RESIDENTS in Coltness, Wishaw, have raised concerns after what they feared was “unsafe” scaffolding had been erected around a block of flats.
The householders contacted the Wishaw Press regarding the scaffolding around a block in Coldstream Crescent at the weekend.
They claim the scaffolding poses a potential risk to children as it is easy for them to climb up.
They say the bottom rung is just two feet off the ground.
However, council bosses say the scaffolding complied with Health and Safety rules.
It was due to be taken down yesterday (Tuesday) as we went to press.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Last September a five-year-old boy was seriously injured after falling from similar scaffolding on another block nearby.
“He fractured his skull and also broke his wrist.
“I think this was because the scaffolding – like the latest set to be put up – was far too easy to access.
“I believe that the bottom rung should be at least six feet off the ground and accessible only with ladders and by the people who should be carrying out work.
“That way children – who through natural curiosity are drawn to construction sites – would be unable to climb up the scaffold and potential accidents would be avoided.”
The resident continued: “On the previous occasion the scaffold was erected for quite some time before any work was carried out.
“This latest lot was put up on Saturday and by late Monday afternoon I hadn’t witnessed anyone carrying out any work there.
“Hopefully, the work will be completed and the scaffolding taken away promptly.
“The last thing we want to see is another youngster getting seriously injured.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “The scaffolding was put up on Sunday and the work will be completed and the scaffolding removed by Tuesday (yesterday) afternoon.
“As with all other scaffolding work, it was erected in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines.” U.K. Edition
The court case comes five years after a 17-year-old girl died when scaffolding for a local post office building undergoing renovations collapsed in a storm.
The girl was in a bar popular with young people in Sarine that is annexed to the post office.
The seven men, including a construction manager and several workers, face accusations that they acted recklessly by ignoring safety regulations when erecting the scaffolding.
If found guilty, the accused face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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Richard Lascelles was sentenced to 175 hours community service after pleading guilty to a breach of the Companies Act and a breach of the Insolvency Act in the Christchurch District Court today.
The 39 year old continued to be involved in the management of Independent Scaffolding Supplies Limited, which traded as “Advanced Scaffolding” after October 2008, despite being prohibited from acting as a director in September 2008 and being judged a bankrupt in October the same year.
Graham Burke, president of SARNZ, today hit out at the “paltry” sentence given to Mr Lascelles, who he says cynically under-cut competitors in the industry.
“There is no place in the scaffolding industry for the likes of Mr Lascelles and we are disappointed at the light sentence handed down. The judge had the opportunity to send a message to those cowboys working in the industry that this practice would not be tolerated and it is frustrating that Mr Lascelles has been let off so lightly.
“He threatens our vision to ensure the highest professional standards in the industry. These standards are not just about doing a good job, but maintaining a reputation.”
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The Forum comprises the nine principal trade associations and federations committed to advancing safety, best practice and competency when working at height. At IOSH 11 it will promote its key message of ‘Work safely and competently at height using appropriate equipment with personnel professionally trained to industry-recognised standards’.
From its stand, F95, all 9 members will be on hand to provide advice and guidance on all matters relating to working at height.
On day 1 (15th March) through out the whole day the AIF will also present various topics relating to current working at height topical matters in Spotlight Theatre 2. At 3.30pm in the theatre the NASC will be detailing the changes to the recent guidance introduction SG4:10 and also reiterate the implications of TG20:08. The NASC will also be taking part in the “Ask the Experts” question and answer session at 12.30pm.
IOSH is the chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 35,000 members in 85 countries, it is the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation. Founded in 1945, it is a registered charity with international NGO status and an independent not-for-profit organisation.
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A lorry has crashed into scaffolding in Eastgate louth today
One of the problems of a thriving but still medieval designed town is the odd accident. Eastgate gets cluttered with cars and here a lorry has backed into scaffolding outside Argos on Eastgate. The whole of the town centre including Mercer Row, Cornmarket, Market Place and Eastgate was out of action for two hours no injures was reported.
The company employs 450 people at sites across the UK, providing scaffolding, painting and blasting, thermal insulation and a range of other industrial services.
Managing director Mike Carr attributes the safety milestone to the firm’s behavioural safety scheme, Watch What You’re Doing, which was created and implemented by shop floor staff.
He said: “Watch What You’re Doing started from the workers on the ground, as we wanted them to take responsibility for their colleagues’ and their own safety.”
To mark the achievement staff were given £5,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, with the Shrewsbury House Youth and Community Centre in Everton being picked as the recipient.