The display showcased solutions such as large-span bridging, accessories like telescopic bracing, an HD quad shoring arrangement, and a 4.0m cantilever platform supporting a double-sided LED screen.
Regarding the design of the display, Shane Carroll, AT-PAC’s North American Technical Manager, said, “We had limited space to design and build the display and couldn’t secure the structure to the ground. With our innovative design approach, we managed to overcome these challenges and showcase an impressive scaffold by utilising counterweights and steel cable for stability. The scaffold crew did a great job to finish the install on time, and most importantly, safely.”
The event also featured a press conference where AT-PAC’s CEO, Josh Dundon, discussed the partnership between AT-PAC and Doka, as well as the latest trends and innovations in the scaffold industry. With nearly three decades of experience, AT-PAC has emerged as a leader in the scaffolding industry, catering to various sectors such as oil and gas, mining, power, infrastructure, and commercial construction. AT-PAC and DOKA Takes Center Stage at CONEXPO CON-AGG Expo
Setting the stage for a new era in scaffolding, AT-PAC and Doka unveiled groundbreaking products and digital solutions at the 2023 CONEXPO CON-AGG Expo in Las Vegas.
The 2023 CONEXPO CON-AGG Expo, North America’s largest construction show, celebrated a significant milestone as construction professionals worldwide gathered in Las Vegas from March 13th to 18th. In collaboration with formwork technology specialist Doka, system scaffolding firm AT-PAC debuted its Ringlock system scaffold, innovative accessories, and Hi-Vis® Scaffold Management Software.
Hi-Vis® Software, a planning and process control tool, aims to streamline scaffold resource management, maximise labour productivity, and enhance product utilisation. The software can adapt to projects of any size, allowing users to deploy application modules individually or as a cohesive scaffold solution. Furthermore, Hi-Vis® includes data analytics and dashboard reporting, granting project managers insight into the scaffolding work process, enhancing construction schedules, and increasing cost predictability while mitigating project risks.
AT-PAC’s eye-catching 16-meter Ringlock scaffolding display, designed to be visible across the showground, featured a Ringlock stair access solution for visitors to access the booth and a large ‘selfie’ photo deck to enjoy the view.
The display showcased solutions such as large-span bridging, accessories like telescopic bracing, an HD quad shoring arrangement, and a 4.0m cantilever platform supporting a double-sided LED screen.
Regarding the design of the display, Shane Carroll, AT-PAC’s North American Technical Manager, said, “We had limited space to design and build the display and couldn’t secure the structure to the ground. With our innovative design approach, we managed to overcome these challenges and showcase an impressive scaffold by utilising counterweights and steel cable for stability. The scaffold crew did a great job to finish the install on time, and most importantly, safely.”
The event also featured a press conference where AT-PAC’s CEO, Josh Dundon, discussed the partnership between AT-PAC and Doka, as well as the latest trends and innovations in the scaffold industry. With nearly three decades of experience, AT-PAC has emerged as a leader in the scaffolding industry, catering to various sectors such as oil and gas, mining, power, infrastructure, and commercial construction.
The display showcased solutions such as large-span bridging, accessories like telescopic bracing, an HD quad shoring arrangement, and a 4.0m cantilever platform supporting a double-sided LED screen.
Regarding the design of the display, Shane Carroll, AT-PAC’s North American Technical Manager, said, “We had limited space to design and build the display and couldn’t secure the structure to the ground. With our innovative design approach, we managed to overcome these challenges and showcase an impressive scaffold by utilising counterweights and steel cable for stability. The scaffold crew did a great job to finish the install on time, and most importantly, safely.”
The event also featured a press conference where AT-PAC’s CEO, Josh Dundon, discussed the partnership between AT-PAC and Doka, as well as the latest trends and innovations in the scaffold industry. With nearly three decades of experience, AT-PAC has emerged as a leader in the scaffolding industry, catering to various sectors such as oil and gas, mining, power, infrastructure, and commercial construction. Skill Scaffolding and Layher Conquers Complex Challenges at Dolphin Quays
Utilising Layher’s world-renowned Allround System, Southampton-based Skill Scaffolding has successfully provided access to all external elevations of Dolphin Quays in Poole, Dorset.
The project, commissioned by main contractors GPF Lewis, aimed to facilitate investigative, remedial, and recladding works to the building complex’s upper levels, rooftops, and balconies.
The Dolphin Quays project marked Skill Scaffolding’s first foray into system scaffolding, and they chose to invest in the Layher Allround System to tackle the challenging requirements of the site. James Wall, Business Development Manager at Skill Scaffolding, describes the project as “a deep-end dive into system scaffold”, given the building’s undulating elevations, roofs, and practically inaccessible crevices.
Dolphin Quays is a prime waterfront location overlooking Poole Harbour in Dorset. The development boasts 104 high-end apartments and a variety of shops and restaurants at street-level and lower podium levels. However, despite being completed relatively recently in 2004, the lack of existing drawings posed significant engineering challenges from the outset for Skill.
To overcome this issue, the company collaborated closely with Layher UK’s expert design team, conducting multiple site visits to capture all the necessary details for bespoke designs that met the needs of all parties involved.
According to Wall, the Layher Allround System proved to be “capable, adaptable, and flexible” throughout the project. The scaffolding had to accommodate multiple public staircases, various podiums, and heavy public foot traffic around busy shop fronts, quayside cafés, and restaurants. Skill Scaffolding focused on minimising public interface and disruption during the height of summer when the quayside is at its busiest.
The project’s location and varying height podiums presented further challenges, especially regarding material transportation. Skill Scaffolding had to organise on-site kit-specific deliveries and early morning crane lifts, working in collaboration with the local Poole Harbour Master to prevent disruptions.
In conclusion, Skill Scaffolding’s first experience with system scaffold was not only rewarding but also demonstrated the effectiveness and adaptability of the Layher Allround System. The successful completion of the Dolphin Quays project has paved the way for other innovative scaffolding solutions by Skill Scaffolding, Layher UK and the wider construction industry.
Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said: “After several meetings with the Skill leadership team and a site trial we were delighted and very excited that Skill trusted us and chose our equipment for their business. Working closely from the outset both teams worked in strategic partnership on this tricky first job to ensure it was the success that it is.”
To overcome this issue, the company collaborated closely with Layher UK’s expert design team, conducting multiple site visits to capture all the necessary details for bespoke designs that met the needs of all parties involved.
According to Wall, the Layher Allround System proved to be “capable, adaptable, and flexible” throughout the project. The scaffolding had to accommodate multiple public staircases, various podiums, and heavy public foot traffic around busy shop fronts, quayside cafés, and restaurants. Skill Scaffolding focused on minimising public interface and disruption during the height of summer when the quayside is at its busiest.
The project’s location and varying height podiums presented further challenges, especially regarding material transportation. Skill Scaffolding had to organise on-site kit-specific deliveries and early morning crane lifts, working in collaboration with the local Poole Harbour Master to prevent disruptions.
In conclusion, Skill Scaffolding’s first experience with system scaffold was not only rewarding but also demonstrated the effectiveness and adaptability of the Layher Allround System. The successful completion of the Dolphin Quays project has paved the way for other innovative scaffolding solutions by Skill Scaffolding, Layher UK and the wider construction industry.
Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher Ltd, UK, said: “After several meetings with the Skill leadership team and a site trial we were delighted and very excited that Skill trusted us and chose our equipment for their business. Working closely from the outset both teams worked in strategic partnership on this tricky first job to ensure it was the success that it is.” Scaffolders Join Unprecedented Offshore Strikes
Scaffolders are among the 1,300 offshore workers set to stage a 48-hour strike over pay beginning April 24.
Unite Scotland warns that the coordinated walkout will bring dozens of oil and gas platforms to a standstill. The union is involved in separate disputes with several North Sea firms, but workers from different companies will strike simultaneously.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, stated: “There’s no question that contractors and operators can easily afford to give a decent pay rise.”
Workers participating in the strike include electrical, production, mechanical technicians, deck crew, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers, as well as scaffolding professionals.
Offshore workers employed by Bilfinger UK Limited, Petrofac Facilities Management, Stork Technical Services, Sparrows Offshore Services, and Worley Services UK Limited will be affected.
Graham added, “The scale of corporate greed in the offshore sector has to be challenged. 1,350 offshore workers will now take part in an unprecedented tsunami of industrial action over 48 hours with hundreds more set to join them.”
Around 700 offshore workers at Bilfinger, over 360 at Stork, 150 at Sparrows Offshore Services, and approximately 100 more at Petrofac and Worley Services will join the walkout.
John Boland, Unite industrial officer, noted: “This is not exclusively about pay but also working rotas, holidays, and offshore safety. The workforce has been taken for granted for years, but now their value will be acutely felt when strike action will bring dozens of platforms to a standstill.”
Scaffolders and their fellow offshore workers stand united in their fight for better jobs, pay, and working conditions, sending a powerful message to the industry about the importance of fair treatment and recognition.
Industry Leaders Rally to Save Work at Height Regulations
Around 60 attendees, including trade bodies and industry leaders, came together in Westminster to highlight the importance of preserving the Work at Height Regulations.
In a recent All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on Working at Height in Westminster, industry leaders, trade bodies, and members of Parliament convened to discuss the potential consequences of the Work at Height Regulations being repealed.
As previously reported, The Access Industry Forum (AIF) has been campaigning to save the regulations from being scrapped, as they are under threat due to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill going through Parliament.
Alison Thewlis, MP, Chair of the APPG, welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of hearing from work-at-height professionals about their challenges and potential opportunities.
Peter Bennett OBE, AIF Chair, expressed concern about the potential repeal of legislation and highlighted the importance of the Work at Height Regulations in preventing workplace fatalities and serious injuries caused by falls from height.
“The numbers of fatalities are sadly still too high despite working at height being regulated. There have been 683 families that have lost a loved one even in the 17 years that the WAHR have been providing protection. That is enough to fill a Boeing 747-8,” Bennett said.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), emphasised that the focus should be on reinforcing, strengthening, and supporting the implementation of safety standards rather than deregulation.
Stephen Green, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, pointed out that the most common cause of fatalities across all industries remains falls from height.
During the Q&A session, participants expressed support for saving the Work at Height Regulations and concern about the potential implications for other valuable regulations. Alison Thewlis encouraged attendees to lobby their MPs, while Peter Bennett OBE emphasised the need to keep making noise until the regulations are saved.
Wrapping up the meeting, Thewlis said, “it is clear that the work-at-height regulations are a fundamental part of keeping people safe.”
The APPG says it will continue to seek assurances from the Secretary of State regarding the safety of the Work at Height Regulations and explore opportunities for a parliamentary debate on the issue.
Scaffolding Collapse Leaves Woman Seriously Injured
A woman was left with severe injuries yesterday after scaffolding collapsed onto a busy shopping street in Hampshire.
The incident occurred yesterday (Wednesday, 12 April) at approximately 1:45 pm on West Street, Fareham, amid strong winds that may have contributed to the incident.
The woman, who has not yet been identified, was trapped under the fallen scaffolding outside the Halifax bank in the pedestrian precinct.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service crews worked diligently to free her from the debris, after which she was promptly handed over to paramedics for further care.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the injured woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The area surrounding the incident was cordoned off while investigations took place.
The Health and Safety Executive will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the scaffolding collapse. With high winds being a potential factor, this incident highlights the need to ensure the structural stability of scaffolding during adverse weather conditions.
In the meantime, authorities are urging residents and shoppers to exercise caution when walking near construction sites, especially during periods of strong winds or inclement weather.
New CITB Business Plan Invests £250m in Construction Skills and Training
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled its Business Plan for 2023-24, announcing an investment of over £250 million to support the construction industry across Britain.
The plan introduces the Industry Impact Fund, which launches today and invites CITB-registered employers to apply for up to £500,000. The fund encourages innovative solutions addressing skills and training challenges in productivity, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
CITB’s plan aims to give employers more say on the most effective solutions for tackling significant skills challenges in the industry by focusing on three core priorities. The three priorities outlined are improving construction’s people pipeline, creating defined training pathways, and delivering an efficient training supply.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Business Plan, stating, “I’m delighted to present our new Business Plan today, which aims to put employers in the driving seat by making the skills system work more efficiently for them. This year we are focusing on three core priorities and have increased investment by nearly £20m to ensure the right initiatives and funding are in place.”
Balcon also highlighted the innovative new Industry Impact Fund, noting, “This fund will help employers in multiple ways but ultimately, it will empower them to have a greater say on construction training.”
In response to the need for nearly 45,000 additional workers annually until 2027, CITB’s plan includes investing an additional £8.2 million in new initiatives for 2023-24. These initiatives aim to enhance existing products like Go Construct and Onsite Experience hubs and simplify the hiring of apprentices through the New Entrant Employer Support Team. The plan also allocates £63 million for Apprenticeship Attendance and Achievement Grants.
To create clearer and more flexible routes into construction, CITB will produce nine qualification and training pathways covering the most in-demand trades. The plan also outlines CITB’s intent to continue researching modern construction methods and developing competence frameworks in accordance with the Building Safety Act.
CITB’s commitment to improving training quality and availability is evident in their plan to invest over £100 million in grants and funding schemes, including doubling the short course grant rates. The organization will also expand its network of recognized training providers and invest nearly £30 million in the National Construction College (NCC) to enhance facilities and training quality.
With the anticipated upturn in the construction industry in 2024, CITB’s new Business Plan and Industry Impact Fund aim to empower employers and foster innovation in skills and training.
Lack of Scaffolding Results in Fatal Rooftop Fall
A North London businessman has been jailed following the tragic death of a worker who fell from the roof of a commercial property in Neasden.
Patrick McCarthy, trading as All Care Home Improvements, received a 14-month custodial sentence after the incident involving Mr Andrei-Ionel Hutanu, who died a week later.
The incident occurred on August 19, 2019, when Mr Hutanu and a co-worker were conducting repairs on the roof of the commercial premises. Mr Hutanu, aged 33, fell approximately 16 feet from a tiled pitched roof onto a concrete alleyway below.
The fall resulted in a fractured neck and severe head injuries. Mr Hutanu was airlifted to St Marys Hospital in Paddington, where he passed away on August 26, 2019.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident, revealing that McCarthy, aged 37, had failed to implement any measures to prevent falls from height, such as scaffolding around the building or flat roof where both men were working.
McCarthy pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and received his 14-month custodial sentence on April 4, 2023.
HSE Inspector Philip Jordan emphasized that the tragedy could have been easily avoided with proper assessment and planning, stating that both the courts and HSE take regulatory failures extremely seriously.
“The custodial sentence imposed on Mr McCarthy should underline to everyone in the construction industry that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow the regulations extremely seriously. HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against individuals or companies that fall below the required standards.”
Builders’ Charity Tackles Rising Suicide Rates
A national builders’ charity has stepped up its support for construction workers following a five-year rise in suicide rates within the industry.
According to data from Glasgow Caledonian University’s Built Environment Asset Management Centre, the suicide rate among construction workers increased to 33.82 per 100,000 in 2021, up from 25.52 per 100,000 in 2015.
The Band of Builders (BoB) has launched a free mental health and wellbeing platform made possible by the Big Brew campaign to tackle this mental health crisis. The platform, in partnership with Spectrum.Life, aims to provide support for workers and their families facing mental health challenges.
Peter Cape, Big Brew lead at BoB, said, “The BEAM data is distressing – especially when you compare it to all other professions, where the suicide rate is 9.14 per 100,000. That’s why the Big Brew came about: to raise awareness of the mental health crisis.”
Construction workers can access the service through self-referral on the charity’s website. Confidential counselling is available via freephone, live chat, WhatsApp, SMS, or a callback.
The new platform expands on BoB’s existing counselling service, providing a more comprehensive approach to mental health support. Cape explained, “Since [launching our counselling service], we have looked at ways to improve the service by providing a more holistic approach because it’s important that people are able to get interventions earlier or address some of the issues that are contributing towards their mental health issues.”
The Volunteer Assistance Programme supports individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, relationship issues, and financial problems. Services include counselling, legal and financial information, career guidance, and life coaching.
Cape emphasised the importance of addressing mental health issues early, stating, “It’s best summed up by the old tradesperson’s van analogy: if the van is serviced on a regular basis, then it will be reliable and go on for miles, but if it’s not serviced, then the chances of it breaking down increase.”
To access the new platform service, visit https://bandofbuilders.org/pages/wellbeing-support and click on the Wellbeing Service for more information and a self-referral form.
NASC Inspires Youth at Glasgow Leavers Show
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is celebrating the success of its recent exhibition at the National School and College Leavers Show in Glasgow, held on March 27th and 28th.
The NASC aims to proactively encourage young people to pursue careers in the Scaffolding and Access industry through apprenticeships and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) training program. The exhibition featured engaging activities and informative displays designed to capture attendees’ interest.
The NASC stand was handled by Steve Kearny and Henry Annafi, along with support from various industry professionals. Over the two-day event, the stand saw more than 450 visitors, many of whom were eager to learn more about career and training opportunities in the scaffolding sector.
The Working at Heights virtual reality (VR) headset experience, which simulated a scaffolding inspection, was a particular hit among attendees.
Over 260 business cards were taken by young people and teachers, and several schools, colleges, and charities have requested further engagement with NASC members.
This presents an excellent opportunity for Scottish NASC members to capitalize on the event’s success. Henry Annafi, speaking on behalf of the NASC, said, “This event was a tremendous success for us. We were thrilled to meet so many enthusiastic young people and teachers interested in careers in our industry. We are grateful to our members for their support and are delighted that so many attendees left our stand eager to find out more about apprenticeships and CISRS training.”
The attending members found the event valuable and are keen to build on its success. Additionally, they expressed interest in participating in the Returning Citizens scheme, providing an unforeseen benefit.
The NASC is committed to continuing its efforts to encourage young people into the Scaffolding and Access industry across Scotland and is excited to build on the success of its recent exhibition at the National School and College Leavers Show.
Over 260 business cards were taken by young people and teachers, and several schools, colleges, and charities have requested further engagement with NASC members.
This presents an excellent opportunity for Scottish NASC members to capitalize on the event’s success. Henry Annafi, speaking on behalf of the NASC, said, “This event was a tremendous success for us. We were thrilled to meet so many enthusiastic young people and teachers interested in careers in our industry. We are grateful to our members for their support and are delighted that so many attendees left our stand eager to find out more about apprenticeships and CISRS training.”
The attending members found the event valuable and are keen to build on its success. Additionally, they expressed interest in participating in the Returning Citizens scheme, providing an unforeseen benefit.
The NASC is committed to continuing its efforts to encourage young people into the Scaffolding and Access industry across Scotland and is excited to build on the success of its recent exhibition at the National School and College Leavers Show. Blackpool Scaffold Collapse Leaves Two Workers Seriously Injured
A scaffold collapse in the Lytham Road area of Blackpool on Monday, 3rd April, has left two workers with serious injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred while the workers were carrying out building works on a solicitor’s office.
The exact circumstances leading to the collapse of one elevation of the scaffold remain unclear, but the aftermath has been devastating for the two injured workers. One has sustained multiple injuries, including a broken hip, fractured neck, two broken wrists, and a small bleed on the brain. The other worker is suffering from rib injuries.
Sean Ryan, a 47-year-old local radio presenter, witnessed the incident and, along with another passer-by, helped the injured workers to safety. Ryan told the Blackpool Gazette that the men “are lucky to be alive” following the accident.
Fire and ambulance crews worked at the scene outside the office of personal injury lawyers Barker Booth & Eastwood, with Lytham Road blocked off during the response. Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and a senior clinician were dispatched to attend to the injured workers.
A fire service spokesperson reported that firefighters used trauma packs to treat the casualties before handing them over to the care of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedics. The crews were on the scene for two hours.
The cause of the scaffold collapse is yet to be determined. Dallas Cooper, Scaffolding Health & Safety Advisor for SIMIAN, said, “It’s too early to establish the cause of this incident, but generally, collapses can be prevented by sound planning of access provision and consideration of the works that will be carried out.”
Cooper also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to both injured workers. As the HSE investigation continues, the construction industry and local community await further information on the cause of this tragic incident, hoping that future accidents can be prevented through proper safety measures and planning.
