As 2017 edges ever closer to an end, we take a look back at what most attracted your attention during the year.
This year has been another busy news filled year for the scaffolding industry as ScaffMag continues to keep you updated with what’s going on. Either on desktop, mobile, tablet or in our digital magazine, we have you covered.
During the year we saw several stories that stood out and received a lot of attention. One of which was our tongue-in-cheek April fools post on London based MR Scaffolding Services winning the scaffolding contract for the controversial President Donald Trump’s wall between the United States and Mexico. In addition also on our list of the biggest stories of 2017 were; Altrad’s purchase of Cape plc, news of London’s Big Ben project, the death of Safelinx inventor and the closure of Bircham Newton to name a few.
For a full rundown of ScaffMag’s top 10 biggest stories including page views and social shares see below.
The website will be updated with any major stories over the christmas period until the 3rd January when full service will resume.
We would like to wish all our valued readers a very Merry Christmas and very happy New Year.
Safety & Access Ltd is to open a brand-new scaffolder training centre in the Rosayl region of Oman.
The CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) centre will open for business early in 2018. The venture will be the 2nd Partnership for UK Provider Safety and Access Ltd within the region and will complement their other facility located in Nizwa.
The new centre will be operated in collaboration with local company Knowledge Grid LLC who already offer a wide range of both Health and Safety and practical training and qualifications including Nebosh, IOSH, Lifting and Hoists.
Mark Luddington, Access and Lifting Manager of Knowledge Grid in Oman stated:
“Knowledge Grid are dedicated to reducing injuries, accidents and environmental impact and also ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. We look to achieve this by providing high-quality training. Our partnership with Safety and Access allowing us to deliver CISRS OSTS will help us to achive these aims within the scaffolding sector.”
There is a growing demand for recognised accredited training within the region. Rick Statham Joint Managing Director for Safety & Access commented:“We are delighted to be able to offer training from this second facility. The existing Centre has been open for almost 12 months and is proving a great success. The ability to offer training close to Muscat is key to meeting the overall demand. There has been a fantastic commitment from the Oman government to provide funding for Oman nationals to achieve recognised qualifications andthe new Centre will certainly help to facilitate that.”
The CISRS pre-accreditation audit of the facilities was undertaken by Dave Mosley from CISRS earlier this month and he was impressed with the commitment that the local partner Knowledge grid had shown in sourcing a new venue away from their main centre and transforming it from an empty warehouse style unit into a CISRS OSTS training centre. He said:
“The centre is almost ready to go with only a few minor actions required, once these have been completed, Safety and Access/Knowledge Gird will have an excellent facility. A new toilet and shower block and also a new dining area are currently being installed. If you see the images of what the building looked like when the training providers first acquired it compared to what it looks like now you realise the time, effort and commitment that has gone into achieving CISRS accreditation.”
During the visit CISRS and Safety and Access took the opportunity to meet with some of the local stakeholders such as Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the local accreditation body. Presentations were delivered to highlight the OSTS training content and the growing success of the international scheme overall. PDO have agreed to include a requirement for CISRS OSTS qualification for their future projects within the region.
Interserve has won a five year deal worth in excess of £2 million with power generation firm RWE.
Interserve will continue to provide a wide range of facilities services to one of RWE’s power stations in Pembroke, South Wales; including scaffolding, access solutions, thermal insulation, industrial and office cleaning, and pest control management.
The power station is one of Europe’s largest and most efficient combined cycle gas turbine (CGGT) plants. At 2200MW, it plays an important role in the UK’s energy supply, able to respond quickly to the market to provide a highly flexible and reliable source of energy to over 3.5 million households.
Interserve has worked with RWE for over five years, forming a strong working partnership. The recently awarded contract extends this working relationship for a further five years and will continue to see Interserve innovate and support the business’ long-term requirements.
Scott Hardie, operations director – infrastructure and industrial, at Interserve said:
“Our comprehensive knowledge in the combined cycle gas turbine market (CCGT) has enabled us to deliver a proficient and sustainable model, ensuring RWE’s operations run efficiently. Our relationship with RWE will continue to provide effective solutions to one of the largest and efficient plants in Europe.”
TV star of the Apprentice and new NASC President hand out highly-prized Health & Safety Awards at AGM.
TV star of the BBC show the Apprentice, football director and business woman Karren Brady CBE, and newly appointed NASC President Des Moore presented the safety awards. Attendees to the NASC AGM held at the Intercontinental Park Lane, London on Friday 24 November 2017, saw the winners receive their awards.
The well-established and highly-prized Health & Safety awards are a regular in the NASC calendar. The confederation say their contracting members of all types and sizes were urged to submit entries for the awards, and this year, in order to encourage more smaller organisations to enter, the award was split into two categories, 1-66 Employees and 67+ Employees.
A total of nine entries were submitted across both categories.
ScaffMag has learnt that the NASC Health & Safety Awards 2017 requirement was that entering members had to: demonstrate how directors and senior management had taken an active and leading role in promoting health and safety in their organisation. Show how their organisation investigates health and safety incidents and near misses also how lessons learned are implemented. Also show how their organisation works in accordance with guidance outlined in SG4:15, with provision of examples to demonstrate how this is promoted to the workforce.
1-66 Employees Category
Winner Malvern Scaffolding Ltd
Highly Commended Complete Access (Scaffolding) Ltd (Wakefield)
Jon Stone and Steve Fellows from Malvern Scaffolding Ltd collecting their trophy and certificate from Karren Brady CBE, and NASC President Des Moore.
Speaking after the awards, Malvern Scaffolding Ltd’s Managing Director Steve Fellows said: “We are very proud as a business to have received this award. Malvern Scaffolding has grown with one of our core values focusing on the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees. We would like to thank all our workforce, for which this award would not have been possible without their commitment to a safe workplace.’’
67+ Employees Category
Winner Actavo (UK) Ltd
Highly Commended Trad Southern
Highly Commended Wood Group Industrial Services Ltd
Neill Moffat from Actavo (UK) Ltd collecting the trophy and certificate.
NASC Health & Safety Awards judge Roy Rogers, QHSE Director, Interserve Industrial Services Ltd said: “The submissions demonstrated a high level of performance, well-developed occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding risk management controls and monitoring to ensure compliance.”
Also judging was Simon Hughes, Simian Risk Ltd he added: “The strength of the submissions was a very strong and close-run affair, but after careful consideration, the winners who clearly demonstrated all aspects of best industry practice, prevailed.I would not only like to congratulate the winners and highly commended entries, but all candidates for the excellent standard of their applications.”
A scaffolder recovering in hospital is warning others to get checked out after Doctors find brain tumour.
Wayne Evans
Wayne Evans, 40 from Barnsley is currently recovering in hospital after major brain surgery to remove a golf ball sized tumour. He has worked in the scaffolding industry since the age of 17. Beginning his career as a labourer, Wayne has worked his way up to become an Advanced Scaffolder and Supervisor. Over the years the well liked scaffolder has worked for many companies including Benchmark Northern, Cape, Interserve and SGS.
Wayne had been suffering from constant headaches for four weeks before speaking out. The tumour was found totally by chance after a friend on social media suggested a visit to the Opticians.
Wayne’s friend, Scaffold Instructor Steve Gregory said: “Two weeks ago I was having a friendly chat with Wayne on Facebook, he told me he was having bad headaches and I asked him when he last had his eyes checked”. “When he replied ‘ages ago’ I suggested a visit to the Opticians as soon as possible”.Wayne’s CT scan
Two days later Wayne attended an Opticians appointment where his life changed for ever. A bleed behind his eye had been found and he was rushed to Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital. Further tests and scans revealed he had a brain tumour the size of a golf ball. Consultants broke the shocking news that he had to either undergo an operation or he had two weeks to live.
Wayne underwent a twelve hour operation last week to remove what could be removed. Its very likely at this stage that his days as a working scaffolder could be over. ScaffMag understands that during the operation the Surgeon was able to remove 75% of the tumour. What isn’t known at this stage is how vigorous the tumour was, tests are now being carried out to determine this.
ScaffMag was also told that Wayne has refused Radiotherapy treatment and has opted for a different revolutionary US alternative treatment plan which is not financed on the NHS. This treatment is currently costing £700 a month in medicine alone. Wayne’s close friends and ex-work colleagues have been collecting and organising fund raising events to sustain the finances to help pay for this treatment for the coming months but he could be on this treatment for the foreseeable future.
Wayne Evans with his friend Steve Gregory
From his hospital bed Wayne said: ”Ten days ago I was faced with death. The support I have received so far is unbelievable and I honestly want to thank everyone for their help and support so far, this support has given me the motivation to fight this.It’s only going go a possible two ways, either it beats me or I beat it.This other treatment I have opted for has received some amazing reviews and evidence and it is my hope that I can turn this negative event which has happened to me into a huge positive. My aim now is to highlight men’s health issues moving forward. I was having these headaches for over 4 weeks and I did nothing because I have ‘man pride’. Until Steve insisted I went to get my eyes checked, and now i’m so relieved that I did.’’“Yes, I hit a massive low in my life but my friends have made me see the light at the end of the tunnel. My future plan, ‘touch wood’ is highlight mens health. When was the last time you checked your testicles correctly, etc. This is not about being a man thing its about being alive today to see tomorrow, I want to see my daughters grow up.”
Wayne has worked on the industrial sectors of the scaffolding industry and has contributed many times to collections for others. Now this scaffolder needs our help. We are asking that if you can donate, please do. Every bit that is collected will help in purchasing this treatment for the coming months ahead. Wayne’s close friends are currently helping him re-train his brain after the operation. What is not known at this stage is how many operations are to follow.
If you would like to donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wayne-evans-scaffolderFriend Steven Smith with Wayne
Wayne’s friend, Scaffold Supervisor Stephen Smith added:”Wayne has shown amazing courage to undergo this procedure. In the picture he looks fine but in reality Wayne’s fight starts now. We must help out our scaffolder brother. Not earning for the foreseeable future and with Christmas around the corner, this is going to have such an impact on his life.If we can help reduce this stress so he can focus on his fight, everything that everyone is doing will be worthwhile. The events that have been organised prior to Christmas are not massive but should keep a trickle of cash flow to aid his medicines for the time being. We need to look into 2018 though as it’s going to be a long road ahead.”
Generation was approached by their client UPR Services to supply scaffolding tubes, fittings and boards, along with the Generation UNI Roof, to help complete a project on one of the prestigious grade I listed Middle Temple buildings. The Middle Temple’s buildings are ancient Inns of Court located in the heart of London; today they are designated conservation areas creating a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the City. Generation was honoured to be have been approached to work on the beautiful grade I architectural structures.
Generation supplied 120,000ft of tube, 24,000 fittings and 3,000 scaffold boards as well as the famous Generation UNI Roof. It was fundamental for Generation to provide quality products and high levels of protection whatever the weather. Generation’s large and reliable delivery fleet ensured that the correct stock was delivered when and where it was needed.
The nature of this project demanded a safe, quick and easy temporary roof system that could be erected and dismantled with minimum impact to the grade I listed building. From start to finish the project took a total of 8 weeks to complete. The use of the Generation UNI Roof made for a seamless project that was achieved in record time; demonstrating once again why the Generation UNI roof is the best solution in temporary roofing on the market.
Brian Skelton, Managing director of UPR Services stated ‘the time to erect the temporary roof was approximately 50% quicker compared to previous temporary roofing suppliers’.
To be able to work on the Middle Temples estate it is compulsory for companies to meet certain criteria. Companies require a proven track record of consistently producing work to a high standard as well as being fully compliant with all H&S legislation amongst much more testing criteria. We are proud that Generation meet these high expectations and helped to make this project achievable.
To find out how the Generation UNI Roof can help your business generate profits, talk to Generation today!
From strength to strength, JECS triples its turnover year on year.
JECS Offshore Services supply Scaffolding Services Solely to the European Offshore Wind Industry – Exclusively. Since the companies formation in 2014 by mother of four children Latasha Whiting, the firms founder and current Managing Director, the business has managed to triple its turnover each year to a staggering $1.6m turnover in its third year whilst only trading for 4 months of their first financial year.
Even more surprising is the fact that every single client of JECS Offshore to date is so large that every one of their clients is listed on a Major Stock Exchange somewhere in the world.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding Ltd has over the past 3 years been supplying Scaffolding Access Services solely to the Developers and Contractors involved in the construction of Offshore Wind Farms across 5 European Countries. The firm were Finalists of CN Specialist Awards for Access & Scaffolding Contractor of 2017 and are in the final again for 2018, SKY TV are also currently filming their operations for a documentary regarding British Business to be aired next year.
JECS say that the reputation that the business has gained within the European Offshore Wind Industry has obviously built up momentum due to the companies amazing success. The company currently has European Framework Agreements with Corporations such as E-ON, ENGIE & EIFFAGE and has now grown to have locations in the UK, Germany as well as Spain.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding LTD Managing Director, Latasha Whiting said: “We have been extremely successful as a business which took the massive risk of throwing all our eggs in one basket, so to speak. We decided to place 100% of our focus and attention into this particular Industry offering a service which was indeed a niche market, and it paid off! We offered a service that our competition couldn’t, Believing that Scaffolding or Access requirements were often overlooked by contractors who were more focused on their task of fitting a cable worth $5m, we offered our services 24/7, with immediate response at any hour, our assumptions were correct and the calls kept coming and with our ability and motivation to mobilize immediately our company grew along with our reputation. Considering that we started with a extremely small fund of $5k, I am extremely pleased with our success to date and try and share our success as much as possible. JECS Offshore contribute as much as possible to local charities that are close to our hearts and sponsor a few local youth sports teams, we also invest heavily in the training of individuals who are having trouble seeking employment but who we believe will be an asset to our company for the future.”
JECS also added that already have plans in place to extend on its range of services offered to the Industry that they have focused so much on.
Interlink Scaffolding Ltd wins the NASC Project of the Year 2017.
A set of intricately designed tube and fitting access scaffolds erected by Interlink Scaffolding Ltd (ISL) has won this years NASC Project of the Year 2017. The scaffolds played a vital role in the construction of the New Wear Crossing at Sunderland for Victor Buyck Steel Construction NV.ISL was awarded the highly desired accolade at the glitzy NASC ball and dinner held on Friday 24 November at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, London. Altrad Group founder and president Dr Mohed Altrad was in attendance and presented the award.
The Project
ISL told ScaffMag that they impressed the New Wear Crossing project team with the quality of tube and fitting scaffolds erected for welding of the bridge deck, ISL were invited to tender for the main scaffold package for installation of the A frame pylon and cables. Preliminary scaffold designs were submitted with the tender, giving the project team a visual representation of what would be erected to ensure that the scaffolds would meet their access requirements. Following a period of value engineering in relation to programming of scaffold quantities and hire periods, Victor Buyck awarded the contract to ISL in late 2016.ISL then commenced work to turn the preliminary designs into working drawings. Significant time had already been taken at tender stage to ensure the basic designs could withstand all required loadings, so this was completed quickly with connection points and dimensions detailed to avoid clashes with the permanent works. The primary scaffolds to be erected on the bridge pylon were formed of cantilevered beams attached to the pylon steelwork using custom manufactured shear tie fixings. Secondary hung access scaffolds counterbalanced by tube kentledge were required at bridge deck level.The pylon was manufactured by Victor Buyck at their factory in Belgium before being moved to Ghent ready for shipping across the North Sea on a barge. Following liaison with the project team an opportunity was identified to erect temporary supports for the pylon lifting equipment, which would avoid disruption at a later stage upon arrival in Sunderland. ISL duly reacted at short notice to send scaffolders and materials to Ghent in the week prior to the Christmas break.In the meantime, ISL trial erected a pylon scaffold in their yard. By erecting the scaffold at 90 degrees to its final orientation, with the pylon horizontal and only 2m above the barge deck, work could be carried out quicker and safer than working 90m up the pylon once raised into its final vertical position. This trial proved to be of great benefit when the barge arrived in Sunderland in early 2017, with the scaffolders already used to working sideways.Following removal of the lifting equipment used to raise the pylon to its vertical position, the final scaffolds including the top 90m level platform were erected in the Spring and Summer of 2017. Following successful installation of the cables, the scaffolds will be dismantled during the Autumn of 2017, using a range of methods including a crane basket and ultra-high reach MEWP for increased safety, with materials lowered using an electric winch.
NASC Director of Training announces winners of the NASC Apprentice of the Year 2017.
At a packed AGM held at the Intercontinental Hotel, London on Friday 24 November 2017. Dave Mosley NASC Director of Training and CISRS Manager announced the winners in the NASC Apprentice of the Year Awards 2017.
This years NASC Apprentice Awards which was co-sponsored by CISRS and the CITB was tough according to the trade body. The judge of the competition, Paul Gaze of the CITB, said after reducing the submissions to a shortlist of 8, he found it too difficult to recognise the achievements of only 2 apprentices and suggested an additional ‘highly commended’ category.
Three apprentices stood out when Paul reviewed the shortlisted submissions. All three had showed the desire to succeed and had overcome various challenges on their respective CISRS programmes.
Aidan Waldron receiving his award.
The overall winner of this year’s award was Aidan Waldron of Connect Scaffolding Ltd based in Bishops Stortford. He was presented with his Trophy, Certificate and cheque for £500 by Des Moore, the newly appointed NASC President, and Baroness Karren Brady CBE, business woman, football director and star of TV’s The Apprentice. His employer Connect Scaffolding also received a trophy, certificate and cheque for £500.
Paul Gaze said of Aidan “His Supervisors and Clients have provided a great deal of positive feedback on Aidan. He continually asked pertinent and sensible questions, demonstrating his awareness of carrying out the task in a safe and controlled manner with suitable regard for others that could be affected by his, or his team’s actions.”
Tiger Fredrick awarded the runner up prize
Tiger Fredrick Hughes of Tamworth Scaffolding Ltd was awarded the 2017 Runner Up prize which saw him and his employer receive a trophy, certificate and a cheque for £250 each.
Tiger was previously working in another construction trade but felt that he was not developing his career. He since joined Tamworth Scaffolding and has excelled on his CISRS programme. His attendance and commitment are first rate, and his achievement at college is very good.
Gem Winstone, Tiger’s employer said “Tiger’s commitment to learning his trade is exemplified in that he needs to catch 2 trains and two buses to get to college and has never been late!”
Claudia Ferguson awarded the Highly Commended prize.
The Highly Commended award went to Claudia Ferguson of Interlink Scaffold Limited (ISL) based in Birtley Tyne and Wear.
Paul Gaze felt she thoroughly deserved this recognition and stated: “Claudia is a credit to herself and her employer and has dedicated herself to learning the trade and is seen as a great addition to the team. She received a glowing report from her instructor, she has worked on a wide range of projects including the new Wear Crossing in Sunderland”
It was a highly successful day for Interlink and their workforce as the Wear Crossing job went on to win NASC 2017 Project of the Year Award which was presented by Dr Mohed Altrad founder and president of the Altrad Group who sponsored this special award.
Wood has secured a two-year industrial services framework agreement following on from its recent acquisition of Amec Foster Wheeler.
The contract has been awarded by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), for work on its nuclear decommissioning site in Thurso, Scotland. The company will cover the delivery of electrical installation, control and instrumentation, testing, commissioning and maintenance support. It also carries two options for a one-year extension and builds on the existing presence of Wood at Dounreay, now into it’s third year. Wood say their expertise has been instrumental in the design and construction of a new effluent treatment plant and the design, safety case and environmental assessment of a new higher activity waste store. They will also continue to offer valuable support at what is the most complex nuclear site closure project in Europe. “We will leverage our strong industrial services capability to support DSRL at one of the most complex nuclear closure sites in Europe,” said Robin Watson, Wood’s chief executive. “Our knowledge of providing industrial services to the energy, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries combined with our experience in working with stringent safety systems will ensure we deliver assurance in the installation and validation of electrical and control equipment on-site.”The firm is a global leader in the delivery of project, engineering and technical services to energy and industrial markets. They operate in more than 60 countries, employing around 55,000 people, with revenues of more than $11 billion. At the company’s core is the delivery of comprehensive services to support its customers across the complete lifecycle of their assets, from concept to decommissioning, across a range of energy, process and utility markets.This recent move serves only to increase their outstanding reputation even further within the industry.DSRL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cavendish Dounreay Partnership Ltd, a consortium of Cavendish Nuclear, CH2M and AECOM. It is funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to deliver the site closure programme.
JECS Offshore Services supply Scaffolding Services Solely to the European Offshore Wind Industry – Exclusively. Since the companies formation in 2014 by mother of four children Latasha Whiting, the firms founder and current Managing Director, the business has managed to triple its turnover each year to a staggering $1.6m turnover in its third year whilst only trading for 4 months of their first financial year.
Even more surprising is the fact that every single client of JECS Offshore to date is so large that every one of their clients is listed on a Major Stock Exchange somewhere in the world.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding Ltd has over the past 3 years been supplying Scaffolding Access Services solely to the Developers and Contractors involved in the construction of Offshore Wind Farms across 5 European Countries. The firm were Finalists of CN Specialist Awards for Access & Scaffolding Contractor of 2017 and are in the final again for 2018, SKY TV are also currently filming their operations for a documentary regarding British Business to be aired next year.
JECS say that the reputation that the business has gained within the European Offshore Wind Industry has obviously built up momentum due to the companies amazing success. The company currently has European Framework Agreements with Corporations such as E-ON, ENGIE & EIFFAGE and has now grown to have locations in the UK, Germany as well as Spain.
JECS Offshore Scaffolding LTD Managing Director, Latasha Whiting said: “We have been extremely successful as a business which took the massive risk of throwing all our eggs in one basket, so to speak. We decided to place 100% of our focus and attention into this particular Industry offering a service which was indeed a niche market, and it paid off! We offered a service that our competition couldn’t, Believing that Scaffolding or Access requirements were often overlooked by contractors who were more focused on their task of fitting a cable worth $5m, we offered our services 24/7, with immediate response at any hour, our assumptions were correct and the calls kept coming and with our ability and motivation to mobilize immediately our company grew along with our reputation.
Considering that we started with a extremely small fund of $5k, I am extremely pleased with our success to date and try and share our success as much as possible. JECS Offshore contribute as much as possible to local charities that are close to our hearts and sponsor a few local youth sports teams, we also invest heavily in the training of individuals who are having trouble seeking employment but who we believe will be an asset to our company for the future.”
JECS also added that already have plans in place to extend on its range of services offered to the Industry that they have focused so much on. 
