ScaffMag interview with Danny Wood, Sales Director. 

Change comes with time, as the old adage goes, and this has never been truer than in the age of coronavirus. The world as we knew it altered beyond recognition in the blink of an eye and only businesses that moved fast to adapt to the ‘new normal’ were rewarded with anything like a stable ride. 

Businesses such as George Roberts Ltd. 

“We adapted quickly to the changing environment, which we were better placed to do than some of our larger group structured competitors,” replies Dan Wood, sales director at scaffolding supplier George Roberts Ltd, when we ask about the immediate effects of the pandemic.

Staff and client safety was of paramount importance, with swift decision making and the introduction of new on-site policies meaning the firm could continue trading during lockdown. 

“We seem to be coming out the other side now and we have been seeing, in the past couple of months, a sharp rise in business activities, so we feel a great degree of confidence in the recovery of the construction sector,” Dan adds.  Clearly there remain some challenging periods ahead of us and we feel confident that the Operational changes we have made internally will serve us well, to ensure we sustain and continue to support our customers.”

We ask for figures, and he’s quick to pull some impressive numbers out. 

“Critically we have seen a 70% uplift in tendering for new business in the past few weeks since coming out of lockdown, which shows some very promising signs for the future of the company,” he says. 

An increase in business activity is a welcomed relief for everyone involved in the scaffolding and construction sector, and for George Roberts Ltd the bold decision to focus major investment towards our marketing & branding in recent and subsequent months during a period of adversity appears to have been a worthwhile strategy.

“We wanted to showcase a totally new look that was more aligned to the changing world and the global business that we have become, whilst at the same time retaining our traditional core values, which remain integral to the DNA of this company,” Dan tells us. 

“It’s more of a refinement of our core message rather than a change in direction as we wanted to use the new platform to solidify our positioning and demonstrate where we stand in the marketplace,” he continues, explaining that in addition to this clearer positioning, skill sets will be improved or added to the current offering.

These include product branding and security stamping services, with the overall goal being to improve value at the customer end — increasing satisfaction levels that are already high among the client base following 25 years of trading. 

“Our vision for the next 25 years, in the words of George Roberts himself, is to maintain our strong customer relationships whilst driving improvements throughout the business, in both health and safety, as well as consistently delivering on the quality of products which benefits our customers every time,” he adds, citing goals like adding more blue-chip companies to the existing client list while maintaining the strong local ties the firm was founded on.

The preceding quarter-century also saw some seismic shifts and major developments. George Roberts Ltd has gradually built its international activities, for example, with the firm now capable of supplying products across the globe, from the Far East and Australia to North Africa and North America. Investment in infrastructure, not least to allow on-site container loading, along with the geographical location close to Liverpool’s docks, helping this no end. 

“Product evolution, with more systemised scaffolding solutions, has also proved to be a fruitful and natural progression for the company with the inclusion of the K-lok system followed by the Uniscaff stair tower system around 15 years ago, and subsequently the latest generation of system scaffolding with the market-leading Layher Allround in 2010,” he says, before continuing to explain the elements that have played an integral role in the company’s growth to date, revealing that corporate attitude has also been important. 

“We have a reputation for collaborating with our customers and developing solutions to solve their problems.” 

This collaborative approach works in two ways. Not only does it expand on the talent and knowledge available for a specific project by including the client’s expertise, but it also affords the opportunity for a contractor to learn from the client, not just the other way around. 

Within the context of 2020, a year when we’re told to pull together and use all available resources, this practice almost seems revolutionary. For George Roberts Ltd, though, it’s just business as usual, suggesting the firm is set to enjoy a brighter future at a time when adaptability is everything.

Article featured in ScaffMag, page 40-41, August 2020

When a conventional alloy tower didn’t have sufficient reach to allow safe working at height, Taylor Wimpey turned to George Roberts for a solution that was quick, could be utilised on future projects and wasn’t too costly.

Housing sites will often have an open staircase that extends over 10ft, and with today’s safety measures and social distancing, it can be challenging to accommodate the flow of site operatives without time interruptions. When we started working on the tower, the task was to provide a safe working platform in Taylor Wimpey’s roof house type property, which have 12ft ceilings and an open staircase.

–  Traditional methods currently in use failed to tick all the boxes. The standard trellis mat type systems were not high enough, which could lead to operatives on site creating a hop–up to extend the reach, or even worse, a set of steps, and a conventional alloy tower did not reach over the staircase, says Dave Lee, Scaffold Manager at Taylor Wimpey.

At George Roberts Ltd, we take a flexible and collaborative approach to helping our customers overcome their challenges. After a few meetings with Taylor Wimpey, the design concept was ready – a 1m high alloy access tower with a cantilever attachment to 1 side to clear the balustrade or temporary handrail, which allowed for the floor area to remain safe.

Once in position, you attach the adjustable legs on the stairs, leaving enough space for operatives to pass and the tower is ready for use by Boarders, Plasterers and Painters.

Dave Lee says, “Since we have started to use the platform, all trades have been very receptive to what we have done to solve a potential safety issue”.

The tower is fully tested and compliant. Any person erecting the tower will need to be PASMA trained.

– We are always happy to help our customers, says Danny Wood, Sales Director at George Roberts Ltd. We take great satisfaction in collaborating with our customers to help them deliver their projects safer.

For more information about the tower, please have a look here: TW STAIRWELL ACCESS TOWER

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For more information on our range and prices, contact a member of our experienced team:

Email: sales@grplus.co.uk

Tel: + 44 (0) 151 524 2434

The Universal BrickGuard is compatible with all major system scaffolds, and it’s the only BrickGuard product to bypass the rosette on the ring system scaffold and to fit securely over obstacles.

The unique design of the handle provides a robust, durable and secure connection and can be used on any handrail. The BrickGuard provides extra stability in harsh conditions and unrivalled performance in strong winds, due to the unique design of the handle and the increased length of the two toe board connectors, increasing the overlapping fit.

The design is purposely designed to allow stacking up to 150 units high on a 1m x 1m pallet space whilst still maintaining a safe load. This creates up to a 50% improvement on competitor products during transportation, saving on logistic costs and load area.

• Designed specifically for systems, central channel allows it to bypass rosettes and the like
• Increased depth for more secure fit against 150mm deep system toe-boards
• Double toe-board clip prevents them from blowing up or off in higher winds
• Universal handle that fixes to tube diameters less than regular 48.3mm diameter i.e. HAKI guard-rail frames, system advanced hand-rail panels
• Increased strength as a direct result of central channel i.e. roughly 25% stronger than Max guards

• Manufactured using polypropylene as a base material.
• Independently tested to BSEN12811 – 1 on all major scaffolding systems with unrivalled performance.
• Compatible with all scaffolding systems, including Traditional Tubes & Fittings (UK/Circular 48mm) Ring Type Systems (Layher, Plettac, Peri & Haki) Guardrails, Ledgers & Frames, Advanced Guardrail Frames popular with Peri & Plettac.
• Designed groove in BrickGuard bypasses ring to provide a flush face of the BrickGuard.
• Can be stacked 150 units high on pallets for improved logistics and transport.
• Interlocking to create 500mm overhanging section to complement system scaffolding bays on tube and fitting scaffold.
• Can be manufactured with personalised branding displaying company branding and logos.
• Increased Length of the product allows the BrickGuard to fit all system scaffolding toe boards.
• The One Piece Universal BrickGuard is available in various different colours; Red, Orange, Green, Black, Yellow, Purple, Pink, Light Blue & Mid Blue.

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SAFEGUARDING OUR BUSINESS

With the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

In light of recent press coverage within the media, we wanted to set the story straight with regards to the loan that has been secured by George Roberts NW Ltd from Barclays via the via the CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme), the Government-backed loan scheme.

This is not about helping us to survive, it is about safeguarding our business. On account of the additional finance, we continue to be in a strong place to support and supply our customers with expert advice, quality stock as well as reliable and fast delivery to ensure projects run smoothly throughout all sectors – as we have been doing for the past 28 years and we will continue to do so for the years to come.

Following the government lock down, we naturally experienced a reduction in orders due mainly to most construction sites being totally shut down and inaccessible. Fortunately, although significant, this was not as destructive and damaging to our business as to some of our competitors, due to the diversity of markets we operate in i.e., industrial, offshore, nuclear, oil and gas and the food and drink industry.

We applied for the ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan’ with Barclays as it allowed us to respond quickly to the new financial situation around us by guaranteeing liquidity and maintaining a platform to ensure the business retains and even improve its status in the market-place going forward.

George Roberts is considered an essential service and we were fortunately able to stay open to service our clients, while carefully following government guidelines, to ensure the health and wellbeing of our loyal workforce, and therefore it was imperative to secure this loan to allow us to immediately help those in need.

We are delighted that Barclays were able to support us and we can continue to be one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of scaffolding and access equipment. We wish all our customers well during this challenging time and we look forward to positive times ahead.

Read the full Press Release here

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Scaffolding firm secures Barclays funding to help them through lockdown

One of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of scaffolding and access equipment, George Roberts NW Ltd, has secured £1 million from Barclays via the CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme), the Government-backed loan scheme. The finance will ensure that the business can get through a difficult time for the construction industry.

Based in Liverpool, for over 28 years George Roberts NW Ltd has been supporting and supplying their customers with expert advice, quality stock and reliable, fast delivery to ensure projects run smoothly throughout all sectors. However, with the effective shut down of the construction industry, many of the clients that they serve have not been able to continue with planned projects and consequently have had to defer a number of their capital and development projects, presenting significant cash flow challenges on the business until normal trading resumes.

However, the Board Directors along with Barclays set out to form a strong contingency plan to protect the business during this lockdown period and ensure strong long-term future liquidity going forward and has now secured £1 million through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which will help the business with the cash flow it needs to cover business costs and overcome the loss of all-important spring and summer sales.

Mark Roach, Finance Director of George Roberts NW Ltd, said:

“During March and into April following the government lockdown we quite naturally experienced a reduction in orders due mainly to most construction sites being totally shut down and inaccessible.

“Fortunately, although significant, this was not as destructive and damaging to our business as to some of our competitors, due to the diversity of markets we operate in i.e., industrial, offshore, nuclear, oil and gas and the food and drink industry.  We are considered an essential service and fortunately able to stay open to service these clients, while carefully following government guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of our loyal workforce.

“Our plan factored into account immediately furloughing a small group of staff, although strong continuous employment still remained vital to handle existing orders and new orders still coming in. The second part of the plan involved applying for a ‘Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan’ with Barclays, again guaranteeing liquidity and maintain a platform to ensure the business retains and even improves its status in the market place going forward.

“After presenting our business plan with all supporting assumptions to our Relationship Director at Barclays, the loan was sanctioned and deposited into our account within five days which we were extremely impressed with.  This is even more significant as we are in the process of having our 2019 Financial Statements signed off, and due to the strength of the balance sheet, combined with this loan and the strong long-term relationship with Barclays the ‘going concern’ statement will be very strong.  This will also provide our suppliers with even greater confidence in our business going forward.”

Graham Duckworth, Barclays Relationship Director, explained:

“I’ve been hugely impressed by both the resilience and the agility of the Board Directors to quickly develop a robust contingency plan to help safeguard the future of the business. From the very beginning, I was in regular contact with the Chairman and the Financial Director to discuss their needs and requirements. We spent time looking at their financial forecasts and put together a successful loan application and now they have the financial headroom to get through this disruptive period and be ready to reopen fully when the time comes.”

About Barclays’ COVID-19 business support measures

Barclays is offering a range of measures to support business customers through this difficult period including waiving everyday charges, and fees for all business customers with a turnover below £250,000, capital repayment holidays and new overdraft facilities. For further information, please visit barclays.co.uk/business-banking/coronavirus/ or barclayscorporate.com/covid-19/ 

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In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the NASC has published new guidance to improve safety on site during scaffolding operations. One of the recommendations is the use of Gin Wheels to eliminate operative contact when passing materials up the scaffold.

A Gin Wheel allows site operatives to keep two metres apart whilst transferring materials from ground level up the structure, providing a simple and cost-effective means to maintaining social distancing on site.

The Gin Wheel is hung from the top of the scaffold and a rope is operated from the ground floor to take material up to the working level using either a lifting sack or bucket for fittings or a knot the boy scouts would be proud of for tube.

In order to provide an additional level of safety, we can also supply a Gin Wheel fitted with an integral brake, as this feature automatically engages if the rope picks up speed to the point an accident or drop is possible.

Matched up with a long-lasting and durable leather 40g lifting bucket and rope custom fitted with a prefixed steel hook the set up is made even safer and quicker to use as knots are eliminated.

This way of working provides us with a simple solution to maintain the level of social distancing on site, in accordance with NASC guidelines.

We have a large stock that’s tested, maintained and ready to go.

Standard set up:
Standard Gin Wheel, Fully Tested @ £19.90 each
Lifting Bags, 40kg @ £1.40 each
Gin Wheel Rope:
18mm x 30m Rope @ £29.00 each
18mm x 45m Rope @ £39.00 each
18mm x 60m Rope @ £59.00 each
18mm x 80m Rope @ £79.00 each
18mm x 110m Rope @ £110.00 each

Braked set up:
Gin Wheel with Brake, Fully Tested @ £166.00 each
Lifting Bags, 40kg @ £1.40 each
Gin Wheel Rope:
18mm x 30m Rope @ £29.00 each
18mm x 45m Rope @ £39.00 each
18mm x 60m Rope @ £59.00 each
18mm x 80m Rope @ £79.00 each
18mm x 110m Rope @ £110.00 each

Upgrades:
Gin Wheel Rope, tested & certified forged hook @ POA
Scaffold Tube Lifting Clamp @ £45.00 each
Lifting Bucket, 64kg @ £54.90 each

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For more information on our range and prices, contact a member of our experienced team:

Email: sales@grplus.co.uk

Tel: + 44 (0) 151 524 2434

Our journey to date has been over 28 years of supporting and supplying our customers with expert advice, quality stock and reliable, fast delivery to ensure projects run smoothly throughout all sectors.

We’ve supported many high-profile projects since we first opened our doors, thanks to our highly skilled and hard-working teams, and we are looking forward to the next chapter in bringing more projects to life.

What sets us apart

It is universally accepted that a collaborative team is greater than the sum of its parts and that this approach delivers the best value for our customers. Quality and innovative products are important, but the added value is what really makes a difference. We have £25 million of stock on the ground and ready to deliver within 24 to 48 hours from the point of order, anywhere in the UK and Ireland.

“In these unprecedented times, we are prioritising critical projects to help our customers keep the industry and economy moving. One of our most popular products right now is our temporary roofing system, which can work as a standalone shelter or installed on a scaffold. As a business, we are following government guidelines and ensuring all precautions are in place to safeguard our people, our customers and the wider community”, says Danny Wood, Sales Director at George Roberts Ltd.

It’s in our DNA

Supporting our customers is in the DNA of our entire company, and our customers know we are there for them. We have made it our priority to always deliver on time because we truly understand our customers’ challenges and the importance of delivering against our promises.

“Our industry is very fast-paced, and as such, it is critical to be there for our customers when they need support or extra kit for their projects. We are a big enough company to supply large amounts of stock fast, and small enough to be flexible and to really care”, says Danny.

We support our customers on a global basis, working across all sectors – #Construction, #Industrial, #Oil&Gas, #Rail and #Marine – we love working with our customers to support their inspiring projects across the world.

Our offers, in short:

• Trade counter is open six days a week Monday to Saturday
• All products are available for sale or rental.
• Field technical sales support available.
• Nationwide delivery service with our extensive fleet of ‘FORS Silver’ accredited vehicles.
• HIAB offload available
• Export specialists with on-site container loading & partnering

You can find all products available for Sales & Hire on our website.

For more information on our range and prices, contact a member of our experienced team:

Email: sales@grplus.co.uk

Tel: + 44 (0) 151 524 2434

Scaffold towers – sometimes known as ‘tower scaffolds’ or ‘access towers’ –  are a great alternative to ladders when you’re working at height. We’re going to look at the different uses of scaffolding towers, their benefits and the various hire and purchase options available at George Roberts Ltd.

When Should You Use Scaffold Towers?

Painting and decorating: This kind of activity requires you to move around at height, which is why a secure, mobile tower would be an excellent platform to work on. The towers stand completely upright, which means you won’t have to worry about smudging paint work like you would with a ladder.

Guttering or window cleaning: Their secure platform means that you’re more able to target those difficult-to-reach areas when performing tasks such as window cleaning and guttering. You still have to be careful though – make sure not to overstretch!

Construction work: As scaffolding specialists, most enquiries we receive about access towers are those associated with construction work. If you’re working on a project that requires you to move around frequently, e.g. bricklaying, mobile scaffold towers are ideal. 

Benefits of Scaffold Towers

When used properly, they’re safer than ladders. Towers have a wide surface area, are supported on four legs and are free-standing. Ladders on the other hand only have two legs and have to rest at an angle. If set up properly, towers are generally considered the safer option. 

They’re easy to manoeuvre. Most scaffold towers are fitted with wheels, making them straightforward to move. For added security, they’re fitted with castors to stop the wheels from moving when the tower is in use.

They provide a sturdy working platform. If you’re going to be using a lot of tools and equipment during your project, an access tower’s platform is perfect for keeping everything safely beside you while you work. 

Which Scaffold Tower Should You Choose?

At George Roberts, we stock a range of aluminium scaffold towers which are available to both hire and purchase.

From the market-leading BoSS Aluminium Tower to the Alto Alloy Scaffold Tower (one of the strongest on the market), we have a variety for you to choose from. If you’d like to learn more about the different types and height options available, get in touch with our team of experts at George Roberts Ltd today. 

Whenever anyone discusses construction site safety, the welfare of scaffolders and construction workers is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Despite this, public safety around construction sites is just as important and certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are some top tips that can help you keep your site safe for members of the public: 

1) Follow the law

The law states that project clients must provide contractors with information about boundaries, access, adjacent land usage and measures to exclude unauthorised persons. This information should help the contractor when they start setting up the site. 

Furthermore, it is handy to know that all construction sites require:

• Measures to manage access across defined boundaries, so that all possible entrance paths are accounted for.
• Steps to exclude unauthorised people.

2) Effectively manage site access

In any construction site, boundaries need to be defined physically – this is typically achieved through the use of fencing, hoarding or barriers. The type of fencing should reflect the nature of the construction site as well as its surroundings. Before deciding what type you’re going to use, you need to consider the shape and size of the perimeter. 

You also need to ask yourself some questions before choosing your fencing, such as:

• How heavily populated is the surrounding area?
• Will the site attract children?
• Who will need to visit the construction site?
• What is the nature of the construction work?

When it comes to authorisation, the principal contractor must take steps to prevent unauthorised access onto the site:

• Certain people may have authorised access to the whole site, whilst others might be restricted to particular areas.
• Relevant site rules must be explained to authorised persons.
• Some authorised visitors might need to be supervised while they are on site or when they are visiting specific area

3) Be aware of potential hazards

It’s essential that you identify and remove hazards on your site that could impact or cause injury to members of the public. Here are some examples: 

• Scaffolding: When erecting, dismantling or working on scaffolding structures, you must ensure that people – including workers and members of the public – aren’t struck by the equipment. 

• Openings: If you have any kind of excavation, stairwell or manhole on your site, covers or barriers will need to be put in place to avoid people from falling.

• Falling objects: To avoid tools, building materials and other objects from falling onto members of the public, it is important that you have brick guards, debris netting and toe boards in place. 

Other hazards include (but are not limited to) on-site & delivery vehicles, stored & stacked materials, machinery, dust, noise, electricity and hazardous substances. 

George Roberts Ltd can help with your safety requirements

At George Roberts, we strive to offer scaffolding solutions with quality and safety at the heart of everything we do. 

Check out our online shop to see all of our safety tools and equipment. Alternatively, take a look at our corporate site to find out more about our scaffold sale and hire services.

Scaffolding has played a central role in most construction projects for thousands of years. The demand for scaffolding is expected to rise as people begin to recognise the importance of these systems for safety and accessibility. 

However, there are many factors to consider when deciding if your construction project requires scaffolding. And if so, what kind of projects?

Working at height

When assessing whether you need scaffolding, it’s important to consider the height of the building you are working on and the level of risk involved. Projects such as window cleaning and roof repairs will require scaffolding in order to meet health and safety regulations. This is particularly the case when there are multiple people on-site or if they are working at high height. 

Scaffolding is not only designed to keep those working at height safe, but also those on the ground. When there is a risk of tools or materials falling from above, scaffolding structures are essential. When transporting debris from various levels of a structure to ground level then rubbish chutes make the ideal system. 

For smaller projects that require more than a ladder, access towers are a great alternative.

How long will the job take? 

If your construction project is likely to take more than one or two days – particularly if you are working in adverse weather conditions – then scaffolding is advised. When working on an unfinished roof, it can also help to have scaffolding in place to protect the roof, tools and materials from the elements.  

Do I need a platform?

When assessing a job there are numerous reasons why a working platform is important. Having a stable platform not only reduces the risk of falling but makes it easier to move around the building without constantly having to climb up and down. 

For low-risk projects such as minor roof repairs and domestic house jobs, it might be considered safe to use a ladder however, none are as safe as an appropriately designed scaffolding system. 

What types of projects should scaffolding be used on? 

It is a common occurrence to see buildings swathed in scaffolding across the construction industry. Determining whether you need a scaffolding system will depend on what kind of work you are doing. 

Generally, the following tasks will require scaffolding: 

• Painting and decorating 
• Window cleaning 
• Building repairs 
• Renovations, conversions and extensions 
• Building inspections

It is worth noting that the law stipulates once your scaffolding has been set up by a trained and competent scaffolder it should be given a scaffolding inspection before it is first used. 

George Roberts can help

We hope this has given you a better understanding of when scaffolding should be used on site. Here at George Roberts, quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do. We stock a wide range of tool safety equipment, scaffolding systems and scaffolding accessories to keep you safe whilst working at height. Additionally, if you’re looking to hire scaffolding we offer a range of scaffolding services from well-known brands such as Uniscaff, Alto, Layher, Combisafe and many more.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has announced that it’s set aside a funding pot of £30,000, all of which will be dedicated to mental health first aid training for NASC members. 

The fund will give workers up to £125 towards the cost of completing a mental health first aid course. This will mean that approximately 250 NASC members will have access to training, which should go a long way when it comes to improving awareness and understanding of mental health within the scaffolding industry. 

The fund was set up as part of the NASC’s Head for Heights campaign, which attempts to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. The campaign also aims to highlight the simple steps that businesses can take to help those struggling. It is hoped that the subsidised mental health training will assist with this.

According to NASC President Lynn Way, the funds will enable NASC members to support the wellbeing of their employees, if and when they need to. She also highlighted how the Head for Heights campaign had been incredibly well-received by members, who are just as keen to support those in the industry who are dealing with mental health problems.

At present, there are five main mental health first aid training courses which are covered by the £30,000 funding pot. This includes courses offered by St John Ambulance, the British Safety Council, 3B Training, LTC Training and MHFA England. 

Courses that are overseen by accredited MHFA England training instructors are also eligible, which will hopefully mean that every UK NASC member will have access to subsidised training, no matter their geographic location.

Find out more about the NASC’s mental health fund, and learn more about the various training options that are available.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the industry or just looking to refresh your knowledge, if you want to know how to inspect scaffolding then our handy guide is here to help. We’re going to look at the basic elements of a scaffold inspection, as well as some products that can help you stay compliant and safe on site. 

Please note: this guide is not designed to explain any legislation in detail, but is intended to provide an overview. It is worth remembering that a wide range of people have legal responsibilities when it comes to scaffolding. This could include self-employed workers, clients or anyone else associated with the project.

Scaffold inspection procedure

When using scaffolding, it is the hirer or user’s responsibility to make sure that all scaffolding has been inspected:

• before the first use, or following an installation
• at least every seven days
• following any event or occurrence that could jeopardise the safety of the structure, for example after heavy rain or high winds.

When filling in the report, the inspector should note any defects as well as matters that could put workers/the general public at risk. Even when corrective actions have been taken, the steps taken to correct a problem should be written down. It’s important to make a record of issues even if they’ve been resolved, as they could recur in the future.

Who can carry out a scaffold inspection?

A scaffold inspection should be carried out by someone whose knowledge, experience and training is appropriate for the type of scaffold structure. They may have a CISRS card, which means that their competence has been assessed by the CISRS record scheme. There are two types, a ‘Basic Scaffold Inspection’ Card and an ‘Advanced Scaffold Inspection’ Card.

Alternatively, they may have received training whilst inspecting a specific type of system scaffold from a supplier or manufacturer. You might also be surprised to hear that non-scaffolders could be deemed competent to inspect basic scaffold structures. An example would be a site manager who has attended a scaffold inspection course.

Furthermore, a non-scaffolder who has attended an inspection course (for example a site manager) could be deemed able to inspect a basic structure.

George Roberts can help with your scaffold inspections

At George Roberts (NW) Ltd, we’re always on hand to provide scaffold solutions. To help assist with your scaffolding inspections, we have two products that could be of use.

• Scafftag Blue Book – this comprehensive book offers a straight-forward system for the management of your scaffolding. As well as containing risk assessment and legislative guidance, it also contains fault notification and inspection reports which could come in useful.
• Scafftag Scaffold Tags – this kit provides a simple and easy-to-use tagging system for recording inspections on site. It can help you stay compliant and adhere to health & safety and legal requirements.

Check out our full range of Scafftag Tagging Systems on our online shop today.

Did you know that scaffolding has been used for thousands of years? Despite this, its standardisation has only occurred in the last century. At present, there are 4 main types of scaffolding used in the industry. We’re going to assess the features of each one, so you can decide which type would best suit your current or upcoming projects.

Tube and Clamp Scaffolding

Tube and clamp is one of the earliest forms of steel scaffolding. It consists of clips – sometimes referred to as clamps or ‘couples’ – that are connected to scaffolding tubes to create vertical and horizontal structures. This type of scaffolding is really easy to assemble and disassemble – one of the reasons why it’s so popular in the UK and around the world.

The steel in tube and clamp scaffolding is designed to resist rust and corrosion, meaning that it’s a good option for those who experience harsh weather in their area.

System Scaffolding

This particular type of scaffolding is incredibly versatile, safe and quick to erect. As well as being easy to set up, system scaffolding eliminates the need for multiple fitting connections, making losses minimal.

Here at George Roberts, we stock the K-Lok Cuplock, Kwikstage and Layher scaffolding systems. They’re suitable for a wide range of projects, and some are even hot-dip galvanised to make them resistant to corrosion and even more durable.

What’s great about system scaffolding is that is there are many complementary accessories available, such as the Layher Site Stairs and the Combisafe Site Stairs.

Scaffolding Tower

These self-contained, independent scaffolding structures are usually set up next to buildings, and are often used for repair work. Many of them are mobile (such as our Aluminium Folding Scaffolding Tower) which means they can be rolled and moved easily.

Due to their relatively small size, they can also be used internally as well as externally. Check out our full range of scaffolding towers that are available for both hire and sale.

Shoring

Technically, shoring isn’t the same as scaffolding. Why? Because shoring isn’t used as a platform for workers to stand on. Instead, it supports unsafe structures such as bulging building or unsupported roofs and floors.

At George Roberts, we stock the Layher TG60 Shoring System, which is known for its innovation and ease of use. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

Get everything you need, in one place

We hope this has shed some light on the different types of scaffolding currently available on the market. If you’d like to see more, take a look at our full range of scaffolding supplies available at George Roberts now.

Health and safety is an important part of everyday life for construction workers. Why? There are numerous regulations and rules put in place to keep workers as safe as possible. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case, and it is only in recent years that health and safety has really improved.

Early Health and Safety

During the Victorian era, being a construction worker was a particularly dangerous job, with many workers being seriously injured or even dying in during large construction projects. The construction of the Woodhead Tunnel was a turning point for health and safety. The tunnel was built between Manchester and Sheffield and took a total of six years to complete. It was finally finished in 1845, but during the project, 32 workers lost their lives in various accidents, and over 180 others were injured. Due to the unsanitary conditions on the site at the time, another 28 workers died due to outbreaks of cholera. 

The number of incidents that occurred during this project resulted in a government enquiry. The result of the enquiry led to the creation of legislation that made construction companies responsible for the health, welfare and accommodation of workers. 

The Late 20th Century

Despite this, there was very little change made in terms of health and safety regulations over the next 100 years, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that any real progress was made in this field. In 1974, 166 deaths caused by construction accidents were recorded, which accounted for more than a quarter of all workplace deaths. Because of this, the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 was passed into legislation. This legislation strengthened existing regulation, making employers more accountable for the safety and welfare of not only their employees but temporary workers, self-employed workers and the general public. Furthermore, it allowed the government to issue regulations, guidance and Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) for employers. These regulations set out detailed responsibilities for employers in every aspect of workplace health and safety.

By 1981, recorded deaths of construction workers had decreased. But despite this, over 100 workers were still dying each year, and many more being injured. As the 1980s progressed, hardhats became enforced on many construction sites, and there were also campaigns against the use of old or unsafe tools. 

As Britain moved into the 1990s, more health and safety equipment became available. For example, safety nets became more common for those working at height. Cherrypickers also became more accessible, making many aspects of construction work safer. In 1994, the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) were introduced. This forced clients, designers and contractors to coordinate their approach to safety for the first time. The construction of the Channel Tunnel was also completed in 1994. This project employed over 13,000 people, and a total of 10 workers died during its construction. Although this was a vast improvement over previous projects, there was still room for improvement. 

Health and Safety in the 21st Century

In the early 2000s, falls from height were still the largest cause of fatalities amongst construction workers. It wasn’t until 2005 that the Working at Height Regulations were introduced. This led to ladders being used as a “last resort”, and many other forms of safer equipment were used for elevation instead. 

With the focus of the construction industry moving towards health and safety in all aspects – including training and planning – the number of accidents and fatalities has significantly reduced in the last 50 years. For example, 2,500 construction workers spent time working on the Olympic Park in London. Despite the 62 million hours worked, there were zero fatalities. 

Although this was a great success for health and safety in construction, the accident rate in this instance was less than half of the industry average. Although there have been great improvements in health and safety, the scaffolding and construction industries are still amongst the most dangerous industries in the UK. More improvements need to be made to ensure the continued safety of workers on site. 

George Roberts can help

If you are interested in health and safety, why not browse our wide range of scaffolding safety equipment online now. 

If you’re new to scaffolding, you might be a bit unsure about some of the terms that get used within the industry. We’re going to look at some of the most important ones so you can get your head around them.

Terms

EN: If you see scaffolding items that have an EN number on them, this means that they’re certified according to European Standards. 

Tubes: Tubes make up the bulk of a scaffolding structure. Here at George Roberts, we stock galvanised, aluminium and high yield tubes. Try and not call them poles or pipes, as these terms aren’t typically used in the scaffolding industry!

Couplers: Couplers are metal elements used to assemble scaffolding tubes. There are various types, including single, double, sleeve and swivel. These four are known as primary fittings and are used quite frequently. We will discuss other types of couplers in our advanced guide to scaffolding terminology.

Gin Wheels: Gin wheels are appliances used to raise or lower a load without any horizontal movement. They are often used with rope, and are good for lifting scaffolding buckets and bags.

Scaffold Boards: Solid scaffold boards are used for creating a platform to stand on. As well as solid timber boards, we also stock and supply laminated scaffolding boards here at George Roberts. These particular boards are made from an engineered wood product called Kerto®, and they go through a manufacturing process that reduces defects typically found in solid-sawn timber. Occasionally, scaffold boards might be referred to as scaffolding planks. 

Scaffold Towers: Scaffold towers are designed for long-duration tasks when working at height. They are a good alternative to ladders, which could lead to falls due to overreaching or slipping. Ladders should ideally only be used for short-duration tasks.

George Roberts Can Help

These are just a few of the terms you will come across during your scaffolding career. Want to know more? Browse our full range of scaffolding products to familiarise yourself with other terms. 

Our departure from the European Union is looming. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at the post-Brexit landscape in regards to health and safety within the construction and scaffolding industries.

Influence of Europe

As many of the UK’s health and safety regulations from the past 30 years originated from the European Union, many are wondering what will happen in the event of Brexit. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is one of the main bodies that regulates the UK’s construction industry, and they recently stated how our duties to protect the health and safety of people affected by our work will not change with Brexit. 

In regards to work equipment, the priority will be to ensure that only compliant and safe products are placed on the market. Although any references to the EU will be removed, the legal requirements and safety standards will remain the same.

Britain’s Attitudes to Safety

It needs to be remembered that the UK values health and safety just as much as its European counterparts. There are various examples of the nation’s safety excellence through high-profile projects, such as the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Whilst workers put in over 80 million hours to help build the Olympics’ necessary infrastructure, the accident frequency rate was just 0.15 compared to 3.4 (the industry’s average at the time). There wasn’t a single fatality during the construction period, which is a first for the Olympics.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the UK’s standards are often seen as a benchmark for other European countries to follow. 

George Roberts is Committed to Health & Safety

As a leading supplier of scaffolding and access equipment, we have a duty of care to all of our clients, contractors and employees – no matter what happens with Brexit. Learn more about George Roberts’ commitment to health and safety now.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 40% of fatal workplace accidents in 2018/19. Most of these accidents were in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of safety when working at height. We’re going to assess some of the different hazards that scaffolders face, and look at ways you can stay safe on site.

The Weather

In the UK, the weather is often unpredictable and of course, beyond our control! Despite this, it’s important that site managers prepare for potential wind, rain, snow, ice and any other adverse weather that might present itself.

As all of these weather conditions can impact scaffolding structures, inspections should be carried out more frequently when they occur. If the weather gets too extreme, then work should be suspended until conditions improve. Fall Arrest Blocks are essential all year round, but are even more important during the colder months as slips and trips are more likely to occur.

Falling Debris

Falling debris is another hazard when working at height. Whether it’s a worker dropping tools or loose bricks flying off the scaffolding platform, it is important that this debris is caught and secured. Our Flame Retardant Scaffold Debris Netting is designed to prevent debris from falling into or outside of the scaffold structure—it really is an on-site essential.

Stability of Working Platform

Just a few months ago, there was a scaffold collapse in South Liverpool, leaving the structure hanging from the edge of the building. Fortunately no one was injured during the collapse, but it just goes to show the importance of regular inspections and the use of high-quality equipment. Our Laminated Scaffold Boards feature unrivalled rigidity, stability and strength – paired with our wide range of couplers, they can help maintain the structural integrity of your working platform.

Poor Edge Protection

If your site doesn’t have an effective edge protection system in place, you and your fellow workers could be at risk of potentially fatal falls. The Combisafe Temporary Edge Protection System is designed to fit steel and concrete work structures, and is a forerunner in the edge protection worldwide. The adjustable structure is lightweight, versatile and features  maximum strength and durability.

Be Prepared with George Roberts

Of course, there are other hazards associated with working at height, but we hope this has given you some insight into the importance of on-site safety.

If you want to see our full range of scaffold safety tools, take a look at our online shop. Alternatively, browse our corporate site if you’re looking to hire or purchase high-quality scaffolding supplies.

Did you know that the construction and scaffolding industries are currently experiencing a skills shortage? With 3 out of 10 British-born construction workers over the age of 50 (and nearing retirement), the demand for new workers is on the rise. 

Whether you’re a school leaver or simply wanting a career change, we’re going to look at the role of a scaffolder, and the different ways that you can enter the industry.

The Role

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• Unloading scaffolding equipment on site.
• Putting up scaffolding poles and attaching them to horizontal tubes. 
• Fixing the scaffolding to the buildings or structures.
• Laying scaffold boards for workers to walk on, as well as putting up/taking down safety netting and edge protection systems.
• Supervising and/or taking part in the creation of different types of platforms. This could range from simple scaffolding to complex structures such as suspended scaffolding and temporary roofs.

Expected Salary

Salaries can vary greatly, with a lot of it depending on the location, the scaffolder’s experience and the amount of overtime worked. Usually, newly-trained scaffolders can expect to earn somewhere between £19,000 to £25,000 per year, with trained and experienced workers expecting between £25,000 and £40,000. If you’re a senior scaffolder, you could earn somewhere around £40,000 to £50,000.

How to Enter the Industry

College Course

If you’re a school leaver and not sure what part of the construction industry you want to get into, then a college course could be a great choice. You could complete a Level 1 or Level 2 Construction Certificate, which would teach you some of the skills needed to work in the industry. 

Usually, you’ll need:

• Level 1: two or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D-G)
• Level 2: two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A*-D)

Apprenticeship

If you’re a school leaver and pretty set on becoming a scaffolder, then getting trained through a scaffolder immediate apprenticeship could be ideal for you. 

These apprenticeships usually take around 18 months to complete, and involve a mixture of on-the-job training and college studies.  

You’ll usually need some GCSEs to complete an apprenticeship, including English and Maths.

Work

An alternative to college and apprenticeship training is to simply join a company as a trainee scaffolder or a scaffolding labourer. By doing this, you could acquire your qualifications on the job. 

Typically, employers would look for GCSEs in English and Maths. They might also value qualifications in design and technology, although these won’t usually be essential requirements.

Top Tip

If you want to train or work on a construction site, you will need to have a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). Make sure to apply for one before you undertake any on-site training.

George Roberts Can Help You Get Started

We hope this guide has been helpful if you’re thinking of becoming a scaffolder in the near future!

If you’re already in the industry but just starting out, take a look at our list of essential scaffolding tools. And if you’re in need of safety equipment such as harnesses and helmets, then make sure to check out our online shop.

According to a 2018 report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from a height accounted for over a quarter of all fatal workplace injuries injuries in the last five years. With an average of 37 height-related workplace deaths per year, approximately 40% of these involved ladders.

It is clear that ladder safety is incredibly important in the scaffolding and construction industries. Here at George Roberts, we stock a range of ladder products to help keep you safe on site. Take a look at our favourite equipment that will complement your ladders:

1. 315mm Ladder Guard

Ladder guards are designed to deter unauthorised use, and to prevent possible health and safety hazards in the workplace.

In order to meet and exceed the requirements of the HSE Safety Alert, we designed a new ladder guard with several special features. Our 315mm Ladder Guard covers seven rungs (ladder steps), which is one more than required by the HSE guidelines. It also features a heavy duty padlock and chain, whilst the rest of the ladder is lightweight and easy to fix in place.

Available at George Roberts for just £59.90 (ex. VAT).

2. Ladder Safety Hatch

A hatch is essential when working at height, and our Ladder Safety Hatch is a great example. Its function is to close the gap where the ladder’s access point lies, in order to prevent workers or debris from falling through the potentially hazardous gap.

The ladder safety hatch can be fitted easily over the toe board by its U brackets. These are then secured with two bolts, which can be tightened with a standard scaffold hammer. The hatch’s orange colour means that it’s highly visible, and it comes with a latch to safely secure it into an upright position when access is necessary.

Get yours now for just £26.67 (ex. VAT).

3. Scafftag Yellow Book

The Scafftag Yellow Book features an easy-to-use, convenient system for the management of ladders on your site. It can help you and your company stay compliant, and also inform you of good practices within the industry.

As well as guidance, the book also includes fault notification reports, inspection reports and handover certificates.

Order your book today for just £37.00 (ex. VAT).

Check out our full range online

These are just a few of the hundreds of scaffold tools, accessories and height safety items that we have available here at George Roberts.

Have a browse of our online shop, and get a free spirit level on orders over £150 (limited time only, while stocks last)!

Scaffolding has been named as one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK. With a 5 year average of 39 scaffold-related deaths and over 58,000 non-fatal injuries reported between 2017 and 2018, it is clear that proper health and safety precautions on scaffolding and scaffolding sites are of huge importance.

Despite this, in 2013, the Health and Safety Executive visited 2607 scaffolding sites and found issues with 1105 of them. On 644 of these sites, health and safety was lacking to the extent that enforcement action was taken. In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on health and safety in the workplace, however, scaffolding accidents do still occur.

We are going to assess some of the worst scaffolding accidents that have occurred in recent history and explore why these accidents happened.

Willow Island Disaster – April 1978

In April 1978 in West Virginia, the construction of a power plant cooling tower was taking place. The usual method of scaffolding in this instance is to secure the base of the scaffolding to the ground, and then design the rest of the scaffolding so that it will grow in height with the growing height of the tower.

The scaffold was fixed to the top layer of concrete, and then the next layer of concrete was poured on top of this. When this layer dried, the scaffolding was then moved up a level and bolted on to the new top layer of concrete. This process was then repeated until the tower was completed.

On the 27th of April, the scaffolding had reached a height of 166ft. At approximately 10:00 am, the whole scaffolding structure collapsed. This resulted in the death of 51 construction workers and the injury of many more.

This catastrophic collapse was thoroughly investigated. It was found that the accident had occurred due to the collapse of the concrete layer to which the scaffolding had been attached. The concrete had not been given the time needed to fully cure, meaning it was not strong enough to support the scaffolding structure and this caused it to collapse when the next layer of concrete was being lifted up the structure.

Upon further investigation, it was found that the collapse was potentially more severe due to a number of missing bolts. Many of the bolts that were used were of a low grade. Furthermore, there was only one access ladder in place, meaning that many of the construction workers were unable to escape the scaffold when it collapsed.

Yichun City – November 2016

Similarly to the Willow Island disaster, there was a huge scaffolding collapse in a cooling tower that was being erected in Yichun City in China. This scaffolding disaster led to the deaths of 74 construction workers and is the worst scaffolding disaster in China’s history.

Although there is not a lot of information regarding the cause of the accident, it was widely reported that this collapse occurred due to a lack of health and safety protocols, leading to the arrest of 9 officials.

Cardiff – December 2000

In December 2000 in Cardiff city centre, 12 stories of scaffolding collapsed. Fortunately, this collapse occurred in the middle of the night and did not result in any injuries. It was reported that had the accident occurred during working hours, there would have almost certainly been fatalities. The road and railway below were shut for 5 days as a result of the collapse.

Upon investigation, it was uncovered that there were a large number of issues with the scaffolding site. Firstly, the initial scaffolding designs were poor and ambiguous, meaning it was difficult for the scaffolding to be erected properly in the first place. As well as this, only 91 anchor ties were used instead of the 300 that were needed. There were also no fixed drillings in the top 6 metres of scaffolding.

As well as these issues, many of the 91 existing anchor ties that were implemented were defective. Each anchor tie was made up of two ring bolts and drilled anchors. The construction workers on this particular site didn’t have the training they needed to properly implement the ties, meaning that many of them were not secure.

London – March 2019

Although there have been no accidents of the same scale in the UK in recent years, scaffolding accidents do still occur. As recently as March this year, there was a scaffold collapse near the London Free Hospital. Onlookers commented that the wind seemed to catch on the plastic sheeting and the whole structure came away from the building and collapsed.

Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the accident. The UK was experiencing a period of particularly bad weather, and this has been blamed for the accident.

Why did these accidents occur?

It is clear that many of these accidents could have been minimised or even prevented had the proper safety precautions been taken. It is clear that more emphasis needs to be placed on scaffolding health and safety to ensure that no disasters like this occur again.

If you have any questions about scaffolding health and safety, get in touch with a member of our experienced team, or browse our extensive range of health and safety scaffolding equipment and access ladders online now.

Recently, it seems as if there have been increasing reports of incidents involving scaffolding structures in the UK.

In this month alone, three people were injured in a scaffolding collapse in Reading, whilst one scaffolder was seriously injured after a fall in London. Just last week, a scaffold structure collapsed in Liverpool – no one was hurt, but the scale of the incident could have led to more serious consequences.

With this in mind, we’re going to assess some of the different risks associated with scaffolding, and how you can protect yourself and your fellow construction workers.

Prevent… Fire

When protocol is followed correctly, fires are rare within the industry. Despite this, it is always a good idea to have preventative measures in place.

Here at George Roberts, we’ve developed a Fire Resistant range to help stop fires developing on your site. From fire resistant debris netting to fire retardant scaffold boards, you can take a look at the complete range here.

Prevent… Injury from a Fall

Fall protection is very important, especially as falls are the biggest cause of death in the construction sector (with an average of 19 per year, according to the HSE). Whether it’s high winds, tripping hazards or simply loss of balance, there are many reasons why workers fall whilst working at height.

A vital piece of equipment that can lessen the impact of a fall is a fall arrest block. As well as reducing the falling distance, they are designed to lower the impact on the body caused by falling vertically. The RidgeGear RGA Fall Arrest Block is lightweight yet strong, with a range of lengths available.

Prevent… Collapse

Ultimately, the best way to prevent a scaffolding structure from collapsing is to stay compliant when setting it up, and making sure it’s well-managed once it’s been built.

The Scafftag Blue Book provides an easy-to-use system to help you manage your scaffolding. Contained within a protective binder, it offers guidance on legislation compliance and discusses good practice within the industry. It also contains information about risk assessment, inspection reports and other certificates.

See More of Our Scaffolding Safety Products

Our online shop contains hundreds of competitively-priced scaffolding products, with the option of next day delivery.

For a limited time only, we’re giving you a free spirit level on orders over £150! Available while stocks last.

Sometimes, the rules around scaffolding can be a little unclear. The main piece of legislation that scaffolders and their associates follow is the Work at Height Regulations 2005, with the HSE providing guidance on how to comply. Referring to these articles, we’re going to look at some of the main ways in which you can prepare your scaffolding safely and effectively.

Please note: this guide is not designed to explain the legislation in detail, but is intended to provide a brief overview. Is important to remember that a wide range of people—the clients, the self-employed or anyone else associated with the project—have legal responsibilities when it comes to scaffolding.

1) Determine whether you really need scaffolding first

It is up to the trader to assess whether scaffolding needs to be used. Fixing a loose tile on the roof of a house is quite different to installing windows on a multi-storey building! It all depends on the level of risk involved and the type of work you are doing.

2) Make sure it is set up by a trained scaffolder

A qualified scaffolder should hold a valid Construction Industry Record Scheme Card (CISRS). The trader is responsible for making sure that the scaffolder is fully qualified and competent before any work begins. You can contact the CISRC Helpline on 0870 417 7223 to confirm the validity of a scaffolder’s card.

3) Assess the configuration your project is going to require

Is it going to be a straightforward project that requires a standard scaffolding structure? If not, then a bespoke design must be put together by a qualified scaffold contractor or designer.

4) The scaffolding should always be checked to make sure it’s safe

The law stipulates that once your scaffolding structure has been completed, it should be given a safety check before it is first used, every 7 days thereafter, and following any environmental alterations such as extreme weather.

5) Other factors to consider when planning work at height

The following are all legal requirements that you need to bear in mind when planning and undertaking work at height. You must:

• Consider weather conditions that might compromise worker safety.

• Check that the working platform is safe before it’s used by someone, every time.

• Store materials safely so that they won’t cause injury if they are knocked, or if they collapse.

• Stop or prevent materials/objects from falling. If it is unreasonable to do this, use an exclusion zone or another similar method to make sure there’s no chance of anyone being injured.

• Plan for emergencies—setting up an evacuation procedure and letting every employee know is a good example.

George Roberts are here to help 

We hope that this has provided you with an insight into preparing scaffolding safely. Here at George Roberts, we are committed to Health and Safety, which you can find out more about here.

If you are looking for high-quality height safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses and fall arrest blocks, then make sure to check out our online shop.

We also stock a range of tool safety equipment, Scafftag tagging systems and much more to help keep you safe when working at height. Have a browse today or find out more about our scaffolding hire services.

It has recently been announced that the NASC has created a £50,000 funding pot to help its members bring hundreds of new recruits into the industry.

Following on from the CISRS CPD funding scheme that was set up in 2017,  the training fund will enable full-contracting NASC members to apply for a payment of £125 for each new employee. This is intended to cover the costs of the CISRS Operatives Training Scheme (COTS), and should hopefully help to bring in 400 new operatives.

So far, the previous 2017 funding scheme has helped over 500 new employees, and it is hoped that the new initiative will have the same effect.

The Long Term

The funding comes from a wider NASC scheme—a £500,000 training fund that was set in 2018 up to assist NASC members with training and recruitment. Other training initiatives are due to be announced in the next few months, something which has been well-received by George Roberts Ltd. and other scaffolding industry leaders.

David Mosley (NASC Training Director) commented that this was merely the beginning, and that the £500k fund will also give members the chance to apply for NASC funding for a wider range of training, including mental health and first aid training.

Find Out More

The scheme went live at the beginning of the month, and members are now able to claim funding for up to ten new recruits. They may also claim retrospectively for any operatives who have completed the COTS course, and gained either the Initial Trainee or the CISRC Labourer card since 1st January this year. You can find out more about the scheme on the NASC’s website.

With long and demanding hours, projects that are often away from home and the worry of obtaining work contracts, it’s easy to see why construction workers are prone to stress and mental health problems.

At last year’s IOSH Construction Conference, Kevin Hear from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) commented that poor mental health in the industry is a ‘silent epidemic’. He also stated that depression, anxiety and stress disorders are now the most reported workplace health issues in the construction sector.

With this in mind, we’ve created a list of things to look out for—whether it’s for yourself or a work colleague—to ensure that anyone suffering from mental health issues in the industry is diagnosed and properly supported. We’ve also come up with some top tips for employers, so that they can make a difference in the workplace and support their employees.

Things to look out for

Whilst mental health problems can present themselves in several ways, there are some common signs that might indicate someone is suffering from work-related stress. These include:

– Sleep issues, which can lead to problems functioning the next day. Dropping tools or tripping up could be signs of this.

– Changes in personality such as irritability, social isolation or loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy.

– Increasingly frequent health problems such as chest pains, headaches or stomach upsets.

– Turning up late for work, or calling in sick more often.

What employers can do to help

– Make your employees aware of the Construction Industry Helpline. Provided by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the helpline can provide advice, support and vital information on many areas associated with wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression or even debt stress, the CIH are there to support you. They also have a handy app containing a wealth of resources, all of which are available for construction workers and their families 24/7.

– Invest in mental health training. Did you know that poor mental health is now the top cause of staff absence? The charity Mind offers training sessions to help you promote good mental health and wellbeing within your organisation, and to help you spot the signs if any of your employees are struggling. Another great charity that offers training for employers is Mates in Mind, which focuses specifically on mental health in the construction industry.

– Have a culture check. Something as simple as assessing your company’s culture could actually make a big difference to the wellbeing of your workers. By sending out an anonymous survey or getting a third-person to interview your staff, finding out what’s ‘working’ and what’s ‘not’ could bring about positive changes on your site. It will give your employees a chance to open up and talk about their feelings, and hopefully boost the wellbeing and productivity of the workplace.

What you can do

If you work on site, you could make a really big impact. Just asking someone how they’re doing, or seeing if they’d like to grab a coffee could be enough to encourage someone who’s struggling to open up and share their worries. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved!

Here at George Roberts, we stock an extensive range of scaffold tools. Whilst having a wide selection to choose from is definitely not a bad thing, it can still sometimes feel a little overwhelming! With that in mind, we’ve narrowed down our top 4 tools to help get you started.

1. Hammer

Our very own Scaffold Hammer is a great choice for scaffolding and construction workers. With a forged head and a riveted connection to the body, it is incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. You can get it for just £29.00 (ex. VAT) with the option to bulk buy.

2. Spanner

We have a variety of high-quality spanners, but one of our favourites is the HD Scaffolding Spanner. Why? Available with different colour and handle options, the steel tool comes with a HD rivet attachment to increase its grip and effectiveness. Priced at £19.90 (ex. VAT).

For extra safety, there is also an opportunity to purchase it with a certified tool wrist restraint system. With this attachment, the spanner is priced at £40.00 (ex. VAT).

3. Tape Measure

A tape measure is another essential tool. The Stanley 5m Tape Measure has a strong outer casing, with a soft ergonomic grip. It also features a ‘true zero’ adjustment to ensure complete accuracy when doing inside and outside measurements. Available for just £15.73 (ex. VAT), it is definitely a worthy investment!

4. Scaffolding Belt

To keep all of these tools safe when you’re working at height, a scaffold belt is a must! Check out our very own tool belt, which is made from 100% leather and available for £14.92 (ex. VAT). With the option to add on a variety of scaffolding frogs such as the Single Tool Frog (with D ring), you won’t run the risk of accidentally dropping your tools onto someone below.

Check Out Our Online Shop

Hopefully you will find some of these tool suggestions useful. To see our full range of scaffolding tools, accessories and height safety equipment, have a browse of our online shop.

With our emphasis on low prices, quality and service, we are the scaffold supplier that you’ve been waiting for.

For scaffolders and construction workers, a lot of emphasis is placed on height safety. But what about the risk of fire?

There are many potential fire hazards on site, including (but not limited to) electrical faults, smoking, temporary lightening, portable heating and even arson.

With this in mind, we have developed a Fire Resistant range to help keep you and your co-workers safe.

1. Flame Retardant Scaffold Debris Netting

Primarily used to prevent debris exiting or entering a scaffolding site, the flame retardant version of our Scaffold Debris Netting goes even further with its fire resistant properties. The netting is supplied in 2m x 50m rolls, and priced at £39.00 (ex. VAT).

2. Monarflex Sheeting – Scaffband FlameSafe

The Monarflex Scaffband FlameSafe is an excellent fire resistant sheeting, designed for use in low-rise, short-term projects that are not exposed to high winds. Prices start from £85.00 (ex. VAT), with three size options to choose from.

3. Fire Retardant Scaffold Boards

Kitemarked as per BS2482, our Fire Retardant Scaffold Boards are designed to give you peace of mind with their long-lasting and flame resistant properties. They are currently available in seven sizes, with the opportunity to purchase custom-sized boards. Enquire to find out about pricing options.

Our Online Shop

We hope this has given you a good overview of some of the fantastic flame resistant products that George Roberts has to offer. If you want to find out more about fire safety on site, take a look at the HSE’s dedicated page.

Furthermore, if you want to see more of our scaffolding tools and accessories, check out our online shop. Here you’ll find high-quality products with lowest prices guaranteed, as well as the option of next day delivery.

You might assume that it’s safer to work with scaffolding during the warmer months, but this is not always the case! Whilst icy and dark conditions can wreak havoc during winter, summer comes with its own health and safety hazards. The sun is a main culprit—unlike a lot of other work environments, construction and scaffold workers don’t have the luxury of air-conditioning or physical protection from sunlight.

With this in mind, we’ve highlighted some of the main hazards you might face if you work at height during this time of year. We’ve also pinpointed ways that could help you and your co-workers stay safe during the warm season.

Protect your skin

Sunburn is one of the most common complaints from scaffold and construction workers during the summer months. Even if you don’t burn, prolonged sun exposure can have serious consequences in the future, including skin cancer. The HSE recommends that outdoor workers wear sun cream containing at least SPF15, although we suggest wearing at least SPF30, and using a sun cream that contains added UVB protection.

Wearing a comfortable helmet can also help. Our APX05 Multi-Impact Helmet safeguards the skin on your head, whilst also offering breathable, cooling protection with its mesh-covered air vents.

Keep plenty of water on site

Dehydration can also be a big issue in the scaffolding industry, especially on scorching hot days. The NHS recommends drinking between 6 and 8 glasses of fluid per day, so if you’re working in the heat, then you should ideally aim for at least 2 litres of water throughout the day.

Having plenty of water bottles on site should help you keep hydrated. Placing them in shaded areas should encourage you to take some time out of the sun too.

Avoid losing your grip

Hot weather can often result in clammy hands. When you’re handling tools, you don’t want to risk them sliding and falling onto someone below. To help avoid this, we recommend that you wear a pair of MP1 Scaffolders Gloves. Supplied in packs of 10, the gloves provide you with more grip, and don’t overheat your hands as they’re made from a lightweight, breathable material.

Wearing a safety lanyard can also give you extra peace of mind. The lanyard connects the tools to your belt, so if you accidentally drop a tool, the lanyard will prevent it from falling. Our very own Screw Tool Safety Lanyard is a safe and affordable option.

George Roberts is here to help

Hopefully this has given you some ideas on how to stay safe on site during summer.

Here at George Roberts, we stock a range of high-quality scaffolding equipment, available for both sale and hire. Browse our online shop to get high-quality, low-priced items with the option of next day delivery or find out more about our scaffolding hire services.

Are you in need of some new scaffolding supplies, but not sure where to begin? Safety should be at the forefront of your mind, as well as staying compliant with The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Here at George Roberts, we have plenty of knowledge and experience in this area, so check out our five pieces of essential safety equipment for construction workers to give you some ideas.

 Head Protection

The helmet is probably one of the most universal pieces of safety equipment. Even if you’re not a construction worker but are still working on site, regulations stipulate that you will require a safety helmet. We recommend our Apex Multi Impact Helmet, which has been manufactured to the higher standards required for mountain climbing.

Breathable but protective with its mesh-covered vents to prevent debris entry, it is the ideal piece of head protection. As well as its comfort and security, it is also available in seven different colours.

Harness

According to a 2018 HSE Report, half of all ‘fall from height’ deaths over the last five years were in the construction sector (with an annual average of 19 per year). So if you’re a scaffolder, one thing you should never compromise on is a durable harness!

Both safe and comfortable, the George Roberts Scaffold Harness is supplied with its very own certificate of conformity and inspection record. It is also lightweight and adjustable, and is fitted with rip stitch indicators in case of a fall, for extra peace of mind.

Scaffold Tool Belt

A tool belt might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about on-site safety, but it is actually quite an important essential. Falling tools may not affect the worker personally, but could potentially hit other on-site workers or even members of the public who are near the construction site.

To avoid this, the first step is to invest in a belt that can keep your tools safe and close to your body. Our George Roberts Scaffold Belt is made from 100% leather, and is incredibly strong and long-lasting.

Scaffold Frog

The next step in securing your tools is getting some frogs to fit onto the belt. The George Roberts Scaffold Belt is compatible with all of our frogs, including the Double Scaffold Frog. Also made from leather, it can securely hold a range of scaffolding hand tools such as ratchets and spanners, without the worry of them falling onto someone below.

Fall Arrest Block

Just as important as a safety harness, a fall arrest block can stop you hitting the ground if you fall from height. The RidgeGear RGA5 5m Fall Arrest Block is a worthy investment, especially as it can protect you from heights of up to five metres. It is fitted with webbing rather than wire for extra security, and like our Scaffold Harness, is supplied with its own certificate of conformity and inspection record.

Want to See More?

Our online shop contains hundreds of scaffolding products, so if you want to see more, take a look here.

With 25 years of experience behind us, the option of next day delivery and competitively priced items, we are the scaffolding supplier you’ve been searching for.

You might work with it on a daily basis, but do you know anything about the history of scaffolding? We’ve decided to uncover its past, which actually began thousands of years ago.

Prehistoric and Ancient Times

You might be surprised to hear that scaffolding dates back over 17,000 years. There is no clear evidence of what scaffolding would have looked like back then, but paleolithic cave paintings found in southwestern France suggest that it did exist.

In 1940, a cave complex called Lascaux was discovered, and inside a series of ceiling paintings were also uncovered. Notably, the ceiling had heights of up to 2.6 metres, and it would have been impossible to paint without some sort of structure to stand on. Added to that, sockets were also found in the walls surrounding the paintings, suggesting that some form of a scaffolding system was used.

Another source of evidence suggesting that scaffolding existed thousands of years ago is the Berlin Foundry Cup. Dated back to the 5th century BC, the Athenian drinking vessel is decorated with a warrior statue standing within a wooden scaffolding structure.

The Modern Era

Up until the 20th century, scaffolding was usually erected by individual companies. There was no standardisation, and parts were often made from different materials and came in different sizes.

Things began to change when brothers Daniel Palmer Jones and David Henry Jones were commissioned to do repair work on Buckingham Palace in 1913. During the reconstruction, Palmer-Jones invented the first scaffold ‘coupler’, and continued to create and patent products which quickly became part of the industry standard. Ultimately, this led to a higher standard of safety, and revolutionised the scaffolding industry.

Scaffolding Today

In present-day Britain, scaffolding practices are extremely safe and well-monitored. There are currently a number of different bodies that help to regulate the industry, one of the most notable being the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is the public body that takes responsibility for proposing regulations and offering guidance on health and safety at work.

Current laws specify that all scaffolding-related products should be certified according to European Standards (ENs). This means that all parts are prepared with safety in mind, whether that’s relating to the workers or the public. What’s also great is that a number of scaffolding training courses have been developed in recent years, showing that safety really is a number one priority in the industry.

Looking for High-Quality Construction or Scaffolding Supplies?

It appears that scaffolding has come a long way during its lengthy existence. Here at George Roberts, our aim is to provide scaffolding equipment with safety and quality at the heart of everything we do.

You can browse and purchase all of our scaffolding supplies, tools and accessories here or find out more about our scaffolding hire services.

The winter months can be both difficult and dangerous for scaffolding and construction workers, so it’s always a good time to reiterate and highlight the importance of on-site safety. With a drop in temperature and frequent icy conditions, illnesses and accidents are more likely to occur. Therefore, we have come up with some ways to help protect you and your co-workers during the winter season, and raise general safety awareness.

1. Take Care in the Cold

This may seem like an obvious one, but cases of frostbite, hypothermia and even trench foot are surprisingly common within the construction industry during the winter period. Site managers should create warm areas to provide respite for workers when the temperatures are low.

There should also be guidelines on what to wear—protective, thermal clothing should be a requirement, and gloves should be worn to prevent frostbite from attacking exposed fingers. Having cold hands can also mean that you’re more likely to drop tools when working at height, so getting safety lanyards for your equipment can help prevent this. The RidgeGear RTLE1 Elastic Tool Lanyard can support tools up to 5kg, and is a worthy investment.

2. Prevent Falls Caused by Icy Conditions

Surfaces that are going to be walked on should be cleared of any ice or snow—either by using tools, or grit that will help it melt. Having appropriate signage is also important, especially when there is black ice. It helps make workers aware of the potential dangers and allows them to act accordingly.

Furthermore, a secure arrest block is essential at this time of year. Attached to a fall arrest harness, the block contains an almost instant ‘lock off’ in the event of a fall, which means you don’t have to worry if you slip on ice or snow. We recommend the RidgeGear RGA Fall Arrest Block, which can protect you from heights of up to 2.5 metres—the ultimate fall protection.

3. Light Up

With winter comes darkness, so it’s very important that your scaffolding and work areas are brightly lit. We offer a Scaffolding Light that will turn itself on and off by reacting to light levels accordingly. The compact flashing light unit can be easily fitted to scaffolding tubes and various other types of material, making it incredibly versatile.

Lights are not only essential in making equipment and hazards more visible, they are also an important way of keeping workers awake. Our bodies are naturally more alert during the daytime, so when it goes dark, having as much lightening as possible could reduce risks relating to tiredness.

Need More Construction or Scaffolding Supplies?

We hope this guide has given you some good ideas on protecting yourself during the cold months.

Here at George Roberts, we stock high-quality products based on our industry knowledge. We’ve been established for over 25 years, and are proud to offer hundreds of competitively-priced items, with great customer service, a high standard of safety and the option of next day delivery.

You can browse and purchase all of our scaffolding tools and accessories in our online shop or find out more about our scaffolding hire services.

Safety alert – Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently issued a safety alert expanding on existing scaffolding guidance, in particular emphasising the importance of ensuring suitable measures are in place to prevent members of the public, especially children, from climbing scaffold ladders.

The safety bulletin states that where a ladder guard is used:

• It should cover at least 6 rungs of ladder ie preventing foot being placed on at least 5 rungs

• Must make each rung unusable – no more than 50 mm of rung should be exposed when guard is pushed as far sideways as possible

• Must not be able to slide over the ladder stile thereby exposing the rungs

• The guard needs to be matched to certain ladders and not used on others – i.e. a narrow guard is only suitable for a narrow ladder and if used on a wide ladder sufficient rung width could be exposed to allow the ladder to be climbed

• Must be locked or padlocked in place when not in use – Rope lashing is not acceptable

Preventing Unauthorised Access onto Scaffolding

Security of a construction site including scaffolding and ladders is vital to prevent unauthorised access onto scaffolding or other work platforms.

Falls from height from scaffolding or incomplete buildings following unauthorised access by the public frequently involve children and result in major and sometimes fatal injuries. Access points may be designed for access or be opportunistic.  All such routes may need to be secured by a combination of perimeter fencing, local fencing and ladder removal out of working hours, or securing ladders using a suitable ladder guard to make them unclimbable.

New compliant 315mm Ladder Guard by George Roberts

To meet the requirements of the HSE Safety Alert, George Roberts (NW) Ltd have designed, specified and now have in stock a new ladder guard that not only complies but exceeds the stated minimum requirements.

• 1,860mm high – Covers 7 rungs, one more than required by HSE Guidance

• Only 45mm of rung exposed (when used with a Tuff Steel ladder) – 5mm less than required by HSE Guidance

• 315mm wide – Can be used on other suitable ladders dependent on width of rungs

• Heavy duty padlock and chain included

• Light weight sturdy construction – only 4.4kg including padlock and chain

You can see our ladder guard in the photo gallery as well as a side by side comparison of the new compliant ladder on the left (taller and wider) against the old ladder on the right.

View on our Online Shop 

This month sees the arrival of three new products: Extending Hop Up Bracket, Klawz Scaffolding Fitting and Scaffold Tube Tie.

Both the Extending Hop Up Bracket and Klawz Scaffolding Fitting are available from stock for hire and sale, and the Scaffold Tube Tie is available for purchase from our online shop.

Extending Hop Up Bracket

HSE guidance states that the practice of uncontrolled dropping or tipping of materials from height is unacceptable. Due to above and a number of safety issues identified by the HSE, most major house builders and construction companies are now specifying the use of fixed rubbish chutes – this has led to a substantial increase in orders for G.W.R rubbish chutes.

We hold large stocks and we can deliver anywhere in the UK within 48 hours at extremely competitive prices!

Components: 1m section, side-entry chute, top hopper and support fixing frame

Rubbish Chutes 

Discounted prices on our Scafftag Scaffold Tags – promotional prices available to May 31 only.

Scafftag Scaffold Tags is the original Scaffold tagging system, with the innovative holder and inserts which should be fitted at all legal access points to the scaffold structure, from first build to completion and then dismantling of the scaffold.

Providing an easy to use and simple system for recording inspections as deemed appropriate by a risk assessment.

Big quantity discounts when you buy 1-5, 6-49 or 50+.

ScaffTag Scaffold Tags

Supplied in boxes of 10 holders, 20 inserts and a pen. These are to be used at all legal access points to a scaffold structure.

George Roberts stock a range of other ScaffTag products to suit your scaffolding and access equipment. Along with spare inserts and inspection records, you can be assured that we will have a ScaffTag to suit your needs:

ScaffTag Alloy Tower Tags

Supplied in boxes of 10 holders, 20 inserts and a pen. The inserts are designed with alloy towers, podiums and light access in mind.

ScaffTag Ladder Tag

Like the above but smaller to safely and securely fit a range of ladders. 10 holders, 10 inserts and a pen.

ScaffTag Multi Tag

Is a versatile tagging system, suitable for a range of applications such as powered access machines. Supplied as 10 holders, 10 inserts and a pen.

ScaffTag Micro Tag

Using the same style of holder as the other ranges but much smaller for use on safety harnesses and lanyards etc. Supplied in a box of 20 x holders, 20 x inserts and pen.

ScaffTag Tie Tags

These are supplied as plain warning tags or structural tie tags to record information specific to the scaffold tie.

Along with the above ScaffTag systems, we stock the range of replacement inserts along with both the ScaffTag Blue book for recording information/inspection records relevant to Scaffold structures, and the ScaffTag Yellow book, which allows the same information/inspection records but for ladders.

All are kept in current stock for immediate dispatch and can be purchased via our online shop.

Here at George Roberts, we have a great collection of scaffolding systems, available for both sale and hire.

Both the K/stage and K-Lok/Cuplok Scaffolding System are available from stock in HUGE quantities, including all accessories to suit and delivery is available anywhere in the UK. Normally within 48 hours of order.

K-Lok/Cuplok Scaffolding System with standard BS2482 Scaffold boards/Omega timber battens or Omega steel battens.

Supplied in new or excellent condition used stock, available for sale.

Scaffolding Systems

Kwikstage, one of the original System scaffold and still as popular as it ever was. Supplied with BS2482 timber battens or galvanised steel stage.

Available in new stock and fully refurbished condition.

Scaffolding Systems

Contact a member of our sales team now for more details on 0151 524 2434 or sales@grplus.co.uk.

Scafftag

George Roberts stock a range of ScaffTag products to suit your scaffolding and access equipment. Along with spare inserts and inspection records, you can be assured that we will have a ScaffTag to suit your requirements.

Scafftag

Scaffold Tags

Supplied in boxes of 10 holders, 20 inserts and a pen. These are to be used at all legal access points to a scaffold structure.

Alloy Tower Tags

Supplied in boxes of 10 holders, 20 inserts and a pen. The inserts are designed with alloy towers, podiums and light access in mind.

Ladder Tag

Like the above but smaller to safely and securely fit a range of ladders. 10 holders, 10 inserts and a pen.

Multi Tag

Is a versatile tagging system, suitable for a range of applications such as powered access machines. Supplied as 10 holders, 10 inserts and a pen.

Micro Tag

Using the same style of holder as the other ranges but much smaller for use on safety harnesses and lanyards etc. Supplied in a box of 20 x holders, 20 x inserts and pen.

Tie Tags

These are supplied as plain warning tags or structural tie tags to record information specific to the scaffold tie.

Along with the above ScaffTag systems, we stock the range of replacement inserts along with both the ScaffTag Blue book for recording information/inspection records relevant to Scaffold structures, and the ScaffTag Yellow book, which allows the same information/inspection records but for ladders.

All are kept in current stock for immediate dispatch and can be purchased via our online shop.

Here are the Windscale JFC under 12s, pictured here with their brand new kit, sponsored by George Roberts.

Continuing on from our previous sponsorship of this team last season, we are pleased to support them once again as they move up the age groups.

For us as a company, it’s great to see children out and about playing a sport they love whilst looking very smart in the GR kits!

More information on the team can be found here Visit Windscale FC

George Roberts NW Ltd are proud to announce that the company has been awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Silver Award for outstanding excellence in occupational health and safety performance!

Following on from the business’s commitment to improvement through successful and ongoing accreditation to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, this achievement demonstrates the drive, passion and dedication of the company and staff to continually improve.

RoSPA is at the heart of accident prevention in the UK and around for the world, and has been for nearly a century.

2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. For 60 years, the scheme has been recognising and celebrating excellence in safety performance – longer than any other in the industry.

“These health and safety awards promote the importance of occupational health and safety. HSE appreciates and commends RoSPA’s work to raise awareness of a sensible and proportionate approach to managing risks in the workplace.” HSE (Health & Safety Executive)

These internationally recognised awards have become the most sought after accolade by organisations from every sector, offering organisations such as George Roberts NW Ltd the opportunity to prove their ongoing commitment to raising standards and to celebrate success.

The award is based on the organisation’s individual occupational health and safety performance assessed against the strict judging criteria.

In order to achieve the award, George Roberts NW Ltd had to provide evidence of a good health and safety management system by answering key performance questions and supporting the answers with a concise portfolio of relevant documentation.

This award is proof those questions being answered satisfactorily and further proof of our commitment to health and safety within the company.

We are very proud of this achievement, along with all our accreditations and awards, a huge thank you must go to our HESQ Manager Mr Mark Frost along with every member of staff, from director level to yard operative who continually invest in our ‘Total Reliability of Supply‘ culture.

Scaffolding Tool Safety

Scaffolding tool safety and stopping tools falling from height is a growing part of our industry, with many of the large contractors now insisting that all tools used by scaffolders are restrained from falling, if dropped when in use.

As part of our ongoing product development, we have compiled a range of scaffolding tools with a complimentary range of lanyards to suit.

Along with the tools and lanyards, we also have a number of options to connect the tools to your belt set through our innovative Belt D ring or through our new range of Scaffold Tool frogs with D rings.

We also have a range of products to enable you to retro fit tool safety lanyards to your existing tools.

All the items supplied are tested and certified, and have been brought to market after careful consideration and consultation with the people and companies using the tools. A user guide is provided with each order.

Through our updated and improved online shop, orders can be placed for next day delivery (subject to terms and conditions).

We also have our new ‘Belt Builder’ function on the shop, which allows you to fully customise your belt and tools to suit.

grplus.co.uk/product-category/scaffolding-tools

For bulk orders, please contact our sales team on 0151 524 2434.

In April, the company successfully retained its Bronze certification with FORS!

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation scheme encompassing all aspects of safety, fuel efficiency, vehicle emissions and improved operations. FORS helps fleet operators to measure and monitor performance and alter their operations in order to demonstrate best practice.

Bronze accreditation confirms that George Roberts (North West) Ltd employs good practices and complies with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard. This includes demonstrating dedication to driver and vehicle safety, combined with improving operating practices through effective monitoring of fuel and tyre usage.

Becoming FORS accredited means George Roberts (North West) Ltd is ready to take advantage of new opportunities as ever more clients make FORS a condition of business.

Achilles UVDB Re-Certification

In May the company achieved its highest scores through the Achilles UVDB Verify Audit. The audit criteria covers Health and Safety, Quality and Environment.

The Verify Audit was introduced by the Achilles UVDB community to provide a higher level of pre-qualification assurance for buyers within the utility sector.  The intent of the Verify Audit is to enable Achilles UVDB buyers’ access to a suitably pre-qualified supply chain that they can invite to tender.

The Verify Audit specifically looks at a suppliers approach to Safety, Health, Environment and Quality and Corporate Social Responsibility.  The Verify protocol provides the Utility companies an independent assessment of suppliers’ management systems in each of the discipline areas both from an internal management system perspective as well as a test of the application onsite.  The results of the audits are published online and used by buying and compliance representatives within each subscribing utility.

This is the third successful year George Roberts (North West) Ltd has been re-certified with Achilles improving our score year on year.

Our online shop has been updated to considerably increase the number of products available and improve ease of use when making purchases and enquiring what is available.

All items are available from stock and for immediate dispatch through our dedicated courier service – with guaranteed next day delivery on most items, if ordered before 2pm.

• Scaffold tools, frogs and belts – a full range including tool restraint systems to suit your requirements
• Height safety equipment – from our superb 2-point safety harness to a range of fall arrest and restraint lanyard
• Plastic products – including our unique and innovative Cubby Cap
• Comprehensive range of scaffold fixings and drill bits – to suit many applications
• Scaffolding accessories – from lifting bags to gin wheels and rope, to ladder access gates
• Scaffold sheeting, Debris net and Brickguards – for all of your containment requirements

Easy to use and totally secure payment through SAGE PAY ONLINE.

Here at George Roberts NW Ltd, we continually strive to improve our customer service through reinvestment. Whether it’s working with our supply chain for new and innovative products or investing in the latest Mercedes HGVs to maintain our fast and reliable nationwide delivery service.

We are now very pleased to announce our latest investment in yet more yard space, to add to our substantial head office site.

Opening in the next week, this will enhance and improve our storage and more importantly our loading facilities, providing a safer, faster and larger area for loading of our own and our customers’ vehicles.

We supply our full range of equipment through our Liverpool facility to scaffolding contractors, multi-discipline contractors, construction companies and house builders, to national and local tool hire shops, who require the complete access and construction range of products.

We realised that we could better serve the tool hire, builders and our passing trade customers by having a specific area within our yard extension, stocked with a range of products such as temporary fencing and barriers, props, struts, trestles and boards.

This would be aimed at those industry sectors’ requirements and set out in a manner that would allow easy access, fast, safe loading, and more importantly to the customer, a ‘Drive in’ type of service, which will see a reduced waiting and loading time, saving on time and more importantly costs.

For us, it will improve traffic management and safety within our business and shows our continued commitment to safety and service, both for our own personnel and that of our customers and employees.

The equipment will include but not restricted to the following:

• Temporary Fencing, Crowd Control Barriers and Chapter 8 Barriers
• Alloy Access Towers, Podiums and Extension Ladders
• Adjustable Props, Prop mates and Push/Pull Props
• Adjustable Trench Struts and Trench Sheets
• Anti Skid Roadplates
• Straight and Flexible Roadforms from 4″ to 12″
• Trestles and Scaffold boards
• Scaffold Sheeting and Debris Net
• Steel and Timber Single section ladders

Please call our sales team on 0151 524 2434 for further information or to reserve your equipment, ready for collection.

We love it when the needs of the customers, the employees and the company itself all come together into one practical solution – and that’s why we’re so excited to announce the opening of our brand new office! A shiny new build with fantastic sales and trade counter facilities, it offers great benefits to everyone involved. The new capacity will be extremely advantageous in our ongoing mission to grow and expand as a company, and we are proud to have had the opportunity to build upon our current premises in this way.

The new office building will perfectly complement our existing facilities, providing us with more ways to serve our customers and deliver the high standard that they have come to expect from us. It is an example of our commitment to looking forward to the future of our business and ensuring that everything is in place for ongoing growth – and we will continue to invest in our company so that this remains the case.

One important benefit of this new office build is how it will affect our workers. A study conducted in London by Metro Design has shown that pleasant, modern offices are an absolutely crucial factor for employee well-being, motivation and job satisfaction. We firmly believe that well-designed office space needs to be both comfortable and practical, and we hope that this new building will help our employees feel accommodated by their working environment.

Investment in people is just one of the many ways in which we ensure that our company goes from strength to strength, and by helping all of our workers realise their fullest potential we are also helping our customers get top quality products and top quality service.

This new office build forms just one part of our ongoing business growth strategy, and we will continue to invest in many different areas, including both infrastructure and new product development. We believe that the only way to keep up with our customers’ needs, and to continue to supply the solutions which genuinely help solve them, is to continue to expand. The new office will be a very welcome part of this expansion, and a very welcome addition to the company overall.

We want to tell you about our incredible, unique product – the Cubby Cap. This is a product which fits easily inside scaffolding tubes, capping off the end and sealing the inside to prevent any unwanted item entering the tube or falling out of it. With over 3 million per annum sales to date, the item has certainly proven popular! But how did the idea come about, and why is it so important?

Several incidents have demonstrated the dangers and risks of uncapped scaffolding tubes, and these were the driving forces behind the design of the Cubby Cap. Reports have shown that open scaffolding can be very dangerous for many different species of wildlife, with animals such as spiders and birds finding their way into the tubes but then getting stuck. In Australia this has taken on an even more damaging form, with endangered species becoming trapped. A cap can stop animals entering, helping to keep them safe – a crucial step to ensuring that work sites are environmentally friendly!

Scaffolding can also be very dangerous for people working on site. An incident on a major industrial site saw a number of used steel welding rods slide out from inside a scaffolding tube and falling to the ground, only just missing the workers below. Since it is difficult to remove, a Cubby Cap can stop scaffolding from seeming like a convenient place to get rid of used up materials. A second accident involved a worker manually unloading newly cut scaffolding tube and suffering from lacerations on his thumb from the burred end. The use of the Cubby Cap would have prevented this incident from occurring.

We offer this problem-solving product at a very affordable price, flanged or unflanged and in a range of different colours as required. It is incredibly easy to insert and difficult to take out once it’s in place. A true innovation in the area of scaffolding, this product can prevent the kind of accidents that too commonly occur on work sites and really improve the safety of the working environment!”