Tata Chemicals Europe Limited has been fined £1.125 million following the tragic death of Michael Densmore, a 37-year-old Scaffolder and father of four, who succumbed to injuries sustained while working at the company’s Lostock Hall site in Northwich.
The incident occurred on 30 November 2016, when Mr. Densmore, a scaffolder employed by Altrad NSG, was erecting a scaffold tower in the chemical plant. While stepping over a trough containing calcium hydroxide, heated to approximately 90 degrees Celsius, his foot slipped on an unfastened lid, leading to severe chemical and thermal burns.Despite receiving specialist treatment and surgery at Whiston Hospital’s burns unit, Mr. Densmore tragically died at home on 3 January 2017, following a haemorrhage to his injured foot.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed significant lapses in safety protocols at the Tata Chemicals site. There was no permit for hazardous work, inadequate risk assessment, and insufficient warning signs about the dangerous conditions. Crucially,Mr. Densmore had not been informed about the operational chemical troughs or the unfastened lids.Michael alongside his sons Billy and MikeyIn a heartfelt statement, Mr. Densmore’s family described him as “a loving and amazing role model” and expressed their profound grief: “Our lives fell apart and have not been the same since that terrible day. Nobody should have to lose someone they love due to a workplace accident. The trauma we have all suffered as a family cannot truly be put into words.”This incident is not the first safety breach for Tata Chemicals Europe, which has faced previous prosecutions related to health and safety failures. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £1.125 million, along with an additional £60,603.54 in costs, at Chester Crown Court on 5 June 2024.HSE Inspector Matt Lea emphasised the preventable nature of Mr. Densmore’s death, stating, “This tragic death could have been preventable had Michael Densmore and his colleagues been managed under a robust permit to work system for working in a live chemical plant containing corrosive chemicals heated almost to boiling point. Companies should learn the lessons from this incident and ensure robust safety measures are in place.”The case was prosecuted by HSE enforcement lawyer Chloe Ward and supported by paralegal officer Sarah Thomas.
The Scaffolding Conference (ScaffCon24) has exclusively revealed to Scaffmag an impressive lineup of industry leaders for its upcoming event on October 11, 2024, at The Belfry Hotel and Resort.
This year’s keynote speaker is Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), who will address pressing industry issues and the post-election landscape.
Former NASC Chief to Lead Key Panel
Notably, Robin James, Operations Director at the Temporary Works Forum and former Managing Director of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) will lead a crucial panel discussion titled “Demystifying Temporary Works.” Joining Balcon and James are other distinguished speakers, including Lee Greatorex, HSE Inspector from the Regulatory Support Unit, Construction Sector of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association. These experts will provide valuable insights into the latest industry regulations, best practices, and training initiatives.
Cutting-Edge Panels to Elevate Industry Standards and Practice
The conference will feature two additional panels: “Working at Height Updates” and “Project Management.” These sessions will focus on current scaffolding industry regulations, best practices, skills, and training, offering attendees practical knowledge and strategies to enhance their operations.Organised by the Scaffolding Association as part of National Scaffolding Week, ScaffCon24 aims to advance industry standards and foster professional development. The event is open to all industry stakeholders and includes an evening dinner dance with a live band and DJ, providing ample networking opportunities in a relaxed setting.A limited number of early bird tickets are available at a discounted rate of £250 per person plus VAT, exclusively through the event website, scaffoldconference.co.uk. Industry professionals are encouraged to secure their spots promptly, as availability is limited.For further details, visit scaffoldconference.co.uk or contact Sally at [email protected].
JR Scaffold Services, a division of The JR Group and one of Scotland’s largest scaffolding providers has successfully completed a significant town centre roofing project at The Corn Exchange, a JD Wetherspoons pub and restaurant in Arbroath.The project was undertaken on behalf of Castlecourt Construction.The Paisley-based scaffolding company worked on the landmark building in Market Place, marking its second collaboration with JD Wetherspoons and Castlecourt Construction. JR Scaffold Services was responsible for installing a full perimeter access scaffold, facilitating the complete overcladding of the building’s outdated asbestos roof.Throughout the four-week installation project, a dedicated three-person team from JR Scaffold Services erected approximately 1,300 square meters of external scaffolding. Additionally,around 480 cubic meters of scaffolding was utilised within the internal roof space to create a large bird cage scaffold, allowing for necessary internal structural roofing work.The project’s complex location required the implementation of a narrow width scaffold built off a steel staircase at the rear of the building, as flat ground was unavailable. This intricate task was followed by an engineered beam section, which was bracketed off the structural wall of the building to bridge over neighbouring roofs.JR Scaffold Services was chosen for this specialised project due to their status as one of the few asbestos ancillary license holders in Scotland. The company’s 15 years of expertise and training in safely handling asbestos materials played a crucial role in their selection.John Jack, Contract Director at JR Scaffold Services, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcome: “We handed this project to our colleague Brian Keaney as his very first job as a Contract Manager, and we’re delighted with the job that he and his team have delivered. Even with some of the complexities involved, Brian and his team have taken his first project in stride and helped us continue to build our great relationship with the team at Castlecourt Construction. This job had unique complexities due to the tight workspace and asbestos exposure; however, our team is well equipped to handle such challenges with ease, and our experience in these areas served us well here.”
Acorn Structures is reaffirming its dedication to elevating event site safety standards by collaborating with the Event Structures Industry Training Scheme (ESITS) to provide extensive training and accreditation for its employees.
This initiative comes ahead of the 2024 festival, concert, summer sports, and outdoor event season, highlighting Acorn’s proactive approach to industry safety.
ESITS was established to address a significant gap in specialised training for professionals working within the event industry. Existing scaffolder qualification schemes fall short in covering the diverse skills required for Temporary Demountable Structures (TDS) used across various event sites. Acorn took the lead in committing to ESITS by enrolling its employees in comprehensive training and qualification programs.
In early 2023, Acorn conducted the inaugural one-day General Event Crew Operative (GECO) course, followed by the intensive 10-day Temporary Demountable Structures trainee course, and concluded with the TDS Technician (Staging) Assessed Route of Entry.
Recently, Acorn furthered its support by piloting the 10-day Temporary Demountable Structures Technician course, a key part of their 2024 training investment program.
Acorn’s commitment to improving site safety is driven by Co-founder and CEO Andy Nutter and Technical Director Igor Pacejs, who have collaborated closely with SIMIAN to develop the ESITS qualification.
Their efforts were supported by HR and Payroll Manager Becky Williamson and Construction and Event Manager Craig Morland, who played vital roles in coordinating training administration. The ESITS accreditation process is overseen by a Board of Governors, Training Committee, and Industry Interest Group, ensuring the scheme’s relevance and quality.
“We have been working with Simian for almost 20 years,” stated Andy Nutter from Acorn’s Head Office near Leeds, where the company’s training takes place. “We jointly developed System Scaffold training with CISRS, which was then adopted by the NASC and the construction industry. I hope the events industry will join Acorn and other early adopters like IPS and Actavo in supporting ESITS qualifications to ensure improved site safety in the temporary event structures sector,” he added.
Mike Dean, ESITS Scheme Director, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Acorn: “At ESITS, we are thrilled to work with Acorn Events on their mission to upskill their workforce and raise competency standards across the events industry. By providing comprehensive training programs and certifications, we can equip event professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver exceptional experiences. Together, we are committed to driving innovation, professionalism, and excellence in Temporary Demountable Structures.”
In an inspiring move to support two young girls battling hair loss due to cancer treatment and alopecia, senior staff members from AJS Scaffolding are participating in the gruelling Lakeside Ultra Challenge this weekend.
The initiative aims to raise funds to provide custom-made wigs for the girls, helping to restore their confidence and bring a bit of joy into their lives.The Lakeside Ultra Challenge is no small feat, demanding participants to complete a 100-kilometer course on foot with an overall climb of 2500 meters, all against the clock to secure a bonus. Despite the challenge, the participants have covered all their own fees and accommodation costs, amounting to hundreds of pounds each, highlighting their dedication to the cause.Several businesses have already shown their support by pledging funds to be released upon the completion of the challenge. Notable commitments have come from Reactive Scaffold and MSC Consultants. Additionally, other companies, including EMTECH Group, CNS, and Northern Scaffolding, have generously contributed in advance.The organisers are reaching out for further support from the community and businesses alike. They encourage donations, even as small as £5.00, to help them reach their goal. Donations can be made through their JustGiving page: Support the Lakeside Ultra Challenge.Little Lady Locks, the charity benefiting from this initiative, is dedicated to providing high-quality wigs for children experiencing hair loss. More information about their work can be found on their website: Little Lady Locks.This heartwarming effort by AJS Scaffolding not only highlights the compassion and community spirit within the company but also serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that collective efforts can make in the lives of those facing tough challenges.
The mother of an 18-year-old apprentice who was tragically killed in a scaffolding collapse in Sydney, Australia, has called on the New South Wales (NSW) government to implement industrial manslaughter laws, ensuring no other family endures the heartache of losing a child in a workplace accident.
In April 2019, Christopher Cassaniti lost his life when an overloaded perimeter facade scaffold, burdened with 18 tonnes over its capacity, collapsed at a Macquarie Park construction site. The collapse trapped Christopher and his colleague Khaled Wehbe. It was later revealed that essential ties connecting the scaffolding to the building had been removed, contributing to the fatal incident.Christopher’s mother, Patrizia Cassaniti, has been a vocal advocate for legislative change, urging NSW to align with other mainland states by introducing industrial manslaughter as a distinct offence. “I’ll never get justice for my son and it hurts. It’s something that you can’t accept but I’m hoping that families in the future won’t have to go through this anguish,” said Ms Cassaniti, describing her son as an “exceptional and kind kid”.
Legislative Push for Tougher Penalties
The NSW government is set to introduce the legislation into parliament this week. The proposed bill would make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence, with penalties including up to 25 years in jail and civil fines up to $20 million – the most severe in any Australian jurisdiction.Ms Cassaniti, who will speak alongside NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis at a rally on Monday, believes the new law could save lives. “I would like to see this law not only put corporations and companies on alert, but also individuals,” she said. “Managers, officers, and workers should all be responsible for safety, and if they are found to have done something that caused the death of a person through their negligence and reckless behaviour, I want to see them prosecuted and go to jail.”
Broad Public Support
Recent polling by Pyxis Polling & Insights shows that NSW voters largely support the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws, with 68% of 2040 respondents in favour. Support is higher in regional areas (70%) compared to metropolitan Sydney (66%), and consistently above 60% across the political spectrum.Despite NSW being one of the few states, alongside Tasmania, without specific industrial manslaughter laws, 76% of respondents expressed surprise at this legislative gap. Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey emphasised the community’s demand for accountability. “When a worker doesn’t return home it is a life-altering trauma for their loved ones,” he said. “The people of NSW want corporations and CEOs held accountable for workplace deaths. It is simply unacceptable that workers continue to lose their lives due to negligent and unsafe practices.”
Historical Context and Legal Repercussions
From 2013 to 2022, NSW averaged at least one workplace fatality per week, the highest rate among Australian states and territories. Following Christopher Cassaniti’s death, Synergy Scaffolding Services pleaded guilty to a Work Health and Safety Act offence and was fined $2 million in November 2022. GN Residential Construction also faced significant penalties, including a $900,000 fine and permanent disqualification of its contractor licence. The company’s director, Nicholas Kodomichalo, received a 10-year ban from holding any authority under the Home Building Act 1989.Ms Cassaniti’s advocacy underscores a broader call for stronger workplace safety measures and legal reforms. As NSW prepares to debate the proposed laws, there is hope that tougher penalties will deter negligent practices and ensure safer working environments, preventing further tragedies and delivering justice for affected families.
In a landmark event for the construction industry, the first cohort of scaffolding apprentices graduated last week from the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship at The National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas, Ireland.
The ceremony at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, marked a significant milestone for the apprentices and the organisations involved in creating this pioneering programme.
The National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, developed by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the National Association of Scaffolding and Access Contractors (NASAC), the SIPTU Trade Union, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), and the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), aims to elevate the standards of scaffolding training in Ireland.
Managed by LOETB, the training centre focuses primarily on construction skills, providing a vital resource for the industry.
The graduation ceremony was attended by 22 of the 26 graduates, who were joined by distinguished guests, including Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB; Keith Dwyer, MD of Summit Scaffolding and Chair of the Consortium Steering Group National Scaffolding Apprenticeship; Evelyn Dunne, Board of Directors LOETB; Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, a mental health advocate; and Padraig Boland of LOETB.
Fergus Sheerin, the Course Lead Instructor at LOETB Mount Lucas, expressed his pride in the graduates and the programme’s success. “This is a very proud day for the industry and all involved in the development and delivery of the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship. In particular, for the graduates – who are the first in their trade to qualify. The apprenticeship can only continue to grow from here and will change the culture of scaffolding currently in Ireland,” Sheerin said.
He also extended special thanks to Tony Barry from CISRS for his invaluable guidance since the apprenticeship’s inception in 2021.
Tony Barry, CISRS Compliance Manager, echoed Sheerin’s sentiments, highlighting the programme’s importance. “I would like to thank John Kelly and Yvonne Kearney for inviting me to attend. It was great to be involved and to see the apprentices being recognised for their hard work and commitment to this trailblazing apprenticeship, in what can be seen as a giant step forward in the right direction for scaffolding training in Ireland,” Barry stated.
The event underscored the bright future for Irish scaffolding apprentices, with new employers registering to train apprentices and an anticipated increase in registration numbers. This growth is expected to lead to more collaborating providers offering training.
Additionally, the recognition of prior learning programmes for current scaffolders aiming to upskill and obtain the QQI Level 5 Certificate is seen as a positive development for the industry.
The high demand for the apprenticeship course is evident, with a waiting list already in place. The next group of nine apprentices is set to begin training in September 2024, followed by another intake of approximately 40 Year Two apprentices in December.
For more information on the National Scaffolding Apprenticeship, interested parties can email [email protected].
The fourth annual international scaffolding championship, ScaffChamp 2024, wrapped up in the Lithuanian capital with a spectacle that exceeded expectations and set new benchmarks for the mega international scaffolding event.
This year’s championship attracted over 500 spectators and 126 participating scaffolders from around the globe, with thousands more tuning in via the YouTube livestream, creating an atmosphere charged with industry camaraderie and fierce competition.The event placed a significant emphasis on safety this year, drawing numerous families who enjoyed both the unique scaffolding spectacle and the dedicated Kids Zone, complete with an inflatable obstacle course.
A Day of Rigorous Competition
Over 500 people attended ScaffChamp 2024The Baltic Scaffolding Association meticulously planned the ScaffChamp event, which saw scaffolders racing against the clock to erect a challenging Layher structure from designs produced by ScaffPlan, including Layher’s latest innovation, the Twix Beam. The 21 participating teams, hailing from countries such as the UK, Finland, Hungary, Sweden, Mongolia and Lithuania, were divided into three rounds. Each team was tasked with erecting and dismantling the intricate Layher scaffold within tight time frames, adhering to strict safety rules under the watchful eyes of referees.Scaffolders at ScaffChamp raced against the clock to erect a Layher structure from engineering designs produced by ScaffPlanThe ScaffChamp competition showcased not only the craftsmanship and strategic planning of the teams but also their ability to work under emence pressure. The referees meticulously monitored the builds, imposing time penalties for any rule breaches or safety violations.
Unexpected Weather Changes the Scene
The sunny Vilnius weather added to the festive atmosphere, but as the final round concluded, a sudden downpour forced competitors and spectators to seek refuge in the main tent. The unexpected turn of events led to an impromptu party, complete with music, beer, and laughter, as everyone awaited the final results.The rainstorm caused power issues, leading to a delay as referees worked to finalise the results. Despite this, the high spirits of the participants and spectators remained, with everyone embracing the unexpected challenges with good humour and resilience.
Announcing the Winners
After about an hour of anticipation, the referees announced the winners. N-Projects from Poland secured first place with an impressive build time of 71 minutes. Cumiskey Scaffolding from Ireland took second with 83 minutes, and NBIK, who flew 16 hours from Mongolia, came in third with 85 minutes.The UK teams, participating for the first time, showcased commendable performances, prioritising safety. Rose System Scaffolding Ltd finished a fantastic joint 4th position, Connect Scaffolding Ltd came 9th, and Star Scaffolding Ltd placed 20th, demonstrating their future potential and commitment to high quality and skill.
Special Awards
In addition to the main competition, several special awards were presented at the end of the event, recognising exceptional performance, dedication to safety, and overall contribution to the scaffolding community:SIMIAN International Health and Safety Awards:
The winners and all participants were celebrated for their skill, precision, and teamwork. Despite the chaotic conclusion, the event was hailed as a success, uniting the global scaffolding community in a vibrant display of talent and unity.As ScaffChamp 2024 concluded, organisers and participants reflected on the unforgettable experience. The emphasis on safety, innovative designs, and unexpected rainstorms all contributed to the event’s uniqueness.
Reflections and Future Prospects
Oleg Abramov, Head of ScaffChamp Operations, praised the teams for their adaptability and resilience.“Watching teams of scaffolders adapt and thrive in challenging conditions was truly inspiring. This event continues to foster a sense of global community and professional excellence.”Abramov added, “We achieved impressive results this year. The feedback from the teams is invaluable, helping us improve. With growth from 6 teams in 2022 to 21 teams in 2024, the dedication and passion within our industry are evident. We will work hard to improve next year.”
Look out for a complete event overview on ScaffChamp24 in the forthcoming Scaffmag Magazine coming soon.
Mabey Hire Ltd, a prominent UK-based provider of construction solutions, has officially joined the PERI Group, a global leader in formwork and scaffolding systems.
The acquisition, announced today, signifies a strategic move for both companies, enhancing their ability to serve the construction industry with a broader range of services and products.PERI, headquartered in Weissenhorn, Germany, is a family-owned enterprise with approximately 9,000 employees and a presence in over 160 locations worldwide. The company reported a turnover of €1.9 billion in 2023, underscoring its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the formwork and scaffolding sector.Mabey Hire, based in Dewsbury, UK, is well-regarded for its innovative solutions in infrastructure and renovation projects. The company’s portfolio includes ground shoring for excavations, propping and jacking for renovation projects, temporary bridges for access, and construction sensors. Employing around 400 people across 16 UK locations, Mabey Hire is a market leader in its field.Integrating Mabey Hire into the PERI Group is set to foster synergies in culture, engineering expertise, and market reputation. Despite the acquisition, Mabey Hire will retain its current management, brand, and operational independence under the umbrella of PERI UK.David Adams, CEO of Mabey Hire, expressed enthusiasm about the merger: “Becoming part of the PERI Group is an excellent opportunity to serve the needs of our customers better and, with PERI UK, offer them the best service possible. We look forward to expanding the business by serving more customers both in the UK and internationally.”Ian Hayes, Managing Director of PERI UK, echoed this sentiment: “Together, we will work to achieve cross-selling opportunities to offer our customers an even broader range of infrastructure and renovation products and continue the drive always to provide the best possible service.”Christian Schwörer, CEO of PERI Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: “This acquisition marks an important milestone in our growth strategy to develop new market shares and areas in the civil engineering and renovation markets, especially in the UK but also internationally.”The collaboration between Mabey Hire and PERI is anticipated to leverage both companies’ strengths, deliver enhanced value and service to their clients, and mark a significant step forward in the construction industry.
ScaffEx24, the new premier exhibition and conference for the scaffolding industry, has unveiled exclusive to Scaffmag further additions to its already impressive speaker lineup.
This year’s event, which will take place in Belfast on 29 November 2024, will feature prominent industry leaders sharing their insights across four key areas: opportunity, Meet the Buyer, Innovation, and Training and Education.ScaffEx24 has confirmed the participation of three distinguished speakers:
Julio Black, Head of Product & Marketing, AT-PAC
Julio Black, the Head of Product & Marketing at AT-PAC, is a globally recognised leader in the scaffolding and access sector. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Julio has been instrumental in driving AT-PAC’s innovative strategies and product development. His expertise spans market analysis, product lifecycle management, and brand positioning, making him a pivotal figure in advancing the scaffolding industry. At ScaffEx24, Julio will share his insights on the latest innovations shaping the future of scaffolding.
Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding
Lee Rowswell, the Group Director of GKR Scaffolding, leads a prominent company known for its commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability. Under Lee’s leadership, GKR has achieved significant growth and recognition within the industry. With a wealth of experience in business development and operational excellence, Lee will speak at ScaffEx24 on the vast opportunities that scaffolding provides, highlighting the sector’s potential for growth and career development.
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB NI
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board for Northern Ireland (CITB NI), has dedicated his career to enhancing skills and training within the construction industry. Recognised with an OBE for his contributions, Barry’s leadership at CITB NI has been pivotal in driving initiatives that equip the workforce with essential skills. At ScaffEx24, Barry will address the critical topic of scaffolding and access skills, emphasising the importance of training and education in the industry.ScaffEx24 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the scaffolding industry. In addition to the insightful conference sessions, attendees can look forward to an exciting entertainment line-up at the Winter Ball and Awards, tobe announced shortly.For more information, visit www.scaffex24.com.
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Lee Rowswell, Group Director, GKR Scaffolding