Protecting a Construction Site From the Increasing Number of Thefts

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Protecting a Construction Site From the Increasing Number of Thefts

The Construction Index reports that more than half of builders in the UK have been victims of theft, with more than 50% having had their vans damaged and tools stolen.

In an interview, FMB chief executive Brian Berry stated that tools were being stolen from vans and directly from construction sites. “Some builders have even been assaulted by would-be thieves. The impact of this on the nation’s smaller building firms is particularly disruptive. Not only is there a high cost in terms of both time and money spent replacing these expensive tools, and to fix the damage caused, but without the right tools, firms are simply unable to work,” he explained.

Builders are currently adopting a range of measures to limit tool theft. This can range from bringing tools inside after work, installing extra locks on vans and parking against a wall. Apart from these simple solutions, here are some other ways to protect a construction site from thieves: 

Remove temptations

Leaving tools, no matter how big or small, lying around a construction site after work hours is like leaving out an invitation for thieves. Professional Builder suggests locking everything away in safe storage or taking the tools and equipment off-site. If the tools are too big, marking each with indelible ink or an identification mark can help in the recovery, especially if the equipment is listed on a police-approved national tool register. 

Invest in high-quality sheds

If you do leave the tools on-site it pays to invest in a good quality shed to store them in. T3’s guide to choosing the best shed details how metal designs are more resilient than wooden sheds. This means that they will last longer on a construction site. In terms of security, a metal shed would be much harder to break into. Of course, it is up to the builders to make sure the shed is secure with good locks. Screwfix has a number of metal sheds that now come with two padlock points, which will allow builders to have an extra level of protection. It is also best to purchase a shed without a window, which would be an easy access point for thieves. A metal shed can also be constructed and broken down much quicker than a regular wooden shed, meaning it could be transported easily from site to site. 

Go digital

Electrical Contractor Magazine notes that digital advancements like mobile technology and artificial intelligence have made it easier for contractors to monitor multiple locations at a time. Security cameras can now be controlled through mobile phones by simply downloading an app; these allow contractors to view the site 24/7. Not only that, installing tracking devices on tools is now an option. Cloud-based software can help track tools that have been fitted with a tracking device. This means a contractor can now monitor when the tools are being used and in some cases where they are.

Create a multilayer approach

Start at the site boundary by incorporating physical deterrents like strong walls and perimeter fences. Intruder alarms, high-quality locks, and controlled entry points are also great deterrents. Even installing signs that advertise the site’s security measures could make thieves think twice about entering the construction site. If it is a large site, then controlled entry points and patrols can also help make sure no one is on the site during the hours when it is closed. Keeping the construction site illuminated even when it’s closed will also help deter thieves.

It is a sad fact that scaffolding and tool theft happen across the UK. The rising demand for construction equipment is currently growing, which is one of the reasons why the number of cases is increasing, as well as the equipment being sold at metal collection sites. But like any other industry, prevention and constant vigilance are the best solutions. The above steps may not seem like much, but they could make all the difference.

Masons celebrates 25 years in the industry with web revamp

Grahame Anderson
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Masons celebrates 25 years in the industry with web revamp

London based Masons Scaffolding is celebrating 25 years of success by launching a new dynamic website to further enhance their presence in the digital sphere.

Making safety a priority has certainly helped the Scaffolding specialists enjoy an impressive reputation for the past quarter of a century. When combined with a quality personal service, overall confidence across the industry is always enhanced. In the highly competitive 21st century however, no company can afford to stand still. Which is why a fresh online presence seemed to be a positive way of marking the milestone.

It was the perfect time for us to launch a new website as we continue to grow and celebrate 25 years in the industry,” says Managing Director, Grant Mason.

Masons Scaffold New Website

Simple Structure

“It was really important the website had a simple structure so customers could find what they wanted quickly and easily. The site has a fresh contemporary design and can be viewed across a range of devices, but most importantly it is a true representation of what we are about and provides customers with what they are looking for. We are very happy with the finished results.”

Customers At The Heart

With customers at the heart of the company, the website has been designed with user-friendly navigation very much in mind. To illustrate the company’s vision and personality, a vibrant video takes pride of place on the homepage featuring an interview with Grant, offering a real insight into Masons overall approach to their work and services. Customers can also enjoy a news and blog section focussed on fresh projects and topical industry stories. You can also see testimonials from clients on the home page which is always a welcome sight.

Successful Blueprint

The secret of their successful blueprint seems to lie in the fact they’ve continually invested in state of the art equipment as the industry has changed across the years. In putting together a dedicated team of people and offering a quality service, they’ve met all challenges along the way. And importantly – Masons Scaffolding have made safety a priority in delivering its service, with regular training for the team in compliance with the newest scaffolding safety legislation.

masons scaffolding

The Wonders Of the Web

As we all know in the modern world, potential clients and supporters always relate to a fascinating but easy to use website. This is certainly the case for Masons as they fully embrace the digital age.

The message is while the company website may have changed, their ethos remains the same with the goal of serving London, the South East and the Home Counties a key focus on setting a conssietntly high benchmark.

For more information visit www.masonsscaffolding.com

Removal of scaffolding to start on Notre-Dame after fire

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Removal of scaffolding to start on Notre-Dame after fire

A charity has said workers in Paris will begin the painstaking task of removing scaffolding from the Notre-Dame cathedral in the coming weeks after a devastating fire in April.

The 850-year-old church and spire were covered in scaffolding when it came crashing down during the huge blaze on April 15. The cathedral’s roof was also destroyed in the inferno, although the vast majority of artifacts and valuable items inside were saved.

After the fire that stunned a nation, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to complete a painstaking renovation of the gothic Paris landmark within five years. But according to the Notre-Dame Foundation charity, that cannot begin until essential work takes place to secure the structure.

Charity head Christophe-Charles Rousselot told the french press, “One of the most complex aspects of the work at the moment is removing the scaffolding, which includes 50,000 tubes which reached over 800 degrees Celcius (1472 degrees Fahrenheit)” during the fire.

It has been suggested that another large scaffold structure will be erected, as well as cranes installed, in order to start cutting down the damaged scaffold in very “delicate conditions.”

The dismantling of the scaffolding is expected to take four months.

Wealthy donors have handed over millions of euros to restore the church, including Altrad group’s president Mohed Altrad. The billionaire businessman publicly pledged to materially support the reconstruction of Notre-Dame soon after the fire.

Scaffolder rides horse to work

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Scaffolder rides horse to work

A scaffolder who has had enough of the congestion charge and emissions zone in London came to work on the back of a horse.

Emmanuel Buttigieg and his brother rode their horse Polo into work at a construction site in London on Friday after becoming fed up with the congestion charge.

Speaking to the Islington Tribune Emmanuel said: “I think a lot of residents were worried because they saw a horse and thought there was going to be a caravan or something next.

“I am fed up with the congestion charge and emission zone and it was a beautiful morning and I thought it would be a good day to come on a horse.”

The duo gained permission and left the three-year-old horse to graze on a small patch of land in the Redbrick estate while they worked on a nearby construction site.

Protester stops scaffolders working after climbing scaffold

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Protester stops scaffolders working after climbing scaffold

Dramatic video shows how a protester scrambled up scaffolding under construction in Brighton, spending four hours protesting that the structure erected was endangering foxes.

Wearing just robes and flip-flops the male protester was caught on film on climbing 13ft to the unfinished top lift of the scaffold being built on by local firm Seasons Scaffolding. The man shouted at the workers “I’m protesting.” and claimed he had “served his country” and didn’t want them to “take advantage of vulnerable animals.”

Steve Eason Managing director of Seasons Scaffolding uploaded the clip to Facebook after the incident on Tuesday. He can be seen trying to stop the man from gaining access to the top lift. He let go of the man when the protester claimed he was being assaulted.

Disgruntled scaffolders unable to continue with the job can be clearly heard repeatedly telling the man that it is unsafe for him to be on the scaffold. Seasons Scaffolding staff and the Police tried for nearly four hours to coax the protester down off the scaffold.

*NOTE: The following video contains language that some viewers may find offensive.*

The man eventually calmed down and came off the structure after Steve explained to the man how the scaffold was constructed showing that no animals were being harmed.

Speaking to Deadlinenews Steve said: “He came down when I explained to him exactly how the scaffolding was put up and that there was a bolt underneath for any animals. He was a completely different person when he came down and I showed it to him, he said: ‘you should have just told me that earlier’, I said: ‘you were too quick climbing up there mate’. Then he was very apologetic and said sorry for costing me so much money.”

“He didn’t get arrested, he was just warned by the police.”

Level playing field needed for SMEs, says FMB

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Level playing field needed for SMEs, says FMB

Following the publication of the Government’s consultation response to the ‘Creating a responsible payment culture’ call for evidence, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) calls on the public sector to lead by example in order to tackle the scourge of late payments.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The Government’s acceptance there is a serious imbalance of power between small and large companies when it comes to securing fair payment terms is a step in the right direction. FMB members are telling me that more than three-quarters of their payments are late, which is clearly unacceptable.

“What is needed is a culture change in the construction industry so that late payment is no longer standard practice. Fundamentally, to rebalance market power for small to medium-sized companies (SMEs), the public sector should lead by example by breaking up contracts into smaller ‘lots’ and desist from the wholesale ‘bundling’ of contracts. This will help SMEs to act as the principle contractor.

“By introducing more competition into public sector procurement in this way, payment terms will improve as the balance of power is restored. What is encouraging is that the consultation responses echo what we already know from FMB members, that the Small Business Commissioner isn’t being marketed enough. The FMB would be willing to work with the Government to help raise the Commissioner’s profile amongst construction SMEs.”

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.

Infiniti And Beyond But This Is No Toy Story

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Infiniti And Beyond But This Is No Toy Story

Scarborough-based Infiniti Scaffolding has unveiled its new headquarters, a 10,000sqft site that includes new offices, warehouses and storage yard, while also opening its first depot in Leeds.

It’s not just one exciting achievement at a time, but two major steps forward pointing the way to a glittering future. Alongside the unveiling of its new modern headquarters at Eastfield in the town, the firm has also launched an ambitious depot facility in Leeds’ Astra Park.

Alex Willgrass, co-founding director of Infiniti, commented: “We have ambitious plans for Infiniti Scaffolding, and we will use our new Scarborough HQ and our recently opened depot in Leeds, to expand further across the North and into the rest of the UK.

“We pride ourselves in being honest with an open-door approach which enables us to maintain a strong working relationship with our clients based on confidence and trust. This is reflected through our constant repeat business. Clients are welcome to visit our offices and sites at any time to see first hand how we run our business and we offer free estimates. We take the greatest of pride in both our work ethic and professionalism in a competitive market.”

Established in 2015, their first class services range from providing scaffolding, roofing, surveys, sales, service, and design, to installation, dismantling and scaffolding rentals. But carrying a powerful vision of just what can be attained in terms of contracts won within the industry, they aim to expand across the country. Perhaps it’s apt the team find themselves in 10,000 square foot of constructive space on Scarborough’s Olympic Trading Estate, such is their dynamic approach in the race for continued success. Here you’ll discover a medal-winning office and warehouse space, alongside a superb storage yard big enough to meet their long term needs. They are a vibrant set up ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

“We take the greatest of pride in both our work ethic and professionalism in a competitive market.”

It’s good to know Infiniti Scaffolding staff are knowledgeable, skilled, dependable and fully committed, as well as being fully qualified and trained to the highest standards and safety. From local residents to hotels, no job is too big or small for go ahead Infiniti, which is why it’s very much a shooting star in the field.

Infinity Scaffolding
The Infiniti Scaffolding team at their new Scarborough HQ with, from left to right, directors Alex Willgrass, Lisa Naylor and Joe Naylor.

And when it comes to roofing, they have earned the reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile contractors around. Before and after photographs are taken or a video produced to confirm works have been completed satisfactorily. Their business is built on hard work and due diligence of its work force. Infiniti Scaffolding Ltd is a registered member of The British Safety Council. The BSC is one of the world’s leading health and safety organisations with up to 10,000 members and subscribers in more than 50 countries.

The 4,000 sq ft depot in Leeds will support Infiniti’s growing client base, which includes companies such as ENGIE, ESH, Balfour Beatty, Mitie Group, and Persimmon Homes.

This is without question one of Yorkshire’s finest and  a 21st-century company on the up, ready for infiniti and beyond

Kirsty Allan Breaking New Ground In Scaffolding

Grahame Anderson
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Kirsty Allan Breaking New Ground In Scaffolding

As a female leader in the scaffolding industry, Kirsty Allan is determined to put employees at the heart of the modern sector. What’s more, she’s following on from a certain Vicky Welch in breaking new successful ground in the industry.

While Vicky was the first female scaffolder to go offshore for Stork, Kirsty has proven to be an influential female leader in the sector carrying a combination of first-class business, management and people skills.

Co-owner and Director of Business Development at City Access Scaffolding, launched in 2014, Kirsty is one of only a small band of women working in the construction industry. As a former Midlothian school teacher, she truly embodies the spirit of ‘positive thinking’, working to drive her business forward in what remains a very male-dominated sector.

Rapid Growth

And if you need further proof, in the half decade of its existence her business has grown year on year In fact, by year four sales had increased by a staggering 1,000 percent. With a clear map going forward along with strong financial results, this talented lady was driven in her quest to create a business both benefitting employees and contributing to the local community.

As a result, her firm has earned a reputation for investing in staff training and development, with a structured and successful apprenticeship programme at its core. With the invaluable business support of both husband Jonathan and Mark Skinner, all three bring first-class qualities to the table.

“If our staff are happy outside work, they’ll excel when they come to work.”

Investment In Staff

Kirsty stresses the importance of putting employees at the heart of the business, and offers support and training reaching far beyond the usual technical and practical skills, as she explained:

“If our staff are happy outside work, they’ll excel when they come to work. We offer coaching and genuine care to our team, covering everything from positive thinking, mindfulness and self-belief through to saving schemes for all employees and other practical support.”

This approach extends to helping foster a more positive image of the industry as a whole, reflected in her plans to launch a company-wide academy. This would promote self-confidence and goal-setting for all employees, encouraging them to achieve more not only at work but also in their home lives.

Improving As Individuals

She added: “Let’s be honest, we need to keep growing as individuals to be at our best and prevent ourselves from becoming stagnant. We need to help each other to this end, and this is part of our everyday approach.”

Kirsty’s belief in putting something back into the wider community is reflected in her charity commitment, including her latest role within the YMCA 1:1 mentoring programme to support vulnerable children across Edinburgh. 

“The truth is, as women we can sometimes stop ourselves from moving forward. It’s not always down to how men treat us in the industry.”

Demanding Role

In a competitive and demanding sector, Kirsty’s success and vision are inspirational – she’s genuinely carving a new path for women in construction locally, and empowering others to be the best version of themselves as a result. So how does she view the metaphorical glass ceiling?

“The truth is, as women we can sometimes stop ourselves from moving forward. It’s not always down to how men treat us in the industry. In my experience, everyone has been very welcoming.  The fact is, business is business wherever you go, and you treat people with the utmost respect.

“If I don’t know anything I’m not afraid to ask or be more resourceful in gaining more knowledge on a daily basis. I’ve always been honest and open with people as we are all on a constant learning curve. With the business in mind my partners including my husband Jonathan and Mark have been brilliant.

Message For The Ladies

“It would be great if any more female leaders or employees in the industry could get together as a group. I’m happy to play a big part, so anyone reading this who may be interested please just drop me a line and we can take things from there.”

In talking with Kirsty you’re left in little doubt her inspiration is not just about building a successful business, but also changing lives in the most positive way possible. It really is all about people in her eyes. The construction and scaffolding industry will certainly benefit.

To contact Kirsty please email: [email protected]

The Spiritual Art Of Scaffolding

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The Spiritual Art Of Scaffolding

Charismatic St Botolph’s Church in Boston which is also known as the ‘Boston Stump’ looks pretty spectacular at any time of year, especially from the air. It’s persona however, takes on a different yet fascinating front when lovingly wrapped in scaffolding. But this isn’t any old scaffolding. This has been brilliantly designed especially for a wonderfully historic construction, not only to keep it safe but also to aid vital restoration work. 

The team at Creator Scaffold Designs based in Rotherham was responsible for coming up with an ideal system to keep both workers on-site and this magnificent building completely safe. Every lift on the scaffold is fully boarded, and rises up 80m to the top lift, it makes for a fascinating vista.

SLS Scaffolding Contracts Manager James Brown explained: “The project began for us in April 2017, when our Contracts Director and myself were asked to advise on access solutions for the original architect. From there we suggested our preferred scaffold designers ‘Creator Ltd’. They were asked to produce a set of working drawings for all scaffolds needed. We were lucky enough to win the contract late November 2018.

Finding Solutions

“A ground scan was completed prior to work commencing showing areas of possible voids. The solution was to bridge the voids using steel joists both provided and fitted ourselves by the company. On-site work began in early December of last year.

“One of the main challenges during the project was the lifting of materials. This was done in two ways. Firstly we used a traditional rope and gin wheel to manually lift materials, and secondly a mechanical hoist within a purpose built hoisting bay. Using the hoist meant we could reduce the number of operatives on site. The number did vary during the project but there were mainly six operatives during the higher phases, with less during the basing out phases. We built ourselves a purpose built loading bay at the foot of the scaffold where materials were lifted in place using a Hi-ab crane mounted lorry. The loading bay was another addition made by ourselves to the original design and this was encased by a five metre high steel hoarding for protection and security.”

Scaffolding on the Boston Stump

Impressive Scaffolding

SLS opted to use a traditional tube and fitting scaffold for the project whichis 21m wide at the base, rising up 10 lifts to the first drop off where it becomes 15m wide for the next 20 lifts. Those remaining up to lift 38 are around 8m wide with a couple of no return splays at both sides. The internal protection deck is situated within the tower built out of a 200mm walkway using x-beams. This scaffold is approx. 28m above a café area closed during scaffold works.

James added:“The internal lantern scaffold is situated above the belfry roof, This posed some design problems as the roof would not withstand the 8m x 8m x 11 lift scaffold needed to access the lantern roof and walls. The original solution was to build out of the belfry, through the belfry roof and up to the lantern roof. After taking the contract we were asked if there was a method of scaffolding the lantern without altering the belfry roof enabling water tightness throughout the project.

Belfry Solution

“Our solution was to bridge the belfry from the external scaffold through the lantern windows down to the east elevation viewing platform some 8m below. This meant we would build a 20” wide four lift scaffold tower to catch the opposite end of beams – as we needed to tie the tower through louvres into the belfry. Creator Ltd were consulted on the method and new drawings were made to incorporate this.

“We completed works on the 5th of April, including the external scaffold to the top of the church, an internal protection deck and a scaffold within the church lantern.”

The whole project lead in conjunction with James Brown by scaffold supervisor Simon Wilkinson, was erected without damage to the external façade with no bolt holes or ties, or even any windows removed. Instead the original putlog holes were utilised, and where this wasn’t possible reveal type ties were used.

Scaffolding on the Boston Stump

A Team Effort

James told us: “We would like to thank and acknowledge Creator Scaffold design Ltd, for their help and co-operation throughout the project, we feel we have a strong relationship with them and look forward to working with them in the future. We’d also like to thank Stone Edge Ltd, especially their on-site manager Stuart Furnival for their first class assistance.”

Thanks should go to Directors: Peter Churchill and Trevor Cook. And Scaffolders: James Brown, Simon Wilkinson, Daniel Jellis, David Forinton, Mark Diamond, Craig Dobinson, Mikey Luckham, Will Robinson, Liam Powell, Alex King, Brendon Pulford.

This article was first published in ScaffMag Issue 6

Light And Strong – Layher highlights clear benefits for the scaffolding sector

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Light And Strong – Layher highlights clear benefits for the scaffolding sector

“With scaffolding, access and protection systems, there is no reason why light weight and ease of handling should reduce strength and performance – indeed, this is one of the key drivers behind our ongoing commitment to innovation.”  Sean Pike is UK Managing Director of Layher Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer of modular systems, and believes the industry’s move towards equipment that is light yet strong has much to offer.

Always at the heart of Layher’s success – established in 1945, the company opened its first UK depot in Letchworth in the 1980’s – is the design of its rosette connection system.  This creates multiple choices of installation layout and, because it does not require separate clamps, produces both operational and safety benefits.

“This early innovation has been followed continually by further improvements and developments that have all focused on greater site efficiency, installation versatility and, of course, safety,” continues Sean Pike.  “Today, the focus in many areas is on light weight designs which, thanks to modern methods of manufacture – including the greater use of high tensile materials – go hand-in-hand with improved strength and performance, and thus better handling for the users themselves.”

From a project and site management perspective, this produces clear-cut, tangible results.  Reduced transportation and storage needs arise from less material requirements providing a wide range of structural options and opportunities.

“Crucially, this trend towards lighter components also brings major benefits to the scaffolding workforce,” adds Sean Pike.  “Because so much equipment can be manually handled with comfort, there is less physical stress on manpower with clear gains in terms of, for example, musculoskeletal complaints, output and therefore time savings.”

Sean Pike draws attention to two recent developments from the company that have resulted directly from this approach.  

Layher’s improved steel deck LW completes the lightweight range.  Made from high tensile steel but with a reduced thickness to just 1.3mm and a weight reduction of 2.2kg, it optimises the cross section via special processes and intelligent concentration of material, where needed.  With improved longitudinal reinforcement for optimal load transfer and surface cross reinforcement for higher stability when walking across the deck, it has the same load class and bending stiffness as current steel decks, but with much-improved handling.  

“Generally, the Allround lightweight scaffold system has built on this principle and is now our best-selling system option worldwide,” continues Sean Pike.  “It delivers some 24% greater bending strength than Allround K2000+, while the design also includes an ‘auto lock’ feature that makes the most of the fact that workers can handle and undertake key elements of a scaffold structure’s erection by themselves.”  

He explains that Layher’s wedge design, which links into the built-in rosette connector on each standard, simply drops into position as it is offered up to the rosette to create sufficient stability before it is permanently fixed in place.  “Speed of erection is enhanced while, once installed, the same lightweight materials enable 100mm extra headroom to be created on each lift – a further safety feature in each case.”

The take up of modular system scaffolding in the UK is now well established with benefits in terms of performance and project scheduling widely in evidence.  It is a growing sector of the market that has, over the years, prompted Layher to build on that initial depot and head office location with facilities now in the north of England, Scotland, Ireland and, most recently, the West Midlands.

“We always point to the opportunities that our philosophies create for innovation.  A developing list of tailored components that fulfil specific needs while still integrating with our proven connection system clearly endorses this view,” concludes Sean Pike.  “The greater use of lighter weight materials now builds on this to the benefit of project management and workforce alike.”

This article was first published in ScaffMag Issue 6

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