaffolding, with no need for cranes or additional lifting equipment.
  • No tools or fittings are required, removing the potential fall risk of these items
  • Energy-absorbing netting – each unit has a 100 x 100mm net with a 20 x 20mm net overlay. This absorbs the energy from anything dropping onto the netting, creating a safer working environment.
  • Safer site access – particularly useful for sites with limited or busy access, as accessways can be kept clear and accessible even while the scaffold is being erected.

One of the places where the Mini Catchfan has been used effectively is on the GSA development in Exeter. The site access runs perpendicular to the scaffolding, which gave the contractors, Apex Scaffolding, a challenge.

“We could have used traditional boarded fans,” says Chris Black, Supervisor at Apex, “but this would have had a knock-on effect in terms of time, cost and access. The Mini Catch Fan is more flexible and adaptable, and we can move them up the scaffold as it’s erected, keeping them within 4m of the working area. Using them meant that there was no down-time to site, because we didn’t have to stop their works to erect protection decks underneath the scaffold. This meant as a priority we were able to maintain open site access for the developer, other contractors and keep the entrance pathway clear”.

Easy to install – safer for contractors

The Mini Catch Fan has been specifically designed to be easy to fit as the scaffolding goes up. The netting unit connects to the ledger, rather than the standards, so there is no need to make any adaptations to the scaffolding in order to make it fit. When not in use, each netting unit simply folds up for easy storage and transportation.

“I’m already recommending this system to other clients,” commented Matthew Cousins, Commercial Director at Apex Scaffolding. “We’re getting increased enquiries from clients who want more speed and flexibility whilst making sure that the site is safe, and this product works so much better in that regard.”

And it’s not just the contractors that are impressed. Developers can also see the immediate benefits of bringing this innovative netting system on site.

“It has an immediate visual impact,” agrees Steve Booth, Project Manager with Kier. “People see the floating netting system and they feel safer – and that’s really important on sites where the public is walking or driving right next to the site. It’s also critical for our site workers that they are confident in the safety systems we are using. We want to make sure that every single person working on our site is safe during their working hours and able to go home to their families at the end of the day. The benefit of systems like this is that it gives you time and cost savings and additional protection.

UK construction activity moves out of the capital

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
UK construction activity moves out of the capital

The value of all construction contract awards in June 2019 was £5.2 billion based on a three-month rolling average, which is an increase of 5.5% on May. Regional analysis shows that the North West was the leading region for contract awards in June with a 36.6% value share.

The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain.

The overall outlook for June contract awards increased by 5.5% on May 2019. The infrastructure sector accounted for 37.2% of total value of contract awards, due to the SPRS Construction Programme at the Sellafield Site – valued at £1.5 billion, which boosted the North West’s project share. 

London dominated in only two of the eight sectors for June 2019 – residential with a 26.2% share and commercial & retail with a 23.7% share of total contract awards. Construction activity has moved out of the capital for June, with a more even spread of contract awards across the UK.

The East Midlands dominated the industrial sector, largely due to investment in warehousing and storage. The South West took the top spot for hotel, leisure & sport and Scotland took the lion’s share of projects in the medical & health and education sectors. 

Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI said, “London has dominated project awards every month in 2019. However, for the first time this year, we see a shift in the spread of project awards across the country. Likewise, for the first time this year, we see infrastructure investment overtake the residential sector which has been the most active sector of construction for over 6 months.” 

Download the full report here: https://ubm.io/2OjVWwX

Simian’s Director Announces Retirement

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Simian’s Director Announces Retirement

A founder Director of the international scaffolding training firm Simian has announced his retirement.

Simian’s founder Directors Ian Fyall and Simon Hughes established the company in 2005. Their names combined created the business name SIMIAN and has become a leading international scaffolding and work at height safety consultancy and training provider.

According to the Simian website, ‘Ian has spent a lifetime in the industry and has made the decision to retire from the UK business to take on new challenges both in the UK and abroad.’

Ian’s last day with Simian will be 31 July 2019.

Ian Fyall said: “It’s been an honour and a pleasure to have been a part Simian since its inception in November 2005, and particularly to watch the business grow from an idea into a thriving employer and of the world’s premier providers of scaffolding consultancy services and training. The Simian brand has come such a long way in the past fourteen years or so, it is now recognised in most corners of the globe, and is synonymous with quality safety advice and training provision – of that I am immensely proud.  

“The age of 55 was always my cut off point, and as I reach this personal milestone – now is the right time for me to be more of a Husband, Dad and Grandad. 

“I would like to wish my fellow Shareholders, Directors and colleagues at Simian every success in the future and wish them well in keeping the Simian flag flying high. Last but no means least, I would like to thank my wife Joanne and our grown-up children for never complaining when I left to travel the world at the drop of a hat.”

CISRS Launches New Scaffolding Awareness Training

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
CISRS Launches New Scaffolding Awareness Training

A new one-day scaffolding awareness course aimed at non-scaffolding personnel and other construction workers is now being offered at a range of CISRS training centres across the country.

The course is open to anybody who has cause to work on scaffolding such as painters, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers etc, or those wanting to gain a better understanding of scaffolding operations which could include site supervisors, engineers, procurement and health and safety professionals and principal contractors.  

The course, created by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), will provide attendees with a greater understanding and appreciation of the potential dangers of working at height on scaffolds and enable them to identify the core components of a safe scaffold.

It is being delivered by CISRS accredited centres nationwide. Delegates will be issued with a CISRS Scaffolding Awareness certificate upon successful completion of the course.

Laura Weekes, CISRS Administrator, said: “This classroom-based course provides learners with a basic understanding of what compliant scaffolding looks like and guidance on how they can work at height safely. 

“It comes in response to the publication of the NASC Safety Report 2019 and broader construction industry accident statistics published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). 

“The latest NASC Safety Report shows that NASC full contracting members continue to erect and dismantle scaffolds of all shapes and sizes in an extremely safe and legally compliant manner, resulting in zero operative fatalities for the sixth year in succession.

“However, a recent HSE report revealed that 40 people died as a result of a fall from height during 2018/2019, making this the biggest cause of workplace fatal injuries in Great Britain. 

“Clearly there is a need for greater awareness of the dangers of working at height. We hope our new course will contribute to this effort.” 

Cumbrian Scaffolding Firm Goes Bust

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Cumbrian Scaffolding Firm Goes Bust

Focus Scaffolding Ltd based in Whitehaven, Cumbria has gone into liquidation, putting dozens of jobs at risk.

The company was established in 1995 by Brian Scott and Carl O’Fee. It began trading in July 1995 at an office in Whitehaven with only a small number of employees.

Focus Scaffolding began working as scaffold erectors on the Sellafield site in 1998, then in 2009 branched out into other trades, including joinery, fire protection, painting and thermal insulation. The company had a number of clients at Sellafield.

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said to the News & Star a number of workers from Focus Scaffolding, had been made redundant from roles on site.

He said: “We are disappointed and saddened to hear that local business Focus Scaffolding Ltd has gone into liquidation. As a result, we understand a number of workers employed on projects on the Sellafield site have been made redundant.

“We are currently assessing the implications and impact on the Sellafield site and on our portfolio of major construction projects.”

Focus provided a service to various clients in and around Cumbria (including South Scotland, Lancashire and the North East), as well as on the Sellafield Site and was the only member of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) in West Cumbria.

Rilmac Scaffolding Expand In To New Premises

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Rilmac Scaffolding Expand In To New Premises

Since opening their Northampton branch in mid-2015 Rilmac Scaffolding have seen impressive growth over their first four years in the region and have recently expanded to larger premises due to demand.

The decision to open a Northampton branch on the back of winning a number of prestigious contracts in the area is paying dividends for Rilmac Scaffolding.  Turnover at their Northampton business grew by over 80% in just three years, and they have more than doubled their local workforce!  

Northampton’s ideal location and transport links has allowed them to not only work on projects across Northamptonshire but also on such prestigious projects as an F1 motorsport factory in Milton Keynes, university accommodation in Warwick, schools, infrastructure work, new build housing units across the region and the DNRC (Defence & National Rehabilitation Centre) near Loughborough.  It has also given the company a strong base from which to expand into the West Midlands, London and the South East.

The growth of Rilmac Scaffolding in Northampton has seen an expansion in senior management as well, with Paul Wallis being taken on as Operations Director at the new depot, working alongside Contracts Director Sam McSpadden and nationwide Managing Director Des Booth.

Rilmac Scaffolding has plans in place for further, managed growth across the region, and as part of this moved into a larger depot at Round Spinney in earlier this year.  The new premises cover over 60% more area than their previous yard and offers greater opportunities for success.

“We knew that Northampton would be a great location for us,” said Sam McSpadden, “and the growth we have seen here backs that up.  It was always our aim to bring employment to the area and we are pleased to have more than doubled our workforce here.”

“The larger premises give us the opportunity to service larger customers and more complex projects across the region.” added Des Booth, “We already feel like part of the community and will be growing here in the long term.  This is just the next step of our journey in Northampton.”

“Having previously worked with Des at Rilmac’s Lincoln Depot I am pleased to be able to re-establish our working relationship after 12 years,” commented Paul Wallis, “and I am looking forward to achieving further growth across the Northampton region.”

SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme Gains Momentum

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme Gains Momentum

Increasing demand for additional scaffolding labour has seen a SIMIAN training initiative grow in popularity since its inception 12 months ago.

SIMIAN’s Pre-Employment Training Scheme was developed in response to its clients who were feeling the brunt of the general construction industry skills shortage and is intended to take previously unskilled workers and those considering a career change, to equip them for a career in the scaffolding industry and where possible, to match those that successfully complete the course with local employers.

The courses are usually fully funded, so they come at no cost to prospective employers, other than committing time to aiding the development of course delegates.

One such example is Mark Nock, of Wolverhampton, who has recently found employment with West Bromwich-based NASC members and SIMIAN clients, Star Scaffolding Limited. Mark attended a four-week course in the Midlands that was held in conjunction with its partners, Dudley College of Technology, the course contained modules that included, CISRS COTS, four days’ practical system scaffolding (Layher training) and a work experience placement.

The end result of Mark’s training is that he now holds a CISRS COTS card and has found employment and a new career path.

Lydia Chard, Manager at Star Scaffolding, said, “Mark did a week-long work placement with us, both in the yard and out on site. During that time, he demonstrated how hardworking and diligent he was, getting stuck into everything that was asked of him, with a positive attitude. Based on the week he spent with us, it was clear that we could not miss the opportunity of offering him employment at Star and we are confident that he will become a key member of the team.

The SIMIAN PETS initiative is one we are happy to support, and we would have no hesitation in offering course delegates work placement.”

Mark Nock commented, “When I had a call from Mark Chard, the Managing Director at Star, to let me know I was being offered a permanent paid position, I was buzzing. My partner has just had a baby so being back in work means a lot to me.”

Simon O’Donnell, SIMIAN’s National Business Development Manager said, “The PETS course offers a fantastic opportunity, not only for budding Scaffolders, but also for businesses looking to plug the skills gap. The courses we have developed are specific to the scaffolding sector and are funded by the Local authority. This means that local employers have the pain of recruitment and initial training taken away and more often than not, this is free of charge.

The fact that SIMIAN’s PETS courses incorporate the CISRS COTS course means that subject to local induction, delegates are free to start work as soon as they complete the course. Furthermore, the employer and the would-be employee get to assess one another, prior to making any long-term employment commitments.”

We are currently rolling out the PETS initiative on a nationwide basis and currently have courses planned for northwest Wales, London, the North West and the Midlands. Additional courses in more geographical locations are subject to client demand, so I would encourage any interested employers to contact us to discuss their requirements.”

Employers wishing to explore the options that SIMIAN’s PETS can bring should contact them via telephone on 0345 6022 418 or by email via [email protected]. 

Urgent Appeal For Stricken UK Scaffolder Stranded In Sri Lanka

Grahame Anderson
-
0
Urgent Appeal For Stricken UK Scaffolder Stranded In Sri Lanka

An appeal to raise £30,000 has been launched to help bring a stranded UK scaffolder with Locked-In syndrome back home from Sri Lanka.

Colin Whiteside from Bamber Bridge near Preston had been working for Hyundai, on the Cinnamon Hotel complex in the country for more than two years, before the debilitating illness struck after the father of two was bitten by a mosquito. 

The 52-year-old developed dengue fever at first, but was treated well in a private hospital. Sadly, he contracted both pneumonia and sepsis a short time afterwards. Out of the blue the hard-working family man suffered a catastrophic stroke, losing physical control over everything.

His wife Caroline told us: “You can’t move on your own. You can’t scratch an itch. And worse still, you can’t tell anyone around you that you have an itch. You can feel pain, hunger, loneliness, and fear, but you can’t react to those sensations. You are totally aware of your surroundings, but you can’t communicate your feelings or desires, or even your basic needs. The whole thing has been absolutely horrific.”

Colin’s medical insurance won’t cover treatment, so every penny he’s earned in the last 15 years to secure a future has been spent on his care. The family knows the prognosis isn’t good. It’s extremely rare for any significant motor function to return. In fact, The majority of locked-in syndrome patients do not regain motor control. However, some people with the condition continue to live much longer.

His wife added: “Any time my Colin has left we need to do everything we can to help with medical costs and possibly get him home. Without help from the British embassy or his insurance it has been left to his family and friends to do everything in our power to get him home. 

“Anyone who knows Colin will know he was a proud hard-working man who did everything he could for his family and friends but they are desperate. They need him home and any help they can get would mean the world to them and Colin.”

Of the £30,000 needed,  £17,126 has been raised so far by 356 supporters– the truth is however, much more could be required as the days pass. Caroline is having talks with both Hyundai and the construction company who have agreed to help, but there’s no more information at present. The British Embassy have said they can’t help with his insurance.

Help from both inside and outside the industry would be very welcome, to bring Colin back to his devastated family as quickly as possible.

For information on how you can donate please go to his JustGiving Page

UKSSH launches new security gate system

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
UKSSH launches new security gate system

UK System Scaffold Hire (UKSSH) has launched a totally new security gate system designed to control access to all types of HAKI site stair towers as well as HAKI Public Access Staircases.

The security gate system is quick, easy and safe to install on all HAKI site stair towers whether they have staggered or in-line standards or are Mark 2 stairs. They are equally effective on HAKI’s sector-leading Public Access Staircases.

The product provides a totally enclosed security system, lockable from both sides of the gate and features cladding panels which can accommodate signage and advertising.

Extremely robust, UK System Scaffold Hire’s gate system provides the perfect security solution when site staircases are accessed from pavements and other areas that are used by the public and provide events organisers with a cost-effective way to ensure that Public Access Staircases and Bridges can only be used by visitors during public opening times.

The Security Gate System is only available from UK System Scaffold Hire – telephone 01246 820900 or email [email protected]

Video: Scaffolders working on Tower Bridge 1951

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Video: Scaffolders working on Tower Bridge 1951

This gem of a video depicts the life of a scaffolder in the 1950s perfectly. Working from one scaffold board 200ft above the Thames, scaffolders erect structures around Tower Bridge in London for stonemasons to make vital repairs after WW II.

The video by Britsh Pathe allows us to see just how far our industry has come in the respect of industry innervations and the health and safety of workers today.

1...180181182...324Page 181 of 324