HAKI launch eBook to support contractors in offshore projects
HAKI has launched the first in a series of industry-focused eBooks, to help contractors and end clients understand how HAKI’s unique modular systems can safely overcome common challenges faced in specific project environments.
The new multimedia ‘Mastering Scaffolding and Access Solutions for Offshore Projects’ eBook – loaded with useful facts, images and embedded videos showcasing HAKI products in various sector, specific scenarios – has been designed to help educate contractors about the benefits of using HAKI systems offshore. The interactive eBook focuses on meeting common client objectives – such as lowering production costs, reducing risks and increasing project productivity – and covers these in three main areas: HAKI Adaptability – How contractors can adapt to the challenge of offshore projects quickly and easily through use of the HAKI Universal scaffolding system. The section highlights what makes HAKI unrivalled in adaptability – including compatibility with tube and fitting, the unique load-bearing ledger beam, options of both steel and aluminium components, and the ability to build suspended and move as necessary. Suspended Simplicity – How HAKI overcomes challenges and inherent safety issues faced with suspended scaffolding – reducing risk, whilst simultaneously enhancing efficiency. Integrating several videos, readers can see how HAKI Universal provides moving leading- edge protection and safe assembly of bays. They will also learn how the lightweight Universal system requires fewer components that tube and fitting, which enables reduced project timescales, through increased productivity. Safety First – How HAKI products and services have been designed to help improve safety in high-risk offshore environments. The safety section highlights how HAKI’s Advanced Guard Rail system can be used offshore to create and maintain a ‘scaffolder safe zone’, and how HAKI’s expert design, engineering and training services provide clients with unrivalled, highly experienced back-up.
Also featured in the eBook is a few recent offshore projects HAKI has had the privilege of being involved in – including the Total Dunbar Crane Boom Change, maintenance and upgrade of Equinor Njord A platform, and the build of Eldfisk II and Edvard Grieg platforms.
The eBook is available to read and download here On Site CPD Training Delivered at Fawley
Scaffolders working at Fawley Refinery received CPD training on site as part of a pilot CISRS scheme.
The operatives underwent the two-day training at the Hampshire oil refinery last week. The pilot scheme was organised by CISRS and run by AIS Training. It came about following a request from Altrad Cape made during an Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) committee meeting. With no approved training provider in the local area and high demand for the course from the hundreds of Altrad Cape and Bilfinger scaffolders working on the refinery, CISRS sought to bring the training to the site rather than require operatives to travel to different centres across the country for CPD training. David Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager, said: “The logic is sound; why force large groups of operatives to travel far and wide for training when we can bring the training to them? “We’ll now review the pilot with a view to rolling CPD training out at large projects or sites when and where similar supply and demand scenarios emerge. We’re constantly looking at improving the CISRS scheme and are happy to respond to requests from industry so long as quality and standards are maintained.” The pilot CPD training course met CISRS guidelines relating to classroom and instructor training area criteria. The rules relating to the number of delegates and course duration were also consistent with existing CPD course frameworks.
In a press release, CISRS have said the course was well received by the scaffolders on site.
Scaffolder Matthew Weir said: “It was a very informative course that was well delivered by the instructor. I’d recommend it to the other scaffolders on site.”
Instructor Gary Burke of AIS Training added: “The course went really well and I found both the delegates and management very professional. I look forward to continuing our relationship with both the Altrad and Billfinger team at Fawley in the future and would like to thank in particular Dave Burchett and Luke Chorley from Altrad Cape and Terry Whitby from Billfinger for their support.”
Demand for CPD courses continues to be very high and feedback from attendees is very positive, CISRS are currently considering ways to make more courses available. Scaffolding firm and Tata Steel to go on trial over scaffolders fall
A scaffolding contractor and Tata Steel are due in court accused of health and safety failings after a scaffolder was seriously injured in a fall.
Scaffolder Stephen Kift was seriously hurt while working at Port Talbot Steelworks, Wales on 18 January 2014. According to media reports, Scaffolding specialist and NASC members Rowecord Total Access based in Swansea face a charge relating to the erection, use and dismantling of scaffolding. While Tata is accused of failing to plan, manage and monitor the construction phase of refurbishment work at Morfa coke ovens at its Port Talbot site. The court case is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court from 3 June.Female scaffolder aims for a career offshore
Vicky Welch is hoping to become the first UK female offshore scaffolder.
The Part 2 scaffolder from North Shields is currently working for Consice Scaffold Solutions on major projects in London like King’s Cross refurbishment, Canary Wharf’s Crossrail and the Pall Mall Deposit Building. Vicky is one of only six other qualified female scaffolders in the UK, she has now set her sights on an offshore career. Female oil and gas workers are a rarity, with female scaffolders even scarcer, but Vicky is hoping to become both with the help of AIS Training. Scaffolding skills are much in-demand offshore and, with more than seven years’ experience in the construction sector, Vicky is hopeful of securing a job. She has just passed all of her mandatory offshore training at AIS Training’s 20-acre-flagship training village in Newcastle, including combined BOSIET and MIST. Vicky took to social media after passing her offshore training: Vicky said: “I’ve always wanted to go offshore but to be honest the water aspect of the training scared me. I couldn’t bear of thought of being submerged underwater upside down. Now I’ve finally come to terms with this fear I’m determined to get all my certs. The idea of working offshore really appeals. As well as better pay rates, the lifestyle is perfect for me as I’m used to working away from home and I’m attracted by the strict health and safety regime. “There are only six female scaffolders in UK construction so I doubt there are any working in the offshore oil and gas industry – I would be the first. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest as I’m used to working in a male environment. The banter is great and, once you prove yourself capable, men tend to treat you with respect. “My dream is to become an advanced scaffolder and expand my skills, eventually going into teaching and counselling to help others. For now, I really want to take on a new challenge in an offshore scaffolding role and AIS Training has been brilliant in helping me. The instructors really know their stuff and the facilities are first-class. Even my biggest fear – the underwater survival training – was OK with AIS. The instructors ensure you’re fully briefed beforehand and know exactly what to expect. Whatever happens with my offshore career, I’ll certainly be coming back to AIS for all my training needs in the future.”Retired scaffolder dies of Asbestos related illness
A 72-year-old man has died from industry-related lung cancer.
Terry Aldridge sadly passed away on October 13 at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester. Terry was a scaffolder in the ’60s and 70’s working for Hine Ltd and The London and Midland Steel Scaffolding Company. He was exposed to Asbestos whilst working on erecting scaffolding at jobs including The Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, London. The inquest, held on Tuesday 5 February, heard how Mr. Aldridge had begun to suffer from recurrent chest infections some years ago. Coroner Christopher Wilkinson said: “The latency period for his type of Cancer is around 30 years-which would correlate with his work as a scaffolder.” Aldridge attended Worthing Hospital in 2017 and had a biopsy, the results of this biopsy was Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with inhaling asbestos dust particles. Terry’s health sadly declined and he was admitted to St Wilfrid’s Hospice in October last year where he passed away. Coroner Christopher Wilkinson commented, “Mr. Aldridge died from an industrial disease. Little did anyone know so many years ago what effect this particular material would have. Unfortunately, it is something that takes time and we won’t know for many years how many people were affected by it.” He also said to Aldridge’s wife and 3 children, “I am sorry that you have lost your husband in this way and I extend my condolences to you.” Aldridge’s wife Sheelagh spoke at the inquest: “I remember him coming home covered in dust. I just hope it hasn’t passed to me or the children-they were very young at the time. We just didn’t know what it was in those days.”No scaffolding on site lead to death of roofer
A roofing company has been fined £50,000 and its director was given a community service order after the death of an employee.
Southwark Crown Court heard how, on 9 December 2015, Daniel Shrimpton was removing flashing from the roof of a two-storey terraced house in Wimbeldon. He was found lying unresponsive on the ground soon after beginning work and died later that day in hospital. Daniel Shrimpton was Ray Strank’s nephew and the only employee of Ray Strank Roofing Ltd. A joint investigation between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Metropolitan Police was launched. It found Ray Strank Roofing Limited had failed to properly plan the work and that suitable control measures were not in place. The most appropriate form of work at height equipment for the job would have been a scaffold, erected on two sides of the building to provide edge protection to all the open edges of the roof. However a scaffold was not present on site on the day of the incident and not priced for. Ray Strank Roofing Limited’s failings were due to the neglect of Ray Strank, the sole director. Ray Strank Roofing Limited of Sandbourne Avenue, London pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and has today been fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,500. Ray Strank of Sandbourne Avenue, London pleaded guilty to breaching the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and today was sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £5,500. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Gabriella Dimitrov said: “This was a tragic incident, which could so easily have been avoided by the carrying out of correct control measures and safe working practices. “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work fatalities in this country, and the hazards associated with working at height are well-known. Similarly, the precautions and systems of work available to control these hazards are also well known and well documented. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”Scaffolding collapse leaves worker hanging off building and pedestrian critically injured
Three people have been injured, one critically after a scaffolding and construction elevator collapse in downtown Fort Worth, Texas USA.
According to local media scaffolding and a construction hoist outside a building undergoing renovations partially collapsed around midday on Wednesday (6 Feb). A worker pulled himself onto the roof after dangling by his harness six stories above the ground below. Eyewitnesses describe seeing scaffolding debris strike a woman walking by on the busy street below. The woman was hospitalised in critical condition and two other construction workers were treated and released at the scene. Federal investigators from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, are investigating.Cottam power station to close
The coal-fired power station near Retford in North Nottinghamshire is set to close.
The power station that has been in operation for more than 50 years, will close on 30 September under EDF Energy plans. 150 jobs are now at risk. The company has said that the decision to close the plant “reflects the challenging market conditions over the last few years and the context of the drive to decarbonise electricity generation.” Cottam Power plant manager Andy Powell said: “When the power station was built it was designed to operate for 30 years. “It’s a credit to our people, the engineering and EDF Energy’s investment that it has operated for more than 50 years. “There has been an aspiration to move away from coal for a long time now and we have prepared thoroughly for the closure. “We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce and we’re determined to support our people throughout this process. “Today 158 people working at Cottam are in scope. During 2017 we supported 19 people to move into alternative roles within EDF Energy, and an additional 22 will be transferring into alternative roles over the coming months. “We are conscious of the need to support a just transition to a low carbon energy system. Our ambition is to close the station safely and responsibly by managing people and the environment properly and continuing to be a good neighbour.”Review: Dickies Cameron Safety Boot
Dickies Cameron Safety Boot – £52.50 @ dickiesworkwear.com
With scaffolders having the most dangerous job on site we need to stay safe at all times. But it also means having the best protection for your feet. And of course, when it comes to Safety boots skimping on quality isn’t an option.
Any footwear needs to be extremely durable, feel comfortable like slippers, look the part and more importantly, offer reassurance in guarding a crucial part of the body. In fairness, the Cameron Safety Boot offers all of these things and a lot more besides.
Presenting Non-metallic mid-sole anti-penetration underfoot protection at its finest, the boot feels secure and yet lightweight. What’s more it’s SRC slip resistant and both fuel and oil resistant, leaving the wearer feeling very confident in dealing with a variety of on-site conditions in all weathers. The makers have certainly put their product firmly to the test with great success – it comes fully EN ISO 20345:2011 S3 WR SRC classified.
The ergonomic design of the boot is intelligent featuring direct injection construction, dual density polyurethane and a breathable mesh lining. They come with a very useful leather heel puller and one nice touch is the padded tongue and collar. There’s also a removable foam insole to boot – if you pardon the pun.
It would seem Dickies have thought of everything even making their product totally anti-static and completely metal free – thank the Lord those days are gone, so you can finish any shift not feeling as if you’re carrying lead weights at the bottom of your ankles.
And let’s be honest – everyone likes to look the part, so with anti-scuff toes, composite toe cap and non-marking material, your safety boots will continue to look smart and stylish. Given all of this, and looking at other brands on the market, you get a lot for your £52.50. The boots look and feel to be long lasting and give fantastic value for money.
Having said all of that – what price do you place on keeping your feet safe in what can sometimes be a hostile environment close to the ground? Cameron Safety Boots are available in three prominent colours – black, brown and honey. In every sense, the Dickies Cameron Safety Boots are perfect for the modern scaffold and construction site.
