Pro Installer February 2014 - Issue 11 | Page 2

2 FEBRUARY 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk » Continued from the front page ISSUE 11 February 2014 If you would like to find out more about the PRO Installer... Write to: Unit 2 & 3, Burleigh Court, Burleigh Street, Barnsley, S70 1XY Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically without the consent of Clearview Group Ltd and any of its subsidiaries. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, this publication does not accept liability for errors, printing or otherwise appearing in this publication. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The same research stated that this reduction would create more than 32,000 extra full-time equivalent construction jobs by the end of 2015. Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “A single cut in VAT on housing renovation and repair work would help millions of households upgrade their homes and make them more energy efficient. A VAT reduction would not only reduce the cost of living, but it could also improve the economy, create more jobs and help much needed growth for SMEs. In addition, enabling homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient will help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets by lowering the emissions from our existing housing stock. ‘32,000 extra full-time equivalent construction jobs’ We’re pleased to help sponsor this essential research, to support the Cut the Vat campaign.” www.ggf.org.uk Is Working at Heights Now As Safe As Working at Ground Level in Construction? The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the UK as although it accounts for only 5% workers’ injuries, 10% of those injuries are fatal, and 27% of fatal (HSE figures 2012). Campaigns, initiatives and guidelines introduced in 2005/6 plus advances in the machinery and equipment used for high access are making things much safer now for construction workers at height. Looking at the bare figures for all of the UK’s industries, falls from height, being struck by moving machinery or vehicles accounts for half of the total the fatal injuries to workers. The Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the HSE ‘Fit Out’ inspections and ‘Watch Your Step’ Initiative of 2006 have all contributed to raised awareness and lower accident figures in 2013. S ome of the main risks to those working at heights in construction are widely acknowledged to be lack of information, knowledge and experience, faulty equipment, the wrong choice of or inappropriate use of equipment, or not having the right edge protection or gates. Generally though there is an argument that advances in the equipment and technology for high access work has improved to the point that under normal circumstances, and where safety regulations and equipment instructions are being adhered to working at height could bring fewer risks than working at ground level. Chris Evans of Surreybased supplier of hoists and ancillary equipment Hoist & Plant Co.Ltd comments: we’ve got all the precautions covered. Having said that, the kinds of hoists and lifts that we supply to construction companies are technologically advanced and make it much easier ‘It’s obviously difficult to say just how safe anything like working at heights really is’ “It’s obviously difficult to say just how safe anything like working at heights really is compared to another ground-based job. Accidents by their nature happen because we don’t anticipate or see the risks clearly in the first place – even though we may think for workers to keep and feel safe.” Chris also points out that their features contribute to safety and productivity combined. “Lifts like Scissor and Genie lifts for example can be used easily and quickly in so many different spaces and situations. They work consistently well, they’re very affordable to hire, and they free contractors from the many risks that are associated with other more old fashioned, timeconsuming and expensive access methods such as scaffolding, or large and unsteady ladders. The job can be done quickly and safely at the same time plus there is less potential for human error in getting the workers to and from the place of work. That’s a good combination for anyone undertaking construction work, or indeed other work where effective high access is needed”. www.hoistandplant.co.uk Now at over 300 trade counters nationwide! Your PRO Installer – The free, pick up newspaper especially for the installer and independent tradesperson. Response to the PRO Installer totally smashed all expectations with trade counters consistently needing more copies. Thank you for your support so far. You can now pick up a free PRO Installer from over 300 trade counters nationwide including: Send your real-life work stories, industry questions and business gripes to [email protected] Have you got an install job you want to shout about or seen something onsite that made you laugh? Send your work pictures to [email protected]