Temperatures have dropped considerably over the past few weeks, with winter definitely on the way it’s important to know how to safely use scaffolding in colder conditions. Network Scaffold are experienced providers of scaffolding in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with our structures hired for both domestic and commercial projects. Potential falling snow and ice plus low temperatures are just a handful of the issues construction workers face on the job every day. Making sure your site is safe with routine checks and procedures when unpredictable weather hits is a must for site managers. In our latest blog, we are going to share some essential tips for scaffold safety. Seven Ways to Prevent Injuries On-Site 1. Follow Maintenance Procedure – Before mounting scaffold, inspect it to ensure the boards are sound and nothing is visibly damaged. If the weather is stormy or windy do not work on scaffolds outside, as this is one of the most common causes of accidents. If employees continue to work in rain, sleet or snow, they will be putting their lives at risk as the boards can become slippery and lead to slips and falls. 2. Train Your Employees – As the Site Manager, it’s your job to keep your staff trained, as scaffolding or any other site equipment shouldn’t be used without sufficient training. 3. Worksite Inspection – Days on-site should begin with an inspection to make sure all snow and ice have been eliminated from surfaces where employees are working or passing through. Continuous inspections should also take place during the day to ensure that no ice has built upon the scaffold. Remove icicles that pose a safety hazard or tape off areas underneath them if they cannot be removed. Next, check all heaters and train employees on safely using heaters and generators and keep combustible materials away from the heaters. The complete structure of the scaffold will be built to withstand the weight of snow and ice, but this may not always be the case during stages of the construction. If you have received sudden or heavy snowfall, check that that partial structure can withstand the extra weight of the snow without posing any threat to workers. 4. Proper Weather Wear – Frostbite...
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Scaffolding in Staffordshire from Network Scaffold is one of the best ways to prevent accidents and injuries in the construction industry. Combining years of experience with a keen eye for continued developments of health and safety; you will not find better equipment in the Midlands. Government Support for Workplace Safety A recent report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed the number of workplace fatal injuries has increased in Great Britain during 2018/19. This has sparked support from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height to improve worker safety. Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central and Chair of the APPG commented, “It’s imperative that the Government take forward the recommendations made in the report which have been devised with input from industry and key stakeholders. “We’ve already had a positive response from the Government and the HSE, but time is of the essence when it comes to safety in the workplace and we need to ensure these actions are taken forward as quickly as possible.” Despite this increase, the UK still has the lowest rate of workplace fatalities across the EU. Scaffolding in Staffordshire That Keeps You Safe Network Scaffold Services comply with all the latest Health and Safety and industry regulations ensuring your scaffolding provides another layer of security for your workers and the general public. Here’s some advice for erecting scaffolding safely and essential tips for use: • All of our scaffolds is equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards • Scaffold platforms are tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or an equivalent • We recommend appointing a competent member of your team to check your scaffolding before work begins, intermittently throughout the project and before its disassembled • The synthetic and natural rope used in erecting the scaffolding is protected from heat-producing sources • We also recommend the scaffold is at least 10 feet away from electric power lines Get in Touch for Scaffolding in Staffordshire Network Scaffold Services supplies subcontract scaffold for private individuals, commercial scaffold applications, municipal and industrial for clients across the Midlands including Staffordshire and Tamworth. Our well-situated depot means we have easy access to all major routes such as the A50, A38 and M1 are easily accessible....
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The safety of workers and the general public is of paramount importance when working on sites with scaffolding in Staffordshire. Network Scaffold Services combine a wealth of experience with a meticulous approach towards health and safety. In our latest blog, we are going to look at how safety procedures and legislation have changed over the years to make sites safer. Accident-Free Scaffolding in Staffordshire For some perspective, back in 1977 the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) reported an astonishing 700 incidents in the UK! Fast forward 40 years to 2017 and this figure has plummeted 87% to 89, with greater emphasis on safety equipment, procedures and guidance. The NASC was founded back in 1945 and provides effective guidance for scaffolders including tips on working at height and has become the world’s reputed authority on all things scaffolding. Innovations in Scaffolding In the early 1900s scaffolding was constructed from wood or bamboo whereas today we use the more robust steel for the scaffold. When metal scaffolding was first used, rope was deemed ineffective which led to brothers Daniel and David Palmer-Jones creating fixings that could hold together both wood and metal scaffolding. They went on to create the Universal Coupler which is still used on construction sites today. The scaffolding industry today has increased guidance from industry bodies (such as NASC) plus the employment of effective training techniques by contractors such as Network Scaffold Services. Scaffolding in Staffordshire from Trusted Suppliers Network Scaffold provide the highest quality of scaffolding in Staffordshire and surrounding areas such as Derby and Nottingham. We believe the key to good business is having a Health and Safety policy that calls for continuous improvement of standards and site management. If you’d like a better idea about our commitment to health and safety download our Manual. Get in touch today for all of your scaffold requirements for commercial and domestic...
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Using landing chutes on a multi-storey building construction project is a safe and efficient way to dispose of debris. Network Scaffold are the leading provider of scaffolding in Staffordshire, providing a comprehensive range for any size of the property. Scaffolding – 3 Great Reasons for Using Landing Chutes Efficiency – Being able to send all of your debris down an enclosed chute is a great time saver on-site. Without a chute, your workers would have to throw rubbish out of windows or lower it down in an elevator or stairs. This in itself becomes another manual task for your team to complete during the day or finishing earlier to clean up. Safety – Throwing debris out of a window is a health and safety risk, especially if your workers miss the disposal bin. The debris that ends up on the ground could also prove problematic if someone trips over it and injures themselves. Promote Good Working Practice – As well as being efficient and safe, having a landing chute on-site helps to promote a clean working environment that adheres to industry standards. Without a chute, you would need a crane or lower hoist for heavy debris from upper floors, which will require further downtime to move and use for cleaning up site rubbish. Having a landing chute integrated into your scaffolding system is the fastest way to get rid of waste safely. Providing the Finest Scaffolding in Staffordshire Combining lengthy experience in the construction industry with an emphasis on the best working standards, Network Scaffold provide scaffolding in Staffordshire for a wide range of projects. As a services-led company, we strictly follow the latest health and safety regulations whilst delivering on all the requirements of our customers. Network Scaffold is based in Derby, making us ideally placed to also service customers from Derbyshire, Nottingham, Loughborough, Tamworth and the surrounding areas of the Midlands. If you would like to know about our range of scaffolding or have any questions, please contact us...
Read Moreabout How to use Landing Chutes with Scaffolding?For the most part, scaffolding is a necessary part of construction work. In our latest blog post, we’re giving you the top four advantages of using Network Scaffold for scaffolding in Staffordshire. 1. It provides easy access Whenever you are working at height, ensuring easy access to a building is imperative. No matter the height of the building, support is needed and this starts in the form of scaffolding. Furthermore, custom designs mean that full access can be granted to all sides of a building, even hard to reach areas. 2. It is quick to assemble Unlike alternatives, scaffolding with Network Scaffold is easily assembled and just as easily dismantled. This contributes to both the cost-effective nature of projects and the timeline. Our fully trained operatives have health and safety in mind and can ensure a robust structure is erected in a time-saving way. 3. It is efficient Having a safe and balanced space to work from can boost productivity and reduce accidents. Health and safety are imperative when working at height. And scaffolding provides a sound platform from which to work. Furthermore, essential tools can be kept within arms reach while work is being carried out, reducing the time spent carrying and fetching and maximising productivity. 4. It is safe Above all, scaffolding from Network Scaffold is safe. We pride ourselves on working to the highest of standards and ensuring safety at every turn. That means ensuring our operatives have the most up-to-date training and adhering to any and all legislation. We pride ourselves on our second to none quality of work and safety record, so you can enjoy peace of mind for each project. Choose Network Scaffold for Scaffolding in Staffordshire If you require scaffolding for your commercial or domestic projects, contact us today. We offer site visits and no obligation quotes and are happy to advise on how to move forward with your construction work...
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