U.K. Edition
No Falls Week Kicks Off to Combat Rising Workplace Fatalities
Today marks the start of the inaugural No Falls Week, a campaign spearheaded by the No Falls Foundation to raise awareness and promote safety measures for work at height.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as falls from height have become the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. In 2022-2023, 40 individuals tragically lost their lives due to falls at work, accounting for a third of all workplace deaths. The alarming figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show an increase from the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for action. Beyond fatalities, the impact of non-fatal falls is significant, with over 5,000 reported injuries in the same period. However, experts believe this number is vastly underreported, particularly among self-employed individuals. The HSE estimates the actual number of workplace falls over the past decade could be as high as 425,000. The consequences of these accidents extend beyond the injured individuals, affecting families, businesses, and the wider economy. In 2022/23 alone, an estimated 992,000 working days were lost due to non-fatal falls, costing over £847 million. Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation, emphasises the importance of prioritising safety for all workers at height. “Everyone who needs to work at height should be able to work safely and return home unharmed at the end of every shift,” she states. “No Falls Week is an opportunity for everyone to shine a spotlight onto the mental, physical, and societal consequences of working at height accidents.” Throughout this week, employers and organisations across various sectors are encouraged to participate in No Falls Week. The campaign offers toolkits and resources to help plan activities such as toolbox talks, workshops, and safety demonstrations. By fostering awareness and implementing preventive measures, the No Falls Foundation aims to create a safer working environment for millions across the UK. https://nofallsweek.org/Ofsted Praises SIMIAN’s Scaffolding Apprenticeship Program for Quality and Safety
SIMIAN, a renowned name in the scaffolding and broader construction industry, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence by achieving a ‘Good’ grading from Ofsted for its apprenticeship programs.
This prestigious recognition follows a rigorous four-day inspection conducted in early April across SIMIAN’s Warrington and London centres. Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills plays a crucial role in upholding educational standards in the United Kingdom. Their assessment of SIMIAN’s scaffolding and roofing apprenticeships underscores the organisation’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled construction professionals. The ‘Good’ grading is a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire SIMIAN team, who have worked diligently to implement improvements since the previous Ofsted inspection in 2022. Simon Hughes, SIMIAN’s Managing Director, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “The fact that we have been recognised as a ‘good’ apprenticeship provider bears testimony to the efforts and professionalism of the team, and it is an achievement of which they should all be proud.” The Ofsted report highlights several key strengths of SIMIAN’s apprenticeship programs. Inspectors noted that apprentices “quickly learn and practice new skills safely and competently” and tutors ” skillfully support apprentices.” The report also praised the “highly effective” planning and coordination of on-and-off-the-job training. Jackie Thomason, SIMIAN’s Commercial Director, attributed this success to years of hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn and develop. She emphasised the strong relationships SIMIAN has fostered with employers and other industry stakeholders, stating that the feedback received from these groups was “in many cases, simply breathtaking, and a source of enormous pride for everyone at SIMIAN.” This latest achievement solidifies SIMIAN’s position as a leading provider of scaffolding apprenticeships in the UK. The organisation is already implementing further improvements as it continues to address the challenges independent training providers face. With this ‘Good’ grading from Ofsted, SIMIAN is poised to continue making a significant contribution to the construction industry by equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their scaffolding careers.Layher Magic on the Hogwarts Express Bridge
Goathland Station, nestled in the windswept beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors, is a place where magic and engineering collide. This historic station, beloved by Harry Potter fans worldwide as a backdrop for the Hogwarts Express, recently underwent a remarkable structural renovation.
BS Scaffolding Ltd faced the extraordinary challenge of providing a work platform for the bridge restoration while ensuring public safety and access within this bustling tourist hub. Their solution? The innovative Layher Scaffolding System.