Swiss tool manufacturers Big Ben® have launched a new eye-catching magnetic level made from aircraft alloy with a smart grooved base.
According to stockists Leach’s, the golden coloured scaffolders level called Gold Groove™ is proving popular amongst scaffolders across the country, and we can see why!
This ultra-tough, top shelf premium level has been machined from aircraft alloy and is said to be the perfect size and shape for scaffolders, weighing only 240g.
The Gold Groove™ level also boasts a top class Vistatech™ vial which is far easier to read in various light conditions making the level far faster to work with and more accurate to work with.
Apart from the level having the beautiful looks of a Italian supercar, Gold Groove has the addition of a smart groove along it’s base which ensures it always sits straight on the scaffold tube and has Induction magnetics technology™ which is guaranteed for life ! Leach’s say the development of this groundbreaking level is the result of very much research and input from Scaffolders over the years. Eventually after a lot of investments, new technology has made it possible to machine this simply beautiful tool out of a single piece of solid material.
With it’s golden colour the level comes with a golden price for it’s premium features and exquisite design expect to pay £79+VAT.
However as the saying goes ‘you buy cheap you buy twice’.
A Barnsley scaffolder who suffered three amputations on the same leg along with a damaged hand has been refused higher rate mobility benefit and could lose his adapted car.
Paul Tate from Langsett Road, New Lodge in the town, fell about 12ft from a scaffold in September 2000. But it wasn’t until a few years later part of his leg had to be amputated following complications, and he’s lost even more of the same leg since. The 46-year-old was in and out of hospital, and about eight years after his accident, received the devastating news his leg would have to be amputated six inches below the knee.Despite this major setback, he carried on working as and when he could. He remained in the scaffolding trade, confined largely to driving rather than climbing ladders. Paul said: “I only fell about 12ft, but I landed badly, just on my left leg,” said Paul, 46, of Langsett Road, New Lodge.“I lost about eight inches of shin bone, it just shattered basically. They put me one of those big frames on which I had for a few years. But it kept getting infected. I worked and kept involved as much as I could, but the infection would flare up and wipe me out, sometimes for months at a time. They then had to take another inch off my leg, but I still kept working. It was totally devastating as it keeps flaring up and I’m still in and out of hospital.”Finally two years ago, surgeons had to amputate for a third time – this time above the knee. A fall , when his knee gave way, resulted in surgery to a hand needing total reconstruction. The metal plate inserted restricting it’s use, means he cannot push himself in a wheelchair and can’t use crutches. He also struggles to walk more than a few metres and only on to his flat. Paul has been entitled to a car under the Motability scheme for 15 years, which is replaced every three years. He’s always chosen to pay a contribution himself to upgrade to a larger and higher car – a Ford Cougar – as it’s easier for him to get in and out of. Last year however, he had to apply again for the benefit, but was refused on the basis he did not need the ‘higher rate mobility allowance’. A second application was also rejected, and and next month he will have to take his fight to a tribunal.“If they read my history over the last 15 years, and read what I’ve gone through, surely they can see I’ve got a mobility problem, added Paul. I’m knackered without my car basically, it gives me independence. I pull the car up the side of the house, and it’s one step from my kitchen into my car. It gets me out and about, I can get out and see the grand-kids, see friends, and get to hospital when I need to. I physically cannot get about without my car.”Paul’s twin brother Graham said: “That car is his lifeline. I just can’t believe they want to take it off him. You see people who can walk about getting cars. He can’t walk, he can’t go out without someone else with him. He’s absolutely terrified he’s going to lose it, and I think it’s just disgusting.”A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist. Anyone who is unhappy with a decision can appeal, and may submit additional evidence.“Most people leaving the Motability scheme are eligible for a one-off payment of up to £2,000 to help meet their needs.”
Expert calls for people to check any recent deliveries of Acrow Props.
A leading industry Health and Safety expert has reported a potentially life threatening issue with Acrow Props being supplied into the UK market.
These uncertified Props are exhibiting various degrees of misalignment, in certain cases preventing the locating pin from passing fully through the inner and outer tubes leading to the load being unevenly and inadequately distributed.
This could potentially lead to a catastrophic collapse of the supported structure.
A leading technical expert comments: “This is a very serious issue that should not be understated. This is a product often bought “On Line” or hired for DIY, by individuals who are not trained experts and who would be unlikely to realise the Prop was not functioning correctly until it was too late.”
Lincolnshire based Rilmac Scaffolding rounded off an excellent year with a highly successful group wide training day at the end of December.
Rilmac Employees from all across the country converged on the Epic Centre, at the Lincolnshire Showground for sessions on Health & Safety, Behavioural Change, and Working At Height.
Rilmac Scaffolding say they have a history of running their own training days, but this was the first time all the Rilmac Companies have met together en masse, and it proved to be very successful according to the firm.
Rilmac’s Group chairman Paul Walker opened the day addressing their 250 employees in attendance, the largest gathering of Rilmac staff in its 60-year history. Guest speakers from Clarkes Health & Safety Consultants, Kier, Galliford Try, ARCA and Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership presented throughout the day along with individuals from the Rilmac Group.
Speaking after the event Rilmac Scaffolding Managing Director, Des Booth said, “We value all our staff and aim to grow from within. Most of our supervisors, managers, estimators plus our directors have all worked as scaffolders. Days like these aid in the development and growth of all our employees.”
“Safety is our first priority,” added Contracts Manager Dave Clarke, “and it is fantastic to see it approached from different and worthwhile directions. This really has been an excellent day for everyone at Rilmac Scaffolding.”
The Directors and Management across all the Rilmac companies expressed their thanks and gratitude to Mark Clarke, Clare Davey, Steve Spedding, Geoff Silver and John Siddle for their excellent contribution on the day.
Rilmac say they are determined to grow on the success of their first group wide training day and plans are already underway for the next one in December 2018.
Top Construction And Engineering Firms Awaiting Sentencing Following Tragic Death Of Scaffolder
Sentencing over serious health and safety breaches involving Both housebuilder Redrow and sub-contractor WPI Civil Engineering has been adjourned until February 9th.Liverpool Crown Court heard how Harry Jones a 67-year-old scaffolder was killed instantly after a dumper truck driven by an unqualified driver reversed into him. The tragedy in August 2013 was also witnessed by Mr Jones’s son Christopher, who was working at the construction site of Redrow Homes’ Summerhill Park housing development in Knotty Ash. Mr Jones suffered fatal crush injuries when he went under the wheels of the truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the companies pleaded guilty to the health and safety breaches, involving the 43-ton six wheeled truck. The court was told it was driven by an inexperienced, unqualified driver and was being reversed because the turning circle was full of building detritus. Although its reverse alarm was sounding, Mr Jones suffered serious hearing problems and had his back to the vehicle when he was hit.Kevin Donnelly, prosecuting, said safety procedures were not followed at the building site, which meant vehicles – including heavy plant machinery – and workers on foot were not kept apart.He said: “Both employees and non-employees were exposed to significant risk of harm.“There was inadequate management of site activity to minimise the risk of collision between pedestrians and vehicles.“This placed those who were working on site at risk of being struck by site vehicles, which could and should have been avoided.”John Cooper, QC, representing Redrow Homes, said: “The company recognises its safety responsibilities and is anxious about those who work on its sites, from the top down. This was a rare and regrettable failure.”Dominic Kay, QC, representing WPI, said: “It’s a source of enormous regret to WPI that someone lost their life as a result of its failings. It’s a family business and has been hit very hard indeed by the accident. It has been trading for 40 years without a previous conviction and takes health and safety very seriously.”Following the case, HM Inspector of Health and Safety Jacqueline Western said: “It’s entirely foreseeable that if traffic management and pedestrian segregation is not properly implemented on site, that incidents like this will occur.”Mr Jones leaves three children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Family members from Westhoughton near Bolton were present at the proceedings. The recorder, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC adjourned sentencing until next month.
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.”
Leach’s say the development of this groundbreaking level is the result of very much research and input from Scaffolders over the years. Eventually after a lot of investments, new technology has made it possible to machine this simply beautiful tool out of a single piece of solid material.
With it’s golden colour the level comes with a golden price for it’s premium features and exquisite design expect to pay £79+VAT.
However as the saying goes ‘you buy cheap you buy twice’.
Rilmac’s Group chairman Paul Walker opened the day addressing their 250 employees in attendance, the largest gathering of Rilmac staff in its 60-year history. Guest speakers from Clarkes Health & Safety Consultants, Kier, Galliford Try, ARCA and Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership presented throughout the day along with individuals from the Rilmac Group.
Speaking after the event Rilmac Scaffolding Managing Director, Des Booth said, “We value all our staff and aim to grow from within. Most of our supervisors, managers, estimators plus our directors have all worked as scaffolders. Days like these aid in the development and growth of all our employees.”
“Safety is our first priority,” added Contracts Manager Dave Clarke, “and it is fantastic to see it approached from different and worthwhile directions. This really has been an excellent day for everyone at Rilmac Scaffolding.”
The Directors and Management across all the Rilmac companies expressed their thanks and gratitude to Mark Clarke, Clare Davey, Steve Spedding, Geoff Silver and John Siddle for their excellent contribution on the day.
Rilmac say they are determined to grow on the success of their first group wide training day and plans are already underway for the next one in December 2018. 
