Engineering construction workers affiliated with the Blue Book agreement have resoundingly declined the final pay rise offer proposed by contractors. The proposal, which was presented last month by contractors under the National Agreement for Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI), would affect a workforce of approximately 7,000. The offer follows a 75p per hour cost of living increment agreed upon half a year ago.The current two-year pay proposal stipulates an 8.5% increase in hourly rates and travel allowance for 2024. A subsequent 3.5% increase would follow in 2025, with the potential for up to a 5% rise if the consumer price index stays above 3.5%. Contractors, however, caution that future economic uncertainty in the UK has deterred investment and development, leading to fewer major new builds on the immediate horizon.John Simpson, Managing Director of the Engineering Construction Industry Association, emphasised the challenging financial circumstances of the industry in a letter to the GMB and Unite unions. He noted: “Commercial margins within engineering construction remain extremely tight. While we hope that some of the energy transition projects will reach a final investment decision within the next year, the prospect of NAECI ‘boots on the ground’ on these projects is likely further off than either party would prefer.”
Possible Industrial Action
With a staggering 92% of Unite’s members voting against the wage offer and 98% of these members indicating readiness for strike action, unions are now contemplating the possibility of industrial action. James Poulter, Construction Officer at Unite, declared, “Given these results, on a full and final offer, we are now formally disputing overpay. As such, we will be preparing for a ballot of our members for lawful industrial action.”Poulter expressed that, despite the disagreement, the union remained open to further negotiations and urged for dialogue between parties as soon as possible. “An offer to meet and negotiate further will remain on the table throughout the process of preparing for and the balloting of members. I will confirm expected dates of ballots in due course; this is expected to take place between August and September,” he added.The looming potential of industrial action underscores the escalating tensions between the engineering construction workforce and contractors. If unresolved, this dispute could cause significant disruption to the UK’s construction industry in the coming months.
Teesside-based company JMAC, a prominent player in the scaffolding access and multi-discipline industrial services sectors, has announced a significant restructuring within its family-owned business. The four distinctive brands previously operated independently under the company’s banner will now be consolidated into a single brand known as the JMAC Group.This consolidation represents a noteworthy shift in the business landscape for access and multi-discipline services across the United Kingdom. The four integrated brands – JMAC Scaffolding, JMAC Industrial Services, JMAC Hire & Sales, and JMAC Contracting Services – are each anticipated to bring their unique expertise to the newly combined group.The new group structure promises exciting growth potential and is expected to broaden career opportunities within the company. “Our goal is to fully realise and support our workforce’s ambitions, which align with our ambitious expansion plans,” stated Luis McCarthy, JMAC’s Managing Director.An essential part of JMAC’s restructuring strategy involves the formation of specialised business support teams. These teams, covering commercial, financial, HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality), management, logistics, and administration sectors, are expected to reinforce the company’s ability to continue its trend of successful operations in the industry.The newly assembled JMAC Group Level Board of Directors will consist of Luis McCarthy as Managing Director, Ryan Payne and Mark Holmes as Directors in charge of individual business units, and James Young as the Group Commercial Director. This board has indicated its commitment to pursue innovative business strategies.As part of its repositioning efforts, JMAC Group has announced plans for a complete rebranding initiative, including the launch of a new website in the coming months. This move is predicted to provide a fresh perspective on the company’s identity and its place in the market.“Launching JMAC Group is a major event for our family-run business. Our employees have played a key role in its success. Their ambition and belief in our vision to change the way the access and multi-discipline services industry operates have been fundamental,” said McCarthy about the restructuring.The unification of JMAC Group represents a critical turning point for the company and, potentially, for the broader access and multi-discipline services industry. The company aims to uphold its tradition of excellence while utilising its collective expertise to foster innovation in the sector.
When it comes to challenging feats of engineering and problem-solving, few projects can compete with the recent emergency access operation on the M62 Ouse Bridge. An urgent call for suitable access to reach important bearing joints for repairs on the bridge required an immense collaborative effort between the client, National Highways, the main contractor, Winvic Construction, and their sub-contractor MR Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd, along with their supplier Layher Ltd, UK.
The hero of this story? Norwich-based M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd, who expertly rose to the occasion, showcasing an impressive fusion of efficiency, skill, and innovation, utilising Layher Ltd’s own design department.
A Tale of Two Scaffolds
The M62 Ouse Bridge, a major road artery between Goole and Howden in the East Riding of Yorkshire, urgently needed access for bearing joint inspection and vital repairs. The response? Two colossal freestanding Layher Allround cantilever birdcage scaffolds, each reaching a height of 22 meters, standing proudly beneath the east and westbound joints of the bridge. The company responsible for this herculean effort was none other than M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd.
“Right from the beginning, the design brief was clear cut,” said Alan Regan, M.R. Scaffolding’s Managing Director. “Our mission was to create two freestanding structures 22m high, that didn’t physically tie into the bridge.”
Despite a daunting 15 day erection deadline, the team of scaffolders from M.R. Scaffolding (Anglian) Ltd displayed impressive skill, efficiency and safety by erecting both structures simultaneously, in a mere 10 days.
Regan detailed the project’s logistics, saying, “We assigned a team of 12 scaffolders to this project. Given the time restrictions, it was imperative to erect both scaffolds simultaneously. We divided our team strategically, allocating seven personnel to one scaffold and five to the other. As the scaffolding construction progressed, we effectively utilised Crane lorries to transport materials, facilitating a seamless and efficient workflow.”Incredible Drone Footage Captured by Sky Revolutions
Damien Shawcroft, M.R Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd’s chargehand scaffolder, who was part of the project, shared his experience: “Being the chargehand on this project, I had the privilege of collaborating with a stellar team, consisting of Tomasz, Luke, Ollie, Mackenzie, and Robert. We were responsible for one side of the bridge, with the second team, under Matt’s leadership, tackled the other. Observing each other’s progress across the river spurred a friendly rivalry that added to the excitement of the project.From the start, it was a challenging project knowing our time scale and the amount of material we needed to move. But everyone pulled together as a team to make it happen. As we got higher, everyone adapted to their positions and gave it 100% with laughter and hard work; we made it happen,” Shawcroft reflected.
Shawcroft concluded by expressing his gratitude towards his colleagues, “It was a pleasure to work with the guys and I look forward to our next project.”
A Design Twelve Months in the Making
These impressive structures didn’t, however, emerge out of thin air. They were born from the innovative design philosophy of Layher Ltd, UK and it took twelve meticulous months to craft.
The Layher Allround Lightweight System was chosen for the project – renowned for its flexibility, reliability, and lightness, making it the go-to solution for large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Right from the beginning, we decided to employ the Layher Allround Lightweight scaffolding system for numerous reasons,” explained Regan. “One of its notable advantages is its efficiency; it requires significantly fewer components and less manpower compared to the traditional Tube & Fitting scaffolding approach, thereby boosting our construction speed considerably.”
The now complete freestanding scaffolds, comprising 125 tonnes of Layher Allround Lightweight and a staggering 160 tonnes of kentledge, were a testament to the team’s collaboration of design, dedication and engineering prowess.
Enhancing the safety and security of the project, more than 350 Layher Protect Panels are installed at the base of both structures. These panels, known for their robustness, provided an additional layer of protection, further demonstrating the attention to detail and commitment to safety shared by all parties involved.
Groundwork Challenges & Ingenious Innovations
The team faced a significant hurdle before even the first Allround scaffold part was erected. During the planning phase, an extensive ground survey by geoengineers revealed that the ground was unstable and incapable of supporting the immense weight of the scaffolds. But the combined expertise of Winvic Construction, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) and Layher Ltd, UK meant this problem was far from insurmountable.
The necessary excavation and backfill of hardcore were promptly carried out, ensuring a stable and secure base for the scaffolding to stand on. “To ensure the ground could adequately bear the load, each scaffold was built upon a solid foundation of 500 sole boards, reinforced with strongback soldiers. It was essential that each sole board was precisely measured to 500mm,” explained Regan.
Moreover, in the process of facilitating access for contractors to the bearing joints, a significant amount of water was planned to be used due to the hydro demolition process. To mitigate the risk of ground subsidence, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd ingeniously devised a unique guttering system to divert water away from the scaffold foundations.
M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd ingeniously devised a unique guttering system
The firm also installed a unique rubber matting on the working platform of both scaffolds, reflecting their innovative approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of their work.
Collaboration and Innovation at Its Best
The success of this project was, undoubtedly, the result of the remarkable collaboration between M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd, National Highways, Winvic Construction, and Layher Ltd, UK. The bridge’s urgent need for repair work saw these teams come together in an effort that seamlessly combined expertise, innovation, and sheer dedication.
For M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd, this was their first venture with Winvic Construction, setting the tone for what we hope will be a long-lasting and prosperous relationship. They have unquestionably demonstrated their ability to tackle large, complex, and urgent scaffolding projects with aplomb.
An Engineering Triumph
As the dust settles on this monumental project, two things become clear. Firstly, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd has cemented its reputation as a leading scaffolding contractor capable of delivering high-quality solutions under intense pressure. Secondly, Layher Ltd, UK’s superior design capabilities and its renowned scaffolding system have shone through, proving once again why they are the leading innovators in their field.
Erected in late March 2023, these massive structures remain as monuments to the collaborative spirit and engineering expertise of all involved.
The M62 Ouse Bridge project stands as a testament to the power of effective collaboration, robust design, and expert execution. And as for M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd and Layher Ltd, UK? They’ve certainly set the bar high for future endeavours.
The Transport Minister of Queensland, Mark Bailey, has demanded a comprehensive “safety reset” at the largest public transport project in the state, the $6.3bn Cross River Rail project, following an accident where a scaffolder fell from scaffolding.
Work on the project came to a halt on Wednesday as thousands of workers united in a walk-off, protesting for improved safety measures. The union action was triggered by an accident on Tuesday that resulted in Nation Kouka, a 54-year-old scaffolder, falling approximately 12 metres at the Dutton Park site of the project.
Kouka is currently in critical condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Bailey stated that the incident has significantly impacted his confidence in the project’s safety measures. “There’s no doubt that this is a wake-up call. We’ve got to take the opportunity to make sure that this is the one and only incident,” he said on Wednesday.
The minister acknowledged the worries of workers and expressed his empathy. He commented, “If I was working on this project, I’d be concerned. No doubt about that.”
Investigations into the incident have been launched by both Queensland police and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has claimed that this is not an isolated incident, and the project site has seen multiple safety concerns. The union’s state secretary, Michael Ravbar, said that there had been numerous safety incidents, including previous falls and near misses.
More than 300 safety enforcement notices have been issued for the Cross River Rail project, some of which were associated with fines.
Ravbar criticised the handling of the safety issues and demanded Bailey’s resignation over the incident, saying, “Safety-wise, it’s probably the worst I’ve seen in my time, and I’ve been around a bit.”
Bailey countered the union’s allegations, maintaining that he wasn’t aware of any previous employee fall on the project. He said, “This is one of the bigger construction projects across the country so safety issues will come up from time to time. Whenever we’re aware of them, we move to act on them as quickly as we can.”
A spokesperson for the Cross River Rail Authority reinforced the importance of safety at the site and said work would not resume until Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the onsite contractor deems it appropriate.
The rail project, due for completion in 2026, now faces an uncertain timeline as workers remain off-site and safety inspections take place.
A Shropshire-based construction company has been fined £12,000 after a bricklayer sustained serious injuries in a near-fatal workplace accident. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ordered the company, which was overseeing the conversion of agricultural barns into houses in Telford, to also pay costs of £4,139 at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 21 July 2023.Scott Ife, a 30-year-old bricklayer from Bridgnorth, suffered a fractured skull and damage to his facial nerve after falling through a stairwell opening on 8 June 2020. At the time of the incident, Mr Ife was 27 years old and working on a two-storey extension to the property.The court heard that Mr Ife and a colleague set up a working platform using Youngman boards on the first floor. Due to an unprotected stairwell opening, one end of the boards was left unsupported. Tragically, while pointing up the blocks to form the gable walls, Mr Ife lost his balance, fell onto the unsupported boards, and through the stairwell opening. The accident caused him to plummet four-and-a-half metres onto the concrete floor below, leading to a three-day hospitalisation.The HSE investigation that followed uncovered numerous safety failings by 2 Counties Construction (Midlands) Ltd. These included a lack of suitable controls to prevent falls into the building and through stairwell openings, inadequate planning, poor selection of equipment for working at height, and insufficient site management arrangements.“This incident could and should have been easily avoided,” said HSE inspector David Brassington. “Work at height needs to be properly planned and managed to ensure that appropriate precautions are used. We are fortunate that the injuries resulting from these failings were not more serious.”2 Counties Construction (Midlands) Ltd, based in Broomhall, Worcester, pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
The UK construction industry is facing an increasingly bleak outlook as the rise in mortgage interest rates and the cost of living crisis send shockwaves through the sector. According to the Construction Products Association (CPA), the industry is now on the brink of a severe recession, primarily driven by significant declines in private housing new build and private housing repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) – two crucial sectors within the construction domain.The CPA’s Summer Forecasts, recently published, paint a grim picture for the industry’s immediate future. The projections indicate that the UK construction output is set to plummet by 7.0% in 2023, and any prospects of recovery in 2024 are expected to be meagre, with growth predicted at just 0.7%.These latest forecasts starkly contrast the optimism of the previous year. The CPA had initially predicted a growth rate of 1.6% for 2023 and a further 2.5% for 2024. However, unforeseen economic shocks, including Liz Truss becoming prime minister and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have drastically altered the landscape.The CPA’s quarterly forecasts have progressively worsened since last summer, with each update pointing to a grimmer economic outlook. In the most recent update, it projected a decline of 7.0% in construction output for 2023, indicating a worsening situation.The construction industry’s largest sectors, private housing new build, and private housing RMI are expected to bear the brunt of the recessionary pressures. Private housing output, a significant contributor to the UK economy worth £41 billion annually, is anticipated to be hit the hardest. As a result, private housing starts are predicted to fall by 25% in 2023, with output and completions also experiencing a substantial 19% decline. The CPA foresees a slow recovery in the sector, commencing in the second half of 2024, with a projected rise of 2%.The private housing RMI sector, worth £29 billion to the UK economy, has already faced challenges due to rising inflation, interest rates, and falling real wages. Consequently, the sector’s output is expected to contract by 11% in 2023 before showing signs of growth at 2% in 2024, which aligns with the expected recovery in household finances.Despite the gloomy outlook for private housing, infrastructure activity is expected to remain relatively robust due to ongoing major projects like HS2, the Thames Tideway Tunnel, and Hinkley Point C. However, the infrastructure sector may encounter headwinds, partially offset by government delays to new roads and rail projects and budgetary constraints for councils.The CPA’s economics director, Professor Noble Francis, expressed concern over the government’s lack of commitment and investment in the construction industry, given its critical role in employment and vital infrastructure provision.Though the CPA’s forecasts indicate an imminent recession, other indicators, such as the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), have shown the construction industry’s resilience in the first half of the year. However, if the CPA’s predictions are accurate, a decline in the PMI may be imminent.As the UK construction industry navigates uncertain waters, stakeholders hope for proactive measures and investments to stabilize the sector and support its significant contribution to the nation’s growth and productivity.
In the construction world, transformative projects often serve as the proving ground for innovative techniques and technologies. A perfect embodiment of this can be seen in Mercer Scaffolding‘s use of the world-renowned Layher Scaffolding System in the recent transformation of the former Kitchener Barracks.
In the heart of Kent, the Kitchener Barracks site has undergone an exciting transformation. Beginning in the summer of 2018, this historic military installation has been reborn as a vibrant residential development offering a mix of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes.
Leading the way in this ambitious project was TopHat Developments, the main contractor, who commissioned the skills of Mercer Scaffolding to provide a comprehensive scaffolding solution.
The Layher Allround Scaffolding System was integral to accommodating the new-build element and the project’s ‘cut and carve’ section. Mercer Scaffolding utilised an array of Layher components, including building Independents, Buttresses, Hoist Run-Offs, Bridged Loading Bays, Independent Towers, Stair Towers, Propping, and Internal Birdcages to meet the diverse requirements of the project.
Despite fluctuating team sizes, varying from 3 to 12 scaffolders, Mercer Scaffolding skilfully navigated the project, managing to keep the timeline on track. This was largely possible thanks to the versatility and scalability of the unique Germany-made Layher Allround system.
One of the unique advantages of the Layher system was its ability to support increased imposed loads, providing unhindered access throughout the project. The system allowed the team to erect the entire access scaffold before lifting in modular dwellings, ensuring complete protection.
The project timeline, which could have been tough to meet with traditional scaffolding, was more easily managed because of the in-built flexibility and speed of the Layher system. “Due to the adaptability of the Layher system, it really aided the façade works,” commented Adam Reeve, Commercial Director at Mercer Scaffolding.
The transformation of the Kitchener Barracks from a historic site into a bustling residential hub is a testament to the potential of modern scaffolding solutions like the Layher System.
As Mercer Scaffolding has shown, when experienced scaffolders harness the power of these advanced systems, they can efficiently handle projects of any scale and complexity.
The Kitchener Barracks development, teeming with life and history, stands as a sturdy monument to the power of innovation and adaptation in construction.
International scaffolding management specialists Worldwide Scaffold and Access Limited (WWSA) and UK System Scaffold Hire (UKSSH) have announced the successful completion of their inaugural collaborative project.
The endeavour involved the delivery of four articulated lorry loads of HAKI Universal System Scaffold to Northern Europe, leaving both companies delighted with the outcome.
Their customer Anders Friis, CEO of Friis Scaffolding AB, expressed his utmost satisfaction with the quality of the product and the overall delivery service provided by the partnership.
In a statement, he conveyed his appreciation, saying, “I would like to give you all a very big thank you for a really professional job with this buy of used HAKI scaffold. Everything went extremely well, the service was outstanding, and the quality of the material was just perfect. I would recommend Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd to all I know in the scaffolding business, and for sure, we will contact you again for future purchases.”
The HAKI Universal System Scaffold, a versatile modular scaffolding system, finds extensive application in various construction projects, including shipyards, offshore installations, and refineries.
It is widely used in new housing developments throughout the UK. The system offers compatibility with both HAKI Ram and earlier HAKI generations, featuring 7 to 10 basic components that enable the construction of birdcage, circular, and suspended scaffolding.
Notably, its unique ‘hook-on’ method of erection ensures a 60% quicker setup compared to traditional scaffolding systems.
Tony Stevens, Managing Director of WWSA, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting the excellent communication and seamless coordination between the teams. Stevens specifically mentioned the exceptional service provided by IDB freight from Sheffield, who ensured the timely collection of the materials for the customer.
Gary Griffiths, Managing Director of UKSSH, reflected on the evolution of their company, stating, “When we started the company, UK System Scaffold Hire described precisely what we did. But over the years, not only has the sale of genuine HAKI scaffold become an increasingly important part of our business in response to customers’ requests for a ‘mix and match’ combination of hire and sales, but we have also developed an international client base in Europe and the United States.”
Worldwide Scaffold and Access Limited, known for its scaffold and access design, supply, and training services, offers comprehensive support to its international customer base. They can supply HAKI Scaffolding systems for projects worldwide and work closely with project managers to ensure the timely delivery of components to the designated locations.
Furthermore, the company collaborates with a training and competence consultancy to provide on-site assessment and e-learning programs, guaranteeing that clients’ teams are fully competent to work safely with various scaffolding systems.
The successful completion of their first joint project has solidified the partnership between Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd and UK System Scaffold Hire. Their delivery of HAKI Universal System Scaffold to Northern Europe has garnered praise for their professionalism, outstanding service, and commitment to quality.
With their collective expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, the companies are poised to undertake future projects with confidence and success.
More than 250 schoolgirls from across Wales gathered at three separate Women in Construction events this month, underscoring the CITB’s (Construction Industry Training Board) ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the sector.Hosted at colleges in Swansea, Cardiff, and Llangefni on July 7th, the attendees were introduced to the various facets of construction through hands-on experiences and personal accounts shared by successful women in the industry.Ranging from Senior Design Managers to Quantity Surveyors, and even budding professionals like Trainee Civil engineers, these women painted a detailed picture of what a typical workday looks like in their respective roles and the journeys they undertook to reach their current positions.Various activity sessions, such as a sustainable construction challenge, a hands-on look at drone technology, and virtual reality experiences simulating work at height, gave the students a taste of the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry. Further activities targeted at debunking stereotypes and misconceptions about the construction sector also took place, pointing students to resources like the Go Construct website for further exploration.The Go Construct initiative, backed by the CITB Levy, provides extensive advice and resources for anyone looking to venture into the construction and built environment sector. The initiative also offers guidance to parents, educators, and career advisors, understanding their influence in shaping a young person’s career choices.Supporting the events were members of the CITB Wales Social Value Network, a platform for collaboration and sharing best practices in the delivery of social value. With women making up just 14% of construction professionals, despite the industry requiring an additional 225,000 workers by 2027, according to the CITB’s recent Construction Skills Network report, such initiatives are key in attracting more women to the sector.Darren Lynch, Leader of Construction at Idris Davies School, lauded the event, saying, “It was genuinely the best careers event I have visited! Our girls were so enthusiastic and took so much from the activities provided. The guest speakers and company representatives were so inspiring.”Likewise, Claire Burns, Assistant Leader for Learning in Science at Cardiff West High School, applauded the efforts to open up the myriad job opportunities within the sector to the students.Julia Stevens, CITB Engagement Director for Wales, affirmed the importance of such initiatives, saying, “It’s essential that we start attracting people from a wider range of backgrounds so that we can recruit from a wider talent pool.” Stevens added that she was thrilled with the turnout and looks forward to continuing the dialogue and work on this important topic.
Oil giant BP has been fined £650,000 after being found guilty of breaching health and safety rules, resulting in a scaffolder’s death almost nine years ago.Sean Anderson fell through an open grating on BP’s Unity platform in 2014 while working as part of a contracted maintenance team employed by Cape Industrial Services.Following a two-week trial at Aberdeen’s Sheriff Court, a jury found BP guilty of a breach of safety rules.On sentencing the company to the £650,000 fine, Sheriff Graham Buchanan said that although the death of Sean Anderson had been “tragic and devastating” for his family, it had been an “isolated incident”.Sheriff Buchanan said BP had made “significant efforts” to address the risks involved with an open grating but added: “They were inadequate on this occasion.“The level of harm caused by BP’s breach was high, and that has to be taken into account. I do accept the likelihood of harm arising, in this case, was low.“The fact that a man has died as a result of the offence means the penalty imposed will be significantly higher than one with no loss of life.“The fine imposed must have some economic impact.”Mr Anderson had suffered serious head injuries and been found lying face down in the sea after falling from the Unity platform at around 4 am on 4 September 2014.The 43-year-old father of four had been due to fly home just one hour later.Murdo McLeod, defence advocate for BP, said the company wanted to “convey the company’s deepest condolences to the family of Sean Anderson”.He added: “This was a highly unusual case, and it’s not often that these matters proceed to trial. They are very rare, particularly when these powerful mitigating circumstances exist.“First of all, there’s an excellent safety culture spoken of by witnesses and BP has sought to improve matters by introducing a similar policy with regard to assessment of risk when gratings are not covered.“With regard to the gratings, while there may be an expectation that gratings should be covered, whether this should be done is a matter of opinion and is not clear cut.“This is a very unusual and isolated incident and BP takes this matter very seriously.”“There’s no evidence that a desire to increase profits resulted in the company cutting corners in terms of safety.”The court had heard Mr Anderson, a multi-skilled scaffolder with rope access qualifications, would have known why the safety barrier had been erected and that it was safeguarding an opening on the deck.Mr Anderson fell through the grating. Image credit: Crown OfficeIn the days running up to his death – Mr Anderson had been working as part of the team who had built the hard barrier protecting the fatal decking hole through which he fell.On the night he died, bad weather meant the team carried out no work after stopping for a break at midnight.At around 3:30 am, Sean – a “keen” worker – had asked the installation manager if anything could be done to “keep busy”, promptly rounding up three other men to tidy up the lower deck.What happened next is unclear, but at 4 am, Tony Omar, who had been paired off with Sean to collect rubbish, remembers hearing three bangs and immediately raising the “man overboard” alarm.The court heard that the night’s conditions had been foggy and dark, and Mr Anderson had not been found wearing a life jacket, harness or survival suit. He had been unconscious and was not breathing when pulled from the water.A post-mortem later showed the cause of death was serious injuries to his head and chest sustained due to a “descent into the sea” from the oil installation. It was recorded that he had suffered severe and “predictably immediately” fatal head injuries, with extensive skull fracturing.Toxicology results showed no signs of alcohol, drugs or gas poisoning – and no signs of natural diseases that would have resulted in his death.BP owned the Unity rig, an unmanned pumping station in the Forties Field about 110 miles northeast of Aberdeen in 2014 but has since sold it to INEOS.In a statement, BP said: “We acknowledge the outcome of the court proceedings. This was a tragic incident.“While we know nothing can be said to change the pain felt by Sean Anderson’s family and friends, our deepest condolences remain firmly with them to this day.”In her closing statement, fiscal Kristina Kelly told the jury that BP had a duty to ensure the contractors working on Unity were not exposed to risk, doing so in “so far as is reasonably practicable”.She said: “BP put those workers at risk for the eight days running up to the 4 September 2014; by not having suitable and sufficient control measures in respect of open gratings on Unity.”She said warning signs, or a cover on the grating could have been in place, adding: “Sean Anderson’s family fully expected him to come home safely.”Ms Kelly told the court that BP’s procedures had now changed and any open gratings were now covered, she said these were “mistakes they have now learned from.”
These impressive structures didn’t, however, emerge out of thin air. They were born from the innovative design philosophy of Layher Ltd, UK and it took twelve meticulous months to craft.
The Layher Allround Lightweight System was chosen for the project – renowned for its flexibility, reliability, and lightness, making it the go-to solution for large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Right from the beginning, we decided to employ the Layher Allround Lightweight scaffolding system for numerous reasons,” explained Regan. “One of its notable advantages is its efficiency; it requires significantly fewer components and less manpower compared to the traditional Tube & Fitting scaffolding approach, thereby boosting our construction speed considerably.”
The now complete freestanding scaffolds, comprising 125 tonnes of Layher Allround Lightweight and a staggering 160 tonnes of kentledge, were a testament to the team’s collaboration of design, dedication and engineering prowess.
Enhancing the safety and security of the project, more than 350 Layher Protect Panels are installed at the base of both structures. These panels, known for their robustness, provided an additional layer of protection, further demonstrating the attention to detail and commitment to safety shared by all parties involved.
The team faced a significant hurdle before even the first Allround scaffold part was erected. During the planning phase, an extensive ground survey by geoengineers revealed that the ground was unstable and incapable of supporting the immense weight of the scaffolds. But the combined expertise of Winvic Construction, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) and Layher Ltd, UK meant this problem was far from insurmountable.
The necessary excavation and backfill of hardcore were promptly carried out, ensuring a stable and secure base for the scaffolding to stand on. “To ensure the ground could adequately bear the load, each scaffold was built upon a solid foundation of 500 sole boards, reinforced with strongback soldiers. It was essential that each sole board was precisely measured to 500mm,” explained Regan.
Moreover, in the process of facilitating access for contractors to the bearing joints, a significant amount of water was planned to be used due to the hydro demolition process. To mitigate the risk of ground subsidence, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd ingeniously devised a unique guttering system to divert water away from the scaffold foundations.
As the dust settles on this monumental project, two things become clear. Firstly, M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd has cemented its reputation as a leading scaffolding contractor capable of delivering high-quality solutions under intense pressure. Secondly, Layher Ltd, UK’s superior design capabilities and its renowned scaffolding system have shone through, proving once again why they are the leading innovators in their field.
Erected in late March 2023, these massive structures remain as monuments to the collaborative spirit and engineering expertise of all involved.
The M62 Ouse Bridge project stands as a testament to the power of effective collaboration, robust design, and expert execution. And as for M.R. Scaffolding (Anglia) Ltd and Layher Ltd, UK? They’ve certainly set the bar high for future endeavours. 
One of the unique advantages of the Layher system was its ability to support increased imposed loads, providing unhindered access throughout the project. The system allowed the team to erect the entire access scaffold before lifting in modular dwellings, ensuring complete protection.
The project timeline, which could have been tough to meet with traditional scaffolding, was more easily managed because of the in-built flexibility and speed of the Layher system. “Due to the adaptability of the Layher system, it really aided the façade works,” commented Adam Reeve, Commercial Director at Mercer Scaffolding.
The transformation of the Kitchener Barracks from a historic site into a bustling residential hub is a testament to the potential of modern scaffolding solutions like the Layher System.
As Mercer Scaffolding has shown, when experienced scaffolders harness the power of these advanced systems, they can efficiently handle projects of any scale and complexity.
The Kitchener Barracks development, teeming with life and history, stands as a sturdy monument to the power of innovation and adaptation in construction. 
The HAKI Universal System Scaffold, a versatile modular scaffolding system, finds extensive application in various construction projects, including shipyards, offshore installations, and refineries.
It is widely used in new housing developments throughout the UK. The system offers compatibility with both HAKI Ram and earlier HAKI generations, featuring 7 to 10 basic components that enable the construction of birdcage, circular, and suspended scaffolding.
Notably, its unique ‘hook-on’ method of erection ensures a 60% quicker setup compared to traditional scaffolding systems.
Tony Stevens, Managing Director of WWSA, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting the excellent communication and seamless coordination between the teams. Stevens specifically mentioned the exceptional service provided by IDB freight from Sheffield, who ensured the timely collection of the materials for the customer.
Gary Griffiths, Managing Director of UKSSH, reflected on the evolution of their company, stating, “When we started the company, UK System Scaffold Hire described precisely what we did. But over the years, not only has the sale of genuine HAKI scaffold become an increasingly important part of our business in response to customers’ requests for a ‘mix and match’ combination of hire and sales, but we have also developed an international client base in Europe and the United States.”
Worldwide Scaffold and Access Limited, known for its scaffold and access design, supply, and training services, offers comprehensive support to its international customer base. They can supply HAKI Scaffolding systems for projects worldwide and work closely with project managers to ensure the timely delivery of components to the designated locations.
Furthermore, the company collaborates with a training and competence consultancy to provide on-site assessment and e-learning programs, guaranteeing that clients’ teams are fully competent to work safely with various scaffolding systems.
The successful completion of their first joint project has solidified the partnership between Worldwide Scaffold and Access Ltd and UK System Scaffold Hire. Their delivery of HAKI Universal System Scaffold to Northern Europe has garnered praise for their professionalism, outstanding service, and commitment to quality.
With their collective expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, the companies are poised to undertake future projects with confidence and success. 
