Despite construction union UCATT claiming there was a rise in prosecution delays and fall in convictions following construction deaths last week, the HSE has responded to highlight that prosecutions have actually risen from 92% in 2010/2011 to 94% in 2014/15. UCATT had cited data that was included in a current Parliamentary Question response by HSE to Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn. The reduction referred to within the UCATT claim pertains to the numbers of fatalities in development for which prosecutions have been accepted.  The share of fatalities resulting in a call to prosecute in the same year will likely be lower in more recent years as a variety of complex investigations will nonetheless be on-going or are progressing by way of the courts. The variety of prosecution approvals also needs to be seen towards an overall reduction in building fatalities from over 100 in 2000/01 to 39 in 2014/15. All workplace fatalities should be investigated completely to forestall a recurrence and so that where breaches of health and safety requirements are identified then those that have failed are held to account which can include instances before the courts in England and Wales, or recommending prosecution in Scotland.  HSE doesn’t prosecute in each case and can take account of the evidential stage and the related public interest elements set down by the Code for Crown Prosecutors. In Scotland the Procurator Fiscal decides whether or not to deliver a prosecution. Quite a few discrete levels will have an effect on the tempo at which a work-related fatality is investigated and legal proceedings pursued.  The police assume primacy for investigations initially and retain the case until negligent offences have been recognised or eradicated. In complicated instances it may be a number of months before HSE is handed primacy.  Until HSE brings a prosecution it’s usually essential to await the result of a Coroner’s inquest.  Once a defendant has been charged it will possibly take a while for the case to return to trial, significantly where it’s defended and heard within the Crown Court. Nevertheless, HSE and the other agencies concerned in investigating workplace fatalities recognise the significance to victims of guaranteeing all levels of the investigation and prosecution process are concluded rapidly.  The Work Related Deaths Protocol (WRDP) National Liaison Committee not too long ago agreed that any choice to prosecute must be made inside three years of the date of death, apart from in exceptional circumstances. Recently, the drive to scale back investigation time and conclude lengthy operating investigations, HSE has in recent times concluded a number of advanced investigations. This has meant average time taken between an incident and a prosecution approval has increased in the latest years, however different information supplied in response to Parliamentary Questions shows that during the last 10-years, 23% of instances had been accepted for prosecution inside a year of a fatality, 27% within the second year, and 30%  within the third.  Therefore 80% of HSE prosecutions have been authorised throughout the WRDP three-year interval.  This proportion is still rising. Note that there’s an error within the UCATT data as it states that 30% of instances didn’t reach the prosecution stage until between three to four years after an employee’s demise.  The PQ responses confirmed that only 15% of circumstances took between three and four years to reach this stage. The data UCATT has used to incorrectly suggest the “fall in convictions” is above.  This pertains to prosecutions authorised following fatalities in any given 12 months.  The quantity within the third column pertains to the quantity within the second column, and not to fatals in earlier years.  Therefore, in 2014/15 of the 39 fatals, approved prosecutions in seven of these circumstances within the same 12 months.  Therefore the observed percentage reduction in recent times is due to on-going (ie longer than one year) investigations.

Savills UK and Europe has, for the eighth year, been ranked as the top real estate superbrand by the Business Superbrands survey. Administered by The Centre for Brand Analysis, the survey brings together a council of experts and 2500 enterprise professionals to determine the UK’s strongest B2B brands. To be chosen as a superbrand a company must offer customers useful extra services over its competitors as well as having a reputation that is well established within its area of expertise. In reducing the list down from the starting number of 1500, voters are asked to consider distinction, quality and reliability. Mark Ridley, CEO of Savills UK and Europe, comments: “That Savills has once again been ranked as the top UK real estate Superbrand is testament to the consistent world class service we offer and that the values voters look for – quality, reliability and distinction – are second nature throughout our business. As a company expands it can be all too easy to lose sight of the values that have made you a success, but the fact that both our clients and peers continue to recognise Savills as the best of the best is proof we have successfully embedded these qualities at the core of everything we do.” Savills is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a top global real estate service supplier. Established in 1855, Savills has a considerable history and over 700 offices and associates all through the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, employing more than 30,000 people.

Steve Hails, health and safety director for Crossrail, is set to leave his post at Europe’s largest construction project to join Tideway. Steve joined Crossrail in early 2012 as health and safety director. He introduced and guided Crossrail through the development of the Health and Safety Performance Index (HSPI), developed the Frontline Leadership Programme and has been a prominent champion for Crossrail’s Target Zero aspirations and health, safety and wellbeing achievements. Steve has led a number of health and safety programmes including ‘Stepping Up Week’, the health and safety survey, “Have Your Say”, and has provided guidance and advice to the Health and Safety Committee. He will join Crossrail ‘s former programme director Andy Mitchell, who was appointed CEO of Tideway in 2014. Tideway are upgrading London’s sewerage system to cope with demands of the city. Construction work for a new 25 kilometre interception, storage and transfer tunnel running up to 65 metres below the river will start in 2016. A Crossrail spokesperson said: “Steve Hails, Crossrail Director of Health and Safety, has accepted a new role as Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing with Tideway. The process to recruit Steve’s replacement is underway. Steve will join Tideway later in 2016.”

The Swansea-based construction arm of The Premier Group, a national specialist in high-spec construction and maintenance work, has been announced as an award winner at the 2015 CBRE & Shell UK supplier of the year awards.   The innovation award was presented to the company for its Premas1s software platform. The software was recognised for its technological advancements, enabling improved management, efficiency and best value.   It was recognised that the innovative use of IT would not only be a solution to streamline parts of its business operations, but it also gives The Premier Group’s customers an unrivalled management, reporting and budgeting information system. This enables them to have up to the minute property and equipment information via web based access.   Benefits of The Premier Group’s award winning Premas1s software include real time information for clients and company; integration to clients system, one-point log in/access; site by site information, site data and photos; mobile applications; HSEQ audits; client handover reports; link to clients’ management systems; client defect projection for future budgeting; and client defect analysis.   One of the major applications of Premas1s is centred around it mobile applications, designed to capture, collate and manage information relating to a specific project and integrate with an android App accessible on any portable tablet. Stored in the cloud, this gives the user access to a comprehensive electronic resource planning system, which also incorporates photographic evidence-based usability.   The Premier Group initially rolled out the bespoke system to all staff involved in a UK-wide project it is working on for Esso, which involves re-branding and refurbishing all the company’s CORS & Alliance Petrol Stations nationwide.   The system ultimately replaces a compressive but time-consuming and inefficient system of databases and spreadsheets The Premier Group previously used.   Frustrated by these antiquated systems, The Premier Group initially experimented with off-the-shelf products before commissioning BSS, a software development specialist acquired by SA1 Solutions in 2014, to build a bespoke system designed specifically for its unique needs.   Steve Evans, managing director of the construction arm of The Premier Group, said:   “We are extremely pleased to have won an innovation award for our Premas1s software system. Premas1s has assisted us in gaining more work and developing our relationship with clients.   “We had been using a dated and time-consuming system for many years and knew there must be a better alternative. There was a lot of repetitive work in the beginning to get the software exactly as we wanted it and to make sure it could be integrated with any handheld device. SA1 Solutions were very efficient in developing the system to our specifications and as a result, has created an award winning system.”   The Premier Group partnered with SA1 Solutions, a South Wales-based IT and communication company, to develop the bespoke software platform designed specifically to manage the challenges of the construction industry.   Simon Ahearne, managing director of SA1 Solutions, added:   “Being recognised as a company that can develop award winning software in such a specialised sector is something myself and the team are really proud of. There is so much scope with this platform and the app that has been developed with it. It integrates every element of a project in a seamless manner and can also be adjusted for different uses.   “It is perfect for large, specific projects with great repetition across many sites. It can also be adapted to cover maintenance contracts where visual evidence can be used to back-up quotes and work done in relation to faults or dilapidation on properties in a client’s portfolio.”

Bilfinger GVA, one of the UK’s largest commercial property advisers, part of Bilfinger SE, the global service and engineering group, announces the appointment today of Gerry Hughes as its new Chief Executive. Based at the Company’s UK headquarters in London, Mr Hughes will now lead the Bilfinger GVA business into the next phase of its on-going business strategy. Currently in the top five UK commercial real estate advisors, the Company is delivering on its vision to be Europe’s leading professional consultancy and management services group in the real estate sector. It will continue to develop its full suite of services to public and private sector clients through its unrivalled UK regional network of offices. Mr Hughes has worked at the Company since 1992 in a number of leadership roles, most recently as National Head of the business’ Planning, Development and Regeneration team. He also sits on the International Board of Bilfinger Real Estate and will continue to do so. Mr Hughes has extensive expertise in advising on setting strategy for and enabling the delivery of complex development and regeneration projects at all scales. In particular, he has significant experience in establishing public/private joint venture delivery structures and funding mechanisms. Over the past six years in London, Mr Hughes has successfully helped lead Bilfinger GVA to a position where the Company is currently advising on some of the most significant projects in the Capital. This is exemplified by the launch in the last month of the £2 billion Haringey Development Vehicle and the Winstanley Estate Renewal project alongside Clapham Junction. Mr Hughes is a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. He holds a Master of Science degree in Town & Country Planning from Queen’s University, Belfast. Dr Joachim Ott, Executive President of Bilfinger Real Estate commented: “We are delighted to appoint Gerry Hughes as Chief Executive of Bilfinger GVA at a time when we see many opportunities across the UK and Europe to accelerate the growth and closer integration of our real estate business. We are especially pleased to be able to make an internal appointment in line with the succession planning process that had already been put in place. I am very confident that Gerry’s proven track record at Bilfinger GVA since 1992, the versatility of his market knowledge, the strength of his established network, and his expertise in advising on and coordinating complex development projects will prove invaluable in leading our UK business. We are confident that his successful leadership abilities will deliver the continued growth of our business in the UK and internationally.” Gerry Hughes, Chief Executive of Bilfinger GVA said: “It is an honour to be asked to lead Bilfinger GVA as we enter the next phase of our business strategy and further build on our recent successes. The market potential for Bilfinger GVA in the UK and Europe is huge and underpinned by our unrivalled real estate consultancy pedigree. The team has built an enviable reputation as leaders in many aspects of the real estate market in the UK and our pipeline of opportunities has never been stronger. Bilfinger GVA is now taking that success into Europe and beyond and we expect that the wider corporate activity at Bilfinger SE will present us with even greater opportunities. I look forward to working even more closely with all my colleagues to fulfil our full potential as a business.”

A London based company who fabricate structural steel products has been fined for failure to maintain compliance with the law following prior HSE enforcement action. Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how William Fry Fabrications Limited failed to thoroughly examine two cranes used by the company, despite receiving both Improvement and Prohibition Notices on this issue for its cranes in 2011. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that between 2012 and 2015 the cranes had not been thoroughly examined at least every 12 months despite an absolute legal duty to do so. William Fry Fabrications Limited, of Neasden Lane, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 9(3)(a) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and was fined £13,333 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,527.

YourPlace factoring services director Alison McDiarmid has been elected as President of the Property Managers Association Scotland (PMAS). PMAS represents 37 professional factoring firms in Scotland, promoting high standards and best practice across the industry and supporting members through research and training. Alison joined YourPlace Property Management, part of Wheatley Group, in 2005 and took over as factoring services director in 2013. She said: “I am delighted to be elected as PMAS President and look forward to working with members on further driving up property management standards. In particular we will work closely this year with Scottish Government as they review parts of the Property Factors Act and with the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland (RIAS) on a new website to help owners with practical issues.” Alison is also part of the Glasgow Factoring Commission and is a non-executive director with Quality Scotland, which helps Scottish companies improve business performance, deliver quality and achieve sustainable business excellence.

Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by around a quarter in the next five years, and tender prices by around a third, according to new analysis. The latest report from RICS’ Building Cost Information Service shows civil engineering costs rose by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the previous quarter, but remained unchanged compared with the same period last year. They are expected to fall over the year to Q3 2016, mainly as a result of falling oil prices. However, costs could rise sharply thereafter as oil bounces back, climbing by as much as 25 per cent over the next five years. New work infrastructure output is expected to remain virtually flat this year. By 2017, output is predicted to fall, with the cycle of some major projects having passed peak as opposed to a downturn in the market. Moderate growth returns in 2018, and will slow slightly in 2019, before rising quite sharply in 2020 due to increased investment in major road schemes and a build-up of HS2 construction, assuming the project goes ahead. Peter Rumble, head of forecasting for RICS’ BCIS division, said: “With civil engineering costs set to fall over the next year, a moderate increase in annual tender prices is expected in the year to the third quarter 2016. “Over the next three years, input cost increases are likely to be the key driver of tender prices but, over 2020, the final year of the forecast period, stronger output growth, in addition to upward pressure from input costs, is expected to lead to a greater gap between costs and tender prices. “Despite new infrastructure work output predicted to stall for the duration of 2016, the five-year forecast period remains significantly stronger than pre-2010 levels, which bodes well for the economy.”

National social enterprise and procurement consortium Fusion21 has won the ‘Driving Value for Money’ category in the first Cabinet Office Social Value Awards. The awards – which recognise and celebrate best practice in commissioning and providing social value – were announced at the third Social Value Summit, on Thursday February 11, in London. Shortlisted alongside Gloucestershire County Council and Data Performance Consultancy, Fusion21 was selected for demonstrating a clear focus on achieving social value within available budgets, backed up by evidence. Through a collaborative approach with its membership, Fusion21 has delivered c£125m savings through the procurement process, created over 2300 jobs, and generated around £56m in community impact across the country. In 2014 – 2015 alone Fusion21 generated £13,901,647 of social return on investment for members – in addition to £13,243,226 in efficiency savings. Commenting on the win, Dave Neilson, Chief Executive at Fusion21, said: “Fusion21 is committed to generating social value which supports the growth, stabilisation and development of communities – whilst also delivering intelligent procurement solutions and cost savings to our members. “Our approach to social value seeks to create maximum benefit for communities at a localised level, creating a range of positive outcomes – from job creation, to training and wider community regeneration. We are really proud to have been recognised for our contributions, and winning in such a strong category.” The Cabinet Office Social Value Awards honour organisations and individuals whose activity reflects recommendations made in the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Fusion21 has supported this Act since its introduction, and will continue to raise awareness of the importance of social value in procurement exercises, as a part of the SEUK Social Economy Alliance.

Rope Services Direct – How to use a Ratchet Strap from Dale Shaw on Vimeo. Securing loads safely is essential – regardless of whether you’re a small business owner simply transporting loads by van, or working with larger fleets of trucks or lorries. If loads aren’t anchored correctly, the results can be damage to items, vehicle accidents, injury and even death; all it takes is the need to break sharply or a tight turn to cause havoc. This video from Rope Services Direct runs through a step-by-step guide to using ratchet straps safely, and properly securing loads for transportation. As part of their advice, they add: “Be careful not to use your ratchet strap on sharp edges”, and they recommend either using protection/cover on the webbing or simply avoiding the edges altogether. This company are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ratchet straps, wire ropes and other related products for industry – so take note of their professional advice!