Across the scaffolding industry, the number of accidents and injuries fell to an all-time low in 2019. This is according to the NASC, with just 74 incidents reported throughout the calendar year. Explaining the NASC Safety Report These figures were released in the NASC 2020 Safety Report, a document which analyses accident and injury stats for all members, which encompasses 17,000 scaffolding operatives in the UK. Another fantastic statistic revealed that 99% of NASC member-employed operatives went through the whole of 2019 injury-free. For the seventh year in a row, there was also no operative fatalities. The 74 incidents equate to one injury for every 230 operatives, a significant improvement on last year’s one injury for every 150 operatives. From the total incidents, 13 were recorded as major (meaning they required hospital treatment) with the rest recorded as over 7-days. Both of these figures were also the lowest on record. Slips, trips and falls accounted for the majority of reported incidents – 28 in total. This is now the 15th year in a row that slips, trips and falls have been the main cause of injury to operatives. This accounts for 21% of injuries in 2019. Lynn Way, NASC President commented, “The 2020 Safety Report demonstrates in no uncertain terms that NASC members are incredibly safe, and justifies the decision taken by an increasing number of main contractors to specify NASC-only for their scaffolding requirements.” The Safest Scaffolding in Derby Our first priority here at Network Scaffold is the safety of both our staff, on-site workers and members of the public – dependant on the type of job. This is why our Health and Safety Policy is so robust, encompassing – Compliance with the latest laws and regulations Effective communication relating to safety on-site Collaboration with customers and suppliers to ensure jobs are delivered safely Constant re-assessment of our procedures to adapt to new site practices We also support any worker who refuses to work on a site due to poor health and safety Network Scaffold is the leading provider of scaffolding in Derby; if you would like to know more about our services please contact us...
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New guidance has been released to scaffolders with changes to working practices due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Information from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy covers all those working outdoors and managing outdoor working environments (such as scaffolding). The intention is to give workers enough freedom within a practical framework to complete their work during the pandemic. Network Scaffold has been extremely strict with our working practices since the Coronavirus swept across the country. We will always look to complete our work in the safest environment for all involved; whilst adhering to social distancing techniques. Coronavirus Testing Available for Construction Workers The UK government has revealed that millions of more people are now eligible for Coronavirus tests, including construction workers. At this stage, tests are only intended for those showing symptoms of the virus. An expansion in testing has been made possible because of the introduction of home-testing kits. Mobile units are also been employed; staffed by the armed forces. Construction workers are able to book a test on the government’s test-booking website. 10 New Steps for Safety On-Site Here are ten simple steps that have been introduced to help keep construction workers safe and able to do their jobs. Regular updates on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace Make sure all contact numbers and emergency contact details are fully up to date Ensure managers can spot symptoms of coronavirus and know the actions they need to take Operatives are wearing gloves when handling materials and equipment Wash stations are provided with hot water and soap Encourage all staff to wash their hands regularly Schedule break times to reduce the number of people together in canteens at one time Avoid using shared pens when signing in and out of sites Wash or sanitise hands after the use of biometric sign-in. Provide hand sanitiser and tissues for workers Order Your Scaffolding from Network Scaffold Today We understand that working practices are changing in these unprecedented times but if require scaffolding for your project please contact us today. Network Scaffold provides scaffolding for customers across Derby, Nottingham and...
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Scaffolding inspections are an integral part of ensuring the work being conducted is safe and adheres to industry standards. Here at Network Scaffold, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of our team, other workers and the general public (depending on the location of the site). For our latest blog, we are going to talk about workers who can undertake scaffold inspections. The Importance of Qualified Scaffolding Inspectors Legislation states that anyone carrying out inspections must be competent, meaning the person must have the necessary training, knowledge and experience. As a minimum, they should have one of the following qualifications – 1. A Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) cardholder, provided their employer demonstrates necessary knowledge and experience. 2. A CISRS Advanced Scaffolder cardholder, again provided their employer demonstrates sufficient knowledge and experience. 3. A CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor cardholder, plus if the person also holds the Advanced Scaffolders card they are deemed competent to inspect advanced structures. 4. A person who has taken the Basic Scaffold Inspection Course, and can demonstrate the necessary knowledge and experience from the course. 5. A person who has taken the Advanced Scaffold Inspection Course, and again shows sufficient knowledge and experience gained from the course. 6. Persons required to carry out inspections of System Scaffolds must have their card endorsed with the product selected plus attending the basic scaffold inspection course and attend an approved product training course for the specific system scaffold required. Speak to the Scaffold Specialists Today If you require scaffolding for your next project, look no further than Network Scaffold; the leading provider in Derby and the surrounding areas. Network Scaffold can also provide alloy towers, edge protection and access scaffolding for both domestic and commercial projects. If you have any more questions about scaffolding, please contact us or visit our FAQ page to see if answers are already provided on this...
Read Moreabout Who is Competent for Scaffold Inspections?
In the wake of the COVOD-19 pandemic, new guidelines have been released from the Scaffolding Association regarding risk assessments and site inspections. As an associated member of the Scaffolding Association, Network Scaffold are adhering to new measures put in place to maintain social distancing and keep our workforce and the general public safe. The Importance of Risk Assessments A risk assessment is a key element to determining the frequency of periodic inspections and identifying scaffolds that may be at most risk from adverse weather. Here are some points that should be considered for risk assessments on low risk and high-risk sites – Low-Risk Sites This type of site is usually self-contained with a low risk of the scaffold structure being compromised or components falling outside of the site boundary. Examples include – Site using scaffold that is less than 10 metres in height Sites with fencing or hoarding where the scaffold is not adjacent to the boundary A commercial site where the business operations have ceased High-Risk Sites This type of site will be situated in the public domain, or are self-contained with the scaffold structure at high risk of being compromised or components falling outside of the site boundary. Here are four examples to note – Sites with scaffold over 10 metres in height A site using sheeted scaffolds or temporary roofs Sites adjacent to highways, transport areas or utilities A commercial site where the business operations continue to function How to Undertake Scaffolding Inspections The Government is currently advising that people, except for essential workers, to stay at home because of the direct risk to life from COVOD-19. Where undertaking an inspection is necessary, guidelines should be considered and implemented. Before attending site for inspections, you will need to have the following in place – The correct contact details of the Client or Principal Contractor Arrangements for gaining safe access to the site Suitable lone working procedures for the Scaffold Inspector COVOD-19 risk assessment for the Scaffold Inspector COVOD-19 risk assessment for any individuals required to carry out necessary remedial works Want to Know More? Contact Us Today If you have any more questions about scaffolding services provided by Network Scaffold, please get in touch...
Read Moreabout Guidance for Scaffold Inspections and Risk Assessments
The Coronavirus has had a significant impact on businesses, affecting operations, supply chains, customer engagement and service. Here at Network Scaffold, we understand the challenges this has created in the scaffolding sector, with regards to protecting workers and the general public. Recently the Scaffolding Association has released guidelines to help scaffolding firms handle this tricky situation, whilst continuing to provide a vital service to clients. For our latest blog, we are going to focus on the guidance for on-site workers plus the necessary PPE equipment that will be made available. Coronavirus – Working Onsite for Scaffolders The health and safety requirements must not be compromised and if the scaffolding task cannot be undertaken safely then it should not take place. According to the Scaffolding Association, the following measures should be considered when employees are undertaking necessary work onsite – Planning work to minimise contact with other site users, which could include altering shift patterns or restricting access to work areas. Complying with social distancing measures and keeping 2 metres apart. While working on scaffolding this would equate to being approximately one bay apart vertically or every other life horizontally. Using stairs in preference to lifts Use your own tools and equipment Canteens will not be operating as normal, with breaks staggered with employees bringing their own prepared meals and drinks whilst adhering to social distancing measures. Soap and water should be easily accessible and where not possible, hand sanitiser. Sufficient waste bins for handtowels, which should be regularly removed and disposed of. Keeping a sufficient supply of additional soap, hand sanitiser and paper towels Personal Protective Equipment Onsite Guidelines When Personal Protective Equipment is provided for employees, the following measures need to be implemented – Gloves should be considered a minimum precaution Where RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) is prescribed the user should have this face fit tested Re-usable PPE requires a thorough clean after use and must not be shared with other workers Single-use PPE should be disposed of to ensure it is not reused Got any Questions? Get in Touch If you have any questions about our scaffolding services, please contact Network Scaffold...
Read Moreabout Coronavirus Guidelines for Scaffolding Firms ExplainedAs the Coronavirus continues to spread all over the world, we need to look at how it could potentially impact the scaffolding sector. There have been thousands of cases reported worldwide, with 596 cases confirmed in the UK at the time of writing this post. Although drastic measures such as closing schools, cancelling events, banning large public gatherings and working from home have been mentioned – this simply isn’t possible within the scaffolding and wider construction industry. Reports have suggested that up to 80% of workers could be unable to work during the forthcoming weeks of the outbreak. Evidence has shown the COVID-19 virus is already present in the industry after EDF reported that one of its workers on Hinckley Point C where two nuclear reactors are being built, has contracted Coronavirus. The latest advice from the UK Government is that workers with symptoms of COVOD-19 are advised to self-isolate for two weeks. The Impact on the Supply Chain Supply chains could be impacted with some scaffolding materials like tube and fittings imported by some providers, from the virus’ country of origin – China. For Network Scaffold, and its employees it is very much business as usual unless we communicate otherwise. Advice on Avoiding Coronavirus The NHS has suggested the following measures to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus – • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds. • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work. • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. • Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards. • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. Contact Us for More Information If you have any questions about our scaffolding services, please get in touch today. Network Scaffold offer scaffolding, access scaffolding, edge protection and alloy towers for projects right across Derbyshire and the surrounding...
Read Moreabout The Impact of Coronavirus on the Scaffolding Industry