This was the scene on a major road in Sevenoaks, Kent, after a lorry clipped scaffolding erected on a jewellery shop on Thursday (25th).
itv.com reported that Police closed off the High Street at Sevenoaks, after a Lorry crashed into a jewellery shop. The shop was covered by scaffolding which became unstable.
The High Street was closed off at 12.45pm and remained so for a couple of hours. The driver of the lorry and the people in the shop were not injured. Lorry brings down scaffolding in Sevenoaks
This was the scene on a major road in Sevenoaks, Kent, after a lorry clipped scaffolding erected on a jewellery shop on Thursday (25th).
itv.com reported that Police closed off the High Street at Sevenoaks, after a Lorry crashed into a jewellery shop. The shop was covered by scaffolding which became unstable.
The High Street was closed off at 12.45pm and remained so for a couple of hours. The driver of the lorry and the people in the shop were not injured. New harsco products set benchmarks for cost-effective and safe construction work
BTS-OBO Scaffolding wins new council contract
Simian Risk celebrates Middle East scaffolding accreditation
North West scaffolding specialist Simian Risk is celebrating becoming the first accredited CISRS training provider in the Middle East.
The firm, which is headquartered in Warrington with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has achieved CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) accreditation – the UK industry standard – for its scaffolding and access training across the region.
Simian Risk is one of the UK’s leading scaffolding training providers and is currently enjoying a sustained period of growth for its Middle East division.
Simian Risk is already working on a range of training projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Iraq, and is now accredited to provide CISRS Overseas Level 1 and 2 Scaffolding; CISRS Overseas Supervisory Training; CISRS Overseas Basic Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) and CISRS Overseas Systems Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) Kwikstage, Cuplok, Layher.
Ian Fyall, Operations Director at Simian Risk, said: “This is great news for our business and further enhances Simian’s position as a leading international provider of quality accredited training.
“We launched our Dubai training centre in 2011 and have since expanded our training operations across the region. The team here have built up excellent relationships with a range of Middle East contractors and scaffolders. Our first cohort of CISRS scaffolders – the first CISRS scaffolders to be accredited in the Middle East – are from a local company called AMS Scaffolding and they have all now passed the CISRS Level 1 course.”
Simian Risk’s UK registered instructors work across the oil, gas, petrochemical and construction sectors, with projects including training scaffolders on the vast Majnoon oil field in Iraq for Shell and the South Oil Company, as well as assisting Middle East governments with their scaffolding procedures.
Mr Fyall said Simian Risk was determined to play a key part in driving up safety and quality standards across the Middle East.
“Simian Risk will continue to work alongside CISRS to develop training opportunities overseas, implement a better standard of work and create a safer working environment for all.
“By providing first rate work at height training programmes we can assist in reducing the number of accidents in the region, while also helping to build a skilled and self-sustainable local workforce.”
CISRS has been the industry recognised scaffold training scheme in the UK for over 40 years, demonstrating that an operative is competent in the safe erection, dismantling and alteration of scaffolding. It is the preferred scaffolding qualification of all the major organisations including CSCS, NASC, HSE, UKCG, UNITE, UCATT and the largest scaffold systems manufacturers.
Directors Ian Fyall and Simon Hughes launched Simian Risk Group in Warrington in 2005. With more than 40 years of experience within the scaffolding industry, the business specialises in providing health and safety consultancy for work at height.
In 2010 Ian and Simon split the company into two divisions – Simian Risk and Simian Skill, taking on two new directors, Dave Randles and David Abraham for the respective divisions. Dave Randles became a shareholder in 2011. Dave and David also have more than 40 years of experience to add to that of Ian and Simon.
For more information on Simian Risk’s services visit www.simian-risk.com 0044 845 602 2418 or [email protected]
Press Release
VOSA rumours of mandatory closed backs on 7.5 tonne scaffolding vehicles, Now quashed !
Scaffmag can exclusively confirm that rumours about VOSA looking to introduce regulations for mandatory closed backs on 7.5 tonne scaffolding vehicles have today been officially quashed.
Rumours were flying around the scaffolding industry over the last few weeks that VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) were already enforcing or looking into introduce regulations for mandatory closed backs on 7.5 tonne scaffolding vehicles. We contacted VOSA for more information. VOSA told ScaffMag:
Many operators have removed the tail gate fitted to the original vehicle for ease of access and to allow for longer scaffolding tubes and associated equipment to be loaded on to the vehicle. This allows the tubes and equipment to move towards the rear of the vehicle and therefore some other type of restraint is required to prevent the 50% movement of the load to the rear.
As long as the load is secured to the vehicle in a manner that the load is not likely to cause a danger of injury to any person in or on the road then this would satisfy the requirement placed on the operator and driver by the Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and the Road Traffic Act 1988.
At present there is no intention of requesting mandatory fitment of tailgates to 7.5 tonnes vehicles.
A VOSA spokesperson said: “There are no regulations which require mandatory methods for securing loads on vehicles. The legislation which VOSA use to prohibit and prosecute are the existing Construction and Use regs and Road Traffic act. whereby the use of a vehicle/trailer is such that a nuisance or danger is likely to be caused due to various reasons one of which is an insecure load.”
“As an organisation we have become more proactive in dealing with vehicles where it is clear to our examiners that a load is not secure and in these circumstances we will either provide guidance and advice or in more serious circumstances we will issues a prohibition and Graduated Fixed Penalty and Deposit (GFPD). The advice we will give at the roadside regarding safe loading would mirror that provided in the DfT Code of Practice “Safety of loads on vehicles” and/or that provided in the EU best practice guidelines documents readily available on the internet. Our expectations of drivers is that the load is secure in transit.”Story By: Daniel Norton
Scaffolding pyramid job is well underway for Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd
Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd are currently working on a major conservation project on one of the most familiar features of the Cornish skyline.
Scaffolding is being erected on the headgear at South Crofty Mine, near Camborne, Cornwall as part of the refurbishment of the landmark. South Crofty’s symbolic headgear, which ended its productive life when the mine ceased production in 1998, is being surveyed, repaired, shot-blasted and painted.
Using the Plettac scaffolding System, the scaffolders from Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd erecting the structure have already used 8,000 scaffold boards, 20,000 fittings and 3,300 scaffolding tubes and is still not complete.
Project manager Mark Hughes told a local newspaper: “The operation was being led by Cornwall Council, with the preparatory work carried out by Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd of Penzance.
“It’s a major undertaking,” said Mr Hughes. “That’s an awful lot of scaffold tube and boards. I don’t envy the men up there today because it’s very exposed and there is a very cold wind coming straight off the Atlantic.
“The whole thing had to be erected independently of the frame, which made it even trickier. The plan is to replace any sections that are too corroded to repair and then shot blast and paint it. It’s going to look really impressive when it’s done.”
Cormac Contracting and specialist sub-contractors expect to complete the project by July. Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy and regeneration, said: “I look forward to joining the local community to celebrate the successful completion in the summer.”
Scrapping of hard hat laws could lead to more deaths
Construction workers could be left without hard hats on sites after life-saving laws were scrapped last week.
This is the warning from leaders of the union UCATT who are concerned that the end of head protection regulations could lead to construction firms skimping on safety equipment.
The head protection laws were scrapped from last Saturday (6th April) after the Lofstedt Review which recommended their deletion.
Ucatt argued against the deletion of the regulations and said the previous law had seen the average number of construction workers dying as a result of a head injury fall from 48 a year to 14 a year.
Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT said: “Construction workers are being placed in danger by the scrapping of these regulations.
“Many construction companies will use the scrapping of the regulations as an excuse not to provide life-saving protective equipment.”
But the HSE insisted the change would not jeopardise site safety standards.
Contractors will still need to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 which have been amended so that they cover the provision and use of head protection on construction sites.
The HSE said: “These changes do not compromise essential health and safety protections. The aim is to make the legislative framework simpler and clearer.
“HSE is taking action to raise awareness of the changes.
“This includes working with the construction industry (particularly small contractors) to ensure that it understands the continuing need for employers to provide hard hats and ensure they are worn on construction sites.
“Hard hats remain vital in protecting construction workers from head injuries.
But Murphy added: “It is highly distressing that the HSE is failing to take proactive measures to ensure that workers are not placed in danger.
“Hoping that the construction industry will send out a message is a complete abdication of the HSE’s responsibilities.
“Workers who are being placed in danger need to be told whether this is a result of HSE policy, as a result of a lack of resources or because of Government intervention.”
The head protection laws were scrapped from last Saturday (6th April) after the Lofstedt Review which recommended their deletion.
Ucatt argued against the deletion of the regulations and said the previous law had seen the average number of construction workers dying as a result of a head injury fall from 48 a year to 14 a year.
Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT said: “Construction workers are being placed in danger by the scrapping of these regulations.
“Many construction companies will use the scrapping of the regulations as an excuse not to provide life-saving protective equipment.”
But the HSE insisted the change would not jeopardise site safety standards.
Contractors will still need to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 which have been amended so that they cover the provision and use of head protection on construction sites.
The HSE said: “These changes do not compromise essential health and safety protections. The aim is to make the legislative framework simpler and clearer.
“HSE is taking action to raise awareness of the changes.
“This includes working with the construction industry (particularly small contractors) to ensure that it understands the continuing need for employers to provide hard hats and ensure they are worn on construction sites.
“Hard hats remain vital in protecting construction workers from head injuries.
But Murphy added: “It is highly distressing that the HSE is failing to take proactive measures to ensure that workers are not placed in danger.
“Hoping that the construction industry will send out a message is a complete abdication of the HSE’s responsibilities.
“Workers who are being placed in danger need to be told whether this is a result of HSE policy, as a result of a lack of resources or because of Government intervention.”
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
CISRS launches new free information booklet
CISRS has launched a new, free, revised version of the CAP 609 ‘General Information’ booklet – offering up-to-date facts on the Scaffolding Operative Schemes for both tube & fitting and system scaffolds.
The 60+ page booklet includes information on the scope of the scheme and full detail on the scaffolding operatives schemes, scaffolding management/supervisory training, scaffold inspection training, vocational training, record cards, grant aid, training funding and also includes some highly useful appendices.
The revised booklet is available free of charge from CISRS. To obtain a free copy contact CISRS on 0207 8227407 or at [email protected] or alternatively you can download a (6Mb) PDF version of the booklet at: www.cisrs.org.uk/general-information
CISRS Training Manager, David Mosley said: “The revised booklet is a fresh, all-encompassing guide to the expanding, evolving, constantly improving CISRS scheme. We continue to work hard to provide the best possible scaffolding training in the world – aiming to reduce the risk of accidents and uphold the best possible work standards, keeping the UK at the forefront of the global scaffolding world. The new CAP 609 booklet is a very useful tool in this process – containing all the information a company or potential scaffolding trainee should need.”
For further details about the CISRS and information and dates on courses available, please visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email [email protected].
The 60+ page booklet includes information on the scope of the scheme and full detail on the scaffolding operatives schemes, scaffolding management/supervisory training, scaffold inspection training, vocational training, record cards, grant aid, training funding and also includes some highly useful appendices.
The revised booklet is available free of charge from CISRS. To obtain a free copy contact CISRS on 0207 8227407 or at [email protected] or alternatively you can download a (6Mb) PDF version of the booklet at: www.cisrs.org.uk/general-information
CISRS Training Manager, David Mosley said: “The revised booklet is a fresh, all-encompassing guide to the expanding, evolving, constantly improving CISRS scheme. We continue to work hard to provide the best possible scaffolding training in the world – aiming to reduce the risk of accidents and uphold the best possible work standards, keeping the UK at the forefront of the global scaffolding world. The new CAP 609 booklet is a very useful tool in this process – containing all the information a company or potential scaffolding trainee should need.”
For further details about the CISRS and information and dates on courses available, please visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email [email protected].
Safety & Access announce the ability to offer HAKI training courses
Safety & Access have today announced the ability to offer CISRS SSPTS training course in the HAKI Universal System delivered at our purpose-built training centres in the Midlands and Humberside including a network of locations across the UK.
The course will provide all companies using HAKI on site with product awareness training over 2 days to ensure that all their operatives are accredited to use the equipment.
HAKI’s MD Chris Stokes said in a press release, ‘HAKI is committed to maintaining high standards in safety. Safety and Access are a leading CISRS training provider and will deliver first class training to our customers across the UK.’
Safety & Access Joint MD Rick Statham said, “We are extremely pleased that we have been able to form a relationship with HAKI that enables us to provide product awareness training to contractors in the UK. We have been providing training on the excellent stair system and loading bay system for several years and to take it to the next level is a very exciting prospect for us”
For the formal launch of the partnership and during recent training at the Safety & Access CATCH Training facility, employees of Lyndon Scaffolding are seen above erecting the Haki System under tuition.
HAKI® is a global supplier of system scaffold and weather protection solutions. HAKI® temporary work-places ensure the highest standard in safety whilst increasing productivity. Its unique hook-on design makes HAKI® adaptable in even the most challenging environments.
Head quartered in Sweden, HAKI® is part of the Midway Holding Group whose shares are traded on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm AB Small Cap exchange. HAKI® has branches across the globe providing temporary access for the power generation, process, offshore and construction sectors for over 50 years.
Safety & Access are a leading CISRS Scaffolding training and Work at Height training and consultancy provider offering a wide range of professional support services to a broad range of industry sectors in the UK and overseas.
With a nationwide and worldwide delivery capability the company operates from three key centres at Nottingham, Immingham and Dubai.
A Formal Launch of the HAKI System and presentation on the 9th May 2013 starting at 09.30am for more information please contact Sarah Cockell on 0115 9794523 or email [email protected] One in four London construction sites fail safety inspections
One in four of the construction sites visited in London during a month-long inspection initiative failed health and safety checks, according to results released today (4 April).
More than 400 sites were visited by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors as part of a national HSE clampdown aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health. The building sector features consistently in the top three high-risk industries for deaths and injuries.
A total of 93 of the 401 sites failed to meet the minimum legal standards for health and safety. Specific work activities on some of the sites were deemed to be so dangerous that immediate Prohibition Notices were served by Inspectors, halting further work until standards had been raised.
As well as 114 Prohibition Notices, Inspectors also served 22 Improvement Notices, which required particular improvements to be made to working practices.
The inspectors visited sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place, to support a drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries.
They made unannounced visits to ensure companies are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height. They are also checked for general good order, assessed welfare facilities and checked whether personal protective equipment, such as head protection, was being used appropriately.
During 2011/12, four workers were killed while working at construction sites in London and a further 471 were seriously injured. Nationally, there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries.
The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action.
Of the total visits, 110 were to look specifically at the construction of domestic basements in three target boroughs – Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham. Fifty Prohibition Notices were served stopping work activities across 34 sites, the majority concerning work at height but a significant number citing poor excavation or structural support.
Andy Beal, a Principal Inspector for Construction in London, who co-ordinated the construction initiative, said:
“It’s good news that the majority of the construction sites we visited were obeying the law but sadly a sizeable minority sites are letting down the rest of the industry.
“Failures to properly protect workers during construction activities at height, inadequate site management, exposure to dangerous types of dust and inadequate washing facilities were among the dangers and low standards we found on some sites.
“The whole purpose of carrying out these spot checks is to raise awareness of the dangers and reduce the number of construction workers being killed or seriously injured at work.” 
