The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Company fined for missing handrails after contractor fell from scaffold
Beaudecor Ltd pleaded guilty and has been fined after a worker fell from scaffolding.
On 4 October 2016, a contractor fell from the third lift of a scaffold whilst undertaking work on the front of low rise block of flats located in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Injuries to the contractor were so severe he was put into an induced coma for three days. The contractor suffered a broken vertebra, several broken ribs, collapsed lung and damage to his liver from the fall. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Beaudecor Ltd had allowed its contractor to use a scaffold without effective edge protection, no mid rails on the scaffold sides, to prevent a person falling from either side of the scaffold on the first three levels of said scaffold. At Westminster Magistrates Court Beaudecor Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and has been fined £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,900. Speaking after the case, HSE Inspector Ian Shearring said: “The risk associated with working at height is well-known and Beaudecor Ltd failed in its duty to address this. “Their failure was compounded by the fact that the required protective measures, mid rails, were in place on the very top level of the scaffold but not the others. Beaudecor Ltd has been held to account for failing to take adequate action to protect the health and safety of persons working on their site.”Video: Scaffolding works on the Silver Jubilee Bridge Runcorn
The Grade 2 listed Silver Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn is currently undergoing a major £3M restoration project.
Originally opened in 1959 and then initially known simply as the Runcorn Bridge or Runcorn–Widnes Bridge. At the time of construction, the bridge had the third longest steel arch span in the world. It had the longest vehicular span in the country, but this record was held for only a few weeks until the Tamar Bridge was completed. Between 1975–77 it was widened, after which it was given its official name in honour of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The video above captured by a drone shows the sheer scale and extent of the current scaffolding works being installed on the steel arch of the bridge by Lyndon Scaffolding. The UK’s largest independent scaffolding contractor is already five months into the project which they say is one of the most complex and challenging projects they have ever undertaken. Lyndon’s are providing access for painting and grit blasting on the bridge for Balvac, a subsidiary of the multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty. Lyndon Scaffolding’s CEO Rob Lynch said: “Over the next 12 months the 330m steel arch bridge, which was originally opened in 1959 will be repainted and refurbished. The scaffold was designed in-house by Lyndon Scaffolding with the main spans erected using 1.3 metre deep heavy duty alloy beams. “Over the next few months, the scaffold will be stripped and re-erected climbing to the top of the arch, some 87 metres above the river. A ‘proper’ scaffolding job and one for which only the best scaffolders are suited.”Scaffolder suffers broken leg after falling from scaffolding
A scaffolder fell from scaffolding yesterday at a housing development in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire fracturing his leg in the accident.
According to reports the scaffolder in his 40’s fell from a height on to the 3rd lift of scaffolding at the St Michael’s Hurst development. Up to 490 homes are being built by developer Countryside at the site. An air ambulance, along with firefighters from the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and police officers, were called to the development at 8.47am on April 26 after reports of a fall. Talking to local media a spokesman for Countryside confirmed that one of their workers was injured in the accident on Thursday morning. He said: “We can confirm that a scaffolder was injured in an incident on site at our St Michael’s Hurst development on Hazelend Road in Hertfordshire. “He has suffered a fracture to his lower leg and bruising to his back. Our Health and Safety team is investigating the cause of the accident.” Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue said they were called at 8.47am after the man fell from a height onto the third floor of scaffolding at the development. “He wasn’t trapped but needed to be brought down from the third floor so the fire service was involved in that and handed him over to the ambulance service,” said the spokesman. Two fire crews from Bishop’s Stortford attended the incident.More than 60,000 construction firms in financial distress
The number of UK construction firms in major financial distress has risen by a quarter in the last year and doubled in the past 18 months.
According to the construction index businesses that class themselves as in the support services sector, the picture is even worse with a 40% rise in the number of in difficulties. Begbies Traynor’s Red Flag Alert monitors the financial health of UK companies. Their research shows for the first quarter of 2018, 60,541 construction companies and 115,249 support services firms are in significant risk of insolvency. Research by analysts also shows the number of construction companies being at serious risk of collapse has more than doubled in the past 18 months. In October 2016, Begbies Traynor had a red flag alert against 29,000 construction companies. Julie Palmer, the regional managing partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “While uncertainty around the outcome of the Brexit negotiations has undoubtedly had an impact on business confidence across the UK, the economy has also faced a wide range of unexpected headwinds which have dampened progress over the past year. Currency fluctuations, rising interest rates, subdued consumer spending and a cooling property market are just some of the factors that have combined with growing political uncertainty to push nearly half a million UK businesses into financial distress over the past 12 months. “Should these headwinds continue, they could impact the government’s bargaining power when it comes to negotiating new trade deals after the UK’s exit from the European Union, which would be a major concern.” Chairman Ric Traynor added: “Although the UK economy is still growing, it is now starting to lag behind many other G20 members, with predicted GDP growth during 2018 of around 1.7%. The latest Red Flag figures reflect this slowdown with increased financial distress being felt across every sector and region of the UK. “The UK Construction sector last month suffered its biggest drop in activity since the 2016 Referendum vote, as Brexit concerns and the fallout from Carillion’s collapse caused further delays in large infrastructure and construction projects. “While the recent recovery in sterling should put UK businesses who import raw materials into a stronger trading position, the biggest positive impact on business confidence is likely to come when we finally receive clarity over how our eventual exit from the EU will look. In the short term however, the most pressing issue is whether or not the Bank of England decides to raise interest rates next month. If they do, it could push many struggling businesses, particularly those with high levels of debt, into formal insolvency.”Union slams CITB over direct training exit
Unite has hit out at the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) handling of plans to scrap its training provision and make hundreds of people redundant.
Unite, the UK’s largest union has said the CITB has failed to consult with the industry over its controversial plans to stop direct training and reduce its workforce by nearly 900 over the next two years. Staff were given incorrect information about moving the CITB’s head office from Bircham Newton in West Norfolk to Peterborough, said Unite. The CITB has now apologised for the mistake and extended the consultation period. The CITB, which currently employs 1,370 people across the country revealed plans in November to stop directly providing training. But Unite said the CITB had admitted there had been no industry demand for it to move from its training provision. Unite regional co-ordinating officer Mark Robinson said: “The confusion, chaos and lack of communication is deeply disturbing and unsettling for our members, many of whom face losing their jobs, or having to uproot their lives in order to move to the Peterborough area. The CITB needs to urgently get its house in order so that its loyal staff at least have a clear idea of what their fate will be.” A CITB spokesman said the industry “had been clear” the organisation needed to change. She added: “CITB values every colleague and where we made a mistake, we’ve apologised and put it right. CITB has extended our head office relocation collective consultation period to allow colleagues to fully engage with the process.” One part of the business which will remain in Norfolk is CITB’s Cskills Awards body which has been bought by NOCN. The Sheffield-based organisation agreed a deal for the division in May 2017 and will move its 17 Cskills staff to King’s Lynn Innovation Centre on Thursday, having taken over the running of the body in August last year. NOCN Group managing director Graham Hasting-Evans said: “For us it was an important decision when we took over Cskills Awards to keep the team based locally – they are experts at what they do with great local links and that relationship is vital in the business.”First OSTS Scaffolding Supervisor Course Completed in Vietnam
A dozen experienced scaffolders have completed the first CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) course delivered in Vietnam.
The scaffolders comprised of 11 men and one woman they have worked on sites throughout Asia. They undertook the in-depth and informative training at the AIS / Black Cat JSC Ltd a CISRS-approved training centre in Vang Tau.
Thuyen Cao, Deputy Head of the Scaffold Department at Black Cat JSC Ltd, said: “It is great to see the introduction of an international scaffolding card scheme in Vietnam as this will bring scaffolding to new levels of safety and skills.”
Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager, added: “It’s excellent that AIS and Black Cat are forging ahead with CISRS OSTS training in Vietnam. They have been training steadily since gaining their accreditation to deliver scaffolding courses, predominantly Level 1 scaffolder and Scaffold Inspection and it is very positive that they have now added the Supervisors course to their programme.
“It is also worthy of note that Ms Chi Le has become their 2nd female scaffold inspector in as many months. Well done to all concerned.” NASC’S Scaffolding Safety Report reveals on-site accidents fell to record low
The number of accidents and injuries recorded by NASC members fell to an all-time low in 2017, with just 89 incidences occurring on-site throughout the year.
The figure was revealed in the NASC 2018 Safety Report, which documents and analyses accident and injury statistics for its full contracting members – representing more than 16,000 scaffolding operatives across the UK – in the previous calendar year. For the fifth year running, the NASC is able to report a fatality-free year. The number of injuries and accidents in 2017 fell to a new low, continuing a decades-long general trend in ever-reducing incidences. This downward trend corresponds with long-standing efforts to improve health and safety and training in the scaffolding industry, one of the NASC’s core commitments. The NASC Safety Report reveals there were just 17 major injuries recorded in 2017, down 37% from 27 in 2016, and 89 incidences in total, down from 96 in 2016. There was also a 46% reduction in falls from height and 36% reduction in manual handling injuries year-on-year. Additionally, no members of the public were injured around NASC member scaffolds in 2017.
Des Moore, CEO of TRAD Group and NASC President, said: “The 2018 Safety Report shows how workplace accidents can be reduced through compliance with industry safety standards and adherence to NASC guidance.
“It is very encouraging to see that the number of accidents recorded by NASC members fell to a record low in 2017, continuing a long-established downward trend dating back many decades that corresponds with a gradual rise of awareness and implementation of on-site health and safety practices, which continues to this day.
“It is particularly pleasing to look at how far our members have come in just the past five years, with the number of reported incidents having fallen 34 per cent from the 2012 figure (134 to 89) and the incidence and frequency rates both down by more than 40 per cent.
“There is more work to be done, however. For the 13th consecutive year, slips, trips and falls on the same level was the most common cause of accident and injury – representing a third of all reported injuries. This type of incident can easily lead to serious injury or even fatality and as such is something we’ll continue to seek to address.”
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, added: “The NASC is committed to driving up safety standards in access and scaffolding, and firmly believes in the need for accountability and transparency, which is why we go to such lengths to compile and publish the Safety Report each year.
“The data validates our wider efforts to help our members maintain the highest possible standards, enabling them to keep their contracted operatives safe on construction sites across the UK.”
NASC full contracting members are required to submit a detailed accident return as a requirement of membership. The NASC Safety Report is compiled from this data and includes:
- Injuries and fatalities to operatives, third parties and members of the public
- Accident types
- Detailed analysis of accidents
Wood partners up to develop wearable camera tech for oil and gas operations
Wood has developed new camera technology that can stream video and store data from remote work locations including offshore, in partnership with Canadian technology company Librestream Technologies (Librestream).
The Onsight Cube is a rugged camera that can be worn on a helmet, chest mount or a mono-pod to access high or difficult-to-reach areas, and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to a handset. The technology connects specialists in any location directly with remote worksites, transferring real-time data including audio, pictures, thermographic images and video. This allows decision-makers to review current status, issues and collaborate on resolutions which will improve the quality and speed of problem solving, reducing overall job turnaround time and avoiding the unnecessary mobilisation of people to remote locations. Designed with a protective casing to withstand industrial applications, the technology comprises a thermal camera, onboard secure storage and can operate in harsh environments including from -20 to +55°.
Dave Stewart, Wood’s CEO of Asset Solutions in Europe, Africa, Asia & Australia said: “Wood and Librestream have established a solid partnership to produce a growing suite of innovative technologies and share a common vision regarding the impact that digital technology can have on safety and productivity in oil and gas operations.
“This product is the result of a successful collaboration combining Wood’s oil and gas expertise with Librestream’s real-time mobile video technology.
“By investing in leading-edge digital solutions for the energy industry and leveraging Librestream’s technology portfolio, we are enhancing our service offering and delivering more efficient solutions to customers from desktop to worksite.”
Kerry Thacher, CEO of Librestream, adds: “The Cube is another example of our commitment to delivering a complete platform for the industrial and mobile worker.
“We recognise that workers in the field require both software and specialised hardware to meet their needs and the Onsight Cube is a significant leap forward in hazardous-location collaboration. This new capability now enables use cases that were previously impossible to implement.”
In 2017, Wood extended its collaborative agreement with Librestream to continue its exclusive industry partnership, providing advanced digitally-enabled solutions for global oil and gas customers.
Layher brings key benefits to refurbishment in Manchester
The benefits arising from the use of Layher Ltd.’s scaffolding during the refurbishment of residential accommodation are being clearly demonstrated in Salford, Manchester, where contractor Silver Star Services has installed a full height scaffold on Albion Towers.
The project, for Salix Homes, has required the scaffolding to reflect specific characteristics of the site while contributing to the smooth running of the overall refurbishment operations being undertaken by Casey Construction. “The work centres on repairs to the external fabric and the replacement of the windows on all four faces of the building at the same time,” says Tony Clarkin, Managing Director of Silver Star Services. “This has called for a scaffold of some 22 two-metre lifts to be installed around the entire structure to enable the specialist teams to gain full access to every part of the building whenever needed.” The installation uses the Layher Allround scaffolding design with steel decking throughout – importantly, with no need for cross–bracing at any point, the unhindered movement of both men and materials is achieved. Hop-up brackets are also featured extensively while the internal faces of each lift also gain from additional toe-boards installed to provide specific protection adjacent to recesses that are a feature of the building’s design. “The wide bay configuration of Layher Allround helps to provide clear access to the building fabric while also optimising the positioning and movement of large components such as window frames,” continues Tony Clarkin. “A passenger and goods lift and a Layher staircase, rising to some 42 metres, both provide continuous access to every level of the scaffold which is tied in to the building at key points and also provides a support for debris netting.” Vitally, the speed with which Layher Allround can be erected helps the project to meet specific time-frame considerations. “We employed just six men to install the full scaffold on all four faces over a six-week period, which we estimate is approximately half the time that would have been needed with a conventional tube and fitting alternative,” adds Tony Clarkin.
“The comparison is even more significant given the fact that the block is remaining occupied throughout the refurbishment process,” adds Sean Pike, Layher’s UK Managing Director. “The noise disruption, time-frame and potential loss of daylight could all have been significant factors for the residents if tube and fittings had been used.” The design of Layher Allround, which is centred on a series of standard components with a versatile, in-built rosette connection system that contributes directly to optimising safety, has also helped Silver Star Services to enhance the appearance of the installation.
With the project scheduled for 36 weeks, this is of particular importance in a residential location. “Our widespread use of Layher equipment brings advantages, such as those seen at Albion Towers, to every project,” concludes Tony Clarkin, “which, coupled with the design and support input from the company, helps us to maximise the quality and safety of our work each time. The Albion Towers installation in Salford is a prime example of these factors in practice.”