Construction National

CDM Regulations 2015: HSE - you cannot be serious!

Surely the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) cannot be serious about issuing revised CDM Regulations in 2015 that are seriously flawed and will have a detrimental effect on the number of fatal and serious injuries in the building industry.

The HSE issued a draft of the proposed new regulations with a consultation document earlier this year and they have reviewed the submissions that they received. Their latest proposals make little sense and will produce unsatisfactory regulations.

Read more: CDM Regulations 2015: HSE - you cannot be serious!

Born To Build campaign gets off to a promising start

A week after its launch, the ‘Born To Build’ campaign has attracted over 1000 views to its campaign launch video, 1700 unique users to its website and over 1100 tweets of support from construction, careers and educational stakeholders.

The campaign’s focus on successful young professionals, who tell their own story of working in construction through blogs, video diaries and daily tweeting has been heralded as fresh and relevant but there is much work still to do. 

Read more: Born To Build campaign gets off to a promising start

First sites announced for Open Doors Weekend 2015

The UK Contractors Group (UKCG) is pleased to announce the first sites to register to participate in Open Doors Weekend 2015 (on 6th and 7th March 2015). These are the VINCI Technology Centre and the VINCI ‘Bexhill to Hastings link road’ project.

Open Doors gives young people, their parents and local communities an opportunity to visit major construction sites and see what happens on a modern construction project. It is also a chance for young people in particular to learn more about the range of careers the industry has to offer.

Read more: First sites announced for Open Doors Weekend 2015

XSPlatforms now a PASMA recognised manufacturer

XSPlatforms has become a manufacturing member of the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA). As the lead trade organisation for mobile access in the United Kingdom, PASMA ensures that the products' level of safety and quality is represented.

Read more: XSPlatforms now a PASMA recognised manufacturer

Sussex Property Alliance gives overwhelming support to Gatwick bid

The Sussex Property Alliance’s September meeting saw Alison Addy and Emma Rees from Gatwick Airport updating members on the bid for a second runway at Gatwick which, along with competing proposals from Heathrow, is presently being considered by Sir Howard Davies, the chair of the Airports Commission for a decision post next year’s election.

Alison, the Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Manager on the Airports Commission Project Team, gave a fascinating insight into Gatwick’s plans before taking part in a Q&A with her colleague Emma Rees, Head of Real Estate and Surface Transport at the airport.

Read more: Sussex Property Alliance gives overwhelming support to Gatwick bid

Extending the global potential for coil pipe trailers

In September, the eagerly anticipated HyPower 500 debuted at the No-Dig Live 2014. Demand drove the design of the HyPower 500 and interest prior to the unveiling had been extensive, following the exhibition it can only be described as unprecedented. Pipe Trailers Ltd, the designer and manufacturer of the HyPower 500, is urging potential purchasers to order now as delivery dates for 2014 are now limited.

Read more: Extending the global potential for coil pipe trailers

NASC launches TG20:13 Supplement 1 and EGuide software update

The NASC has updated its TG20:13 good practice guidance for tube and fitting scaffolding with a new document entitled Supplement 1. This document is available now for download from the NASC website as a PDF and is accompanied by an eGuide software update entitled Version 1.1.

Read more: NASC launches TG20:13 Supplement 1 and EGuide software update

Green Port backs Precision Drilling’s renewables investment

Specialist contractor Precision Drilling has continued its investment programme, with a focus on the renewables sector.

The Hull-based company has been supported by Green Port Growth to gain a key national health and safety accreditation and to help train new employees.

Read more: Green Port backs Precision Drilling’s renewables investment

National clampdown targets industry’s poor health record

‘Health as well as safety’ will be the message as poor standards and unsafe work on Britain’s building sites are targeted as part of a nationwide drive  aimed at reducing ill health, death and injury in the industry.

During the month long initiative, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will carry out unannounced visits to sites where refurbishment projects or repair works are underway.

Read more: National clampdown targets industry’s poor health record

NASC welcomes publication of revised HSE Scaffold Checklist

The NASC has welcomed the publication of the recently amended ‘HSE Scaffold Checklist’. The document is intended to clarify when scaffold design is required, and the level of training and competence which those erecting, inspecting and supervising the erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding are expected to have.

Information and advice contained within the revised document relates to all types of scaffolding structures. All key areas have been covered, including planning, client/user responsibilities, design information requirements, competence and supervision of operatives, inspection of scaffold structures, and the requirement for adequate fall prevention measures.

Read more: NASC welcomes publication of revised HSE Scaffold Checklist