AccessPoint Issue 16

ROLL CALL for new Scaffolding Association members

SCAFFOLD CONTRACTOR

SCAFFOLD CONTRACTOR

Durston Group Limited www.durstongroup.co.uk 01268 511 323

Eagle Scaffolding Contracts Limited www.eaglescaffoldingcontracts.co.uk 07788 677 917

Foundation Scaffolding Ltd www.foundationscaffolding.co.uk 01245 222 860

Harrington Scaffolding Limited www.hslscaffolding.co.uk 01395 233311

H.E.I Electrical

SCAFFOLD CONTRACTOR

M D Scaffolding Services Limited

www.mdscaffoldingservices.com

0115 944 4979

MKF Scaffolding

www.mkfscaffolding.com

01722 503801

Moore Scaffolding Limited

www.moorescaffolding.co.uk

01342 328606

Nationwide Scaffolding Ltd

www.nationwidescaffoldingltd.co.uk

07842 899196

Network Scaffolding Solutions Ltd

www.network-scaffolding.com

0333 320 83 83

Powertherm Contract Services Limited

www.powerthermcontracts.co.uk

0114 288 9119

P. R. Moore Scaffolding Limited

www.prmoorescaffoldingltd.co.uk

01785 714 184

Pro Scaff Scaffolding Limited

www.proscaffolding.ltd

0121 351 2255

Solar Scaffold Services Ltd

www.ssservicesltd.co.uk

01202 318371

South Molton Scaffolding Limited

www.southmoltonscaffolding.co.uk

Contents

SCAFFOLD CONTRACTOR

Vale Access Limited 01386 761650

SERVICE PROVIDER

Coveredinshrinkwrap Ltd

www.rye.group/shrinkwrap

01452 676175

Holmes & Hills LLP

www.holmes-hills.co.uk

01206 593933

MPA

www.mpa.co.uk

01234 912000

IPHORMS LTD

www.iphorms.com

01625 464238

Redwood Collections Ltd

www.redwoodcollections.com

0208 288 3527

Scafhire Ltd 07970 603820

Scafftag

www.scafftag.co.uk

0845 089 4060

Tubular Solutions (Oxford) Limited www.tubularsolutions.co.uk 07944 286477

MEMBER DESIGNER

Scaftec Limited

www.scaftec.co.uk

P3 - P5 News

Stories from the access and scaffolding industry

P6 Comment

Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association: “The long road ahead”

P7

Opinion

Lawrence Pearce, Specialist Construction Law Associate, Holmes & Hills Solicitors: “Learn from 2020 and prosper in 2021 and beyond”

P8

Non-payment

Professor Rudi Klein, Barrister: “How to legally suspend operations while still working on a live project”

773826 DNA Scaffolding Limited www.dna-scaffolding.co.uk 01778 342420

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 2021

Printed by Tewkesbury Printing Company

Cover image: WellMax Scaffolding at the British Museum. Photograph: Epic Insight Ltd.

0131 660 5141

JSS Scaffolding Petro-Chemical & Marine Limited

www.jssscaffolding.co.uk

01590 689068

L & M Domestic Scaffolding Limited

www.lmscaffolding.com 0121 779 5410

London Scaffolding Solutions Ltd

www.londonscaffoldingsolutions.co.uk

0208 243 8871

MAN Scaffolding Services Limited

www.manscaffold.co.uk 07706 012878

CONTACT US

01769 579388

Specialist Modular Scaffold

www.smscaffold.com

07756 815 871

Total Access Scaffolding Limited

www.tascaffolding.co.uk 01206 212112

Totem Scaffolding Limited

www.totemscaffolding.com

07966 119 168

Trust Scaffolding (West) Limited

www.trust-scaffolding.com

07583 030 338

0141 771 4400

MEMBER SUPPLIER

Worldwide Scaffold and Access Limited

www.wwsa.co.uk

P12

Health & Safety

Avoiding musculoskeletal injuries while working with scaffolding

Site Reports

P14 Spencer House, London

P16

The British Museum, London

P19 Commercial VAT reverse charge for building and construction services

P21 Commercial

stacey@scaffolding-association.org

P18 Ulster Bank, Belfast

Neil Edwards, CEO of Builders’ Conference: “Contracts continue to roll in, but can construction cope?”

P22

Product News

Scaffolding

Association dominates industry with over 530 members

astounding. At the start of the pandemic I never imagined that we would sustain such levels of growth and be welcoming our 530th member. As a trade association it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone within our industry has access to advice and support that will help them work safely and grow their business. We have created an open and inclusive community of scaffolding businesses, and our continued growth demonstrates that our approach is one that really resonates with the forward thinkers in our industry.”

Leading scaffolding trade body, the Scaffolding Association, is celebrating its booming membership numbers, with more than 530 companies now working together to raise industry standards and expand work opportunities. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and was established to represent scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants. The Association provides a dynamic voice to scaffolding contractors who have often felt marginalised by the myth that there is only one place to go for representation. Since its inception the Association has been breaking down those beliefs and providing a fair and accessible platform for scaffolding contractors who are committed to effecting change in the sector.

Chief Executive Robert Candy says: “2020 was undoubtedly a difficult year for everyone, and the strength and resilience that our sector showed was

The Scaffolding Association provides assistance and advice to scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants of all sizes across the country, offering various levels of membership to suit everyone’s needs.

FIND OUT MORE scaffolding-association.org

South Molton Scaffolding volunteer for DIY SOS Big Build in Barnstaple

When the BBC’s DIY SOS team decided to tackle a big build in Barnstaple, Devon based company South Molton Scaffolding Limited (SMS), Assessed Members of the Scaffolding Association, were in prime position to provide access for the project.

Employee Dave Beck and his wife Wendy saw an advert requesting help from local traders to create a dialysis centre at home for two sisters living with nephrotic syndrome. The girls’ nearest hospital is a four-hour round trip and their 70 hours of weekly treatment were often scheduled for different days.

SMS were delighted to volunteer, providing a team of four for two days work. Dom Stoneman, a Director of SMS, his brother Zak, their cousin Josh, and Sam Phillips took on the Big Build. The project stalled early on when the groundwork team pulled out. SMS re-scheduled other jobs so that they could still volunteer and, when the site was ready for the scaffolding, 30 volunteers carried equipment into place for SMS to erect the structure.

Dom commented: “It was manic, with lots of people, a tight time-scale, but with massive team spirit. The scaffolding structure wasn’t huge, so we stayed to help with other parts of the project, and adjust the scaffold if needed. At the big ‘reveal’, it dawned on me just how poorly the girls were. It was a great project to be involved in – we are really proud to have helped.”

The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. FIND OUT MORE scaffoldhirenorthdevon.co.uk

P10 - P11 Health & Safety

Watch out for overhead power lines and what to do in an emergency

LT Scaffold become an Audited Member of the Scaffolding Association

LT Scaffold Services Ltd, experienced scaffolding contractors in Barry, Wales, have achieved Audited Member status with the Scaffolding Association.

Lewis Smith, Managing Director, said: “As a large, ambitious, growing contractor, based on a strong code of ethics, we are always looking to improve. We feel that membership is the best way to achieve this aim.

“Clients recognise Audited status as a benchmark for quality and professionalism, meaning that we can be considered for more projects that will enhance our skill sets, reinforce our reputation and grow our revenue streams. We’re also keen to give something back to the sector and will support the Association’s drive to improve safety, training and work opportunities for all.”

FIND OUT MORE ltscaffold.co.uk

Alan Wilks Scaffolding toast 45 year anniversary

Alan Wilks Scaffolding are celebrating 45 years in business. Alan and Janet started the business in 1976 and the company has grown ever since.

Repeat orders due to high customer satisfaction has helped establish the Worcestershire family business with a workforce of 35 local employees.

CISRS make changes to their endorsement card

From February of this year, the wording of certain endorsements and the order in which they appear has changed on most CISRS cards.

The first endorsement on each card will now show the card category and any following endorsements will list additional training modules and qualifications held by the cardholder at the time of issue. It should be noted that endorsements showing the route to achievement for Scaffolder and Advanced Scaffolder cards won’t be listed.

All cards can still be checked by calling the CISRS Helpline on 0844 8157723 or by emailing enquiries@cisrs.org.uk

PERI expands UK scaffolding team

PERI has made changes to its scaffolding team, expanding capabilities across all areas and enabling it to offer more comprehensive in-house services. In 2020, the company appointed Charles Stratford as Business Development Manager for the PERI UP scaffolding system. Since then, the team has doubled in size with the addition of new site demonstrators, sales engineers and a new Industrial Manager, all dedicated to supporting the scaffolding market. PERI says internal growth has also given the business the opportunity to provide a competitive scaffolding offer for the UK industrial sector. Mark Holmes, previously PERI’s training instructor and site demonstrator, was appointed as Industrial Manager for PERI UK earlier this year. Sales support will be invaluable in helping the business navigate the journey for PERI UP scaffolding system across all construction. Gary Checketts, with over 30 years of scaffolding experience in a multitude of roles, will help form the UK sales force. Also joining the PERI scaffolding team with a combined experience of over 35 years in the industry are site demonstrators, Marc Torry and Chris Woodley. Chris will deliver the company’s training courses going forward.

FIND OUT MORE peri.ltd.uk

MPA help Scaffolding Association members grow their businesses

The Scaffolding Association has announced a partnership with MPA, a professional services provider with a proactive approach to helping companies in all industry sectors grow their business. Scaffolding Association members have access to MPA’s experts – R&D claim analysts, tax specialists and accountancy team. Members also benefit from a free 30-minute consultation.

Almost 300 scaffolding tool kits delivered to oil and gas scaffolders

Access to specialist legal advice for Scaffolding Association members

Members of the Scaffolding Association can now access expert legal advice from Holmes & Hills Solicitors – a large law firm with a team offering Construction Law expertise to developers, main contractors, sub-contractors and consultants.

Some of the Holmes & Hills Solicitors’ specialist Construction Team have worked with the Scaffolding Association for several years and have advised, represented and trained a number of members. Holmes & Hills’ formalised partnership with the Scaffolding Association gives members:

– Free initial legal consultations upon renewal and joining

– Preferential legal fees

– Success-linked fee structures

– Direct access to specialist construction solicitors

– Fixed-fee, specialist contract reviews and drafting

– Access to legal guidance notes available on the Association website

– Access to training throughout the year

Solicitors at Holmes & Hills can assist with:

– Successfully recovering monies relating to unpaid invoices/applications

– Disputed variations and delay claims – Extra hire disputes

– Strengthening terms and conditions

– Reviewing and advising on contracts

Sam Bawden, Partner and Head of the Construction Team commented: “Holmes & Hills Solicitors is pleased to be working in partnership with the Scaffolding Association as it continues to grow and we share the Association’s objective of supporting all companies, regardless of size, that are operating within the scaffolding and access industry.”

Stacey Underhill, Head of External Affairs at the Scaffolding Association added: “The Scaffolding Association is delighted to formalise our relationship. I encourage members to contact Holmes & Hills if they have any commercial issues that are causing concern or if they’d like a review of their contracts, as the first conversation is absolutely free.”

FIND OUT MORE holmes-hills.co.uk

CASS employ six new apprentices

SMAS Worksafe announces new plan structure

SMAS Worksafe, a partner of the Scaffolding Association, is delighted to announce a new plan structure which will help members easily identify what level of compliance and support they wish to obtain and the pricing and benefits for each. The new three-tiered systems are: Worksafe Assessment, which includes:

• Standard H&S SSIP Assessment

A recent contract win with Taylor Wimpey to support 287 new build homes means the company can look forward with positivity.

FIND OUT MORE alanwilksscaffolding.co.uk

One area in which MPA can help is IR35, which is seeing big changes to the way contractors and those who work with them pay tax and National Insurance. MPA’s services in this area include:

– Strategic advice and planning

– R&D Tax Credit claims

– Patent Box

– Accounting and tax services – Grants advice

A blossoming partnership between Leach’s and Beerenberg is ensuring increased tool safety for offshore oil and gas scaffolders. The two companies have created and delivered an all-new high-spec scaffolder’s tool kit, with all tools uniquely tethered with ultra-strong tool safety ropes and swivel locking carabinas to prevent drops from height. The specialist kit has now been delivered to almost 300 scaffolders, with plans for further distribution. Choosing quality tools for the kit was of utmost importance. Each new tool kit consists of: A heavyduty leather belt with tool holders; Nipping pliers; Podger ratchet; Double-ended open spanner; Magnetic level; Stainless steel tape measure. Beerenberg also required detailed labelling to ensure ultimate safety during use, including the fall from height distance when tethered, the safe working load of each tool, and the serial number.

Raymond Teigland, Technical Responsible Scaffolding at Beerenberg, states: “This project has been a real success. Leach’s solution-orientated team helped us solve a complex challenge that other suppliers simply couldn’t.”

FIND OUT MORE leachs.com

CASS have recently employed six new scaffolding apprentices. Despite restricted work conditions the company have also been able to allocate two of the six to major clients to serve their apprenticeship.

Morgan Sindall and Bouygues have two sites in Barry – Whitmore High School and Pencoedtre High School respectively – and each agreed to have a CASS apprentice working on site. The other four will integrate and learn with CASS scaffolding gangs.

The apprentices recently attended the new training facility in Swansea, learning under strict COVID-19 regulations, and are taking their first steps in the scaffolding profession.

Tom Gent, CASS Managing Director said: “We are addressing the shortage of skills in the industry by creating a new wave of highly-trained scaffolding professionals who can build a career with great opportunities. We have wanted to employ more apprentices over the last couple of years but the lack of training facilities has made it difficult. However, the new training centre in Swansea has given us the perfect opportunity to rectify this. We hope to add further apprentices in the near future.”

Several of the CASS management team have climbed the scaffolding career ladder, so the hope is that the investment in apprentices will build a pathway of progression within the company.

FIND OUT MORE cassuk.com

• Worksafe PQQ Profile

Worksafe Pro, which includes the features in Worksafe Assessment, plus:

• Policy Template

• IEMA Environmental Review

• IRCA Quality Review

Worksafe Infinity, which includes all of the features in Worksafe Assessment and Worksafe Pro, plus:

• Action Plans

• Helpline Access

• Tailored Policies provided by SMAS

• Mid-year Review

This simpler system should help access and scaffolding companies identify their compliance and support.

FIND OUT MORE smasltd.com

Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce of the Holmes & Hills Construction Team

COMMENT OPINION

The long road ahead

In this Comment piece, Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, talks about the events of early 2021…

On 3rd March the Government’s Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, presented his much-anticipated Budget, one which ‘meets the moment’ and sets out the next phase of the plan to tackle the coronavirus, protect jobs and support economic recovery. This was published alongside the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Having borrowed an eye-watering amount of money over the last 12 months, national debt is now in excess of £2 trillion, and Mr Sunak acknowledged that once economic recovery is underway then the public finances will need to be put back on track. There was, however, positive news for the construction sector:

– The creation of a UK Infrastructure Bank which will work with the private sector and local government on a shared mission to accelerate investment in the country’s infrastructure.

£126 million to enable 40,000 more traineeships, and £3,000 for each apprentice hired.

– A freeze on fuel duty for the 11th consecutive year.

– A £520 million Help to Grow scheme which will provide the digital and management tools needed to innovate, grow and help drive recovery.

– A super-deduction that will cut companies’ tax bill by 25p for every £1 invested in equipment. Combined with extensions to furlough, self-employed support, business grants, loans and VAT cuts, it would appear that the Government is committed to driving our economic recovery, so in the short term businesses have some degree of certainty.

The Budget injected an extra £1.65 billion into the COVID-19 vaccination programme and a further £50 million to boost the UK’s vaccine testing capability – moves which should contribute to a return to normality. Mr Sunak’s proposed salary increase for health workers was released on 11th March. The “based on affordability” 1% rise could actually be a real-terms cut due to forecast inflation and has demoralised NHS staff who have just faced the toughest year of their careers. Frustratingly, HMRC pushed ahead on 1st March with the VAT reverse charge for building and construction services. The Scaffolding Association, alongside other trade bodies, had lobbied for the charge to be stopped, or at least delayed until the sector had fully recovered from the economic effects of the pandemic. This change is likely to have a significant negative impact on cash flow, particularly in the short term, and has come at what is already a difficult time. For more information about how this charge affects contractors read the article by MPA on page 19. The quality and availability of scaffold training has been a long running problem for our sector, with many contractors keen to upskill their workforce but finding themselves unable to access the support needed. Combined with the challenges attributable to the pandemic we are at risk of having a skills gap that continues to widen at such a rate that it might soon be impossible to close. When National Apprenticeship Week took place in February it was gratifying to see so many scaffolding businesses supporting young people and helping the sector improve its expertise. However, there is still much work to be done – we must continue to push hard to achieve progress. Hopefully, when the next issue of AccessPoint is published, our sector (and the whole of the UK) will be in a healthier place.

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

Learn from 2020 and prosper in 2021 and beyond

In this Opinion piece, Lawrence Pearce, a Specialist Construction Law Associate at Holmes & Hills Solicitors, discusses the lessons of the last 12 months and looks forward to a successful future…

Like all of you, we are hoping that the words “pandemic” and “Covid” are put back in a box and locked away again sooner rather than later. 2020 was an extremely difficult year for everyone across the country and our hats should be taken off to the construction industry for showing considerable resilience.

Apart from the initial lockdown, the construction industry has pushed on, adapted, and helped to prop up the economy. Amongst all the negatives of the past 12 months, we are starting to see some real positives in the way sub-contractors have improved the day-to-day administrative management of the company. What has changed?

DUE DILIGENCE

The pandemic has alerted many sub-contractors to review any contracts being sent over in a greater level of detail. More consideration is being given to ‘who takes the risk of delay’ and ‘how the contract can be terminated and for what reason’. Having a contract checklist in place has given many sub-contractors reassurance that if the contractual relationship does go wrong, at least they know their contractual rights!

RECORD KEEPING

It is understandable that when a project starts the last thing on a sub-contractor’s mind is keeping a note of the phone call they just received with new site instructions, however, these records may make or break any final accounts.

The old cliché of “failure to prepare is preparing to fail” does spring to mind but we are noticing some real progress in proactive project management since the start of the pandemic. Ask yourself: If were a third party looking through these documents, can I see a clear storyline of what happened and when?

CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT

It will come as no surprise that payment to sub-contractors have averaged in excess of 40 days and a third of the industry is still waiting for payment beyond 60 days. The pandemic, unsurprisingly, has just heightened the tension around payment but this has trigged a more robust approach from sub-contractors. We are noticing that sub-contractors are now proactively requesting payment soon after the final date for payment has expired and not simply waiting.

With the moratorium on winding up petitions set to be lifted on 31 March 2021, we may see an influx of insolvent contractors. Now more than ever, keeping on top of cash flow management is the best way of protecting the business in 2021.

TRANSPARENCY

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting those closest to you but also those alongside you in the industry. No doubt a difficult issue on site for one sub-contractor has been experienced and resolved by another. The scaffolding industry and the Scaffolding Association members have strength in numbers and can support one another to make sure 2021 and beyond is successful.

Lawrence Pearce SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION LAW ASSOCIATE, HOLMES & HILLS SOLICITORS www.holmes-hills.co.uk

Now more than ever, keeping on top of cash flow management is the best way of protecting the business in 2021.

Is the client not paying you?

Barrister, Professor Rudi Klein, gives advice on the process and time-scales for suspending your

operations

should

you encounter payment problems while still working on a live project.

It is now over 25 years ago that I was involved in putting together legislation –the Construction Act – to improve payment practices. You may find it surprising that at that time there was no legal right to suspend performance of your work for non or late payment.

Without such a right there wasn’t an effective way to enforce entitlement. I wasn’t too popular when insisted that the government should introduce a statutory right to suspend works for non or late payment.

The government – to my surprise – relented and the upshot was Section 112 in the Construction Act, which established the statutory right to suspend one’s work for non or late payment.

THE 7 DAYS’ NOTICE

The key provision is that you must issue a 7 days’ notice of intention to suspend your contractual obligations. It should be noted that the reference is suspension of your ‘obligations under the contract’. This could be wider than just suspension of the ‘works’ – you could, for example, cease carrying out any design work. Below is a model notice of suspension:

After numerous phone calls to your accounts department you have failed to discharge the outstanding payment of £13,264.80p for work carried out last month. This sum was due on 15 April 2021 in accordance with the above contract.

In the circumstances we have no alternative but to exercise our right under Section 112, Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (the Construction Act) to suspend further performance of our contractual obligations.

This email therefore constitutes the 7 days’ notice of intention to suspend performance required by Section 112 (2) until payment in the sum of £13,264.80p is discharged in full.

On 8th May 2021 I will instruct my employees to cease further work at the [Name of site, building or project] and remove all equipment, materials and goods belonging to my company unless, in the meantime, payment has been made.

I should add that Section 112 makes clear that any period of suspension is ignored for the purpose of calculating the contract completion date. Furthermore have a right to a reasonable sum in respect of costs and expenses that my company has incurred in taking this action. Such costs and expenses will include the cost of demobilisation and remobilisation.

I trust that suspension will not be necessary and look forward to receipt of the outstanding sum.

Regards, Your Name

Your Commercial Title

Your Company Name

TOP TIPS

– Suspension is generally a last resort tactic to be used where due payments are becoming later and later: this could be the result of impending insolvency on your client’s part.

– Always issue the notice – just walking off site without giving any notice is a breach of contract.

– If you have to suspend then make sure that you recover your reasonable costs.

Look out, look up!

Scaffolders need to familiarise themselves with their surroundings when working on a new site, especially with regards to overhead electric power lines. It seems obvious, but it can be overlooked and the consequences can be life changing. UK Power Networks share this advice…

Every year, people are killed or seriously injured when they come into contact with high voltage electricity. This can have a far-reaching and devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues. Distractions, working long hours, rushing to get the job done – these can all impact on how we work and our safety. Taking time to plan, being prepared and focusing on the way we work can help keep us safe.

As a scaffolding contractor it’s important that you know who the local power network provider is in the area that your scaffolders are working. To find out, visit energynetworks.org. Wherever your team are working, make sure that they know the one phone number that is used throughout the UK to notify an emergency: DIAL 105

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Firstly, your team should stop work immediately. Notify the local electricity distributor by dialling 105. Then call the emergency services if anyone is injured or there is a fire. If someone is suspected of receiving an electric shock (even a minor shock) they should go to hospital as damage may have occurred to the heart. Never go near or touch any broken or fallen overhead electric power lines, or any plant, equipment or machinery that is in contact with an overhead power line. And never remove anything that is stuck or in contact with the power line.

CARRYING SCAFFOLD TUBES AND LADDERS

Before you start to unload tubes and ladders from your vehicle you should take the time to look up and check for the presence of overhead electric power lines.

Scaffold tubes and ladders are sometimes carried vertically – doing so carries a risk of striking an overhead electric power line. If a ladder or tubes need to be moved, carry them horizontally and at low level to the ground.

POWER LINE STRIKING A VEHICLE

If an overhead electric power line falls on to a vehicle that you are in, try to stay inside the vehicle. Call 105 from within the vehicle if you have a mobile phone at hand. Then dial 999 and report the incident. Never assume that electrical equipment is dead, even if has fallen or appears broken.

If it’s not possible to stay inside the vehicle you should JUMP WELL CLEAR so that no contact is made between you, the vehicle and the ground at the same time. DO NOT CLIMB DOWN. Run well clear, making leaping strides so that one foot is off the ground at all times.

Do your best to not make contact with any electrical equipment as you run clear. Do not return to the vehicle, continue to stay well clear and keep everyone away until assistance arrives. These guidelines also apply should overhead electric power lines fall on a scaffold structure. If you feel that you are trapped, dial 105, then call 999. Take advice from the professionals that you speak to. If you are able to navigate a safe route away from the power lines, make exaggerated strides so that one foot is off the boards or platform at all times. Do not run on a scaffold, but make swift, precise progress to safety.

MISCONCEPTIONS

There are some misconceptions that are worth addressing:

– Wooden poles can carry telephone and electricity wires, so never assume the wire is ‘just a telephone wire’ – Previously dead overhead electric power lines can be re-energised without warning at any time, so always treat a power line as live – Rubber boots DO NOT offer any protection against electric shock.

WORTH REMEMBERING

A domestic voltage of just 230 volts can give a lethal electric shock, but electricity systems carry voltage up to 400,000 volts, meaning their shocks are almost certainly fatal. Touching anything in contact with electrical equipment, even the lowest of voltages, can be fatal. In any environment, electricity can jump gaps, so keep well clear of power lines. You will probably encounter trees, string, ropes, water, suspension lines and scaffold tubes while on a site –they can all conduct electricity. Overhead electric power lines should be 5.2 metres (17 feet) above the ground. However, live equipment fitted on poles may be as low as 4.3 metres (14 feet). Ladders and scaffold tubes carried vertically can easily make contact with overhead electric power lines at these heights.

Watch out for overhead power lines

UK POWER NETWORKS

This article is based upon safety guidance from UK Power Networks – the specific Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for London, the East and South East, delivering electricity to 8.3m homes and businesses. FIND OUT MORE ukpowernetworks.co.uk

UK Power Networks have created a must-see trades animation which features scaffolding, temporary disconnections and shrouding. WATCH THE ANIMATION ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/safety/

FURTHER ADVICE

More information and guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Refer to HSG85 – ELECTRICITY AT WORK – SAFE WORKING PRACTICES and GS6 – AVOIDING DANGER FROM OVERHEAD POWER LINES And remember, dial 105 in case of an emergency, and visit energynetworks.org to know who the local electricity distribution network provider is in the area that you are working.

BE AWARE OF THE SIGNS

Overhead electric power lines are easy to see, so you should stay alert. These lines are often uninsulated (bare) so the danger is greater. Take notice of any yellow ‘DANGER OF DEATH’ warning signs (pictured above) and stay well away.

Scaffold tubes and ladders are sometimes carried vertically –doing so carries a risk of striking an overhead power cable.

Avoiding musculoskeletal injuries while working with scaffolding

Health and safety is a key priority for scaffolders and scaffolding company owners. The focus in our sector has largely, and rightly, been on falls from height, but significant injuries can occur in seemingly innocuous everyday work scenarios.

Although the majority of people working in the construction industry care about health and safety and are diligent in their work, the construction industry, including scaffolding, remains one of the most dangerous sectors to work in when it comes to musculoskeletal injuries.1

According to statistics from the UK government agency, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 498,000 workers reported to be suffering from work-related musculoskeletal injuries in 2018/19 with 41% of these injuries relating to upper limbs and neck.2 Altogether, HSE reports that 8.9 million working days were lost due to work-related musculoskeletal injuries in 2019/20.3

OVERHEAD WORK: A MAJOR RISK FACTOR

Musculoskeletal injuries develop when biomechanical demands, such as extreme postures, repeatedly exceed the worker’s physical capacity during construction work. In this regard, overhead work has been identified as a major risk factor for this type of injury in the shoulder region. Working with the arms raised over 90° for more than 10% of a worker’s working hours increases the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the shoulder region by one to two thirds.4 Scaffolders are particularly at risk of this injury and should make themselves aware as to the potential impacts of overextending, particularly over prolonged periods of time.

SUPPORT IS NEEDED

Overhead work remains a very common part of scaffolding, and construction in general. And despite growing automation, numerous strenuous tasks cannot be fully automated, at all or at a reasonable cost. One solution to physically relieve scaffolders while keeping them in control of the task is to assist them with an exoskeleton.

An exoskeleton is a wearable system that provides physical assistance to its user through assistive torques and/or structural support. As the system is worn on the body and follows the user’s movements, no – or very limited – workplace modifications are required. Exoskeletons are drawing great interest as the industry looks to alleviate issues caused by overhead work.

8.9 million working days were lost due to work-related musculoskeletal injuries in 2019/20.

Renovating ‘London’s finest house’

BVL Scaffolding,

Built between 1756-1766 for John, first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), Spencer House is London’s finest surviving eighteenth-century town house. From its conception, the House was recognised as one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built in London and a building of unique importance in the history of English architecture.

Designed by John Vardy and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, the State Rooms are amongst the first neo-classical interiors in Europe.

As with any major property of this age, Spencer House requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best – both inside and out. In recent months, it has undergone some extensive work to bring it up to standard ready for when visitors will be able to return to see it in all its glory.

The House is used as a high-end private and corporate events space as well as being open to the public for guided tours. Usually the house closes for four weeks each August for maintenance and cleaning, however COVID-19 restrictions last year meant the owners were able to get a head start on the project during the summer.

Rupert Hilton of Janus Associates managed the project and the scaffolding contractors were Kentbased BVL Scaffolding – Scaffolding Association

Audited Members – working for main contractors Celltarga under the watchful eyes of Nathan Jones, Property Director at Spencer House.

BVL Scaffolding provided full access scaffolding for stone cleaning and restoration works and then later for additions to the statues. Using a buttress, BVL erected a free-standing scaffold by design with no tie fixings into the building.

The recent work was the culmination of several years of planning. RIT Capital Partners carried out the original restoration of the building under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild in the 1980s. A programme of condition surveys was commissioned in 2016, including an assessment of the masonry and statues. Further investigative works were conducted last year, including pulse radar scanning and sample openings of the ashlar to investigate the failed metal cramps. This informed a programme of repair work that was tendered at the beginning of this year by Janus Associates. Restore London was appointed to carry out the cleaning and repairs to the main façade over the summer.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPENCER HOUSE spencerhouse.co.uk

Audited Members of the Scaffolding Association, have been involved in a major renovation project at the mightily impressive Spencer House in St James, central London.

Preserving British history

WellMax Scaffolding, Audited Members of the Scaffolding Association, are renowned for their ability to deliver difficult and complex projects, so they were the perfect choice for the scaffolding package for conservation works at the British Museum.

Since its formation 12 years ago, WellMax has prided itself on the ability to think “outside the box” when it comes to designing and delivering bespoke and complex structures that meet the toughest criteria. The British Museum is an iconic Grade 1 building in London, and is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of objects in the world. Time and weather have taken their toll on the building and refurbishment works were necessary to preserve this historic building.

CHALLENGING

The initial design brief was layered with strict constraints; to create a structure that would not “affect or disturb the building whilst at the same time reducing the visual impact of the scaffold as much as possible” and still achieve the level of access required; all whilst the Museum continued to remain open to the public. With vast experience in carrying out projects of this nature and complexity, both the client’s and WellMax’s project teams worked together to formulate a brief that clearly laid out all the key factors that needed to be addressed. Some of these key factors consisted of only applying the imposed loads in specific zones to minimise disturbance of the building as much as possible. With a compliant brief agreed, WellMax’s design engineers set about creating a design solution that would meet these complex requirements.

The heavy-duty towers erected behind the majestic columns followed the strict loading guidelines and only allowed minimal tube to be on display. To facilitate these works a birdcage and temporary roof were required to the main colonnade with ancillary scaffolds such as the stair and hoist towers.

INNOVATIVE

“The design of the temporary roof above the portico was probably the most challenging aspect” says Chris Maxwell-Smith, Estimating Director.

“The roofs of buildings just aren’t designed to support the imposed load necessary to allow the scaffold interface with the building to be kept to a minimum. We came up with a design that allowed the roof to be dynamic and subtly move up and down with the wind which allowed the loads that are transferred to the building to be drastically reduced. This in turn allowed the volume of kentledge to be minimalised providing more space underneath the roof for the specialist trades to carry out their works.”

To create the illusion of the scaffolding structure not “being there,” WellMax designed and installed a custom building wrap to the front of the Main entrance to put emphasis on the Museum remaining open and business as usual. A custom solution was created that fitted in seamlessly with the other elements of the building. This was supplemented further with customcoloured debris netting to the low level works for both health and safety and aesthetics.

ADAPTING

Amidst the scaffolding programme, the global COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown added to the challenges. Initially, all operations were suspended allowing WellMax time to understand the impact of the pandemic and to implement additional measures to ensure the safety of their team and others.

Following the implementation of a COVID Action Plan, disruption to the project was avoided and works were able to recommence soon after. This was achievable as a result of committed operatives and a management team learning and adapting to the new measures in place. With advanced ordering of the bespoke printed fabrics and wraps, in addition to WellMax owning substantial stocks of scaffolding materials, potential supply issues were eliminated.

As Managing Director of WellMax Scaffolding and President of the Scaffolding Association, Russell Maxwell-Smith felt that it was important in his roles as both business owner and industry

appointed leader to ensure the safe return of WellMax’s workforce back to sites following the pandemic situation. “For my own team’s health and wellbeing it was paramount to keep everyone safe on site and to get everyone back to work. I feel have a responsibility in my position to lead and instigate for others to follow. These were poignant steps taken to help aid my workforce and in turn, the industry and economy to begin recovery from these unsettling times. I believe my approach has proved successful given the positive feedback from my team and clients.”

With the scaffolding complete and the building secure, the main contractor and their specialist trade teams were able to start the restoration work. The dismantling stage of the scaffolding will be equally as challenging; with the approved process tried and tested on previous contracts, this should be successful.

WellMax’s involvement with this project has created considerable interest and admiration from many figures within the construction industry.

FIND OUT MORE wellmax.co.uk

Banking on quality scaffolding VAT reverse charge for building and construction services

Advanced NI Scaffolding, Audited Members of the Scaffolding Association, have been responsible for a major project with a unique set of challenges in the busy heart of Belfast city centre.

The Ulster Bank building in Donegall Square is a busy branch with hundreds of customers coming through its doors every working day. It also plays host to a number of bus stops outside and close by, with members of the public passing by, departing and arriving directly outside.

Advanced NI Scaffolding’s Contracts Manager is Paul Bright, and he came up with a very ‘bright idea’. Paul met with building and civil engineers McLaughlin and Harvey and the Department for Regional Development (DRD) Road Service to discuss the project and he came up with the solution that all the scaffolding legs would stay within the site boundary of the bank with the scaffolding cantilevered above the footpath to ensure it was operational at all times during the construction work, with no obstructions to members of the public going about their business in the city centre.

In a move designed to reduce fraud, HMRC has implemented new VAT legislation for the construction industry, effective from 1 March 2021. Specialist business services providers, MPA, take a look…

The VAT Domestic Reverse Charge for Construction Services legislation essentially moves VAT liability away from suppliers of services to the construction industry, to the receiving customer. This change for the construction sector will have a significant impact on cashflow and VAT compliance for scaffold business. We discuss what this means and what you need to do with VAT moving forwards.

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Paul had the initial scaffolding designed by Layher and issued the details to all involved. Safety of the public in this busy area was of the utmost importance, so all scaffolding work, both erection and dismantling, took place at night to reduce risk and prevent disruption to passers by.

The VAT Domestic Reverse Charge for Construction Services legislation is a complete overhaul of the way VAT is paid on building and construction invoices. It applies to standard and reduced-rate VAT services provided by individuals or business: – registered for VAT in the UK – reported within the Construction Industry Scheme – providing supplies or services to other UK VAT registered businesses who are not the end user and not connected to the supplier/service provider. From 1 March 2021, those supplying construction services to a VAT-registered customer will no longer have to account for the VAT. Instead, the customer to whom the service is supplied will account for it, paying the VAT directly to HMRC.

integral parts of the preparation or completion of construction services, such as the erection of scaffolding, then you must use the VAT reverse charge.

ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS?

The domestic reverse charge will only affect supplies at the standard or reduced rates where payments are required to be reported through the CIS. It doesn’t apply to non-VAT registered businesses or consumers, or to supplies made to end users and intermediary suppliers.

WHAT ABOUT PROJECTS PART-WAY THROUGH?

If a construction project began before the reverse charge legislation came into play but will end afterwards, then whether you need to apply the new rules depends on when the tax point on the products or services is. If the tax point is on or after 1 March 2021, then the reverse charge should be applied.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT CASH FLOW?

Due to the nature of the building, security was also an issue that required careful consideration. Once the first lift had been erected, the scaffolders were admitted into the bank to fix the site hoardings to the scaffolding. This was achieved by working closely with the main client.

Another challenge that Advanced NI Scaffolding had to overcome was that no materials could be left on site, meaning the team worked from the lorry each night to guarantee everything was tidy before footfall outside the bank increased.

During the second night, the scaffolding reached a height that allowed for a fan to be erected above the bus stop, providing additional protection to the public once the scaffolding was handed over and the client undertook the required work.

WHAT SERVICES DOES IT APPLY TO?

HMRC has provided an extensive list of services for which the reverse charge applies, and you

HOW CAN BUSINESSES PREPARE?

As with many changes coming our way in 2021, there is some preparation needed by those supplying and buying relevant services. Additional checks will need to be built into the start of confirming a contract to establish whether the service is in scope of the charge, as well as the status of all parties involved.

The building has been scaffolded many times before for building and renovation work, and each time the scaffolding has had legs on to the footpath by the bus stops. To reduce the inconvenience to passers by, bus passengers and bank customers – and to employ the latest scaffolding techniques this time around – it was decided to ‘lose the legs’!

The team worked overnight from 10pm to 5am, giving the Advanced NI Scaffolding team time to complete all the required safety checks before they pulled off site.

This was a hugely successful project that received a thumbs up from everyone involved.

FIND OUT MORE advancedniscaffolding.com

For those who use the VAT paid by customers to pay suppliers, this change will have an impact on cash flow that could lead to financial and supply chain difficulties.

It’s important to account for the VAT no longer being available when forecasting and cash flow

Training may be required for staff to help in identifying CIS contracts, intermediaries and endusers, and you may need to modify accounting and bookkeeping systems to enable new invoicing and reporting requirements. If you would like further advice or assistance on

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Account Management

Paul Beck Managing Director

M: 07787 537921

E: paul.beck@dicr.co.uk

Contracts continue to roll in, but can construction cope?

Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards looks on admiringly at the construction sector as, on the one hand, it continues to drive the UK economy but, on the other hand, looks as though it may need to find skills solutions so that it can keep pace with its own success.

DECEMBER 2020 –THE YEAR IN A NUTSHELL

Benn Houghton Senior Account Executive

M: 07944 676469

E: benn.houghton@dicr.co.uk

December has always been a slow month for construction contract awards; and in 2020, the prospects were made worse by a resurgence of COVID-19 that resulted in further restrictions and by the final completion of Brexit negotiations. What happened next confounded all good sense and left many of us in equal parts bemused and delighted. 2020 was the year in which predictions became pointless. So, in a year in which the unprecedented became the norm, the fact that UK construction recorded more than £12.2 billion in new contract awards in December really was the most 2020 way in which to see out an erratic and unpredictable year. History will show that figure was boosted by more than £8.0 billion in work related to HS2. But even without that, December was unusually busy. Beyond the HS2 contracts, one of the most intriguing awards was to ISG, for the £300 million construction of a lithium-ion battery production facility on the former Blyth Power Station site. The new plant will use only renewable energy, and includes the potential to use hydro-electric power generated in Norway and transported beneath the North Sea via the world’s longest inter-connector from the North Sea Link project.

So, at the end of the year, the UK construction industry marched into 2021 with positivity and some much-needed and non-house building work.

Never before has Builders’ Conference independent, verified real-time, construction information and research been more important as businesses navigate through COVID-19. Ensure your business has access to evidenced based construction project information from across the UK by becoming a member.

JANUARY 2021 –OFF TO A FLYING START

UK construction hit the ground running at the beginning of the New Year, even though it failed to replicate the highs of December 2020. Huge tranches of HS2-related construction contracts do not come along every month. So anyone expecting a repeat of the £12 billion plus in new contract awards recorded in December 2020 was always going to be disappointed. But with £6.2 billion in new contract awards, the sector blasted past the established £4.0 billion monthly benchmark to get 2021 off to a flying start.

It was a month in which road projects enjoyed a welcome resurgence, with Costain landing a £250 million project near Birtley for Highways England. Although that project provided a welcome shot in the arm for the North East, it was London (£1.87 billion ) and the Midlands (£996 million) that had most to celebrate. The North West region contributed a further £726 million while Scotland continues to play catch-up with £152 million.

As has become the norm, housing dominated in the sector countdown, with 188 new contract awards valued at a combined £2.89 billion. But a marked uptick on roads (£962 million) and education (£823 million) pointed to a loosening of the government purse strings.

FEBRUARY 2021 –AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE

The UK construction industry flexed its muscles yet again in February, posting an astonishing £8.0 billion in new contract awards in the shortest month of the year.

There was a time when the UK construction sector was an unconfident creature, but that has given way to a seemingly unstoppable force that has met head on the triple threat of COVID-19, Brexit and wider economic jitters. And rather than run scared, the sector charges forwards, posting an astonishing £8.0 billion in new contract awards. And this was no HS2-fuelled anomaly. In the absence of a single £1.0 billion+ project, some 340 contractors shared the spoils. Against the background of such an unseasonably positive month, it seems almost churlish to mention the negatives. Despite the resurgence of Scotland (£458 million) and the exceptional performance of the Midlands (£774 million) and Yorkshire (£412 million), the regional imbalance still favours London as it contributed an impressive £3.36 billion to the monthly total.

A similar imbalance remains in the split of workload among industry categories. The housing sector contributed £3.52 billion of known work and will have been a large part of a further £1.52 billion of mixed use and miscellaneous work. Warehouses and industrial units, with £637.9 million and offices, with £479 million, came a distant second and third respectively. Also worthy of note is that the split between publicly and privately funded work continues to widen. By value, privately funded works accounted for around 80% of all new contract awards, suggesting a post-COVID tightening of the Government’s purse strings.

And, like an ever-present elephant in the room, the spectre of a worsening skills shortage continues to haunt the sector. Quite how the industry will meet the demand of £26 billion in new work in the space of just three months remains open to question.

Audited and Assessed membership of the Scaffolding Association includes access to the Builders’ Conference platform, with premium information about 11,000 UK construction projects.

If your company has a new product that is of interest to the access and scaffolding sector contact the team at AccessPoint and we could feature it in the next issue.

The LFI ladder designed to improve safety when accessing lorries

Having created the PRo Range to offer the best combination of lightweight design and durability, specifically for the professional who needs to depend on their equipment, the LFI LoadStep has been designed to offer maximum durability and comfort when on the job. With its heavy-duty 35mm serrated D-rungs and a 4-way crimp & swage design, access to lorry beds has never had a safer access solution. The LoadStep has a wide 3mm thick 5 bar chequer plate platform made from aluminium that has been BS2037 Class 1 industrial design tested to a maximum load of 175kg. This gives the stability, strength and durability needed to stay safe. The LoadStep also comes with a sliding mechanism, allowing the platform to adapt to laden and unladen lorry bed heights, a single handrail with 2 locking settings, and an integral locking strap to allow the LoadStep to be secured to your vehicle whilst in use. Need a choice of heights? No problem. The LoadStep is available in two standard sizes covering bed heights up to 1.4m, and with bespoke sizes available to order.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT britishladders.co.uk OR EMAIL info@lfi-ladders.co.uk

Safety and practicality with the G-Deck Access Hatch

G-Deck’s Access Hatch offers optimum safety and practicality at an attractive, value for money cost. Combining separate access apertures for a ladder, materials and a person in a single unit, it offers both durability and safety with a standard 250mm x 750mm footprint, which can be tailored for specific requirements.

The Class 4 BSEN 12811-1 certified G-Deck Access Hatch has been designed to offer robust and practical access while prioritising safety on site. The unit fits quickly and securely between 600mm floor joists and accommodates any decking system. Providing a 300kg loading, it features integral ladder tie points, making it a practical and versatile solution.

The Access Hatch also has a range of features to ensure safety for site personnel. The materials hatch eliminates drop-ins and there is no risk of the person hatch being left open inadvertently because it has been engineered as a self-closing unit, further avoiding the risk of drop-ins. Meanwhile, the chequer plate anti-slip top has been designed to prevent slips and trips. It features an identification batch plate and site-specific coded combination locks to eliminate wasted time looking for keys and can be colour matched to your brand and refurbished following wear and tear to extend the service life of the asset.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT gdecking.com