Hodgson Sayers
Working at Height: Tackling roofing challenges at Wyndley House
When Newcastle City Council needed to address persistent water ingress issues at Wyndley House, a 16-storey residential tower block, specialist contractor Hodgson Sayers was appointed to deliver a comprehensive programme of roofing and remedial works.
The project focused on resolving longstanding leaks originating from the building’ s roof plant rooms. However, carrying out repairs at such a significant height brought with it a unique set of logistical and safety challenges that required careful planning, specialist equipment and strict site controls.
Leading the project was Contracts Manager Colin Howey, who oversaw the development of a detailed access and safety strategy before works commenced. Due to the height of the building, conventional methods of transporting operatives and materials were not suitable. Instead, a dedicated personnel and materials hoist was installed to provide safe and efficient vertical access throughout the duration of the project.
In addition, a specialist scaffold system was erected to enable the workforce to safely access all areas requiring repair. The combination of the hoist and bespoke scaffolding ensured that materials could be moved efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Weather conditions presented another significant challenge. At 16 storeys high, Wyndley House is particularly exposed to wind, with conditions on the roof often differing substantially from those experienced at ground level. To manage this risk, wind speeds were monitored daily using an anemometer, with strict operating limits in place.
Should wind speeds approach predetermined thresholds, work activities were reviewed or suspended to ensure the safety of operatives. These controls were particularly important when handling materials at roof level, helping to eliminate the risk of objects being dislodged and falling onto the surrounding public areas.
The project highlights the importance of specialist expertise when undertaking repairs to high-rise residential buildings. Through detailed planning, robust safety procedures and the use of specialist access systems, Hodgson Sayers was able to carry out the necessary roofing and remedial works while safeguarding both its workforce and the local community.
Wyndley House serves as an excellent example of how careful project management and a proactive approach to health and safety can overcome the challenges of working at height, ensuring essential maintenance can be delivered efficiently and safely on even the most demanding sites.
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