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Construction industry and Samaritans join forces to tackle mental health

Roger Bisby
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Construction industry and Samaritans join forces to tackle mental health

The Building Engineering Services Association (the BESA), the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and the CIBSE Patrons are joining forces with the Samaritans on a campaign to address the growing problem of mental health and workplace stress in the construction industry.

This initiative will begin with a jointly hosted seminar to be held in central London.

BESA chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who will chair the event, said that 80% of engineering services firms believe that workplace mental health will have a serious impact on their businesses over the next five to ten years.

This worrying statistic emerged from an occupational health survey carried out by the BESA and the ECA, which also revealed that 31% of companies found on-site mental health issues “hard to manage”.

“Mental health is the forgotten health and safety issue,” said Mr McLaughlin. “As an industry, we have made impressive progress on workplace safety in the past 20 years, but on health  – and mental health in particular – we still have a long way to go.”

Samaritans regional partnerships officer Will Skinner, who will lead an interactive session at the seminar, pointed out that the vast majority of calls received by the charity are from people who are not suicidal, but just desperately need to talk to someone about how they feel and why they are struggling to cope.

He added that everyone could play a part in helping work colleagues to deal with depression and suicidal feelings.

Callers to the Samaritans range from individual tradespeople to senior managers feeling the isolation of leadership. Many small and medium-sized firms are also struggling to cope with stress created by tight deadlines and cash flow issues.

CIBSE Patrons chairman David Fitzpatrick pointed out that the impact of stress was apparent throughout the supply chain.

“For an industry that already has serious recruitment issues, tackling mental health has to be a priority,” he said.

“In order to make construction-related professions more attractive to a wider section of the population – particularly women, ethnic minorities and school leavers – we need to make sure we cover all aspects of worker wellbeing.”

ECA director of business Paul Reeve added that it was important that the sector worked together to help contractors tackle this issue.

“Unlike ensuring protection against physical health hazards, employees who face mental health challenges may be the least able to decide or follow the right course of preventative action,” he said.

The mental health seminar will take place at St Matthew’s Conference Centre, 20 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2BU on Thursday 21 July 2016 from 5.00 pm. Attendance is free to members of the BESA, the ECA and the CIBSE Patrons, who may bring a guest. Bookings can be made by clicking here.

Suspended Prison Sentence for Unregistered Gas Fitter

Roger Bisby
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Suspended Prison Sentence for Unregistered Gas Fitter

A gas fitter from Walsall has received a suspended prison sentence after he fitted a hob at a house in Tamworth when not on the Gas Safe Register.

Alan Nicholas Price’s work came to the attention of HSE after a registered fitter subsequently carried out repairs on the gas hob.

The unregistered gas fitter from Pelsall, was charged with breaching Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.

He failed to appear in court on two separate occasions and was arrested. At Stafford Crown Court, he pleaded guilty and was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay £100 towards HSE’s costs.

Gas Safe Register maintains the register of businesses and operatives who are competent to undertake gas work.

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, for a gas engineering business or operative to legally undertake gas work within the scope of the regulations, they must be on the Gas Safe Register.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: “When working on gas systems it is vital that the person has sufficient knowledge, training and experience so that they are aware of safe working practices and standards.

This is due to the level of risk if gas systems are not worked on and fitted safely. The risk is posed not only to the person carrying out the work but to anyone else who may be in the vicinity of the systems afterwards; in this case the occupants of the house.”

UK pricing for Fiat Fullback pickup announced

Roger Bisby
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UK pricing for Fiat Fullback pickup announced

Pricing and specification for the hotly anticipated Fiat Fullback pickup truck have been announced today ahead of its UK launch on July 4th.

Available as a double cab only and with all-wheel drive standard on all versions you can own one of Fiat’s first pickup’s from £20,995 (excluding VAT, VED, delivery and plates) for the SX version.

The FIAT Professional Fullback SX is powered by an aluminium-block, 2.4-litre diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbo charger which produces 150hp and 380Nm of torque with an official combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 44.2MPG (6.4L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 169g/km. The standard SX transmission comprises a six-speed manual gearbox with on demand four-wheel drive system with three electrically-selected settings: 2H, 4H and 4L.

Meanwhile in the LX version which is priced from £22,995 (excluding VAT and OTR charges), t he power and torque outputs are increased to 180hp and 430Nm, while the full-time four-wheel drive system has four electrically-controlled settings: 2H, 4H plus 4HLc and 4LLc with a locking central differential for improved traction. Its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 42.2MPG (6.6L/100km) and its CO2 emission figure is 173g/km.

Technical highlights across all FIAT Professional Fullback models include a one-tonne payload with a bed length of up to 1.52m, 3,100kg un-braked towing capacity (2,700kg for the SX model), best-in-class turning circle. Sophisticated double wishbone front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs for maximum reliability and sturdiness.

Standard equipment on the LX includes keyless go, leather upholstery, electrically-adjusted and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, enhanced body styling, privacy glass and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation as standard. Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera and a comfort-oriented “Touring” suspension are also including in the generous LX specification When equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the LX version adds an upgraded 7-inch infotainment system and transmission paddle gear shifters.

www.FIATprofessional.co.uk

– TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION –

FIAT Fullback Version 2.4 150hp SX 2.4 180hp LX 2.4 180hp LX Auto
C02 169 173 189
Combined MPG 44.2 42.8 39.2
Combined l/Km 6.4 6.6 7.2
Displacement cc 2442 2442 2442
Max output hp / Nm 150 / 380 180 / 430 180 / 430
Fuel System Turbo Diesel Electronic Common Rail Direct Injection
Transmission MT 6-speed MT 6-speed Auto 5-speed
Steering Rack and pinion power assisted – 5.9m turning circle
Suspension (rear) Rigid, elliptic leaf springs
Brakes (F) 16-inch Ventilated Disc (R) 11.6-inch Leading and trailing drums
Tyres 205/R16C 245/65R17 245/65R17
Off Road Angles Approach 30° / Departure 22°/ Ground Clearance 205mm
Length mm 5285 5285 5285
Width mm 1785 1815 1815
Height mm 1775 1780 1780
Track (mm) (F) 1520 (R) 1515
Overhangs (mm) (F) 865 (R)1420
Kerb weight kg 1765 1875 1875
GVW kg 2800 2905 2910
Towing (unbraked) kg 2700 3100 3100
Payload kg 1035 1030 1035
Seating capacity 5 5 5

Stonemasonry firm fined after apprentice injured by power line

Dylan Garton
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Stonemasonry firm fined after apprentice injured by power line

A stonemasonry company in Perth has been fined after an apprentice stonemason was seriously injured from contact with an overhead power line.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how 20 year old apprentice Rodd McFarlane was working for T& M Stonemasonry, carrying out repairs at Waulkmill Cottage in Perth.

During this work, McFarlane erected a tower scaffold to carry out some re-pointing work.

While on the scaffold he came into contact with overhead 240volt electricity power lines that were supplying the cottage. The wind caused the power line to brush against his back causing him to turn around instinctively and grab the live wire. The flow of the current meant he was unable to let go for a few seconds until he jumped down from the board on the tower scaffold. His weight broke the wire and interrupted the flow of current.

He received an electric shock and suffered burns to both hands requiring graft surgery and a possible future amputation of a little finger.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 2 August 2012 found that the stone masonry company should have developed a safe system of work.

T&M Stonemasonry, of Highfield Road, Scone, Perth, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £16,000.

www.hse.gov.uk

ForgeFix launches power tool accessories range

Dylan Garton
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ForgeFix launches power tool accessories range

ForgeFix,  has introduced a new range of power tool accessories.

The range was developed drawing on ForgeFix’s thirty years of industry experience as well as specialist input from a panel of trade professionals including joiners, plumbers and general builders. Products, which will be sold under  ForgeMaster brand,  include high speed steel , SDS hammer drills for masonry, flat wood and auger drill bits.

The range also includes TileMax and MultiMax, two bits said to be widely respected for their tile drilling performance and versatility.  We have not had a chance to test these products yet to see if their claims stand up but we hope to run them up against a few well known brands such as Bosch.

All products are packaged in clear plastic tubes with hang tags which feature clear information on product type, size and use, helping to simplify product selection.

The tubes are also resealable and can be used to store and transport bits when not in use. This helps to keep the bits clean, safely secured and damage free.

For more about Forgefix: www.forgefix.co.uk

BT Fined £500,000 After Fragile Roof Fall

Roger Bisby
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BT Fined £500,000 After Fragile Roof Fall

British Telecom plc (BT) has been fined £500,000 after an engineer fell seven metres from a loft in London, breaking his back and his ankles.

The Old Bailey heard how a BT engineer, David Spurgeon, was fixing a telephone fault in the roof void of a residential block of flats in Tower Hamlets, East London.

Mr Spurgeon was working alone when he lost his balance and fell through the ceiling, landing on a concrete stairwell, sustaining his serious injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred in May 2011 found there were a number of management failures by BT, including inadequate planning of work taking place near fragile surfaces and checking that it was carried out safely.

British Telecom plc, of Newgate Street, London, was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Safety and Health at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £500,000 and ordered to pay costs of £98,913.51.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge criticised BT for attempting to blame its own engineers for the incident. He described their approach as being ‘not necessary, misplaced, and unfortunate’.

HSE inspector Kevin Smith said: “David Spurgeon is lucky to be alive.

“There were a number of failures of health and safety management by BT which related to planning the work, supervision, and checking it was being carried out safely.

Work at height needs to be properly planned, and this incident could have been prevented.”

For further information on fragile roofs visit: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/fragile.htm#fra

Origin simplifies online ordering

Roger Bisby
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Origin simplifies online ordering

British manufacturer of bi-folding doors and windows, Origin, has launched an online quoting and ordering system to help trade partners to quote and order products from the company’s Origin Home range with ease, accuracy and efficiency.

Origin’s Sale Safe (OSS) system, which is said to be the first system of its kind, was built in house to improve the ease and speed of ordering, as well as minimising the risk of any costly mistakes. By simplifying the overall ordering process, Origin’s trade customers will be able to save time with admin, turning around orders in record time and increasing overall productivity and sales pipeline.

Simplifying the quotation process

OSS is different from existing systems as it allows users to build whole customer projects, rather than quoting on individual products. This means that all the information on each customer is kept in one place, removing the need to have multiple orders and quotes pertaining to one customer. An unlimited number of doors and windows can be added, edited or removed at any time. Therefore, if a returning customer is undertaking another building project, their preferences would already be saved, removing the need to search and re-enter this information.

As a time saving feature, OSS offers the option for users to work from a popular configuration, which is based on the user’s order history, or alternatively, to build a project from scratch. Working from popular orders means that in its most basic form, customers could retrieve quotes simply by choosing the size and configuration.

Another key feature of OSS is its intelligent cascade system. This means that should a customer want to change an overall project preference, such as colour, OSS can push through this change to all products. This removes the need go in and edit every single product to accommodate this change.

Once a quote has been generated, a bespoke quote template, branded for the user and built by Origin, can be downloaded and printed for the customer to keep.

The flexibility of Origin’s manufacturing schedule also enables customers who use Sale Safe to make changes right until the order has been made.

Ensuring accuracy and precision

When making changes to a quote, OSS has an intelligent amendment system that highlights the changes that have been made from the previous revision to the latest. This reduces the amount of checking required, limiting the opportunity for human error at the quotation stage. Once an order has been placed, the Origin team checks each and every order, to further eliminate room for error.

Quoting and ordering instantly

OSS streamlines the ordering process significantly, allowing costs to be retrieved instantly and orders to be placed on the spot, if required. OSS also gives users the option of ordering in batches to meet the customer’s deadline and budget requirements.

www.origin-global.com

Costs of solar PV could tumble by 59 percent.

Dylan Garton
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Costs of solar PV could tumble by 59 percent.

The average costs for electricity generated by solar and wind technologies could decrease by between 26 and 59 per cent by 2025, according to a report released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).  The Power to Change: Solar and Wind Cost Reduction Potential to 2025, suggests that with the right regulatory and policy frameworks in place, solar and wind technologies can continue to realise cost reductions to 2025 and beyond.

It estimates that by 2025, average electricity costs could decrease 59 per cent for solar photovoltaics (PV). Electricity prices for concentrated solar power could also decrease as much as 43 per cent, depending on the technology used. By 2025, the global average cost of electricity from solar PV and onshore wind will be roughly 5 to 6 US cents per kilowatt hour.

“We have already seen dramatic cost decreases in solar and wind in recent years and this report shows that prices will continue to drop, thanks to different technology and market drivers,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “Given that solar and wind are already the cheapest source of new generation capacity in many markets around the world, this further cost reduction will broaden that trend and strengthen the compelling business case to switch from fossil fuels to renewables.”

Since 2009, prices for solar PV modules have fallen roughly 80 per cent. With every doubling of cumulative installed capacity, solar PV module prices drop 20 per cent due to economies of scale and technology improvements. Importantly for policy makers, cost reductions to 2025 will depend increasingly on balance of system costs (e.g. inverters, racking and mounting systems, civil works, etc.), technology innovations, operations and maintenance costs and quality project management. The focus in many countries must therefore shift to adopting policies that can reduce costs in these areas.

“Historically, cost has been cited as one of the primary barriers to switching from fossil-based energy sources to renewable energy sources, but the narrative has now changed,” said Mr. Amin. “To continue driving the energy transition, we must now shift policy focus to support areas that will result in even greater cost declines and thus maximise the tremendous economic opportunity at hand.”

https://bit.ly/233POFQ

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream review

Roger Bisby
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O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream review
Roger Bisby tries out O’Keeffes Working Hands Hand Cream.

They used to say, back in the day, that when the revolution comes everyone will have to hold out their hands and those with soft hands will be put up against the wall and shot. A tad extreme, I grant you, but I always knew I would be safe from the firing squad. Like many builders I spent far too many years handling cement without gloves and it has caused irreversible damage. These days my skin splits as soon as I look at cement and of course it is always far worse in the winter. The most likely products to damage my hands in are any cement based products and, strangely, pressure treated timber which seems to draw the moisture like blotting paper. Often when I have been handling those materials all day I am woken up in the night with the pain from those deep cuts in my thumbs. If you know that one feel free to sing along;- anything that can help heal the damage and gives me a good night’s sleep is worth a try.

O’Keeffes Working Hands hand cream is an American producte that is being distributed in the U.K by Gorilla Glue. It is a lot cheaper than some hand creams and if you put it on your merchant account it is eligible for tax relief. Even better I discovered that it is even better value because you don’t need to use much,so it last quite a while. One tub lasted me twelve working days. Just keep it in your pocket and dab a little on through the day. Once the splits heal keep using it to prevent a return of the dreaded dry skin. It is particularly effective if you put a little on at night just after you have had your cocoa and cleaned your teeth. Make it part of your daily routine.

Even after a couple of days I noticed a marked difference, I felt human again. I was so pleased that I grabbed another couple of tubs next time I was in the merchants so I now have one in the van, one in my tool bag and another one at home. It is a non-greasy cream so I can put it on and settle down to the computer keyboard or even put some on when I am sitting in traffic jams without it making the steering wheel slippery. To say I am delighted with this product is an understatement. I have no idea who O’Keeffe is but if I ever meet him or her I will shake them by the hand.