AccessPoint Issue 12

ROLL CALL

for new Scaffolding Association members

SCAFFOLD ERECTION

AboveAll Scaffolding Services Limited

www.aboveallscaffolding.co.uk

Airo Scaffolding Limited

www.airoscaffolding.co.uk

Anglian Demolition & Asbestos Limited

www.angliandemo.co.uk

Barton (05) Scaffolding Limited

www.bartonscaffolding.co.uk

Beshore Scaffolding Limited

www.beshorescaffoldingltd.co.uk

Cabot Access Towers

(Hire & Sales) Limited

www.cabotaccessscaffolding.co.uk

Carey Group PLC

www.careysplc.co.uk/group

DK Scaffolding Wales Limited

www.dkscaffold.co.uk

D & P Scaffolding Limited

www.dandpscaffolding.co.uk

EML Scaffolding

www.emlscaffolding.co.uk

Framework (Specialist Works) Limited

www.framework-ltd.co.uk

Garde Limited

www.gardeltd.co.uk

Genesis Scaffolding Services Limited

01634 234313

H&Sons Scaffolding Limited

www.handsonsscaffolding.co.uk

Hawk Scaffolding Solutions Limited

www.hawk-scaffolding.co.uk

HI-Standard Scaffolding Limited

07464 121604

Horizon Scaffolding & Access Services Limited

www.horizonscaffolding.co.uk

Intercity Midlands Limited

www.intercitymidlandsltd.com

Contents

SCAFFOLD ERECTION

K.B Scaffolding (UK) Limited

www.kb-scaffolding.co.uk

Kings Scaffolding

www.kings-scaffolding.co.uk

Leeds Scaffolding (Yorkshire) Limited

www.leedsscaffolding.com

L.E.W Scaffolding Limited

www.lew-scaffolding.co.uk

Longreach Scaffolding Services Limited

www.longreach-scaffolding.co.uk

Paul James Scaffolding Limited

www.pjscaffoldingltd.co.uk

Powertherm Contract Services Limited

www.powerthermcontracts.co.uk

SIS Special Projects Limited

www.sisprojects.co.uk

Spartan Scaffolding Solutions Ltd

www.spartanscaffolding.co.uk

Worksafe Access

Scaffolding Limited

www.worksafescaffolding.co.uk

Up Scaffolding Limited

www.up-scaffolding.co.uk

SERVICE PROVIDERS

Buckley Design Solutions Limited

www.buckleydesigns.co.uk

Optima Site Solutions Limited

www.optimasitesolutions.com

PRODUCT SUPPLIERS

G Deck (LDS Hire & Sales Ltd)

www.gdecking.com

Grand Construction Products Limited

www.grandconstruction products.co.uk

P3 - P5 News

Stories from the access and scaffolding industry

P6 Comment

Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association: “A growing association that hopes to see better times for all”

P7 Opinion

The Indigo Group: “Keep up with the changing regulatory landscape”

P9 Commercial

Rudi Klein, CEO of the SEC Group: “Time to get hold of your newly-elected MP”

P10 Covid-19

Information for businesses

P12 - P13 Site Report

Divine inspiration for St Patricks Cathedral, Dublin

P14 - P15 Transport Road Haulage Association: “Know your responsibilities and keep the wheels turning”

P16 Health and Safety

SMAS Worksafe: “Take your time and plan the task”

P17 - P19 Product News

Scaffolding Association

Telephone: 0300 124 0470 www.scaffolding-association.org

Email: info@scaffolding-association.org

ISNN: 2055-2033 (Print)

AccessPoint is published on behalf of the Scaffolding Association. The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those held by the Scaffolding Association. The Scaffolding Association shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles. The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication.

© All editorial contents AccessPoint 2020

Printed by Tewkesbury Printing Company

CONTACT US

Editorial

Enquiries: Stacey Underhill, telephone: 0300 124 0470

Email: stacey@scaffolding-association.org

Subscriptions

AccessPoint is distributed to members of the Scaffolding Association and other selected access and scaffolding businesses. If you wish to receive a copy of AccessPoint or would like to amend or cancel your subscription, please call 0300 124 0470 or email info@scaffolding-association.org

Advertising

Enquiries: Sally Smith, telephone: 0300 124 0470

Email: sally@scaffolding-association.org

Cover image and image below: St Patricks Cathedral. © Shanweb.com

Scaffolding Association membership reaches

A quiet payment revolution is taking place in Welsh construction

Masons Scaffolding construct complex temporary roof over three-tiered levels

400

Membership growth at the Scaffolding Association has continued steadily in 2020 and now stands at just over 400. The association’s membership is represented by scaffolding contractors, suppliers, service providers and designers.

Last year’s collapse of Welsh-based company Dawnus Construction has hastened progress towards protecting SME payments in Welsh construction.

Growth has been particularly notable amongst contractors with the number of Assessed and Audited members increasing, reflecting the industry’s desire to progress their skills, training, and health and safety protocols. More and more clients are accepting Scaffolding Association members onto their tender list, giving membership even greater value.

FIND OUT ABOUT MEMBERSHIP scaffolding-association.org

April is National Stress Awareness Month

Mates in Mind have created a number of resources to help organisations tackle mental ill-health within the workplace. This April, to coincide with National Stress Awareness Month, the charity has issued a stress awareness factsheet. They are also sharing tips on social media platforms and invite others to join in and share theirs. By dismantling the stigma and addressing mental illness misconceptions, Mates in Mind hopes to facilitate open environments where individuals feel comfortable to seek the help they may need.

FIND OUT MORE AND DOWNLOAD THE FACTSHEET matesinmind.org

All government funded projects in Wales above a £2 million threshold are now required to have a project bank account (PBA). A PBA enables all firms in the supply chain to be paid from one “pot” without payments having to cascade through the different layers of the supply chain. The monies are ring-fenced so that if there is an insolvency upstream small firms in the supply chain don’t lose out; in the Dawnus collapse almost £40 million was left owing to Dawnus’s supply chain. At a recent event hosted by SEWSCAP, the largest value framework in Wales, councils and contractors came together to determine how best to implement the policy on PBAs. Those who had already used PBAs indicated that they helped to ensure that payments to SMEs in the supply chain were discharged well within 30 days as well as being made secure.

Masons Scaffolding have been working for Faithdean PLC on a major project at Edinburgh House, Kennington. The client brief was to supply and erect an irregular shaped, fully boarded scaffold to the building perimeter along with a complex temporary roof over three tiered roof levels. Internally there were full birdcages to the atrium, lift shafts and stairwells.

The main challenge for the team was the highly complicated design process. After much consultation a solution that was perfectly suited to the job in hand was agreed and implemented.

FIND OUT MORE masonsscaffolding.com

N.T. Rix build emergency protection screen to secure The Statue of Eros

N.T. Rix was commissioned by Westminster Council to mobilise, design, deliver and erect a secure 3m high protection screen around The Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus – one of the busiest streets in central London. And all within 24 hours.

The historic monument was at the centre of a planned protest and needed urgent screening. This job didn’t come without issues – with limited time a secure access door couldn’t be sourced so the in-house fabrication team constructed one to fit. The N.T. Rix team worked together to complete the commission in one single continuous shift. This is the second time that N.T. Rix has erected access or protection scaffolds for Westminster Council property.

FIND OUT MORE facebook.com/ntrixscaffolding

Director jailed for health and safety breach

Kevin Leathers, the Director of G & L Scaffolding and Roofing Ltd, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment for a breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 at Southwark Crown Court.

Scaffolder Jon Currie died on a building site in Kensington. He had been working with the foreman to dismantle a temporary roof over a basement excavation when he fell and sustained multiple fatal injuries.

The court heard that there had been a number of failings in the health and safety provisions on the site including not having a safe system of work in place to operate on the roof canopy with no suitable work platforms and no harnesses being used.

HSE reacts to sentencing of man for threatening inspector

Britain’s workplace regulator has stressed that the organisation will not tolerate violence, aggression or abuse of its staff after a man was sentenced for a public order offence. The case highlights that visiting inspectors must be treated with respect.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector was conducting an inspection of a site when he was subjected to repeated verbal abuse and offensive language, was physically threatened and told to leave.

Principal inspector Victoria Wise said: “Threats and abuse are wholly unacceptable. HSE will not tolerate any form of violence, aggression or abuse. Our inspectors are warranted to attend premises to carry out their job to ensure the safety and health of those working there. Any aggressive or violent words or actions taken against HSE staff in the course of their duties will be reported to the police.”

Advanced NI Scaffolding win award

Advanced NI Scaffolding are winners of the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2020 as Family-Run Scaffolding Company of the Year. The awards celebrate the success and achievements of firms and individuals that have taken an innovative approach to demonstrate exceptional business performance. Director Robert Andrews said: “I’m super proud of each and everyone of the lads who have achieved this award. This is down to a team effort across the board – well done lads.”

FIND OUT MORE advancedniscaffolding.com

CASS helps cyclists

CASS are currently working on the Morgan Sindall site at Whitmore High School in Barry and were challenged to help those who cycle to work on site. The land is very much a building site and there was nowhere for the trades people cycling to work to safely store their bikes. The scaffolding team hit upon an idea and put it into action – the resulting scaffolding bike rack pictured here:

FIND OUT MORE

Buckley

Design’s temporary Etihad roof challenge

Buckley Design Solutions faced a unique challenge to supply a temporary roof for the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club.

New technical and design roles introduced at HAKI

HAKI has proudly appointed Ross Turner as Chief Technical Officer and promoted design engineer, Priscila Escobar, to UK Design Manager; both newly created positions within the business.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events in the UK are being cancelled, postponed or re-arranged, so keep an eye out for the latest updates at scaffolding-association.org/events

CANCELLED

The main roof’s geometry was angled on multiple planes, with a movement joint located directly where the temporary roof was to be erected. The location of the required fixings meant that considerations had to be made regarding flexibility of the temporary roof – under no circumstances could it act as a rigid structure, as this would be detrimental to the main roof. There were four different tie configurations on this scaffold alone, purely to accommodate the required movement.

FIND OUT MORE buckleydesigns.co.uk

BrandSafway acquire assets of Benchmark Scaffolding’s UK Hoist Division

BrandSafway has acquired Benchmark Scaffolding’s UK Hoist Division, significantly enhancing the capabilities of Taylor’s Hoists in Greater London.

The Benchmark Hoist Division has a significant inventory of hoists with capacities from 500 to 2,500kg and single-car and dual-car personnel hoists with capacities from 1,200 to 3,200 kg.

“This acquisition reinforces our leadership position in the United Kingdom,” said Mick Herke, vice president of Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services in Europe. “With Benchmark’s highly specialized knowledge in premium hoist solutions, Taylor’s Hoists and Lyndon SGB can further expand their services.”

Steve Crompton, director of Benchmark Hoists, added: “Our hoist division team looks forward to sharing their expertise and best practices with Taylor’s Hoists and Lyndon SGB. Both companies are some of our industry’s best-known and well-respected names.”

FIND OUT MORE brandsafway.com

Ross has joined the senior management team at HAKI Group following the company’s acquisition of Span Access, where he was Managing Director. With more than twenty years’ experience in the access industry, he is well-placed to deliver on HAKI’s technical requirements. Ross will be responsible for driving pioneering technical solutions and methodologies that encourage safer working practices in temporary works, whilst overseeing the engineering and technical team.

Priscila, who has been working at HAKI for three years, will now lead the design engineering function

Government issues list of 2020 priorities for CITB

The CITB’s mandate for this year has been announced. The key objective is to help industry meet the Government’s ambition to build 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.

As a part of this, the CITB will support modernisation of the industry with a particular focus on the development of digital technology and modern construction methods. It must promote diversity in the construction sector, enabling the industry to access the widest range of talent.

The CITB will help industry adapt to the UK’s exit from the EU by developing our own talent and growing the UK workforce. The body will support the Government’s technical education reforms, including engagement with the apprenticeships programme and support for the new construction T levels and the provision of work placements, ultimately growing higher technical education.

The CITB will work to consider how existing onsite training, including the Construction Skills Fund, can be used to identify alternative pathways into and progression routes within the construction sector. There will be a focus on showcasing the results that the industry Levy has achieved to improve and retain skills for the benefit of the Industry. Effective preparation for the summer 2020 Consensus process is important. Overall, the CITB will be strategic, efficient and focused on future skills.

FIND OUT MORE gov.uk/government/publications/ citb-annual-priorities-letter-2019-to-2020

accesspoint.org.uk accesspoint.org.uk

for the UK market, liaising directly with customers to develop tailored solutions for their projects. She will also work closely with external consultants and in-house design teams to ensure all designed works using HAKI provide the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

FIND OUT MORE www.haki.com/news

Cheltenham & Gloucester Scaffolding create hangers within Worcester Bosch’s working schedule

Tewkesbury-based Cheltenham & Gloucester Scaffolding Ltd have been working on an important internal project at the factory of Worcester Bosch.

To enable the installation of new ducting and heating systems a hanger was needed above the factory floor. In order to minimise production disruption the first 20m were installed within a strict 48-hour weekend window, with the remaining 60m to follow over another specified time-frame.

CITB Employer Roadshows www.citb.co.uk

Locations across the UK

POSTPONED

STEM Learning www.5percentclub.org.uk/events York

CANCELLED

CITB Employer Roadshows Lite www.citb.co.uk

Locations across the UK

18 – 24 May 2020

Mental Health Awareness Week www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/ mental-health-awareness-week

15 – 21 June 2020

Mens Health Week www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mhw

10 July 2020

Employment & Skills Academy www.5percentclub.org.uk/events

Heathrow, London

CANCELLED

London Working at Height Seminar www.lwahs.co.uk

London Guildhall, London

8 – 10 September 2020

Safety & Health Expo www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

ExCeL, London

23 September 2020

Scaffolding Association AGM www.scaffolding-association.org

Union Jack Club, London

6 – 8 October 2020

UK Construction Week www.ukconstructionweek.com

NEC, Birmingham

18 – 19 November 2020

London Build Expo www.londonbuildexpo.com

Olympia, London

8 – 9 December 2020

Ben Clarke, Director of the company, explained:

“The job was challenging to a certain extent but we thrive on jobs like this. We have excellent staff – over half have been with us more than 10 years. We’ve been lucky to work on some great projects in and around Gloucestershire over the last few years.”

FIND OUT MORE cgscaffolding.co.uk

RCI Show www.rcishow.co.uk Ricoh Arena, Coventry

“This was a great idea by the CASS team on site and has been praised by the client, and something we could possibly roll out to other sites. We as a company aim to do everything we can to help and this is a great example of the guys thinking outside the box” said Tom Gent, CASS Managing Director.

cassuk.com

COMMENT OPINION

A growing association that hopes to see better times for all

In this Comment piece, Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, talks about growth and the need for optimism.

The Government have committed to leaving the European Union, and we now await the details of what this will mean for the UK economy and for our industry within the wider construction sector. Whatever happens, we must give Boris Johnson and his Government a little time and have a degree of faith in what will happen in the next few months. They will be in power in this country for at least the next five years and we must remain optimistic.

Growth in a period of uncertainty

Despite the uncertainty Brexit is bringing it has been encouraging to see that the Scaffolding Association has recently broken the 400 member barrier, with our sights set firmly on achieving 500 members before the end of 2020. In January, February and March we received record numbers of enquiries, underlining our friendly and inclusive ethos as a progressive organisation supporting businesses of all sizes within the sector.

Like-minded organisations share our vision

The growth we are experiencing illustrates the appetite for change within the sector. Scaffolding businesses are eager to demonstrate their levels of professionalism, their commitment to raising safety standards and their willingness to invest in the skills of their workforces. We are cultivating a network of like-minded organisations, looking to not just grow their own businesses but also to share their experiences and learn from best practice in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our influence continues

It’s not been a smooth road but we are beginning to see serious moves towards a status for our organisation and its members that will see our position within industry continue to rise. Key industry stakeholders are listening to what we have to say, and contractors are responding to the work that we are undertaking and joining us to benefit from the achievements we are making for all our members.

Poor payment practices must end

On the flip side of this we continue to see the effects of poor payment practices on the supply chain and the impact this continues to have on the mental health and well-being of those working in our sector. It’s a very real problem and it’s vital that we’re all aware of where to turn for help and support at difficult times.

We have high hopes of a change in the payment culture – there is a lot of work being done through the Prompt Payment Carter, and the SEC Group continue to lobby Government –but we need to begin to see action on this now, rather than more platitudes and fudges.

Robert Candy CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION scaffolding-association.org

Keep up with the changing regulatory landscape

In this Opinion piece, The Indigo Group discuss legislation, the considerations and risks facing scaffolding companies.

The increasing regulatory burden on subcontractors

There is no denying that the scaffolding sector are leading the way when it comes to best practise and compliance with Health & Safety legislation, however, in the coming months the sector is certain to experience increasing demands from clients, HMRC and other regulatory bodies as the scope for compliance widens to other legislative requirements.

Some of these obligations the sector will be familiar with, but it’s likely that these requirements will be presented with renewed focus and other newer legislation, like the Criminal Finance Act, which will present new challenges.

What do you need to know?

These changes in legislation mean that the scaffolding sector needs to ensure they are up to speed with the latest obligations.

The six questions to the right of this page are from legislation that you should have made considerations for – there are serious risks involved with non-compliance. There are a number of practical things that could be done to ensure as a sector companies are demonstrating compliance and safeguarding their businesses when it comes to ensuring both compliance and visibility in their supply chains.

Responsibility is moving back up the chain

With responsibilities moving back up the supply chain, businesses are required to be evidence compliance, and this includes having visibility of precisely who sits in those chains.

It’s important to know that the liability for these things can be passed to directors of a business, and so you must demonstrate due care in your chain and ensure you have exercised reasonable considerations and measures when engaging with those who sit within it. Main contractors are without doubt going to impose stricter requirements on subcontractors.

Make sure you are the subcontractor of choice

How can you ensure you are first choice for the main contractor when they are engaging a workforce for a new project?

You may have been working with the same contractors and subcontractors for years but how well do you know them and how they manage their compliance? As they are part of your supply chain, it is your responsibility to have awareness of these things. How do you know that circumstances haven’t changed? Are there pending CCJs or a change to their credit rating that could impact you?

Scaffold companies need to ensure they retain their positions in the supply chain, understanding that main contractors will be engaging with those who can evidence and maintain their own due diligence correctly.

The consequences for getting this wrong can be catastrophic, both in terms of disruption to the project, financial impact, reputational damage and in some cases, even criminal convictions.

If you’d like to know more about how the Indigo Group can help scaffolding contractors with legislation, considerations and risks, please contact Michael Diffey on 07392 198150 or via email michael@indigo-contracting.com

THE INDIGO GROUP www.indigogroupservices.com

Can you prove that your team have the correct training and qualifications?

Have you contacted HMRC to confirm registration with CIS?

Does everyone on your team have the right to work in the UK?

Is everyone being paid the correct rates?

Is anyone in your organisation receiving a ‘kickback’ to influence decisions?

Are you identifying and preventing the facilitation of tax evasion?

Main contractors are without a doubt going to impose stricter requirements on subcontractors.

We have been working with the Scaffolding Association since 2015 and are proud to nsure many of the UK’s leading Scaffold companies.

We really understand scaffolding insurance and we love it. We have even employed some former scaffolders within our business so you can be 100% confident that we really do talk your language!

Time to get hold of your newly-elected MP

Members of the construction sector should be contacting their MPs with a message that demands attention:

All that expertise, enthusiasm and industry knowledge means that you can trust Amicus to not only find the best insurance to protect you, your business and your employees, but that you can also rely upon us to do it at the most competitive price. We even offer additional discounts for Scaffolding Association and NASC members.

www.amicus-insurance.co.uk

BROKEN LIVES BROKEN BUILDINGS PAYMENT ABUSE

Unless MPs support legislation to enhance payment security for SMEs in construction, the industry will continue on a downward spiral of declining investment in jobs and skills and of falling standards and quality. In contacting the new MPs we should not hold back. They should understand that SMEs create the bulk of the industry’s value and the future survival of many of these companies depend on MPs supporting measures to ensure that they are paid.

INSOLVENCIES

Insolvencies in the construction industry are running at their highest rate since the recession. Over 30,000 SMEs in Carillion’s supply chain lost monies when Carillion collapsed in January 2018. The Business Select Committee in the House of Commons concluded that Carillion had treated them with “contempt”.

Why not give us a try!

To discuss your insurance requirements, or to find out how we can help you contact Richard Evans, Rory Boylan or Adam Scott on 0208 773 5395 or email us at adam scott@amicus-insurance com www.amicus-insurance.co.uk Compass London Market Broker of the Year 2015/16

As I was writing this article the news filtered through that Wetheralds, a Leeds-based specialist painting and decorating contractor, had been forced into liquidation by a string of main contractor bad debts. The company had worked on a large number of high-profile jobs across the UK over the 33 years of its existence.

The final blow for this firm was the loss of £150,000 for work done for the Simons Group which went into administration last October. This

came on top of £911,000 worth of unpaid work for the Shaylor Group which went into insolvency in summer 2019. One of Wetherald’s directors said:

We’ve never seen anything like this in all our years of business … bigger firms are a law unto themselves now. Pay less notices and major firms not paying are driving good firms out of business.

This is a picture that is reflected in the four corners of the UK. Earlier in 2019 Dundee-based building services company McGill & Co. collapsed with the loss of 425 jobs. This company had been trading since 1981. Its administrators blamed delays in payment on a number of significant jobs. In Northern Ireland an M&E contractor, Blackbourne Ltd, went into insolvency in September 2019. Blackbourne operated across the UK. One of the causes of its insolvency was the Carillion collapse. In March 2019 Wales suffered its own version of the Carillion collapse; main contractor Dawnus went bust with almost £40 million left owing to its sub-contractors.

GETTING THE MESSAGE TO MPs

Every company needs to make these problems known to MPs. Draw on your own experiences of payment abuse. How many are made late? How many payments are for amounts that are less than the amount applied for? Have you lost significant sums as a result of insolvencies? Remember:

ON PUBLIC SECTOR PROJECTS

TIER 1 CONTRACTORS (UNLIKE THEIR SUBCONTRACTORS) DO NOT CARRY ANY INSOLVENCY RISK: PUBLIC BODIES DO NOT GO INTO INSOLVENCY.

Always emphasise the broader impact of payment abuse. It is a substantial cause of mental health issues amongst business owners and senior employees which, in turn, has repercussions for family relationships.

Also, poor payment practices help drive poor behaviours which, in turn, drive poor quality (according to Dame Judith Hackitt, who produced a report in May 2018 on improving building safety following the Grenfell tragedy).

SEC Group have created a template letter that you can easily personalise and send to your MP. Email stacey@scaffolding-association.org today to have this letter sent to your inbox.

Rudi Klein, CEO of SEC Group, urges action on payment abuse

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Known facts, important information for businesses and useful links

THE SYMPTOMS OF

ARE: A HIGH TEMPERATURE A NEW, CONTINUOUS COUGH SHORTNESS OF BREATH

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness as they are similar to cold and flu. We do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads but similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Stay at home for 7 days if you have these symptoms. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to ask questions, but do NOT call them to say you’re staying at home.

WORKING ONSITE

You should consider these simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff onsite: Keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace

Ensure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date

Ensure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on the actions they need to take

Ensure operatives are wearing gloves when handling materials and equipment

Ensure there are places to wash hands with hot water and soap

Encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly

Schedule welfare breaks to reduce the number of people congregating in canteens and breakout areas

Avoid using shared pens when signing in and out of site

Wash or sanitise hands after using biometric sign-ins

Provide hand sanitiser and tissues

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Most contractors are working under bespoke contract terms, so general advice is not always helpful.

The key question in establishing your rights would be what your contract says (if anything) in relation to delays caused by force majeure (generally defined as an event or circumstance beyond the control of either party), and also what the contract says in relation to extra hire periods. The following steps can help:

Keep the other party in the loop on any issues you may have or may be expecting. This serves two purposes – providing early notice where required, and possibly leading to a commercial agreement on the effects of the virus

Give notice of delay if any site is closed

Make sure any scaffolding is left in a safe manner if the site is closed

Give notice if it is anticipated the contract will run into an extra hire period

Continue to apply for payment in the normal manner

TRAINING

To protect the skills and training of the workforce the CITB will focus its efforts on the following: Providing support for apprentices Signposting for employers, their workers and the supply chain to sources of support Guidance for keeping sites working Urging site managers to show appropriate lenience to those with cards expired from mid-March and relaxing renewal windows Waiving some of the fees for rescheduling or cancelling HS&E tests

Accepting SSSTS and SMSTS renewals beyond expiry

FUNDING

At the time of print the Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. These include:

Support for businesses who are paying sick pay to employees

Support for businesses that pay business rates

Support for businesses that pay little or no business rates

Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption

Loan Scheme

Support for businesses paying tax Insurance

FURTHER INFORMATION

Visit these sites for regular expert updates: www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ best-way-to-wash-your-hands/ www.gov.uk/guidance/coronaviruscovid-19-information-for-the-public www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidanceto-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19 www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The UK Chief Medical Officers state the risk to the public is HIGH.

CORONAVIRUS

Divine inspiration for St Patricks

Ireland’s oldest and most iconic church – founded in 1191 – is currently host to one of the most remarkable scaffolding structures as it undergoes Phase 1 of a major renovation project. 85 tonnes of scaffolding are being used to support a 6 tonne Keder XI mobile roof over the wonderful St Patricks Cathedral in Dublin.

Scaffolding Association member, Ainscaff Scaffolding has been responsible for designing and erecting this incredible structure to allow the renovation work to get underway. The scaffolding has been put to the test by three of the most violent storms Ireland has seen in recent years – the succession of named storms heading across the Atlantic have slammed into Ireland with a force and severity of biblical proportions!

It’s the first time a major renovation has been undertaken since the nineteenth century, when work was financed by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness of the archetypal Irish family. So you can imagine the scale of the work that needs undertaking and why there is a €9 million appeal to raise money to pay for the work. The new slates will be from the same quarry as those being removed.

It’s a mightily

The cathedral has a special place in the hearts of millions of Irish people – highlighted by the fact that the church has an annual revenue of around €7 million from visitors alone. The historical and valuable ancient contents of the cathedral make this kind of renovation work something that can

only be done by the very best experts at every level – it houses for example one of the most valuable organs in any church in the UK and Ireland – valued at in excess of €2 million and having more than 4,000 pipes. Most of the listed stained glass windows have been removed to allow for the erection of the support scaffolding and the temporary roof – they were just too valuable and fragile to risk leaving insitu whilst the work went on.

Constructed with:

750 Layher aluminium beams

Over 1,800 linear metres of beams

Mix of 2m, 3m, 5m and 6m lengths

Over 2.5kms in 4m standards

900m in 3m standards

Nearly 3.5kms in 2.57m ledgers

14,000 drop forge double couplers

9,600 linear metres of scaffold

Designed without structural ties

It’s a mightily impressive scheme that will return this important building back to the condition it deserves, but none of the work would have been possible without the extraordinary scaffolding erection by Ainscaff – congratulations to all concerned for this impressive work.

St Patricks Cathedral images: © Shanweb.com

impressive scheme that will return this important building back to the condition it deserves.

Running even the smallest fleet of heavy goods vehicles can be a headache for many businesses –particularly those whose core business is not transport. We have been talking to leading road transport trade association, Road Haulage Association, about some of the challenges facing operators.

Know your responsibilities and keep the wheels turning

OPERATOR LICENCING

Operator Licencing is the legal authority needed to operate goods vehicles in Great Britain. Licences are issued by the Traffic Commissioner, who will check that you meet the necessary eligibility criteria, which requires applicants to: be of good repute be of adequate financial standing be competent to run a transport operation

DVSA

Every operator must agree to several undertakings when they apply for a licence. These are the same for restricted licence holders, such as scaffolding businesses, as they are for standard licence holders, such as traditional road hauliers. These include: keeping vehicles taxed, insured and with a valid MOT checking that drivers have the right licence to drive the vehicles they operate keeping vehicles and trailers in a roadworthy condition preventing overloading obeying the drivers’ hours and tachograph rules making sure that drivers carry out a daily first-use walk-round check of the vehicle (recorded in writing) keeping vehicle maintenance and defect rectification records for 15 months not operating more than the maximum number of vehicles stated on the licence operating only from the operating centre(s) stated on the licence telling the Traffic Commissioner within 28 days, about:

– convictions of the licence holder or their staff

– changes in maintenance arrangements

– planned changes in entity (i.e. from a sole trader to a partnership)

– changes in financial status (i.e. bankruptcy or entering administration)

accesspoint.org.uk

The DVSA carries out regular roadside vehicle checks and checks on operating centres. Vehicles may be prohibited or immobilised if a DVSA roadside check finds that:

– it’s overloaded

– it’s unroadworthy

– a driver has broken drivers’ hours regulations

Licences can be taken away, suspended or restricted by the traffic commissioner if operators:

– break the terms or conditions of their licence

– do not meet health and safety conditions

– are convicted of certain offences

– are made bankrupt or the company goes into liquidation, administration or receivership

– use an unlisted location as an operating centre

– are given a prohibition notice by DVSA following an inspection

TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER

A Traffic Commissioner has powers to take regulatory action against a licence holder where they fail to meet the expected standards of operation. This action includes:

– curtailment (limiting or reducing the number of vehicles an operator can operate)

– suspension (temporarily stopping operations)

– revocation (permanently removing an operator’s licence to operate commercial vehicles)

– in severe cases of neglect and mismanagement, imprisonment for those responsible

SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTORS

There is an increasing focus from the DVSA and the Traffic Commissioners on restricted operators. Restricted licences apply to businesses who transport their own goods for distribution or trade purposes. These account for over half of the almost 80,000 operators’ licenses issued in the UK. For operators in the scaffolding sector there are limited exemptions that are available in certain scenarios – they are not well known and are frequently interpreted incorrectly.

MYTH: have a restricted operator licence and don’t need a transport manager, so there is no need to have proper systems in place.

TRUTH: You, or a competent person, must oversee all the commitments detailed in your licence, failure to do so risks having action being taken against you.

MYTH: My drivers don’t need any training because they are exempt from the CPC requirements.

TRUTH: If driving a vehicle is not their main occupation, then they are not required to comply with the CPC requirements. However, you have a duty of care to ensure that all drivers are trained to a competent standard so that the vehicles they drive are roadworthy and that the necessary daily walk-round checks are properly conducted. They need to ensure that any defects are reported to a responsible person and that the vehicle is not used until the defect is rectified.

MYTH: contract out my vehicle maintenance, so I’m not responsible for any defects found following an inspection.

TRUTH: It doesn’t matter who conducts the vehicle safety inspections, it’s the operator’s ultimate responsibility to ensure inspections and repairs are carried out to a high standard, and where a maintenance contract agreement is in place the frequencies are adhered to.

For more information you can contact the Road Haulage Association’s membership team on 01733 261131 or visit their website: www.rha.uk.net

FALLING FROM HEIGHT

DON’T BE A STATISTIC Take your time and plan the task

For those that have seen tragedy or survived a fall, they often replay the event questioning how, why and what could have been done differently. The consequences of failing to properly plan work or rush a task, will live with those effected and those around them forever. Marcus Rose, Director of Technical Services at SMAS Worksafe, discusses why it is vital to get the basics right and implement procedures that can help mitigate risk.

CURRENT STATISTICS

The Health and Safety Executive’s Shattered Lives campaign focuses on slips, trips and falls at work, and has identified falls as the biggest cause of fatalities at work:

– 34 of the 72 deaths at work registered occurred in the construction sector

– 4000 major injuries were registered which included broken bones or fractured sculls

– More than half of these were due to trip hazards that resulted in a fall from height

RISKS AND PREVENTION MEASURES

Falls from height can occur in several ways: falling into a pit, off a ladder, or through a fragile roof.

The Working at Height Regulations 2005 detail the duties you must ensure that:

– work at height is properly planned and organised

– those working at height are competent to do so

– the risks from work at height are assessed, and the most appropriate work equipment is selected and used

– the risks of working on or near fragile surfaces are properly managed

– the equipment used for work at height is properly inspected and maintained

When undertaking work at height any control measures put in place should follow the hierarchy of controls, particularly when looking at fall arrest systems. The options available for fall arrest can be personal or collective systems, and risk

assessment should determine which is most appropriate, or whether a combination is required.

SCAFFOLDING

Falls from height not only affect those working at height, but it can also impact those working or moving beneath them. Scaffolding must be built to prevent falls or collapse, and suitable protection measures and safe work zoning should be in place during the construction of a scaffold and when in use by other trades. Scaffolding must be designed and built in accordance with BS12811 Temporary Works Equipment Scaffolds Performance Requirements, and be managed in line with BS5975 Code of Practice for Temporary Works Procedures and the Permissible Stress Design of Falsework, taking into account the requirements of the Working at Height Regulations 2005

When a completed scaffold is in use procedures must be implemented to mitigate the risk of a collapse or fall from those who are using the scaffold. A competent person must inspect the scaffold after erection to ensure that it is compliant, lapping scaffold boards should be avoided to prevent trips and falls. Scaffolds must be built to ensure there are no gaps for anyone to fall through, have suitable edge protection, double guardrails and toe boards in place.

Inspection routines should be established that include statutory seven day inspections for scaffolding used for access, looking for unauthorised adaptations and damage. It is also

important to consider additional inspections following poor weather, which can compromise the stability of structures and the safety of surfaces.

ROOFS

Falling through fragile roofs accounts for more fall from height deaths than any other. When working near, over or on fragile roofs it is vital that the age, condition and construction of the roof is established before work starts. When undertaking a risk assessment for the work the type of material (particularly in the case of asbestos), the thickness, the type of fixings, the spans between trusses, must be considered in the risk assessment. Scaffolders must be mindful of how many people can access the roof at any one time, how they access the roof, and the movement of materials, equipment and tools across the fragile surface. Edge protection should be suitable for the type of roof it is being used for. Any roof with more than a 10-degree pitch is considered a sloping roof. To prevent falls gaps between guardrails, toe boards or any other protection should not exceed 470mm.

RESCUE PLANS

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that where scaffolders are working at height, there is a plan in place that covers emergency situations and rescue procedures. It should detail how individuals will be rescued, and any differences that may arise when dealing with conscious and unconscious casualties.

Scaffolding and Fleet Insurance by Scaffinsure

We can help with the following -

• Public Liability - high limits available and we can even provide cover for high risk locations (eg asbestos and Rail side work) and all with A rated insurers.

• Employers Liability - Covering your direct and indirect workforce.

• Professional Indemnity - Even if you don’t do your own design and drawings, you can unwittingly incur a design liability - our experts will explain how to minimize the risk. We’ve developed an affordable insurance solution to cover your liabilities and any associated defence costs.

• Motor Fleet and vehicles - As insurance partners to the RHA, we know a thing or two about motor insurance. We can help you manage your risk, reduce your claims costs and keep your premiums down.

• Cyber insurance

• Directors and officers cover and much more

Do you need SSIP?

“Great advice, easy to complete”

Trusted by

01752 697370

www.smasltd.com

To discuss your insurance requirements give us a call on 01277 844 396 or email info@scaffinsure.co.uk

The all-new ProView Firefly scaffolders level

The all-new ProView Firefly is a 250mm-long level packed with practical and health and safety features. Although designed with scaffolding in mind, the Firefly is very much a cross-trade level for the entire construction sector. Filled with an array of innovative features that you may not need every day, but will appreciate when you do need them.

The ProView Firefly is the same size as the Stabila type 81 and has been specifically designed to fit existing Frogs. It was designed in direct consultation with the scaffolding community with on-site testing.

A scaffolder can now easily read the horizontal bubble via the EndView Mirror whilst making overhead adjustments directly from the standard by looking into the end of the level. Users can see the bubble positioned half way down the length of a 6-metre ledger when centred on the sag in the tube –even in poor light.

When viewing directly from above on low level work – when basing out for example –the EndView Mirror can be fully retracted to provide a clear unobstructed top view. Other features include: replaceable acrylic plastic mirrors, end view adjuster and plumb view mirror retainers; two high quality, high accuracy, precision CNC-machined block vials, set to an accuracy of 0.5mm per metre in normal position; durable high quality

powder-coated finish; built-in Allen key slot with Allen key for on-site maintenance. Should the ProView Firefly become damaged a full suite of replacement parts are available online. Scaffolders buying the full version ProView Firefly also receive a N52 grade neodymium magnet and a Firefly illumination pack.

FIND OUT MORE www.x-protools.com

Engel high-viz workwear helps the environment

A brand-new range of high visibility protective safety clothing with 50% of the material made from recycled plastic bottles has been introduced by workwear manufacturer Engel Workwear. Called ‘Safety Light’, each item of clothing can be verified to consist of polyester fibres, ultimately spun from a specific number of plastic bottles to make up 50% of its content. This is combined with 40% cotton and 10% standard polyester (245 g/m2) to produce a cool-to-wear, durable fabric.

The Danish firm has worked closely with Unifi, one of the world’s most advanced recycling centres which transforms the recycled bottles into a polyester yarn called ‘REPREVE©’.

Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Engel Workwear, John Engel said: “We are delighted to be able to make a positive contribution in helping to reduce the impact of the single-use global plastic waste crisis by putting many thousands of otherwise discarded bottles to further practical purpose. By doing so, we are able to not only do our bit to help improve the environment, but also be the first to use this versatile fabric to produce a unique range of lightweight, hardwearing and comfortable high-visibility clothing which will help keep our customers safe.”

The smart, mix-and-match range includes boiler suits (containing 37 plastic bottles), work-jackets (20 bottles), trousers (19 bottles) with Cordura kneepad pockets and elasticated waistband, bib-overalls (23 bottles) and shorts (14 bottles). All have many practical pockets and comfort-design features. There is also a specific selection for women called ‘Ladies Light’, all with the same benefits.

FIND OUT MORE www.engel.eu/en

The ‘Safety Light’ range forms part of the company’s new 2020 ‘Safety’ collection which will be on display on Stand SH2430 at Safety & Health Expo, taking place at ExCeL, London, from 8 –10 September 2020.

Membership of the Scaffolding Association is an assurance of quality, demonstrating an ability to carry out safe design, installation and commissioning of scaffolding systems.

By using a Scaffolding Association member, clients can be confident that they are pre-qualifying and awarding work to contractors who have undertaken a rigorous assessment of their experience and capabilities.

Join the not-for-profit, independent trade organisation today for an assurance of competence and quality recognised throughout the construction industry.