Scaffolding Matters - Autumn 2021

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION WWW.NASC.ORG.UK

AUTUMN 2021

SCAFFOLDING MATTERS

ABOVE AND BEYOND

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR THE UK SCAFFOLDING INDUSTRY SINCE 1945

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION WWW.NASC.ORG.UK

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to the Autumn 2021 edition of Scaffolding Matters.

CONTENTS

What strange times we’re living in. It seems for many of us it’s a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.

News from the Regions

04

Safety Report Summary

08

TG20 Update

10

These problems (and a few solutions) are discussed in greater depth by some of the NASC Regional Chairs on the News from the Regions (pages 4 to 7).

Construction Consultation

11

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. In fact, there’s quite a bit of really positive news contained within this edition.

Hire and Sales Update

12

Funding Update

13

Members in Focus

14

Kickstart Scheme Update

16

More good news comes through the expansion of the Armed Forces Fund and the continuation of the four NASC training funds as a whole.

Training Update

18

In terms of the Armed Forces support, full Contractor members can now claim for ex-Forces personnel to complete all of their scaffolder qualifications – from COTS up to and including their Part 2 course.

Technical Update

20

Contractual Update

22

Employment Affairs

24

Guidance Index

28

Mental Health

30

For most of the UK, Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, ‘normality’ has been restored and the demand for scaffolding contractors is through the roof.

Good news all round. But now we’re facing staff shortages, increased labour and materials costs and various issues with receiving supplies. More tough times ahead and no easy answers.

The NASC’s Kickstart Scheme Gateway has now created close to 500 placements and nearly 100 starters, which is great to see. I don’t think the Scheme has been as successful as the Government had hoped in all industries but NASC members have more than done their part to ensure that out-of-work young people have access to work experience.

Positions are being filled every week, benefiting both the trainees and their employers. I’m confident that many of these placements will turn into full-time positions, which can only be good for the future of our industry.

There’s still £1,000 available for members to retrain those who have recently left the Armed Forces in non-scaffolder roles, too.

If you’re struggling to find ex-Forces personnel to join your firm, please contact NASC Training Officer Henry Annafi for careers events and jobs boards you could try.

STEP UP TO A NEW CAREER

GET CISRS TRAINING, GET SMART FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CISRS.ORG.UK

I’d encourage all members to make use of this fund as well as the COTS, CPD and Mental Health First Aid funds. Money is still available, you just need to claim it.

The release of TG20:21 has also been an inarguable success. More than 1,300 unique users logged in to the NASC ePortal to access the expanded and updated software in the first three months since launch, generating more than 21,000 compliance sheets in this time. Turn to page 10 for full details.

Then there’s the usual outputs and plans from the various NASC Standing Committees.

These are still unprecedented times but the NASC and its members continue to operate to the highest standards, maintaining productivity and producing resources for the good of the industry.

As always, I hope you find this magazine useful and interesting.

Lynn Way NASC President Cover: Allied Scaffolding Ltd, Rear cover: Crossway Scaffolding (Elland) Ltd 3

Lyndon SGB

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

MICHAEL LLOYD, LTC SCAFFOLDING LIMITED

During the Covid-19 pandemic the construction industry played a huge part in supporting the economy. Although the industry did slow down for a small part, it was widely still open for business.

Covid has affected the way we live, home deliveries are now in overdrive, with an ever-high reliance on Amazon and others. HGV trained drivers have gone into home delivery services and not returned.

Now we’re out the other side there have been significant issues that have arisen from the huge upturn of building projects within London and other areas of the country intertwined with Brexit conditions. In short, labour issues.

It has also made it impossible to train new drivers, with wait times for training courses at 6 to 9-month timeframes due to the heavy backlog caused by Covid. Put this together with skilled foreign drivers leaving the country due to Brexit and the issues combined become a much harder puzzle to solve.

The Government created their own slogan ‘Build, Build, Build’, but just how are we as an industry (not just scaffolding but all skilled trades) supposed to meet current demand if there are systemic issues with sourcing labour?

Let’s start at home, surely as one of the strongest economies in the world we should have the labour resources available to service our own projects? Wrong. There is a huge shortage of skilled tradesmen coming through the current available systems.

One of the main reasons is there is not enough education from an earlier age as to what a fantastic and progressive career one can have in any skilled trade within the construction industry. We need to shout about the benefits.

Secondly, apprenticeships. They need to be more widely available to young people and they also need to suit businesses commercially.

At the end of the day, a business needs to make money and with sky high costs for taking on apprentices it is no wonder many companies rule them unattainable.

The Government needs to show more support in the development of home-grown talent through apprenticeships.

That’s because they have made it increasingly difficult to source labour from other countries yet not put in place a system which ensures there is no shortfall in skilled labour.

Foreign workers have played a huge part over the years in building up our capital to its incredible stature, but they are being phased out with no replacement. Essentially, it’s like the board of your favourite football club terminating half the squad’s contracts and saying, now get on with it.

Where there’s short supply, naturally prices increase in line with demand. Where labour can be sourced, it’s at an all-time high cost for businesses which isn’t being factored into budget costing, which leads to profits of small business being squashed.

I am all for paying well, as I do within my own business, but when the labour controls the rates, it’s an unsustainable game to play.

An area where we and many others have been more spacifically affected (more specifically) is skilled HGV qualified driver shortages.

Both Covid and Brexit have played their parts equally in dissipating the available workers.

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SO WHAT CAN BE DONE? The Government needs to put in place a system where a conveyor belt of well-trained skilled workers are coming through, via apprenticeships or affordable training programmes. Training programmes need to be more accessible and they must work to resolve backlog issues.

Material sourcing is another major issue. On March 23rd a container ship blocked the Suez Canal, a major shipping route for goods, for six days. Those six days caused havoc and we are still feeling the effects today, particularly with regards to tube and fit material.

When the ships do finally arrive, considerably later than planned, there is nobody to collect and deliver the materials. (Back to my original point on driver shortages through a combination of Covid and Brexit).

So far we have; labour shortages, sky high labour costs, driver shortages and material shortages, so let’s add one more ingredient into the mix to conclude our recipe for disaster; timber boards.

Prices have trebled. This hasn’t been caused by Brexit, nor the pandemic but by our good friend the USA. Their ongoing dispute with Canada, from whom they would usually source their timber, means they have started purchasing in unparalleled volumes from within Europe. They pay a higher rate, so therefore we do too.

Perhaps in the long run this could allow the UK scaffolding industry to investigate more sustainable options, whilst turning a consumable into an asset. My company is an advocate for recycled plastic and metal boards.

Yes, they may cost more than a timber board, but they certainly last a lot longer and over time there is a clear and obvious commercial benefit. They are more environmentally friendly, helping to prevent deforestation whilst reducing fire risk on site. Positives on all fronts.

In summary, a lot has gone wrong. Some of it has the Government to blame and some is sheer bad luck and timing, but either way it has created a snowball effect across the construction industry which we need to recover.

The Government needs to put remedial action into place on all the points above and quickly. This industry has propped them up and now it’s their turn to show competent support in the areas that we require it.

NORTHERN AND NORTH WALES

DARREN MARATTY, INTERLINK SCAFFOLDING LTD

Well here we are, half way through our summer and we are almost back to full normality. I say almost, as we do not know what will be thrown at us next.

The last few months have been the most testing of this whole pandemic. We have seen the media reports in regards to there not being enough delivery drivers, bus drivers, supermarket staff etc. And I am aware that a lot of scaffolding companies within our region have suffered the same fate. ISL alone at one point had a fifth of its workforce off due to the ‘Pingdemic’.

Most of these cases were self-isolation pings but we still had our fair share of positive tests. I suppose the thing about this particular episode is the disappointment of some of the clients our members had to deal with.

While it was clear to see from media reports that there was a problem, they were still insisting that we “get more men” or “you will need to replace them”. We did our best and in the long run got over it, and haven’t got scaffolders on call 24/7 as some may think.

We are also aware of the price increase for building materials as a whole in the construction industry and this has affected scaffolding companies.

I’ve spoken with a few suppliers who are all of the same opinion; that they are not quite sure when it will end or when we can expect a decrease in prices (if ever again). But I suppose the offset against the tax benefit introduced by the Government on new stock may soften the blow.

Enough of the doom and gloom and onto the better things that have happened in the Spring and Summer. First of all, I think the nation as a whole was feeling extremely proud of our achievements at the Euros of the England national side (apologies to our Welsh, Scottish and Irish members).

Although a bit disappointed at the final result, I think personally that we still did well and maybe next year at the World Cup it may be coming home.

One of the other fantastic moments of the aftermath of the Euros was the rallying round of the whole nation against the mindless morons with their racist comments for the three brilliant young Lions gutsy and proud enough to stand up and take the penalty in the first place.

I must also mention our fantastic tally at the Olympics for a small island nation coming fourth in the table was another fantastic achievement worth shouting about. A special mention to the boxing twins Pat and Luke McCormack for their achievements in the Olympics, both of them ex apprentices for ISL in their younger days.

Still on the sports theme, it was great to see the crowds back in the football stadiums now that the new season has started. With pubs and clubs open again, we can almost feel we are getting back on with our lives in the way that we are used to. Without the constraints we have had lately to dampen the mood, let’s hope it stays that way.

I think we can all agree that the construction industry is booming and hopefully all our members are feeling the benefits of this current boom and long may it continue. One thing I think we will also agree on especially in our region is the shortage of labour.

I don’t think this is just our region, as I have heard the same comment from around the country. I can’t see a short-term solution, but a longer solution is more apprenticeship availability. ISL and I am sure a few others around the country have started their own version of the apprenticeship scheme. In a sense back to the old ways where the company decides when the individual is deemed good enough to be put onto his Part 1 and the other courses that follow. This gives the apprentice the need to push and excel themself and in turn their manager will see that commitment and put them in for their qualifications.

That’s it for now, hopefully I’ll see a lot of you at the face-to-face regional meetings where we can have a better catch up than over available over a Zoom meeting.

Enjoy the rest of what’s left of the summer and stay safe.

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MIDLANDS

SOUTH WEST AND SOUTH WALES

PHIL HEFFERNAN, SCAFFOLD ERECTION SERVICES LTD

DAVID ANDERSON , ALLEN & FOXWORTHY LTD

The ending of the latest lockdown on Monday 19 July, albeit with the welcome recognition that there will be long-term Coronavirus risks for some considerable time, should help see renewed and stronger growth in the second half of the year for our Midlands NASC membership.

Immediately, current shortages are being exacerbated by reviving demand in the US and China as well as a shift in consumer patterns brought on by the global pandemic. For example, the increased demand has seriously disrupted the timber supply from Scandinavia with the obvious consequences we are now encountering.

Most construction sectors including our own with the help of NASC guidance, were able to adopt Covid mitigation during the lockdowns, helping sustain turnover and growth. Coupled with the re-opening of the wider services economy, a more sustainable but moderate growth trajectory could be achievable.

Furthermore, as well as international freight costs multiplying, commodity prices are also on an upswing, and PPE and consumables are equally as hard to secure and suffering similar price hikes.

However, there are always hurdles to jump over and now we have interruptions to global supply chains, and all the UK membership are suffering from decreasing availability of materials and massive price increases. Steel tube, boards and fittings have escalated in cost dramatically.

Whilst much of this surge can be attributed to the accelerated pace of global economic recovery, the change in demand patterns is also a factor that could affect our members’ ability to sustain turnover and growth.

I would very much hope to be writing a brighter outlook for the latter part of the year. Watch this space!

Recently I visited the Construction Training Centre, operated by Simian and Southwest Training Centre.

trade that he hoped would lead him to a good career, with more responsibility/training and of course better wages!

On arrival to site in Weston-super-Mare, I was greeted by Simian’s Rob Wolstanholme who immediately made me feel very welcome. I was due to visit when the centre opened, but due to Covid-19 a delayed visit was arranged.

Simian and Southwest Training Centre should be really proud of what has been achieved to date at The Construction Training Centre.

Being able to deliver the range of courses that they do and deliver them across the South West Region and into South Wales, is a positive move.

My first impression from outside was wow! After a short tour of classrooms full of our region’s finest operatives working with their instructors to develop theory skills and knowledge.

It’s been a long time since I was in one of these centres and have to say I was very happy to see how spacious and organised the areas were. The areas allocated to different types of scaffolding operations full of trainees keen to get on with training.

The areas felt safe and zoned off between different structures.

The training centre was spotless and very well organised.

I met the centre manager, Adie Holmes, and felt his enthusiasm to produce properly trained scaffolders at different levels of their careers.

I was introduced to a young Part 1 operative called James Bourton who agreed to talk about his training and workplace experience.

I was especially pleased to hear him being grateful to his employer for sending him to be trained properly and I also advised him to be loyal and productive to his employer.

With that a rewarding future in our industry will be achieved. James stated he was enjoying the experience and chance he had been given – learning new practical skills and theory of our specific

Working with NASC and NASC members across the region is an area of importance to all members in the future, further developing these links and providing a service to newly accredited members, be it training, consultancy or apprenticeships, is something that Simian actively promotes.

WALES IN FOCUS More Welsh firms have remained operational through the pandemic than elsewhere in Britain, meaning increased orders for scaffolding and more training and apprenticeships opportunities. Wales is thus well-placed to play a leading role in the UK’s post-Covid economic recovery.

The £1.5 million CWIC Scaffolding Academy, based in South Wales, is a fully accredited centre that has invested £150,000 to support the Welsh scaffolding industry with fully funded COTS, CPD and Part 1 courses.

Currently they deliver up to CISRS part 2 training, with CISRS advanced scaffolding accreditation due in November 2021.

SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

KEVIN FITZPATRICK, BRAND ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UK LTD T/A LYNDON SGB

Further relaxation of the Covid restrictions has been great on the one hand as it’s allowed us all some more freedom and time to socialise with friends and family.

On the work front, we continue to go through a time no one has ever experienced before. With excellent guidance notes issued by the NASC on a regular basis we’ve been allowed to safely manage our people and operate on site, granted on a far smaller scale than we previously did.

The full construction sector needs to continue to be vigilant and follow the guidance to avoid disruption.

As we know, the construction industry continued to work through the pandemic which the scaffolding industry supports.

However, with the closing of training facilities during the pandemic and people deciding to change careers or new entrants to our industry declining, the scaffolding industry is now having issues with scaffolders, yard staff, drivers and staff having to isolate or leaving, making it difficult to maintain manning levels on sites.

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As a supplier, we need to work on ways to attract people to join our industry as there are many opportunities open to all and not just in scaffolding. This could be office work, surveying, engineering accountancy etc. The NASC is aware of this and has put numerous plans in place to promote the industry to jobseekers of all ages and backgrounds.

Another issue we face is the rising prices of both steel and timber with some products doubling in cost compared to this time last year with the supply chain even struggling to give delivery times due to shortages of raw materials.

Why is this happening? Brexit and the pandemic combined seems to be at the heart of it all.

Many people are now suggesting it is also a knock-on effect from the hold ups at the Suez Canal. In addition, people globally are still returning to manufacturing and non-essential domestic work, so it is a perfect storm.

On a more positive note, the construction industry looks buoyant over the coming years so there should be plenty of work for us all.

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INCREASING SCAFFOLDING SAFETY THE NASC HAS PUBLISHED ITS MOST COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL SAFETY REPORT

1: SLIPS AND TRIPS ON THE SAME LEVEL IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF INJURY 31 of the 81 accidents reported were slips and trips on the same level.

More than half of these incidents (17 or 55%) were due to human error with the operative not taking care of their working environment.

Six (19%) of the incidents were due to poor site housekeeping (holes and obstructions such as waste materials).

A further six (19%) were due to poor ground conditions (uneven surfaces).

The operatives most prone to these injuries fall into age ranges of 21-30 (13 incidents, 42% of the total reported) and 41-50 (10, 32%).

2: NO DECREASE IN TOTAL FALLS FROM HEIGHT There were 13 falls from height in 2020, up 1 from 2019. However, how this total was reached differed greatly from year to year. In 2020, there were five falls from 4m+ (up from 1 in 2019) and eight falls from under 4m (down from 11 in 2019).

These incidents caused operatives to be absent from work a total of 1,175 days. The falls from 4m+ related to operatives not working to SG4 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations (2), a ladder (1), collapsed walkway gantry (1) and collapse of a car park floor (1).

The cause of the under 4m falls include operatives loading and unloading materials from vehicles and trailers, losing their balance while erecting and dismantling scaffolding and losing their footing on ladders.

3: THE 31-40 AGE BRACKET SUFFERED THE MOST FALLS Nine of the 13 falls from height were suffered by operatives in the 31-40 age bracket, equating to 69% of all incidents. Three of these incidents occurred above 4m.

Young operatives aged 16-20 accounted for two falls while the 21-30 and 41-50 groups suffered a single fall each.

The 2021 Safety Report shows NASC Contractor members, employing more than 16,000 operatives collectively, reported just 81 incidents in 2020, the second lowest figure recorded. This means that 99.5% of NASC member-employed operatives went through the year accident and injury free.

There were no operative fatalities, for the eighth consecutive year.

For the latest report, the NASC collected more detailed accident information from its full Contractor members than ever before.

This enabled the NASC to identify a number of trends, causes of accidents and injuries, and the operatives that are most susceptible to injury – by role, age and size of employer. These findings are summarised on the next page.

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4: AGE COULD BE A FACTOR IN CAUSES OF INJURIES The highest number of injuries by age were suffered by operatives aged between 31 and 40 (25), closely followed by both the 21-30 and 41-50 brackets, both 21. The 31-40 group’s incidents were split fairly equally across falls, manual handling operations, work equipment and slips, trips and falls on the same level.

However, the accidents recorded by the 21-30 and 41-50 brackets were much more concentrated on slips and trips on the same level; accounting for 13 of the 21 (62%) injuries suffered by the 21- 30 group and 10 of the 21 (48%) injuries suffered by the 41-50 group.

5: COMPANY SIZE COULD ALSO BE A FACTOR IN INJURIES The majority of incidents were suffered by operatives working for Small companies (with between 21 and 50 operatives). The 29 incidents these companies recorded represent 35.8% of all incidents seen in 2020 despite the 3,104 operatives employed by these members only representing 19.3% of the total NASC member operative workforce.

Small Medium (51-100) company operatives suffered 23 injuries (just over a quarter of the total) despite their 2,669 operatives representing only 16.6% of the total workforce. Conversely, there were only six injuries reported by Large members (1,001+ operatives), whose 4,840 operatives make up 30.1% of the total number of NASC operatives.

Armed with these findings, the NASC’s Health & Safety Committee is developing a number of resources aimed at reducing incident figures.

This includes the production of two new A2 site posters; SG6 Manual Handling in Scaffolding Operations and SG31 Management of Slips and Trips.

The Committee is also updating the H&S Toolbox Talk Suite – available for free download via the Members’ Area of the NASC website – and updating guidance such as SG6 and SG20 Access and Egress from Scaffolds.

Plans are also being developed to engage with Small Contractor members to try to establish reasons why they may have accounted for a disproportionate percentage of the recorded incidents and what additional support measures could be created to lower this number.

On the Safety Report as a whole, Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “The 2021 Safety Report shows NASC Contractor members continue to work to the highest standards – with just 81 incidents reported. It should be remembered that during 2020 members were faced with challenging Covid-19 related working conditions, with operatives forced to significantly change the way they worked on site.

“Members rose to this challenge, not only continuing to operate wherever possible – in line with Government guidance – but also ensuring safety standards were not compromised.”

Lynn Way, NASC President, added: “Whilst we’re proud of the headlines figures contained within this year’s Safety Report, this publication is intended to be much more than just a line in the sand, an annual yardstick to measure general safety success against previous years.

“It is also a way in which we can learn why incidents occurred with a view to developing ways in which to reduce them – benefiting both NASC members and the wider scaffolding and construction industries.

“To support this endeavour, this year we changed the way in which we gather accident information from NASC members. As a result, this year’s analysis is boosted by a more defined and detailed set of accident returns. This extra information has enabled us to delve much deeper into the 81 incidents reported, identifying potential causes and trends hidden beneath the figures and making recommendations that we hope will lead to safety improvements throughout the industry.”

TO READ A COPY OF THE NASC 2021 SAFETY REPORT VISIT THE NASC WEBSITE AND CLICK INFORMATION AND THEN SAFETY REPORTS. HARD COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. EMAIL NASC MARKETING MANAGER SIMON ROBINSON VIA SIMON.ROBINSON@NASC.ORG.UK

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CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONSULTATION NASC MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS To borrow a line from the Marketing Committee, the NASC “sets the standard for scaffolding in the UK”, going to great lengths since 1945 to lead our industry and promote best practice wherever possible.

We believe this has worked in regards to the industry standards we have championed, like CISRS, SG4 and TG20, which have been widely adopted across the industry.

TG20 TAKE UP STRONG GUIDES IN STOCK SOON

MORE THAN 1,300 USERS ACCESSED TG20:21 VIA THE NASC E-PORTAL IN ITS FIRST THREE MONTHS OF OPERATION, NEW DATA HAS REVEALED

Hard copies of the TG20:21 Operational and Design Guides will be in stock shortly. A free copy of each will be sent to all Full members.

The TG20:21 User Guide is also available to buy via the Guidance page on the NASC website.

Digital versions of both the Operational and Design Guides can be accessed via the NASC ePortal.

Statistics provided by CADS, which developed and manages the updated and extended software on behalf of the NASC, shows 1,383 unique users registered for TG20:21 between April 12 and July 31.

TG20:13 SUPPORT TO END

Download data shows these licence holders generated 21,817 TG20:21 compliance sheets during this time – equating to nearly 200 per day.

Technical support for TG20:13 will be withdrawn from Tuesday 12 October – six months after TG20:21 was launched.

From this day onwards it will no longer be possible to activate, move or reset a licence.

Independent scaffolds were the most popular in this period, with 13,652 downloads (63% of the total), followed by free-standing tower scaffolds (1,587) and external birdcage scaffolds (1,573) – a new addition to TG20.

The online wind map functionality will also be removed from TG20:13.

For now, users will still be able to produce compliance sheets for scaffolds that do not use the wind map and it will still be possible to use the simplified ‘offline’ wind map.

A full break down of downloads by type can be seen below.

SCAFFOLD TYPE Chimney stack scaffold

877

External birdcage scaffold

1,573

Free-standing tower scaffold

1,587

Independent scaffold Internal birdcage scaffold

13,652 1,566

Lift shaft tower scaffold

396

Mobile tower scaffold

376

Putlog scaffold Tied tower scaffold 10

COMPLIANCE SHEET DOWNLOADS

61 1,759

Those wishing to continue to produce TG20 compliance sheets with data drawn from the online wind map function will need to purchase a TG20:21 licence, available in one-, three- and five-year subscriptions.

The five-year subscription, which costs 20% less than buying a one-year subscription and renewing each year, is a limited-time offer so users are encouraged to buy now to receive this saving.

The TG20:13 eGuide software is being formally withdrawn as the software platform it was developed on, Adobe Air, is no longer supported or maintained by Adobe.

During the lifetime of TG20:13, it has been necessary to update the software when third party platforms that TG20:13 is reliant upon, such as Google Maps, were changed.

Main contractors continue to prefer and specify NASC members to supply their scaffolding requirements, and it is generally accepted that NASC members provide a safe and competent scaffolding service.

Being part of the NASC, all full contracting members are empowered to share our commitment to safety and quality.

But how does the NASC quantify and assess such values?

Currently we do that through assessing applicants – requiring them to meet predetermined minimum criteria as laid out in the membership application process, which has evolved over the decades through paper and physical audit.

However, could we do better? Have the current criteria drifted out of date? Are they fully aligned with the current direction of the construction industry?

I believe the NASC should speak for all of the scaffolding industry, from large multinationals to the small family operated firms, and to do that we have to be engaging with our industry and clients, and focused on the ever-changing times we are constantly facing.

However, determining how best to deliver on this is a tricky proposition, and this is why we’ve created an NASC Membership Criteria Working Group, of which I am proud to be Chair.

Our working group has set out on a major research project, where we are engaging with the wider construction industry, consulting NASC members, non-members, and main contractors across the UK to gain a better understanding of what you and they think of the NASC, what works and doesn’t work for you and them, what we do right and just as importantly what we can do better.

I look forward to sharing this research with you in the near future, pinpointing areas we can focus on and delivering meaningful changes that further strengthens the standing of the NASC and its members in the UK construction industry.

By Wayne Connolly NASC Audit Committee Chair

After Tuesday 12 October, no further updates to TG20:13 will be made.

For more on TG20:21 and to purchase a user licence visit the NASC website.

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HIRE, SALES AND MANUFACTURING COMMITTEE UPDATE

PG8:21 provides guidelines for those looking to source ancillary scaffolding components such as girder couplers, flange clamps and non-timber scaffold boards, while PG9:21 offers purchasing guidelines for scaffold ladders required to provide access and egress within scaffolds.

PG publications 1-7 cover core scaffolding products, for which NASC Code of Practice (CoP) product audits exist. The committee is now looking at possible subjects for further guidelines.

PG8:21

FUNDING CLAIMED

CONNECTING WITH THE FORCES

More than 280 funding claims have been processed by the NASC in 2021. These include more than 200 applications for CPD funding, 65 for COTS funding and more than a dozen for mental health first aid funding.

The NASC has recently taken steps to actively promote the Armed Forces Training Fund directly to ex-Forces personnel.

These claims total more than £30,000.

Purchasing Guidelines for Ancillary Scaffolding Components

PG9:21 Purchasing Guidelines for Scaffold Ladders Updated August 2021

1. INTRODUCTION This guide considers ancillary scaffolding components that are widely used in the UK but are not specifically covered by other NASC guidance.

Overview It is recommended that all components used on scaffolds that could conceivably be expected to carry load are INTRODUCTION suitably tested and/or calculations carried out to ensure that they are suitable for their intended use. Although some scaffolding components are referred to as “non-load bearing” most, if not all, will be required to support BS EN 131 is now the single British and European product standard covering most types of portable ladders some sort of load, even if this is predominantly wind load (e.g. board clamps or roofing couplers). and steps, for use throughout the UK. This replaces BS 2037, BS 1129 and previous versions of EN131.

This guide aims to provide advice to engineers, buyers and component manufacturers the The newregarding standard incorporates two classes of ladder, ‘Professional’ and ‘Non-Professional’ of which only recommended safe working loads of components and testing requirements, where applicable.

The class specified ‘Professional’ should be used in the workplace. data can then be used by scaffold design engineers and NASC contracting members to better ensure that all components incorporated in scaffolding structures are fit for purpose.

The new standard provides ladders with more strength and durability than previous specifications (see below) but requires that all ‘leaning ladders’ longer than 3.0m, must also be wider at their base to provide more Materials stability when in use.

Where components are designed to connect to scaffold tubes, the tube should be TG20 compliant (i.e. BS 1139Unfortunately, this feature makes them totally unsuitable for use on most types of scaffolding, as the increased 1-1:1990, BS EN 39 Type 4 or BS EN 10210-1:2006) and where strength or stiffness is required, the components base dimension will generally require wider access holes through working platforms, thus increasing the risk shall be made from materials specified in BS EN 12811-2:2004 or from steels with equivalent mechanical and of falls and when used within the relative confines of a scaffold platform, provides potential and unacceptable chemical properties. trip hazards at the ladder base.

Where castings are used, they shall conform to BS EN 12811-2:2004 section 5.

This standard does not therefore cater for ladders required to provide access and egress within scaffolds, Elements of parts manufactured from ferrous metals shall be protected against corrosion as a minimum by which by their design and instructions are intended for and limited to ‘specific professional use’ only. This application of zinc coating C2 or C3 according to BS EN 12811-2:2004 section 8.1. document therefore aims to provide guidance for buyers, hire and sale specialists and ladder manufacturers All other materials should be selected to suit their intended use and where appropriate, in accordance with requirements for scaffold ladders. regarding the essential applicable British and European Standards.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Components

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires that: • Work equipment is appropriate to the nature of work to be performed and the foreseeable loadings.

(Regulation 7).

• A ladder shall be so positioned as to ensure its stability during use (Schedule 6).

1. Girder Coupler (Flange Clamp)

2. Shear Plate

• A portable ladder shall be prevented from slipping during use by (a) securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends; (b) an effective anti-slip or other effective stability device; or (c) any other arrangement of equivalent effectiveness (Schedule 6).

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (Regulation 4) requires that: • Work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided.

NASC

The HSE published ACOP and Guidance document, L22, ‘Safe Use of Work Equipment’, also requires that equipment must be suitable by design, construction or adaptation for the actual work it is provided to do. This means that if work equipment is adapted, it must still be suitable for its intended purpose.

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June 2021

NASC

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June 2021

AUDITS DUE TO RESUME During the pandemic, opportunities to carry out overseas manufacturing site audits in connection with the NASC CoP product audit have been seriously compromised, but it is envisaged that these audits will resume in 2022.

SERVICES TO SCAFFOLDERS The NASC’s latest funding pot has been set up to encourage more current and ex-Forces personnel to retrain as scaffolders.

Under this fund, NASC members can receive the full cost of taking an ex-Forces starter through the core CISRS Scaffolder training scheme – COTS, Part1, Part2, VQ2 and Skills tests.

Lynn Way, NASC President, said: “Through this additional Armed Forces fund, we have significantly strengthened our careers proposition to Armed Forces personnel. All ex-Forces individuals that enter the scaffolding industry through an NASC member will be eligible to receive up to £1,000 in training as before.

“Those wishing to become a scaffolder will now receive their full training – from COTS course up to and including their Part 2 qualification – for free.”

NASC full Supplier members are required to submit product for audit, where an NASC Code of Practice audit exists for that product. The Confederation regularly updates listings of compliant products on its website. The next update will be to October 1 2021.

The Armed Forces fund provides members with up to £1,000 towards non-operative training for ex-Forces employees. This can cover the cost or partial cost of one course or several shorter duration courses and can be used in full on one individual or smaller payments on several individuals.

TIMBER AND STEEL SHORTAGES

Eligible courses include IOSH, NEBOSH, first aid, SSSTS/SMSTS, estimating, design and HGV driving. Other courses will also be considered for funding.

Materials shortages are currently a major problem for the UK construction sector, and scaffolding is no exception. Sean Pike, NASC Hire, Sales, and Manufacturing Committee Chair, sits on the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) working group which deals with materials issues. He has reported that steel and timber are both in short supply, and that this is having significant repercussions for the industry.

This situation has been compounded further by logistical issues affecting the UK road transport industry, and the international shipping container sector. These issues are unlikely to be resolved before the middle of 2022.

THE COMMITTEE IS PLEASED TO WELCOME IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FROM THE CONTRACTING MEMBERSHIP. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH, WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. 12

Members can claim for employees that complete the CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS), Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and mental health first aid courses.

In total, £280,000 is available to members through these funds.

Two new purchasing guidance notes have been added to the PG suite - PG8:21 Purchasing Guidelines on Ancillary Scaffolding Components and PG9:21 Purchasing Guidelines on Scaffold Ladders.

Updated August 2021

NASC members are reminded that funding is still available to offset the cost of a variety of training courses.

They can also gain financial support for training ex-Armed Forces personnel. This funding stream has recently been expanded to cover the entire cost of taking a new recruit through scaffolder training – from COTS up to and including their Part 2 qualification.

More details below.

PRODUCT PURCHASING GUIDELINES SUITE EXPANDED

As ladders manufactured to BS EN 131-1:2015 + A1:2019 are generally unsuitable for use on scaffolding, PG9:21 provides the required specification for scaffold ladders.

FUNDING UPDATE

The NASC exhibited at a British Forces Resettlement Services careers event in Nuneaton and remains in regular correspondence with both the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and RFEA, the Forces employment charity.

NASC Training Officer Henry Annafi said: “I’m passionate about raising awareness of the opportunities in the scaffolding industry to jobseekers of all backgrounds, none more so than current Forces personnel and veterans.

“Our offer is now clearer and stronger than ever. Backed by the Scaffolding Careers website, and the many live vacancies on offer on it, we’re able to showcase the many careers open to exService personnel, the access to free training via NASC member employers and a host of current jobs.

“While the NASC is happy to serve as middleman between Forces personnel and NASC members, we’re also encouraging members to play a direct role in bringing more Service personnel into their employment. There are a variety of careers events – both in the real world and online – taking place throughout the year attended by current Service personnel and recent Service leavers looking to start a new career.

“We’ll be sharing these with members through the NASC Bulletins.”

FOR MORE ON THE NASC’S TRAINING FUNDS AND TO SUBMIT A CLAIM, VISIT THE MEMBERS’ AREA OF THE NASC WEBSITE.

PLEASE NOTE, WE ASK MEMBERS TO WAIT UNTIL OPERATIVE CARDS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED WITH COTS AND CPD TRAINING ACCREDITATIONS BEFORE THEY SUBMIT REQUESTS FOR FUNDING. 13

MEMBERS IN FOCUS

ROSE SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING LTD NASC MEMBER SINCE: 2020

COMPANY BIOG AND SPECIALISMS: Rose System Scaffolding is a privately owned scaffolding company, formed in 2017 and based in Greater Manchester. We are a 100% Layher Allround system scaffolding contractor. We provide an excellent service at competitive rates by utilising highly trained teams of Layher Allround scaffolding specialists.

QFS SCAFFOLDING LTD NASC MEMBER SINCE: 2012

CROSSWAY SCAFFOLDING (ELLAND) LTD REASON/S FOR JOINING NASC: • Audit process required by main contractors • Accreditation from premier scaffolding industry body WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM NASC MEMBERSHIP? Support & guidance notes from the industry recognised Confederation in Health & Safety, Technical & Contractual support.

COMPANY BIOG AND SPECIALISMS: QFS Scaffolding offers premier scaffolding access services across London & The South East of England Our team of industry professionals exceed expectations and push the boundaries of the scaffolding industry while adhering to the highest possible level of health and safety, meaning our projects are completed on time and within budget.

QFS offer two main types of scaffolding access equipment: traditional tube and fitting and the HAKI Universal System. QFS Scaffolding also holds an HSE Ancillary Asbestos licence for delivery of scaffolding within the specialised field.

REASON/S FOR JOINING NASC: QFS Scaffolding joined the NASC almost a decade ago. As the NASC’s objectives and QFS standards were and still are closely aligned. Knowing that we are strictly audited to ensure the highest possible standards are met is welcomed by our clients and construction industry leaders who stipulate NASC-only companies for their access and scaffolding requirements.

WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM NASC MEMBERSHIP? NASC Membership offers a host of benefits, from access to NASC funded courses like COTS and mental health first aid to in-depth technical and product guidance, not forgetting the highlight of the entire year, the NASC AGM, Ball and Awards.

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NASC MEMBER SINCE: 2004

COMPANY BIOG AND SPECIALISMS: Crossway Scaffolding has been in business for over 25 years.

We pride ourselves on teamwork throughout the business and give every opportunity for our people to progress with our training and development programmes. We are RISQS audited for working on the rail network and have delivered some of the largest scaffold projects in the industry.

REASON/S FOR JOINING NASC: To be part of the professional scaffolding community and interact with the best people and get the best advice in the industry.

WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM NASC MEMBERSHIP? We find we are shortlisted for most projects and NASC membership is now requested by a host of clients – we have just won a sizeable project because an NHS Trust insisted on using an NASC member.

BROGAN GROUP LTD NASC MEMBER SINCE: 2001

COMPANY BIOG AND SPECIALISMS: Brogan Group are among the largest specialist access companies operating in the UK, Ireland, Saudi Arabia & the UAE. We offer a mix of traditional tube & fitting and system scaffolding, as well as powered access solutions, and specialise in medium to large scale Scaffolding projects. This is supported by a strong company culture based on a reputation for performance and achievement and recognising and nurturing talent.

REASON/S FOR JOINING NASC: As members of NASC for 20 years Brogan Group believe and practice day to day the NASC philosophy of improving scaffolding safety standards and recommending good practice to keep ahead of developments in the industry.

WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM NASC MEMBERSHIP? NASC produces a wide range of industry-recognised safety & technical guidance accepted as the industry standard so it is essential to remain integrated with the latest guidance and adjust accordingly.

Membership sets us apart from other scaffold contractors and proves to clients that we adhere to the highest industry standards, allowing us to win tenders on many of the larger projects.

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NASC’S KICKSTART GATEWAY THRIVING The NASC’s Kickstart Gateway continues to go from strength to strength. We now have funding for 500 places, with 405 of these are still available.

A total of 87 NASC members – both contractors and suppliers – have signed up to the Kickstart Scheme through the NASC, committing to provide six-month work placements to out of work 18–24-year-olds.

Fifty members signed up at the launch of the scheme earlier this year, agreeing to provide scaffolding industry experience to 310 young people.

Since then, a further 37 member companies have joined the Gateway, taking the total number of placements up to 496.

Four of the initial positions were created by Ideal Scaffolding (Southern) Ltd, which welcomed Albert Richardson-Coleman, Marcus Collins, Leon Farry and Leonardo Jose Goncalves Candido to the team.

Nicola Lee, Company Secretary, said: “Although the process was slow at first, we were soon inundated with enquiries and filled our four places with ease. All our candidates were keen to start work and were genuinely excited to join a scaffolding company, having not known how to get into the industry before.

“The Kickstart Scheme has made me realise there is a wealth of young individuals keen to enter the industry and Kickstart gives them an ideal opportunity – and scaffolding Companies, large or small – to benefit from. It would be great if this was more of a longterm plan or if something similar could be introduced to make our industry even more accessible for young people.”

Millcroft Services PLC has taken on six new recruits through the NASC Kickstart Gateway and will add four more next month and two more in January 2022.

Billy Jones, Managing Director at Millcroft, said: “The Kickstart scheme is a great way to help us recruit young people who perhaps hadn’t thought about a career in the sector before.

“We need to increase diversity in the scaffolding industry and consider our future skill requirements, including digital systems and design processes, alongside core competencies such as health and safety.

“The aims of the scheme really complement what we already try to achieve with training and employee development here at Millcroft. We have our own training centre and every member of the team has a personal training and development plan.

We also have a recruitment policy that focuses on the person, not just the qualifications on their CV. So much of developing the right team is recruiting people with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and an ability to work well with others, taking pride in their role.”

Henry Annafi, NASC Training Officer, said: “Kickstart is exactly the sort of programme the scaffolding sector needs to attract more talent into the industry and develop a training culture. There is often a disconnect between perceptions of the scaffolding sector amongst young people and the diverse roles available thanks to opportunities for career development that NASC members can offer.

“I’d like to thank all 87 members for signing up to the scheme through the NASC. Through them close to 500 young people will get experience of the scaffolding industry and I am hopeful that a significant proportion of these will ‘graduate’ to full-time positions thereafter.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NASC KICKSTART SCHEME GATEWAY CONTACT HENRY ANNAFI VIA EMAIL ON HENRY.ANNAFI@NASC.ORG.UK 16

17

TRAINING UPDATE

NEW NORTH WALES TRAINING CENTRE Availability of CISRS Core Scheme training has been increased through the opening of a new training centre in Flintshire, North Wales.

The facility, operated by Fulcrum Scaffold Training & Safety Ltd, will offer a range of CISRS courses, including COTS, Part 1, Inspection and System training.

The company is hoping to add Part 2 and CPD training to this list in the coming months.

Following the temporary closure of some CISRS centres at the beginning of the year, all centres should now be fully operational.

Director, Jen Wood, said: “We have been planning this move for a while but Covid delayed things slightly, so we are extremely pleased to finally be opening our first CISRS Core Scheme Centre.

Our main aim is to provide quality training at a reasonable price.”

This temporary closure and social distancing regulations impacted on availability on some courses. However, since reopening, all centres have been working hard to catch up whilst maintaining controls to monitor and prevent the spread of the virus and availability is recovering well.

CISRS Auditor Trevor Donoghue added: “It’s great to be opening a new core scheme centre after such uncertain times. The staff and management at Fulcrum has a wealth of experience of delivering and administering CISRS training, and we wish them all the best for the future.

Employers are urged to secure renewal/upgrading bookings for any cards three to six months before expiry as usual.

“I am sure the increased capacity will be warmly welcomed by scaffolders and contractors in the region and surrounding areas.”

CISRS CENTRES BACK OPEN

CISRS APPOINTS COMPLIANCE MANAGER CISRS has strengthened its management team through the appointment of a hugely experienced scaffolding industry professional.

Tony Barry (pictured below right), who has worked in the industry for 40 years – the most recent 20 of which have been with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), takes up the position of CISRS Compliance Manager.

In this role, Tony has the primary responsibility for the development and review of course content, Scheme accreditation criteria, auditing procedure and scheme policy, ensuring that they remain high quality, cost effective and ‘fit for purpose’.

Tony is now also heavily involved with a Scaffolding Apprentice Trailblazer review. Having delivered many apprenticeship programmes over the years he will no doubt offer a unique insight into the training and assessment process.

Talking about his CISRS role, he said: “I’m relishing the opportunity to review CISRS Scheme content. Standardised training such as the CISRS Scheme helps ensure a safe working environment through continually looking to enhance the training requirements to mirror new industry innovations and development.”

CISRS Managing Director Dave Mosley said: “Myself, the Directors and the CISRS staff are really pleased to have Tony on the team.

He has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience which will be a massive boost to CISRS. “He has really hit the ground running, currently revising the CISRS Training modules to reflect the changes to TG20. There is plenty more to come with course content and scheme accreditation reviews in the pipeline.

“We know he will bring the same enthusiasm, professionalism and rigour to CISRS as he that he has shown in his various roles at CITB in the last 20 years.”

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19

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE UPDATE

NEW TECHNICAL GUIDANCE The Technical Committee has been hard at work on TG20:21 since the software was released in April. (See page 10 for more).

The Guides have been issued as well as a short PowerPoint training presentation (downloadable from the NASC website), which provides information for scaffolders regarding the principal changes from TG20:13.

The TG20:21 Working Group has also been working through comments and suggestions made by users. Many amendments and improvements have been made to the Operational and Design Guides as a result of this feedback.

The Working Group will now turn its attention to liaising with CADS to prioritise improvements and expansions of the TG20:21 software.

Other guidance notes, which will soon be available, include the folllowing:

TG8:21 FIRE DAMAGE The NASC is often asked if scaffolding equipment that has been exposed to excessive heat, such as during a building fire, can be safely re-used. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question as a great deal depends upon the temperature generated by the fire, the time the equipment was exposed to that temperature and the type and grades of materials that were used to manufacture the equipment.

Some components, such as those manufactured from timber, plastic or GRP will display significant damage at relatively low temperatures and should be immediately discarded. At higher temperatures, the strength of most metals decreases and this can often have a permanent effect on their strength when they return to normal temperatures.

TG25 SCAFFOLD TUBE STORAGE RACKS Scaffold tube storage racks are a common feature of every scaffolding contractor’s yard and many long-term live sites. Whilst tube racks are usually constructed as basic birdcage-like structures, they generally support many tonnes of equipment, so their design needs special consideration.

This guidance note therefore considers the design, use and maintenance of scaffold tube storage racks.

A ‘typical’ generic design for an unclad scaffold tube rack is included within this guidance, which can be used in place of a bespoke design in all but the most exposed areas of the UK. The Technical Committee continues to produce industry-leading guidance. Topics for the review and development of future guidance notes include: • Guide to the Design and Construction of Temporary Roofs and Buildings • Fire Retardant Treatments for Timber Scaffold Boards and Battens • The Management of Temporary Works to BS 5975 • Identification of EN74-1 Couplers • The Lacing and Bracing of Beams • Non standard Boarded Platforms • Scaffold Board Nailplates • Anchoring to the Ground • Edge Protection

Another critical factor is how rapidly the material is cooled from the high temperature. Cold water used to extinguish the fire could result in rapid cooling, leading to the material becoming brittle.

TG8:21 was therefore produced to explain the potential issues and the action to be taken if such equipment has been subjected to a fire or conditions of extreme heat

TG16:21 ANCHORING TO THE GROUND

BRITISH AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS

Many free-standing scaffolding structures, such as access towers, lighting towers, major signboards, power line crossings, fences and enclosures, need to be anchored to the ground, primarily to resist wind forces. This can provide substantial cost savings over other methods of restraint, such as fitting large buttresses and the use of ballast.

The NASC continues to serve as the UK scaffolding industry representative on a number of international scaffolding bodies.

TG16 provides guidance on the requirements of ground anchorage and factors of safety which should be adopted.

This document has been reviewed and updated to include additional information regarding hazards due to underground services, installation information, connections, and anchors in concrete. It also includes information regarding additional types of ground anchors which are now available.

20

The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) have created a working group to produce a ‘core standard’ for scaffolding and access. This will combine current temporary works related codes such as EN 12810, 12811, 12812 and 13374, to form an over-arching standard which would remove any currently existing anomalies.

Whilst this is a huge undertaking which could take a number of years to complete, work is now underway and the first meeting of the working group has taken place to agree the scope.

The periodical review of EN74 parts 1 and 2 (Scaffold Couplers) has now been completed and revised documents are expected to be published later this year.

Work currently being undertaken by the British Standards Institution (BSI) includes the review of BS 1139-2.2 - Metal scaffolding.

Couplers and fittings. Couplers and fittings outside the scope of BS EN 74, BS EN 13374 - Temporary Edge Protection Systems and BS 13700 - Permanent Counterweighted Guardrail Systems.

21

CONTRACTS COMMITTEE GUIDANCE UPDATE The Contracts Committee has enjoyed a productive Spring and Summer, with a number of updated guidance notes completed.

Revised versions of CG16:21 Employment Contracts and CG23:21 Training Costs Agreements were issued in July.

In CG16:21, both the introduction and the basic example Statement of Particulars of Main terms of Employment have been updated to highlight changes arising from legislation effective April 2020. Employers now have to provide additional information to employees on their terms and conditions of service.

CG23:21 has an added reference reminding members that since April 2020 employers are required to notify additional information on certain terms of service to employees. One such item is information regarding the training provided by the employer which would include training cost agreements.

This guidance note should be read in conjunction with the updated CG16:21 Employment Contracts.

CG21:21 An Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks was issued last month (August). This new guidance gives members help and assistance when taking on new operatives and reflects the latest rules and regulations following Brexit changes which came into force on July 1 2021.

Committee member Ian Fyall said: “The development of CG21 was quite challenging, with sections regularly replaced and amended to bring it in line with ever-changing Government guidance. We hope this guidance will help businesses when it comes to employing staff from overseas.

“While this seems daunting, it’s actually fairly straightforward once you’ve mastered the process.”

Next revised NASC contractual guidance note is CG18:21 Daywork, which is currently in progress. This should be issued in September.

CG17:21 Commercial Checklist for Scaffolding Contractors has replaced CG17:09 Commercial Pitfalls for the Scaffolding Contractor.

Matthew Cousins, Contracts Committee Chair, said: “CG17:21 provides a comprehensive list of areas for businesses to focus on through every stage of contract scaffolding, from tender to final account. This gives contractors a quick and easy audit process to follow, helping to improve project management on jobs both large and small.

“By including not only legal and commercial questions, but also some emotive ones, we hope to capture not only the usual processes, but also a way of recording the gut feelings and instincts which all scaffold contractors rely on every day.”

R&D CLAIMS WARNING

BY LIZ BRIDGE, JOINT TAXATION COMMITTEE A firm has had severe financial difficulties because an R&D claim that was repaid to it last year has been investigated and found to be unacceptable to HMRC. The firm was originally approached by a business claiming to be tax experts in the field of R&D claims.

A claim was drawn up and submitted by them and a large repayment was generated of which 25% was paid to the tax specialists as a fee. When a year later HMRC enquired further, they asked for a full repayment of the claim, plus interest and penalties.

Your ordinary accountants can generally tell whether you do the sort of work which will qualify for an R&D claim. Do not believe the promises of ‘tax experts’ who will say things like ‘this has been approved by HMRC’, or ‘we have the opinion of a QC in chambers that this works’.

They do not accept or agree them in any shape or form. They simply tax you based on the presumption what you have said is true. If, when they enquire further, what they find shows that they have been misinformed, the whole system of tax underdeclared, interest and penalties come into play.

If you put in a claim for R&D allowances, make sure you read it yourself and understand it, and you are confident that it is true and is not, to put it politely, a work of fiction. HMRC know very well the names of the firms that they have seen making false claims.

They also know that very few active construction businesses do research and development within the meaning of the legislation.

So please be careful.

None of these claims are worth a penny in the face of a challenge

by HMRC. In this country our tax system is one of ‘self-assessment’.

This means that you give your figures of profit and loss to HMRC and any claims for extra allowances, and they put out a bill based on your figures.

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23

EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS

BY GRAY RIGGE, G & E SERVICES (UK) LTD

The NASC is a member of the Construction Industry Joint Council Employers Group. The review of national minimum wages and conditions under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement, which was postponed from last year, took place this year and the changes were effective from 28th June 2021. Full details of the new national minimum rates and other matters agreed are set out in the Promulgation which is available for Members on the NASC website.

Following the above review an updated edition of the CIJC Working Rule Agreement is in production and is planned to be available at the end of summer. The update will include changes arising from legislation, matters agreed since the last edition in August 2018 and the settlement detail from June this year.

As with previous new editions, the NASC will provide a courtesy hard copy to Members and display an electronic copy in the Members’ Area of the website. Additional copies of both versions will be available to purchase direct from Construction Industry Publications Ltd. The CIJC Employers Group has been exploring ways to improve access to and communication with their construction employers.

As a step forward, in July this year the Employers Group launched their own website, view www.cijcemployers.co.uk for the latest news and updates.

The number of employees on furlough continues to fall, however the latest statistics, still show over 150,000 people in the construction sector on furlough. With the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) ending this month (September) it may be that some employers will be considering redundancy.

Returning to Coronavirus and the degree of support being given by employers to the vaccine rollout, ACAS sponsored a survey of 2,000 business. The findings indicate that employers concerned about protecting their employees and minimising disruption to critical business services through employees away with Covid-19 or self-isolating, encourage employees to get vaccinated.

Although not legally required, more than 50% of respondents gave paid time in the working day to go to be vaccinated. In the event of side effects of a vaccination preventing attendance at work time lost was also paid.

The guidance that workers should work from home where they can has been removed, however the legacy is likely to significantly change the world of work for some occupations.

A report is awaited from a government task force looking at Flexible Working. Surveys indicate that 74% of employers take the view that hybrid working, at some level of split time, is here to stay.

As employers have had to help employees set up and become proficient at working remotely the feedback is that the ‘digital transformation’ has jumped forward. These changes and outcomes achieved have been made as a response to an emergency.

For the future where working remotely follows a planned decision then certain areas are likely to need further examination, as examples, the remote working environment, security and data protection, health & safety risk assessment, opportunities for training and promotion and any effect on pay and benefit structures.

Apart from employers requiring some time to be worked from home, surveys suggest that there is expected to be an increase in employees requesting some level of flexible working.

If such a situation arises it is important that a proper selection for redundancy procedure is considered and followed. Just being on furlough may, in many instances, be insufficient to be a fair selection for redundancy.

The Government is proposing to bring forward new legislation following responses to the completed consultation on harassment in the workplace. The intention is to ‘motivate employers to make improvements to workplace practices and culture.’

Employers already have legal obligations under the Equality Act. These new proposals are an extension and include a statutory code of practice on how to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and introducing a ‘preventative duty’ to ‘take all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment at work.

This duty will include harassment originating from third parties such as suppliers and customers.

MR Scaffolding Services Ltd

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25

GUIDANCE INDEX SAFETY GUIDANCE GUIDANCE NUMBER

PUBLICATION DATE

TITLE

SG2

17

Asbestos Licences and Ancillary Work Involving the Scaffolding Contractor (UR)

SG1 SG3 SG4 SG5 SG6 SG7 SG8 SG9

SG10 SG11 SG12 SG13 SG14 SG15 SG16 SG17 SG18 SG19 SG20 SG21 SG22 SG23 SG24 SG25 SG26 SG27 SG28 SG29 SG30 SG31 SG32 SG33 SG34 SG35 SG36 SG37 SG38 SG39 SG40 SG41

(UR) = Under Review

14

Control of Substance Hazardous to Health in Scaffolding (COSHH) (UR)

21

Asbestos Awareness for the Scaffolding Contractor

15 18 15 19 17 21 19 15

N/A 17

N/A 17 14

N/A 14 17 19 17 17

N/A N/A 20 14 09 17 17 17 20 17 14 17 11 18 18 19 21 20 20

Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations (UR)

Overhead Power Sources and Earthing of Scaffold Structures Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry Risk Assessments & Method Statements

Reporting of Accidents Procedure and RIDDOR

Use, Inspection and Maintenance of Lifting Equipment […] in the Scaffolding Industry Use of Brickguards Noise (UR)

Document not in system

Health Surveillance in Scaffolding

Document not in system – for information about Safety Nets refer to FASET Drugs and Alcohol at Work

Management of Fall Protection Equipment (UR) Document incorporated in SG16

Welfare Facilities for the Scaffolding Contractor (UR) A Guide to Formulating a Rescue Plan

Consultation & Participation with the Workforce Entry into Confined Spaces Induction Training

Document not in system

Document now incorporated in SG7

Access and Egress from Scaffolds (UR) Scaffolding & Hoists (UR)

Temporary Edge Protection on Open Steelwork (UR)

Safe System of Work for Scaffolding Associated with Timber Frame Building Construction Internal Edge Protection on Scaffold Platforms

Management of Road Haulage for the Scaffolding Contractor Management of Slips and Trips

Provision of Extended and Telescopic Transoms and Board Brackets

Guide to the Construction of Scaffold Loading Bays and Loadbearing Platforms (UR) Guidance on Protection of the Public

Handover of Scaffold Structures (UR)

Unauthorised Modifications to Scaffolds Effective Supervision

Guidance on Mental Health & Wellbeing

Guidance on Appointing a Scaffolding Contractor Scaffolding Yard Operations

Long Standing Scaffolding Structures

Tubes Scaffolding Ltd

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27

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

PRODUCT GUIDANCE

GUIDANCE NUMBER

PUBLICATION DATE

TITLE

TG2

N/A

No longer used

TG1 TG3 TG4 TG5 TG6 TG7 TG8 TG9

TG10 TG11 TG12 TG13 TG14 TG15 TG16 TG17 TG18 TG19 TG20 TG21 TG22 TG23 TG24 TG25

(UR) = Under Review

TBC

Temporary Edge Protection for Sloping and Flat Roofs (UR)

19

Erection, Use and Dismantling of Temporary Rubbish Chutes on Scaffolding (UR)

19 18 17 15 21 18 14 20 17 16 20

N/A 14 15

N/A N/A 21 20

TBC TBC 20 21

Anchorage Systems for Scaffolding Timber scaffold boards

Care and Maintenance of Scaffold Boards Scaffold Board Nailplates (UR) Fire Damage

Guide to the Design and Construction of Temporary Roofs and Buildings

Flame Retardant Treatments for Timber Scaffold Boards and Battens (UR)

CG8 CG9

CG10 CG11 CG12 CG13 CG14 CG15 CG16 CG17 CG18 CG19 CG20 CG21 CG22 CG23 CG24

CG25

(UR) = Under Review

28

17 17 17 19 18 18 20 21 21 09 18 20 21 20 21

TBC TBC

PG9

21 21

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 12810_11 System Scaffold

Purchasing Guidelines for Prefabricated Structural Transom Units Purchasing Guidelines for Ancillary Scaffolding Components Purchasing Guidelines for Scaffold Ladders

A Guide to Commissioning Scaffold Design

Design of Part Boarded and Other Scaffolds (Not Referred to Elsewhere) Lacing and Bracing of Beams

Scaffold products not Covered by Standards (UR) Scaffold Tube Storage Racks

Programmes

18

PG8

21

Purchasing Guidelines for Aluminium Beams

Guide to Good Practice for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding

18

17

PG7

18

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 74-1 Couplers

No longer used

Set-Off

CG7

PG6

18

No longer used

Pavement Licences

20

PG5

Purchasing Guidelines for BS 2482_2009 Timber Boards

18

Identification of BS EN74 Scaffold Fittings (UR)

18

CG6

PG4

18

Anchoring to the Ground (UR)

18

19

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 10219-1_2006 High Tensile Tube (3.2mm)

PG3

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 39_2001 Tube (4.0mm)

No longer used

CG2

CG5

18

18

Supplementary Couplers and Check Couplers (UR)

TITLE

N/A

PG2

PG1

Non-Standard Boarded Platform

PUBLICATION DATE

CG4

TITLE

Tying Down of Scaffold Boards

GUIDANCE NUMBER

CG3

PUBLICATION DATE

Stress Corrosion Cracking in High Tensile and Alloy Steels (UR)

CONTRACTUAL GUIDANCE CG1

GUIDANCE NUMBER

ASSET PROTECTION GUIDANCE GUIDANCE NUMBER APG1

PUBLICATION DATE 21

TITLE Asset Protection for the Scaffolding Industry

Document not in system

Contractual Issues Relating to Hiring of Hoists Scaffolding Design

Late Payment of Commercial Debts Preparation of Quotations

Payment Under the Construction Act

Adjudication – Its use by the Sub-contractor Preparation of Schedule of Rates Contract Clauses

Pre-Tender Information from client Pre-Contract Meetings NEC3

Employment Contracts

Commercial Checklist for Scaffolding Contractors Daywork (UR)

Liquidated and Ascertained Damages

A Guide to Monitoring and Chasing Debt (UR)

An Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks Early Payment Schemes

Training Costs Agreements Guide to Staff Handbook

Common Contract Terminology

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TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH HEAD ON MATT HARTILL WAS ONE STEP AWAY FROM TAKING HIS OWN LIFE Working as a scaffolder for Lyndon SGB, Matt had been struggling in silence with mental health issues and depression and had been planning his suicide.

“I was stood at height and ready to stop the pain,” he recalls.

“I didn’t take that step and was able to turn my life around thanks in part to the mental health assistance provided by Lyndon SGB.” Matt’s colleague Ian Hines, who himself had suffered with poor mental health, was at that time the lead of the mental health team.

Through a network of first aiders, Ian was made aware that Matt was not himself and reached out to him to offer support.

Both Ian and Matt now lead Lyndon SGB’s dedicated, in-house mental health team, delivering mental health first aid training to employees in all areas of the business as well as customers such as Lendlease, Balfour Beatty and Willmott Dixon, and KIER To date they have trained more than 200 mental health first aiders and have been recognised by MHFA England themselves for the work they are doing within in the construction industry where we lose two people daily to suicide.

Ian said: “I’m really grateful to have the full support of Lyndon SGB and the senior management team all who incidentally have all attended the course with glowing feedback and a very different stance to mental health.

“THE COMPANY IS WALKING THE WALK, NOT JUST TALKING THE TALK, AND NOT JUST TO OUR OWN EMPLOYEES, BUT TO THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. OUR MESSAGE IS “IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK”.

The pair also provide mental health training through the not-forprofit Mental Health First Services community interest company that was set up to make this training accessible to those who are not able to afford it.

They have trained volunteers from CHANGES UK rehabilitation and “let’s feed Brum” outworkers who feed the homeless in Birmingham and are often at the frontline of mental health within the community.

NASC members can claim up to £125 per employee (max of 15) towards mental health first aid training courses conducted by Mental Health First Services, and a host of other providers, through the NASC’s £30,000 mental health first aid training fund.

Matt said: “I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues and removing the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking the support they need. By sharing our own experiences of poor mental health and providing people with practical support and guidance we’ve been able to help guide people to the appropriate professional support when they may not have either had the information or strength to tackle mental ill health.

“Sadly, it’s still the case that two UK construction workers every day die by taking their own life. As long as people in the industry continue to feel they can’t talk about their mental health, we will continue to lose fathers, sons, mothers, daughters etc every day.”

Both Ian and Matt sit on the suicide advisory group for the West Midlands and are two of only 8,000 ASIST accredited instructors allowed to deliver suicide prevention (intervention courses), another initiative designed by Lyndon SGB and Mental Health First Services to reduce suicide.

Matt said: “Both Ian and I know first-hand that there’s a better way forward and that’s the message we want to get out as far and wide as possible. There is help out there and with the help of NASC helping with funding we can tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.”

MENTAL HEALTH LINKS

FOR MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH FIRST SERVICES VISIT WWW.MENTALHEALTHFIRSTSERVICES.CO.UK

FOR MORE ON THE NASC’S MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING FUND AND TO SUBMIT A CLAIM LOG IN TO THE MEMBERS’ AREA OF THE WEBSITE AND THEN SELECT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FROM THE TRAINING FUNDS DROP DOWN MENU 30

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NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION WWW.NASC.ORG.UK