A whopping £18 million in funding from United Kingdom Research and Innovation is set to revolutionise the construction industry through new technology.
With this in mind, four new research projects aiming to speed up assembly, save money, and improve the quality of UK building projects have been announced by the cutting edge group. They Include:Manufacturing integrated building components using digital hybrid Concrete Printing (HCP) technology. This project utilizes 3D Concrete Printing to create an object slightly larger than the desired object or near net shape. It then uses subtractive processes including cutting, milling and drilling, to remove a small amount of material in creating the net-shape to sub-millimetre precision. HCP technology will enable the intelligent integration of building performance and energy production and storage technologies, freed from traditional constraints on form and finish.Applied Off-site and On-site Collective Multi-Robot Autonomous Building Manufacturing. An innovative multi-agent control framework will enable a team of robots to operate in a similar way to how social insects, such as termites, work. They will collectively design and build structures of substantial scale and complexity, by quickly and efficiently organising themselves.Automating Concrete Construction. A move to dramatically improve whole life construction sector sustainability and productivity. This will be done by creating a culture taking a fresh, holistic approach to the manufacture, assembly, reuse, and deconstruction of concrete buildings, leading to a healthier, safer, built environment.Integrating Conversational AI and Augmented Reality with BIM for faster and collaborative on-site Construction Assemblage. The challenge is to utilise Augmented Reality (AR) providing visual support to access BIM systems and installation guides, without obstructing or distracting the view of on-site workers. This project will exploit advanced AI, computer visions, and AR technologies to develop an end-to-end BIM solution to support on-site assembly operations. In addition to boosting the productivity of front-line assembly workers, it seeks to eliminate the tedious process of coordinating on-site activities which often involve multiple workers and machinery.
Meeting New Challenges
The new £5 million Research Leaders programme will develop innovative solutions to transform the construction industry and deliver, better performing homes, better jobs and better value for taxpayers as part of the Industrial Strategy. In addition, UKRI announced £13.3 million, to fund 24 collaborative research and development projects, delivered by Innovate UK, in the construction sector addressing the three core aims of the Transforming Construction challenge programme.Sam Stacey, Director of the Transforming Construction Challenge, said: “These Research Leaders and Collaborative Research and Development grants are funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and play a key role in advancing the transformation across the sector. They will help the construction industry work directly with talented researchers to explore new ways of working in construction that will speed up assembly, save money, and improve the quality of building projects.” Construction Minister, Richard Harrington, was keen to point out: “The use of Artificial Intelligence, digital techniques and off-site manufacturing, help us harness new methods of working. This delivers on the Government’s Construction Sector Deal which pledges to build better performing buildings, using less energy and providing better value for taxpayers.“These new methods to help the construction industry are a testament to the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy’s aims of building a better tomorrow for us all through scientific and technological advances.”
Futuristic Opportunities
Professor Sir Mark Walport, UKRI Chief Executive, added: “Technologies being developed in the UK provide a significant opportunity to transform the way we build, such as the use of augmented reality to improve design or robotics to aid complex building assembly.“Through projects such as these, the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund allows us to catalyse innovation across the UK’s vital construction industry improving productivity, sustainability and safety.”A range of impressive project partners are involved in the projects including Loughborough, Cambridge, Sheffield, Bath, Dundee and West of England university’s, along with Imperial College London. Other well-known names include, KUKA Robotics UK Limited, Cundall Johnston & Partners, Laing O’Rourke plc, Geo Green Power and many more.Delivery of the funding is led by UKRI through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK, under the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund’s Transforming Construction Challenge.
TRAD UK proudly received the Best Team Contribution Award at the inaugural Altrad President’s Awards for Safety Ceremony in Montpellier at the end of 2018.
The Safety Award was in recognition of TRAD’s significant contribution towards improving safety within their own business and the wider construction industry. As winner’s of the prestigious award, TRAD have received £1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
TRAD UK has said they will double this amount, so the well deserved Lighthouse Club Charity, as chosen by TRAD UK CEO Des Moore, will receive £2,000.
The Lighthouse Club’s primary purpose is to provide financial and emotional support to construction workers and their families who have suffered hardship as a consequence of accident, illness or bereavement. They receive no public funding and rely on the generosity of those within the industry to help them continue their vital work.
At the NASC Annual Ball & Awards in November 2018, the Lighthouse Club received a huge donation of £30,000, which was generously raised by members of NASC, of which Des Moore is currently President. This donation was an initiative of Des Moore and TRAD UK, and as a result of this substantial contribution, the NASC has been placed on the Lighthouse Club Charity’s Wall of Fame.
It is thanks to generosity like this from the construction industry that the Lighthouse Club can develop their Building Mental Health programme. They have recently launched their Construction Industry Helpline App, which complements their existing 24/7 Helpline. Through the app, users can find out more information how about they can help themselves and take the next step in seeking professional help. TRAD’s more than 1,000 staff have adopted the use of this free mental health app, which will prove vital to those who feel they have nowhere else to turn. Two construction workers take their own life every single working day and stress, anxiety and depression accounts for a fifth of all work-related illness.
TRAD recognise the importance of driving the change in the construction industry towards mental health and wellbeing support. In 2018, TRAD signed the Time for Change Pledge and implemented a specific action plan to support the mental health and wellbeing of the Group’s 1,000 employees. A guidance booklet was distributed to all employees, which included information, support and advice and TRAD are currently in the process of training nominated mental health champions, who will encourage understanding and openness of mental health issues amongst all employees and offer support and guidance.
Des Moore comments, “At TRAD we are doing all we can to break down mental health stigma and support our employees’ mental health and wellbeing in an open and supportive way.”
The global safety company ‘Stop the Drops’ have rebranded, the company are now known as ‘Gripps’ and are offering new and exciting products and innovations to industry workers.
Under the new branding, Gripps will be at the core of a strategic and educational partnership service.
The rebranding was developed after consultation and research with a worldwide audience of industry workers who work at heights on a daily basis. This innovative and dedicated approach to product development ensured a close collaboration with people working in the industry.
Gripps are building a platform for global cultural change with industries that operate at height by focussing on construction, mining, and energy sectors.
A manufacturer of class-leading working at heights safety equipment, Gripps are launching a new strategic partnership programme called ‘Zero Drops’. Businesses will now be able to introduce a new comprehensive, five step journey to building a safer workforce, through a customisable modular programme including site auditing, awareness programmes, training courses, communication packages, and ongoing KPI assessments.
Senior Consultant Rick Salisbury said: “The industries we operate in are big on trust and tangible outcomes. Rather than spitballing around a boardroom, we wanted our new brand to totally encompass what means the most to our customers, which is why we developed the brand in close consultation with them. In many jurisdictions-including, our home of Australia- workplace health and safety legislation does not provide the level of detail site managers need to build and implement effective and comprehensive dropped tools prevention plans. Guidelines may be provided but in many cases what is required by law is unclear or unstated.”
Salisbury continues ” This can be especially worrisome when the risk posed by dropped tools and objects is so thoroughly understood. In 2017, dropped objects were the fourth largest cause of fatalities on work sites, and the third largest cause for serious claims in Australia according to Safe Work Australia.”
The current Stop the Drops range is still available but will now be distributed by Gripps. A new range of products will also be available during 2019 that will aim to aid and extend the capabilities of the pre-existing Stop the Drop range.
Gripps have the worlds highest testing standards for dropped object prevention equipment and ensure that the new products for 2019 will provide a significant upgrade on the existing range and will be unlike anything else on the market.
Global scaffolding system manufacturer HAKI has qualified to offer CISRS System Inspection Training at their dedicated training centre in the UK, with course dates now available in February and March 2019.
HAKI, who already deliver the CISRS System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS), is adding the CISRS inspection course to their growing training matrix to help standardise the approach to systems training.
Following CISRS guidelines, the 1-day course will include a theory test based on general inspection and HAKI system product knowledge, as well as a practical exam based on drawing of the structure and faults provided by HAKI’s qualified trainers.
All delegates who successfully complete practical and theory assessments of the course will receive a CISRS certificate and an endorsement on their CISRS card.
To attend the course, delegates must hold either a CISRS Basic Scaffolding Inspection (BSI) or Advanced Scaffolding Inspection (ASI) card, or be CISRS Scaffolders or Advanced Scaffolders who have had their card renewed with CPD, showing the inspection endorsement.
HAKI will be offering the CISRS System Inspection Training Scheme half price to existing customers who completed the HAKI Basic Inspection course with the company in 2018, for a limited time only. This discount can be applied upon booking by calling 01908 580420.
All other bookings can be made online here
For any HAKI training enquiries, please contact Jacqueline Boniface on 01908 580420 or email [email protected].
A scaffolding contracts manager has been accused of defrauding a Wootton Bassett based scaffold company.
Paul House, of Stratton, first appeared before magistrates just a few months ago in November 2018 alongside other defendants working for House and Sons Ltd. Himself and Nichola House, 50, pleaded not guilty of acquiring criminal property between March-April 2018 to the sum of £42,458.20 from Trad Hire and Sales Ltd, the courts heard this case but will not be proceeded with it.
The most recent allegation that House faces trail for is submitting time sheets for completed work, it was heard in court that House didn’t tender for work with Redrow Homes Ltd on behalf of Combined Scaffolding Ltd but instead tendered from his own company, House and Sons Ltd. Paul pleaded not guilty to this allegation when appearing in Swindon Crown Court.
House also faces accusations of exploiting his position as a contracts manager at Combined Scaffolding, Wooton Bassett.
Christopher House, Joshua House, and David Cook were also accused of committing fraud, a not guilty plea was heard by all three defendants, the case was dropped.
This charge is denied by the defendant claiming that himself and three co-workers Christopher House, 28 and Joshua House, 26, and David Cook had undertaken the work in question with Combined Scaffolding and had submitted time sheets for said work.
Nichola, Christopher and Joshua House alongside David Cook have now all been found officially not guilty when they appeared at Swindon Crown Court.
Judge Jason Taylor QC, has adjourned the case to April 23 and has released Paul House on bail.
Royston Scaffolding Ltd has completed specialist confined space scaffolding works on the famous 60,000 seater Emirates Stadium, despite being Spurs fans.
The Cambridge & Hertfordshire based firm was commissioned by EOn to erect confined space scaffolding to the home of the Arsenal Football Club. The scaffolding was erected in an enclosed area underneath the stadium that allowed engineers to work on the power supply in various areas.
Since becoming skilled in confined-space scaffolding over three years ago Royston Scaffolding Ltd has seen growth in a number of these unique projects, they said.
Despite both business partners being life long Tottenham Hotspurs supporters Eliott McGrath and Craig Nettleingham were still eager to take one and complete this project.
Managing director Elliott McGrath commented: “While we, of course, we were always going to take the project on, we did take an extra second to think about it! Since moving into confined space scaffolding though we have been able to diversify our services as well as increase our extensive scaffolding knowledge”.
Scaffolding in confined spaces can be very demanding and working conditions are often hazardous to workers, therefore companies have very specific high standard requirements with lots of planning and processing the scaffold involved throughout construction to meet an essential high standard of safety.
McGrath added: “What we didn’t take into account was that the work began the day after the North London derby where Spurs lost 4-2! Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds! The fans of the ‘other’ North London club can rest assured nothing was tampered with.”
Scaffolding software developers SMART Scaffolder have launched a mobile app to track variations.
SMART Scaffolder Software has a full programme of product development in 2019, adding functionality to both their market leading design, estimating and TG20:13 compliance software ‘SMART Estimator’ and to their mobile apps: SMART Inspector and SMART Handovers!SMART Scaffolder Software launched their SMART Handovers mobile app to streamline and automate the issuing of Handover Certificates and to ensure extra hire was always logged and billed. They recently made this app even more useful by adding the ability to record variations.The ability to add photos and a digital signature means any possible disputes over what, when and by whom instructions were issued are resolved more quickly and easily than ever before. A simple to use ‘web console’ gives managers clear reports including sites that are on hire, variations requested and the percentage built while banishing the need for paper forms that need to be rekeyed at best or lost at worst.Commenting on the update Ian Chambers, Sales and Marketing Director at SMART Scaffolder, said: “having the ability to track what scaffolds are on hire in one console gives a great overview and this new functionality clearly logs any variation requests and ensures all work is invoiced appropriately”.According to the firm, when the apps are combined with the existing powerful functionality of SMART Estimator scaffolders have the most powerful and comprehensive business management software scaffolders can buy.To see more details, visit the SMART Scaffolder website.
Scaffolding and construction companies across Britain are a credit to the UK economy in so many ways. They provide much-needed services and skill-sets, and a busy firm is certainly a happy one. Businesses don’t run themselves of course, and whether large or small it can be difficult getting the right financial support.
Crucial Help And Guidance
Many companies need the help and guidance of specialist financial setups like Minaur Corporate Finance Ltd, MCF, who can offer bespoke finance for the scaffolding market – Scaffolding contractor funding lines. Why use such a service? Because by utilising such assistance can prove invaluable when it comes to acquiring additional scaffolding, plant, vehicles, or Loans for surfacing yards, marketing campaigns, website development, working capital or even spreading Tax, VAT and Insurance bills.
Helping The Industry
Paul Minaur, MD, said, “We also have up to £100,000 facilities available for companies where the directors are tenants rather than personally homeowners, which is helping to support a large and underfunded sector of businesses.“At MCF, we have helped companies in the construction industry that have significant amounts of money tied up in unpaid invoices. Using a range of privately-owned funders you can release the majority of invoice values immediately freeing tied up cash via Factoring and Invoice Discounting facilities.” “Many of our customers wrongly believe these facilities can’t work for them as they issue applications for payment rather than invoices. This is not the case. Facilities are available for applications for payment and contract payment terms.”Tax efficient facilities through lease, hire purchase, unsecured loans as, well as debt finance/factoring and invoice discounting are used by companies of all sizes. There’s also specialist software available to help make life much easier for those in the industry. Freeing up much-needed cash flow can also save priceless time, and help any business run more efficiently.
Finance Facilities
MCF, have provided Scaffolding and Construction companies with a range of different finance facilities to support their businesses since 1999, and have won several awards from Funders for the services they provide. Their personal approach and efficient service has gained them many new friends and contacts along the way.Paul added: “Whether you are just starting out or a long-established organisation, make sure that you have looked at all the options before committing.” “For more information on your specific requirements please contact MCF for a confidential conversation on what we can achieve for you.”https://www.m-c-f-ltd.co.uk/
A scaffolder sustained life-changing injuries after falling through a 5-meter high skylight fracturing his pelvis, elbow, wrist, and arm.
Poole Magistrates court heard how scaffolder Paul Norris (49) was completing work for the company Solar Scaffolding Services Limited who were contracted to erect an access tower and guard rails around the roof of some industrial units on 10th April 2017.
While assisting colleagues with the guard rails, Norris gained access via the roof then fell through a skylight 5 meters to the ground.
He was hospitalised for three weeks and had to undergo many surgeries and ongoing physiotherapy as a direct result of the accident.
When investigated by the HSE Solar Scaffold Services were found to have failed to take appropriate measures to prevent a fall through the fragile roof and that as an employer their duty to ensure that the work at height was adequately planned, supervised and carried out safely had failed.
A guilty plea was heard in court form the company after they were found to have breached the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Solar Scaffolding Services Limited was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £3,666.80 in costs.
The courts also heard how Norris is now registered disabled and his wife has had to give up work to provide care for her husband. He has also had to move out of his home and move into an adapted flat and can no longer return to work.
HSE Inspector Caroline Penwill commented on the hearing, “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and injuries in this country and the risks of working with heights are well known.
Mr. Norris’s injuries were life changing for both him and his family. He could have easily been killed. This serious incident could have been avoided if the work had been properly planned to reduce the risk”.
In construction, many workers and their families can find themselves in a desperate situation and are unsure of who to turn to for help and advise.
This is where the inspirational charity The Lighthouse construction charity can help.The charity provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families who are suffering from the effects of long term illness, injury or financial difficulties. They offer support to anyone who needs advice on debt management, taxation or just generally need a helping hand in life. A recent press release from Lighthouse has shown some staggering statistics on the emotional welfare of construction workers in the UK and Ireland.2018 was a difficult year for many people and for many reasons but in the construction industry last year alone 1662 individuals or families in crisis contacted the Lighthouse helpline. These calls ranged from mental health issues to legal, taxation and debt management advice.The financial support provided in 2018 by Lighthouse was £1.25 million a staggering increase of 75% compared to 2017.Lighthouse Construction Industry charity provides helpline packs to employers and construction employees and thus far have a total of 350,000 helpline cards in circulation within our industry.The charity has also recently launched a helpline app with the support of construction software ‘COINS’, the app enables industry workers and their families to quickly and conveniently find out more information on self-help techniques or how to progress to the next step in seeking professional help. This app is designed to be a preventative tool that can be used in the early stages of a situation to prevent a crisis for the individual by seeking help quicker. For help on downloading this app please visit their page hereLighthouse provides a 24 hour 7 days a week confidential helpline, 0345 6051956, which presents the first step in getting help and support on the situations many construction workers may be facing. Working closely within the industry and with the individual employers, Lighthouse offers an online portal of information about mental health, equipping employers with the knowledge and skills to begin developing the process of a positive mental health culture in their workplace. For more information please visit: https://www.buildingmentalhealth.net/To encourage the shift in attitude towards mental health Lighthouse empowers employers by providing downloadable videos and toolbox talks as well as essential advice on how to access health training and services. All of this information is free of charge and can be tailored to the individual companies needs.Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction industry charity commented on the recent figures released, “On the positive side the 2018 figures show that we are reaching out to more construction workers and their families, but it also means that too many of them find themselves in desperate situations. The significant escalation in families needing our support has taken us by surprise and has put pressure on our finances. With two construction workers taking their own lives every single working day, and stress depression and anxiety accounting for a fifth of all work-related illness it is vital that we continue to provide our helpline services and put additional funding into the construction industry’s dedicated volunteer-led building mental health programme.”It is important to stress that Lighthouse is a charity based organisation helping thousands of industry workers and their families on a daily basis, Lighthouse receives no public funding and relies solely on the generosity of those working within the industry to help them continue their vital, life-changing work. Hill added, “The only way we can plan ahead is with predictable income. That’s why we have launched our company supporters initiative and our ‘save a life’ campaign. We are urging companies to pledge a regular annual donation to ensure the long term sustainability of our valuable charity services. If you are reading this and wondering how your company can make a difference, then here’s how to get involved.”https://www.lighthouseclub.org/lighthouse-company-supporter/
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Managing director Elliott McGrath commented: “While we, of course, we were always going to take the project on, we did take an extra second to think about it! Since moving into confined space scaffolding though we have been able to diversify our services as well as increase our extensive scaffolding knowledge”.
Scaffolding in confined spaces can be very demanding and working conditions are often hazardous to workers, therefore companies have very specific high standard requirements with lots of planning and processing the scaffold involved throughout construction to meet an essential high standard of safety.
McGrath added: “What we didn’t take into account was that the work began the day after the North London derby where Spurs lost 4-2! Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds! The fans of the ‘other’ North London club can rest assured nothing was tampered with.” 
