Industry News FRAGILE ROOF FALLS HIGH ON SAFETY LIST The Building Safety Group (BSG) has reported a 13% rise in the number of ‘Working at Height’ safety breaches recorded on construction sites. The increase is based on 10,000 site inspections conducted during the first six months of <strong>2018</strong>, comparing Q1 with Q2. BSG’s figure is also a reflection of the steep increase in fatalities resulting from workers falling from height. Statistics published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show there were 35 ‘falling from height’ related deaths in 2017/18, up 40% compared to the previous year. Falls through fragile surfaces – particularly fibre cement roofs and rooflights – are said to account for the majority all ‘fall from height’ fatal injuries in the construction industry. Workers undertaking roof work and building maintenance can die or be permanently disabled when they fall through fragile surfaces. Paul Kimpton, Managing Director at the Building Safety Group, commented: “Employers have a legal duty to ensure that the ‘Work at Height Regulations 2005’ are implemented and that all activity is properly supervised and carried out by people who are competent. They are also responsible for ensuring that fall protection systems for Working at Height are regularly inspected, particularly when working in hazardous environments.” REGISTER NOW FOR CONTRACTOR’S DAY! Registration is now open for Contractor’s Day, into this and perhaps overcome issues on a the new one-day exhibition and conference project, find the right product, material or tool for launched by the NFRC and Total Contractor a certain job, or network and make positive magazine, which will be held at Twickenham relationships for the future.” Stadium on 30th November <strong>2018</strong>. Matt Downs, Editorial Director of Total Contractor, Andy Dunn, Publishing Director at Total Contractor continued: “Time is precious for roofing magazine, explained: “Following the launch of the contractors and for many finding the time to website, contractors can now register for their source new products and keep up to date with the free tickets to Contractor’s Day. The event is a latest developments whilst dealing with work great opportunity for contractors to see more than commitments can be difficult. That’s why 60 of the leading manufacturers, suppliers and Contractor’s Day has brought together the leading Associations from the roofing, cladding and manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations insulation sectors in one fantastic venue. for one day only in a great venue so visitors can access them all in one morning or afternoon.” “Visitors will also have the opportunity to listen to and take part in interesting debates and seminars, Contractor’s Day recently announced SIG Roofing get an exclusive update on the NFRC’s long-term as Knowledge Partner, Marley Eternit as Event accreditation push for the roofing sector, plus get Supporter and BMI Group as Skill Zone Partner, as involved with the BMI Group Skill Zone.” well as a number of new exhibitors including Carlisle Construction Materials, Danosa UK, Andy continued: “The demand for this type of Kingspan Group, Construction Materials Online, event within the roofing and cladding sector has Rockwool Group, SIGA Slate, Permavent, been highlighted by the speed that the stands Whitesales, Yeoman Rainguard, the Single Ply have sold and the number and quality of Roofing Association, the Lead Sheet Training exhibitors and show supporters we have onboard. Association and the Liquid Roofing and All these leading names from the roofing and Waterproofing Association. cladding sectors will be bringing their latest products and innovations alongside their knowhow and expertise, and visitors will be able to tap Find out more and register to visit at: www.contractorsday.co.uk COMPANIES FINED AFTER WORKER FALL Two companies have been fined more than half a Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and million pounds after a site worker lost the use of Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined his legs following an incident in London. £270,000 and ordered to pay £7,025.98 in costs. Paul added: “Critically, falls from height are still one of the most common causes of injuries to employees, accounting for a large number of work-place deaths. So employers must of course take their responsibilities very seriously, not least because of the potential harm to workers but also because of the risk to the business as well as the number of working days lost.” Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 5th November 2015, Mr Marcel Păduraru, a Romanian construction worker, fell onto and then through a fragile plastic skylight into a basement over three metres below. He suffered a severed spine and will not regain the use of his legs. He was 30 years old at the time of the incident. Grangewood Builders Limited of Lionel Road, Canvey Island, Essex pleaded guilty to breaching Trenchco Limited of Clewer Crescent, Harrow Weald, Middlesex pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £270,000 and ordered to pay £7,025.98 in costs. HSE inspector Andrew Verrall-Withers commented: “The risks relating to fragile skylights being fallen through and the simple solutions to avoid this are well known.” 6 TC AUGUST <strong>2018</strong>
DON’T MISS OUT – 85% SOLD, SECURE YOUR STAND NOW! A cost-effective platform to engage with hundreds of roofing and cladding contractors in one day! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAND CONTACT ANDY DUNN andydunn@media-now.co.uk SPONSORS JAKE ROXBOROUGH jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk 01892 732047 | www.contractorsday.co.uk DELIVERED TO YOU BY
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