A London based construction company has been fined for safety failings. Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how RS Construction UK (London) Limited was working at a site on St Dionis Road, London which was inspected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The inspector found there was an excavation directly behind
©Bloomberg Britons gathering round the television to watch the results of Thursday’s referendum on EU membership are set to trigger the biggest spike in night-time electricity demand ever seen in the UK, according to National Grid. The company that runs Britain’s electricity network has told the Financial Times it is
Date: Friday, August 19, 2016 – 9:15 am This workshop is an overview of biological monitoring and how it can enhance the service that occupational hygiene and health professionals offer. Category: Chemicals, Events, Health and safety Source link
Five men have been killed after a wall collapsed at a Birmingham recycling plant this morning. Above: The scene in Aston Church Road, Nechells. Photos from West Midlands Fire Service and Police. The incident happened at Hawkeswood Metal Recycling, Aston Church Road in the Nechells area of Birmingham. The four-metre-high
Industry leaders are warning the government that the UK construction industry must retain access to immigrant labour after Brexit. The leaders of four professional bodies have written to Brexit minister David Davis saying that the UK’s construction skills crisis could severely worsen if the government does not take steps to
The closure of a number of coal-fired power stations this year could mean the coming winter is the “tightest we’ve ever seen”, according an academic from University College London. Professor of international energy and climate change policy Michael Grubb said supply margins had been getting tighter in
Yorkshire Water has taken on its first apprentices which will be supported through a degree course. The utility announced in January last year that it would be significantly increasing the numbers of apprenticeships it offered over the next five years. So far, the majority of apprentices have been recruited
The money will be put towards Gatwick’s transformation programme, which includes expansion of the north and south terminals and the upgrading of shopping facilities. The cash injection takes spending at the airport over £1.2bn by 2021, and will mean more than £2.5bn has been spent on the airport since 2009.
Change at the top for Auction House Cheshire There’s change at the top for Auction House in Cheshire as company managing director Peter Humphreys steps down from the role this month. Peter set up Humphreys of Chester in 1994 and joined Auction House in July 2008. Since then his work,
Date and location 7 – 8 June 2016, Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9JN Event overview The Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) prepared specific guidance for the applications of LOPA to determine the required safety integrity level (SIL) for overfill protection of highly flammable fuel storage
A London based construction company has been fined for safety failings. Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how RS Construction UK (London) Limited was working at a site on St Dionis Road, London which was inspected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The inspector found there was an excavation directly behind the front door, which was the only entrance and exit for the site. Excavated entrance and exit to and from site The excavation was approximately 3.5 meters deep with no means of shoring to support the sides of the excavation and no edge protection around the top to stop persons, materials or objects falling into it. Of immediate concern was a worker in the bottom of the excavation who was instructed to exit the excavation. An investigation by the HSE found that the RS Construction had received previous enforcement action on similar risks on other sites and still failed to ensure suitable and sufficient safe access and egress to and from the construction site and also failed to ensure all practicable steps were taken to prevent danger to any person from working in the excavation. RS Construction UK (London) Limited, of International House, Regents Street, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 17(1)(a) and 22(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and was fined £40,000. £20,000 for each offence and ordered to pay full costs of £1,486. For further information working in basements and excavation visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis66.pdf and http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis64.pdf Notes to Editors: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases. Source link
©Bloomberg Britons gathering round the television to watch the results of Thursday’s referendum on EU membership are set to trigger the biggest spike in night-time electricity demand ever seen in the UK, according to National Grid. The company that runs Britain’s electricity network has told the Financial Times it is preparing for a huge surge in power usage as the country stays up to watch the results of the historic vote. More On this topic IN UK Politics & Policy The grid is currently preparing for an extra 1,200 megawatts of demand — roughly equivalent to an extra Birmingham on the system — and enough to require two extra power stations to keep running. Jeremy Caplin, energy forecasting manager at National Grid, told the FT: “By one o’clock in the morning, this will possibly be the biggest night-time jump we have ever seen. It is certainly going to make our lives more interesting.” The previous biggest night-time surge in electricity demand came during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, which was watched by a peak of 27.3m people in the UK. But Mr Caplin said he expected the night of the referendum to exceed that, with Britons tuning in to see the results of what could be one of the most significant votes in British electoral history. “We usually see a spike in demand at general elections — last year we saw 900MW,” he said. “But this is a once-in-a-generation event.” National Grid’s data on the UK’s electricity demand has often given a glimpse into the attitudes and changing habits of British people. For example, the company has historically had to cope with sudden spikes in demand during advertisement breaks in popular programmes, which sent Brits rushing for their kettles. Those spikes are becoming less frequent however, as more people watch at different times online or on catch-up services. We usually see a spike in demand at general elections — last year we saw 900MW,” he said. “But this is a once-in-a-generation event. – Jeremy Caplin, energy forecasting manager at National Grid The company’s data can even give a sense of the kind of people who watch each programme. The fact that there are still spikes during Downton Abbey, for example, tells the grid that it is watched by an older audience which likes to sit down to watch when the programme is aired. The relative lack of such jumps during Game of Thrones shows it attracts a younger audience, many of whom catch up on their devices later. The referendum results are one of the increasingly rare events that will be watched live by a significant proportion of the country, according to the company. But Mr Carlin insisted it was ready for all eventualities. “We don’t know when the result will become clear, which means we have to try and make sure generators can easily turn down or switch off if needed,” he said. “And if it is really close and the result is not announced until the following morning, we could see a drop in demand as people decide to stay in and carry on watching rather than put the kettle on and get ready for work.” ————————- Brexit? In or Out ©Jonathan McHugh What a British divorce from the EU would look like How any break-up is carried out will have a huge impact on Britain for generationsThe economic consequences of Brexit Three very different outcomes of a British vote to leave the EUWhat would Brexit mean for the City of London? There is a clear split over how a vote to leave would shape the capital’s future as a financial centreWhat the City stands to lose and gain from Brexit Sectors such as foreign exchange trading have boomed during EU yearsWhat has the EU done for the UK? The long-running debate over the economic benefits of membership remains unresolved ————————- Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016. You may share using our article tools. Please don’t cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web. Source link
Date: Friday, August 19, 2016 – 9:15 am This workshop is an overview of biological monitoring and how it can enhance the service that occupational hygiene and health professionals offer. Category: Chemicals, Events, Health and safety Source link
Five men have been killed after a wall collapsed at a Birmingham recycling plant this morning. Above: The scene in Aston Church Road, Nechells. Photos from West Midlands Fire Service and Police. The incident happened at Hawkeswood Metal Recycling, Aston Church Road in the Nechells area of Birmingham. The four-metre-high wall comprised of concrete blocks weighing an estimated 1.5 tonnes each. The men were crushed when the structure gave way, said Detective Superintendent Mark Payne of West Midlands Police. It was supporting scrap metal which also fell on them after the wall collapsed. West Midlands Fire Service received a call for assistance from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) at 8.43am this morning (Thursday 7th July) and reached the scene within five minutes. “On our arrival it was clear that a large concrete structure containing metal had collapsed, trapping a number of people,” the fire service said in a statement. “Very sadly, five people were pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor. One other person who was seriously injured was taken to hospital by the ambulance service.” Cranes and cutting equipment have been deployed to recover the bodies. The Health & Safety Executive is also on site with a structural engineer. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gary Taylor of West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said: “This is a devastating incident is for everyone involved. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims’ families and colleagues. “Once the police have finished their initial examination of the scene, our absolute priority will be to ensure that the bodies of those who have lost their lives are recovered in the most timely and safe way possible, and with the utmost dignity and respect. “The scene is an extremely challenging one, involving significant tonnage of concrete and metal and a structure that is still unstable. We have an assertive recovery plan in place and expect this operation to take several hours. “The skills and services of West Midlands Fire Service will be available for whatever needs to be done, and we will be working hand in glove with our partners at the scene.” Further Images This article was published on 7 Jul 2016 (last updated on 7 Jul 2016). Source link
Industry leaders are warning the government that the UK construction industry must retain access to immigrant labour after Brexit. The leaders of four professional bodies have written to Brexit minister David Davis saying that the UK’s construction skills crisis could severely worsen if the government does not take steps to ensure access to a skilled workforce during its EU departure negotiations. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have joined forces to spell out the implications of any anti-immigration tendencies that might now be impelling the government. They also spell out other ways in which the ULK construction industry has heavily benefited from membership of the European Union. They are not entirely negative however, telling the secretary of state that: “Leaving the EU could present a great opportunity for the UK, but it should not be associated with a drive to the bottom in the environmental and building standards which future generations will live with”. In their letter, the institutes detail six priorities that they hope will minimise the damage that they fear the government may now inflict as a result of the referendum outcome. The priorities are: 1. Access to skills The free movement of labour within the EU has been vital to the growth and flexibility of the construction sector. Access to a skilled workforce of the highest quality combined with a focus on developing the next generation of home-grown talent are critical to ensure we can build the homes businesses and infrastructure we need to compete globally. We therefore urge the Government to explore options and approaches to ensure that this access is not impeded to the detriment of the built environment. 2. Common strands We believe that the UK has much to gain from pursuing an approach that makes it easier to do business with trading partners new and old. Access to markets in the EU and around the world has transformed the UK construction sector. The mutual recognition of qualifications and the development of common technical standards have reduced the barriers our members face working abroad. Reducing tariffs and harmonising standards have helped UK firms of all sizes expand to Europe and beyond. These common approaches have also meant that UK businesses can support best-practice in environmental and product standards, supporting efforts on global issues such as climate change. It is imperative that governments in the UK protect and promote the UK’s role as a leader in environmental and consumer protection standards. 3. Research excellence Our members have benefitted from the collaborative research that the EU has enabled and promoted. Our future success depends on maintaining these relationships, while forging new ties with research organisations around the world. In addition the continued success of our world class university courses training our young people in the built environment is essential to the underpinning of research and the continued supply of labour for construction and allied activities. 4. Infrastructure investment The UK’s global competitiveness will be hampered unless we do more to tackle the major infrastructure challenges we face. With a housing crisis, and growing concerns around energy, telecoms, road, rail and airport capacity, the governments in the UK must seek and entice prospective investors to consider infrastructure of all kinds. Providing confidence to the construction industry through infrastructure funding and development will provide stability during a period of uncertainty and ensure that the UK is well-placed to take advantage of growth opportunities in the future. 5. Devolution commitment The referendum has brought divide between the different parts of the UK into sharp focus. Our organisations welcome the recent commitment to continuing the Northern Powerhouse and we believe that further devolution from Whitehall should be a key priority for the UK government as powers move from the European Commission. Devolution will enable a rebalancing of the economy so that all parts of the UK can benefit from any new opportunities arising from the UK’s new relationship with the European Union, and is an effective way of ensuring infrastructure spending is efficient, timely, coordinated and accountable. 6. Community development Through the extensive skills and experience of our members we are best-placed to advise on how the built environment can unlock new opportunities and combat existing challenges, as well as provide places for people to live, work and play. RICS president Amanda Clack said: “Recent RICS figures have shown that we are in the grip of our worst construction skills crisis in almost 20 years. There is a real concern within our industry that if access to a skilled workforce is further restricted, Britain could stop building. My colleagues and I would urge Government to keep this at the front of their minds when they come to negotiate our withdrawal from the EU. “We know that infrastructure and construction investment is key to Britain’s economic growth. The uncertainty that immediately followed the referendum outcome led to decline in economic growth, increased market volatility and a reduction in UK infrastructure investment. “While the initial post-Brexit slump appears to have stabilised, it is important that the Government focuses on maintaining infrastructure and construction investment leading up to and after Brexit, ensuring the right conditions are in place to attract infrastructure investors in all sectors across the UK. As we approach an unprecedented period of uncertainty, it is fundamental the government prioritises infrastructure and it remains at the forefront of maintaining a strong economy.” This article was published on 14 Sep 2016 (last updated on 14 Sep 2016). Source link
The closure of a number of coal-fired power stations this year could mean the coming winter is the “tightest we’ve ever seen”, according an academic from University College London. Professor of international energy and climate change policy Michael Grubb said supply margins had been getting tighter in recent years, falling to just a couple of per cent. Speaking at an event held by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit in London this week, he added: “I think there is a fair case that the coming winter will be the tightest we’ve ever seen”. However, he said blackouts are unlikely, as new technologies such as demand side response have enabled the grid to become more flexible and cope with much smaller margins than in the past. “Pretty much every year for the last five years we’ve seen autumn headlines saying the lights are going to out and they haven’t even flickered,” he said. Grubb added that energy efficiency had driven down demand, but warned: “The efficiency programmes are much weaker than they were three years ago so it’s uncertain whether demand keeps going down.” Speaking at the same event, former Npower chief executive Paul Massara said the capacity crunch would last beyond this year: “I don’t believe it’s just this winter. I think it’ll be three or four winters going on.” He said there was very little new capacity set to come online and he didn’t believe the capacity market was an effective mechanism to fill the remaining gap. Scottish Power’s 2.4GW Longannet plant and SSE’s 2GW Ferrybridge plant were both shut down last month. The 2GW Eggborough plant owned by Czech firm EPH has a contract to provide a limited amount of backup capacity for the coming winter as part of the supplemental balancing reserve, but is no longer an active participant in the energy market. In February Engie announced plans to close its 1GW Rugeley plant over the summer. SSE was set to shut down three of the four units at its 2GW Fiddler’s Ferry plant this spring but changed course after the plant was awarded a contract to provide ancillary services to National Grid over the next year. Click here to read Utility Week’s analysis of the future for coal generation in Britain. Source link
Yorkshire Water has taken on its first apprentices which will be supported through a degree course. The utility announced in January last year that it would be significantly increasing the numbers of apprenticeships it offered over the next five years. So far, the majority of apprentices have been recruited in operational roles, with the apprentices studying a wide range of college courses including Level 3 Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Level 3 Computer Systems, Level 5 Human Resource Management and Level 6 Surveying. However, the two latest apprentices – Thomas May from Huddersfield and Victoria Ellwood from Wyke in Bradford – are company firsts as Yorkshire Water will support them through a university degree course. The pair have just joined the Land, Property and Planning and the Land and Valuation Services teams as trainee surveyors, and will study at the University College of Estate Management. When not working in the field, May and Ellwood will be based at Yorkshire Water’s headquarters in Bradford. The apprentices will learn how Yorkshire Water manage its assets whilst helping to support and facilitate the acquisition of land/property or rights, the effective management of these interests and disposal of those interests no longer needed by the business. Yorkshire Water director of human resources Shauna Purdey said; “We’re delighted to have Thomas and Victoria join us on this exciting new adventure which illustrates how we are supporting apprentices at all levels. Our graduate scheme, apprenticeships and trainee positions offer young people the chance to study for a qualification whilst gaining practical experience.” “Yorkshire Water has recently become the first water company to receive the prestigious National Equality Standard (NES) certification, which recognises good practise in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). “We have a passion and commitment to EDI and our efforts towards creating a more diverse workforce and an inclusive culture have been significantly accelerated over recent years. A number of initiatives, including the number and levels of apprentices, have been put in place to ensure that we attract talent from the widest pool possible and we are very proud to launch our first degree apprenticeships.” Victoria Ellwood added: “I’m delighted to start my apprenticeship with Yorkshire Water as it means I can earn a salary whilst getting a qualification in my chosen field. There are many different options for young people leaving school or college these days and this was the best one for me.” In contrast, Thomas May applied for the apprenticeship after deciding on a change of career, which demonstrates that apprenticeships are equally appealing to mature students who already have experience of work. Purdey added: “Competition for places is very high and the calibre of successful applicants means they often go on to attain senior roles within the company. Opportunities come up throughout the year so we’d advise anyone interested to register their interest in working for us on the careers page of our website.” This article first appeared on wwtonline Source link
The money will be put towards Gatwick’s transformation programme, which includes expansion of the north and south terminals and the upgrading of shopping facilities. The cash injection takes spending at the airport over £1.2bn by 2021, and will mean more than £2.5bn has been spent on the airport since 2009. The investment plans were unveiled by London mayor Sadiq Khan at an event at the airport today. Mr Khan renewed his support for a second runway at Gatwick, saying it would bring “substantial economic benefits”. The new mayor, who has spoken out against Heathrow expansion, said it was important a decision was made swiftly and urged new prime minister Theresa May to back Gatwick. The decision will rest at the feet of new transport secretary Chris Grayling, who was given the role yesterday as part of Mrs May’s cabinet reshuffle. Mr Grayling is MP for Epsom and Ewell, which is situated just 31 km from Gatwick. He has not commented publicly on which expansion plan he is in favour of. However, the Independent reported in 2009 that Mr Grayling had privately voiced concerns over the party’s opposition to Heathrow. Source link
Change at the top for Auction House Cheshire There’s change at the top for Auction House in Cheshire as company managing director Peter Humphreys steps down from the role this month. Peter set up Humphreys of Chester in 1994 and joined Auction House in July 2008. Since then his work, selling property under the hammer, has gone from strength to strength. His private treaty estate agency is being taken over by SDL. However, Auction House in Cheshire, North Wales and The Wirral will continue its regular sales with the next property auction taking place in late October. Roger Lake, Auction House founding Director, said, “Peter has led a strong team and we wish him well with his future plans and interests which he is pursuing. He has really brought life to property auctions across this region and successfully established the brand, helping to make Auction House the number one residential property auctioneer, selling more lots than any other in the UK.” A highlight of the forthcoming auction on Wednesday 26 October 2016 is an end of terrace house in the popular area of Newton in Chester. The three bedroom Edwardian property in Brook Lane is close to the city centre and needs total renovation. Buyers should certainly be attracted by the keen guide price of £150,000. Roger added: “Auction House Cheshire & North Wales has an 81% success rate so far this year. It is the most successful auctioneer in the county and also sells numerous residential and commercial lots along the North Wales coast. As a brand, we put our success down to our regional approach where local branches sell auction lots at higher prices to local buyers in nearby auction rooms. We have been the market leading auctioneer in the North West for several years operating from five salerooms across the region and thank our clients and customers for the support that continues to deliver that success.” Join our mailing list: Source link
Date and location 7 – 8 June 2016, Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9JN Event overview The Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) prepared specific guidance for the applications of LOPA to determine the required safety integrity level (SIL) for overfill protection of highly flammable fuel storage tanks at sites similar to Buncefield. The course presenter was a member of the PSLG LOPA working group that developed the LOPA guidance. This course will draw on that guidance, its relevance to LOPA assessment in general, and pitfalls identified during the assessment of a large number of LOPA studies from the petrochemical industry. What will the course cover? LOPA, uses and complexity When to use LOPA and when to consider QRA LOPA study prerequisites and preparation? LOPA target frequencies Human Factors Who should attend? The course is aimed at those engineers, managers and safety professionals who have a basic knowledge of risk assessment possibly gained through HAZOP studies and PHA studies, who would like to have an understanding of the LOPA method and how to apply LOPA and the pitfalls commonly associated with this type of analysis. Information and booking A full programme and online booking form can be found on the LOPA: Practical Application and Pitfalls event page. Alternatively, you can email HSL Training or call 01298 218806. Source link