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Industry Newsfeed |
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| Specialist contractors 'have lowest injury rates in the industry'
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Roofing
07/11/2007 12:40:03 PM |
Specialist construction contractors have the lowest injury rates in the industry, according to a new study.
The research by the National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC) found that firms including roofing companies and commercial interior specialists have suffered the least number of injuries in the past year.
According to Builder and Engineer Online, only one worker out of 100,000 suffers an injury working for a contractor, which is a lot less than the industry margin of 3.7.
The findings also revealed a drop in the number of 'over-3-day' injuries suffered by specialist contractor employees, highlighting how seriously specialists take the use of protective workwear and fall arrest equipment in the sector.
Formed to represent a number of specialist building organisations, the NSCC's members include the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training and the Association of Interior Specialists.
The body works to promote the work of specialist firms in the construction industry and encourages the use of trade associations in the sector.
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| North-east schools to be given solar roofing
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Roofing
31/10/2007 1:12:03 PM |
Two schools in the north-east of England are to be given solar-panelled roofing thanks to two environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Specialist firm Solarcentury is to install the new panels on Grove Primary in Consett and St Benet's RC Primary in Ouston after funding was supplied by the Co-operative Group and the government's low carbon building programme (LCBP).
Discussing the reasons behind the installation of the new roofing to the Northern Echo, St Benet's headteacher Damian Groark said that schools must raise awareness of environmental issues to youngsters.
He added: 'Schools have a vital role to play in educating the next generation about climate change, and using this renewable energy technology to power our own premises will help us to really bring that message home to pupils, parents and staff.'
The installation of solar roofing has come after Barratt became the first major homebuilder in the UK to commence construction on a house to meet the government's criteria of zero stamp duty.
Solar panels will be featured on the roof of the house, which will be connected to a water heating system in the property.
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| Police task force set up to tackle roofing thefts
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Roofing
22/10/2007 1:23:49 PM |
A new task force has been set up by the police in an effort to reduce the number of roofing thefts in the UK.
Led by the British Transport Police (BTP), the new initiative will use innovative marking systems which will make it easier for police officers to identify stolen materials which are sold to scrap metal dealers.
Discussing the introduction of the new task force with the BBC, the BTP's deputy chief constable Paul Crowther said there has been 'an explosion' in the number of thefts.
He added: '(The theft) ranges from the opportunist theft of a few hundred metres of cable to serious large-scale criminality.'
'There is only one outlet for this metal to go and we are working with scrap metal dealers and warning them not to accept this stolen property.'
In an effort to stop the theft of roofing at a school in Northampton, contractors recently installed UbiFlex on top of the building.
The material is a replacement material for lead and is essentially worthless to scrap metal dealers.
 © Adfero Ltd
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| Police task force set up to tackle roofing thefts
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Roofing
22/10/2007 1:23:49 PM |
A new task force has been set up by the police in an effort to reduce the number of roofing thefts in the UK.
Led by the British Transport Police (BTP), the new initiative will use innovative marking systems which will make it easier for police officers to identify stolen materials which are sold to scrap metal dealers.
Discussing the introduction of the new task force with the BBC, the BTP's deputy chief constable Paul Crowther said there has been 'an explosion' in the number of thefts.
He added: '(The theft) ranges from the opportunist theft of a few hundred metres of cable to serious large-scale criminality.'
'There is only one outlet for this metal to go and we are working with scrap metal dealers and warning them not to accept this stolen property.'
In an effort to stop the theft of roofing at a school in Northampton, contractors recently installed UbiFlex on top of the building.
The material is a replacement material for lead and is essentially worthless to scrap metal dealers.
© Adfero Ltd
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| Green roofing conference to be held in Sheffield
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Roofing
10/10/2007 4:25:07 PM |
A conference has been organised in Sheffield to promote the benefits of green roofing to residents of the city.
Organised in conjunction with Groundwork Sheffield and the Green Roof Centre, Sheffield Hallam University's event on October 13th is expected to attract members of the public including urban planners, ecologists and conservationists.
The conference is set to include exhibitions and demonstrations on how people can build green roofing on their garden sheds.
Speaking about the event, Green Roof Centre project manager Jeff Sorrill said: 'This conference is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in making small-scale improvements to the environmental impact of their homes and offices.
'It gathers together leading experts in the field to help explain and demonstrate the benefits of incorporating a green roof into peoples' gardens.'
Green and living roofing has become a major issue in many towns and cities over recent weeks, with proposals for the environmentally-friendly cover being used on public buildings being considered in areas including Manchester and Coventry.
 © Adfero Ltd
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| Roofing contractors asked to intend HSE seminar
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Roofing
05/10/2007 4:26:14 PM |
Roofing contractors in the north-west of England have been invited to attend a breakfast seminar organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The event, which will be held at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on October 25th, is aimed at small roofing businesses who have had limited interaction with the safety authority.
It is hoped that the seminar will help firms improve their knowledge on the work of HSE inspectors and also give them a better understanding of current working at height regulations.
Anna Bliss, principal HSE construction inspector in Greater Manchester, said: 'We are running this seminar to help roofers get the right safety precautions in place and prevent an accident.
'Unfortunately my inspectors will often meet a roofing contractor for the first time after an accident, when it is too late.'
The HSE's last safety event in the north-west took place around a fortnight ago at Haydock Park.
Firms in Merseyside, Greater Manchester and south Lancashire were all urged to attend the safety awareness day, which was organised to outline the financial impact that poor health and safety records can have on businesses.
 © Adfero Ltd
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| Construction begins on Leeds' 'greenhouse' project
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Roofing
01/10/2007 4:36:31 PM |
Construction work has begun on a major residential project which is expected to become the UK's first carbon negative development.
The 'greenhouse' project, which is being built in the Beeston area of Leeds, is expected to save two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year for each of its 172 flats.
Rooftop-mounted wind turbines and state-of-the-art insulation are two of the features that the development's residents will benefit from, while a solar panel installed on the roof will also heat the building's shower systems.
Commenting on the new development to Building magazine, environment secretary Hilary Benn said: 'It is very refreshing to see this development using a number of innovative and forward-thinking techniques to improve both the local and wider environment. This shows what can be done'
Work began on the development as the government announced that people who own zero carbon homes will qualify for tax relief on stamp duty.
The government also hope that all new homes constructed by 2016 will be completely carbon free.
 © Adfero Ltd
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| New award for eco-friendly homes launched
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Roofing
25/09/2007 2:43:07 PM |
Builders could win £5,000 for participating in the construction of a one-off, environmentally friendly residential property.
Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) has organised the Eco Self-Build competition to reward carbon neutral homeowners and encourage house builders to install energy efficient features in new homes.
Green roofing, energy-saving central heating and insulation are among the features expected to be involved in entries for this year's competition.
Talking about the prize, Richard Lloyd, co-judge and managing director of N&P business Hockley's, said: 'The diversity and standard of entries last year was exceptional, proving that eco-building is developing beyond a purist lifestyle choice to a real alternative to the traditional brick and block self-build.'
'I am looking forward to seeing how the standard of entries develops in this year’s competition,' he added.
The announcement of the new award comes at a time when the construction industry has been encouraged to become more carbon neutral.
Plans for a 'living' roof to be installed in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens were recently approved by the city's council.
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| Roofing companies urged to enter NFRC awards
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Roofing
19/09/2007 2:24:56 PM |
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has urged its members across the UK to enter its awards scheme.
Contractors in the sector can now apply for the awards, which celebrate work in the industry, after applications were made available to the trade association's members.
Titles up for grabs include gold, silver and bronze medals for safety, as well as an excellence award for high standards of work on specific projects.
The NFRC is the UK's leading trade association for companies in the roofing industry and provides business services and promotion for its members.
It was also recently featured in The Bolton News after it donated over £4,000 to a Bolton youth club nominated for the funds by a local businessman.
The money for Bolton Lads and Girls Club was raised at the NFRC's annual fundraising dinner and the organisation's relations manager Claire Phillips said she was 'thrilled' that the club was chosen to benefit.
 © Adfero Ltd |
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| Lead roof thefts on increase
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Roofing
13/08/2007 3:42:25 PM |
The number of thefts of lead from roofs has seen a major increase as the price of the metal rises.
In Hertfordshire, Police have said that the western area of the county has seen nine thefts from various premises since the start of June.
Detective inspector David Bowerbank told the Hemel Hempstead Express: 'Lead is being stripped from low-level roofs overnight.
'The thefts seem to have emerged from an increase in the value of scrap metal.'
A number of churches around the country have also been targeted by thieves, who have also taken copper lining off lightning conductors.
The worst case was one in Northampton where 80 per cent of the lead on one roof was taken, the Norwich Evening News reports.
Lead has been the best performing commodity on the world market in 2007 and has probably now reached its peak price, analysts told Bloomberg recently.
 © Adfero Ltd |
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