The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has validated wearable technology for monitoring hand arm vibration (HAV). The device, known as ‘HAVwear’ was developed by Reactec, a specialist provider of HAV monitoring devices.
When an individual uses a power tool and the device is worn on their wrist, it will determine the exposure to vibration in real time; HAVwear is supported by a platform that provides cloud-based reporting, allowing dynamic risk assessment and exposure reduction.
According to Reactec, the IOM study concluded that vibration data gathered by the HAVwear system during everyday tool use provides a useful source of information to inform a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Other findings from the IMO research, Reactec reports, include that the technology:
helps with the development of risk reduction control measures
determines vibration magnitude data from the vibration transmitted to the person and not “on the tool”, in accordance with the existing standard BS EN ISO 5349-1: 2001
provides information comparable to that produced by conventional tool measurement techniques
The Health and Safety Executive states that 300,000 people in the UK suffer from HAVS (hand arm vibration syndrome) with a further two million at risk.
After seven years in post, David Frise is to leave the FIS to take up a new role as Chief Executive of BESA, the Building Engineering Services Association.
President of the FIS, Andrew Smith says “we will be sorry to see David leave he has developed the FIS into a leading trade body in the industry; growing the membership through the merger of the AIS and FPDC and promoting the sector by helping to improve technical standards and the skills base”
“The FIS board will now start the search for a successor. David will remain at FIS in a part-time role until the new person is selected.”
David Frise says “I have really enjoyed every minute of my time at the FIS, I have met great people, made real friends and I hope helped to make a difference. The organisation is in good hands with a clear strategy from a knowledgeable board and dedicated staff; you will, I’m sure, go from strength to strength.”
From all of us at FIS, we wish David well in his new venture.
Steve Coley, Immediate Past President of FIS is supporting the BuildBack Programme by providing work experience to four of the drylining trainees currently attending the two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme at South & City College, Birmingham. The trainees will start their work experience at Lakeside Ceilings and Partitions on 26 March. Listen to Steve’s testimonial below as to why he is supporting the FIS initiative:
FIS is addressing the acute shortage of skilled drylining operatives in the fit-out sector by working with partners such as CITB, Jobcentreplus, Local Authority Councils and Colleges in delivering the FIS BuildBack Programme. We need employers to get on board with Steve Coley and back the FIS initiative by providing two weeks’ work experience; there will be no cost for your company as candidates will have a valid CSCS card, PPE kit and a basic toolkit.
We are currently running the BuildBack Programme in Birmingham and Lewisham with trainees attending their two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme at South & City College Birmingham and Lewisham Southwark College. If you’re a contractor with current projects in the Midlands then we need you! The BuildBack trainees will be available from 26 March and will be site-ready to provide wage-free assistance on your projects.
Getting involved in BuildBack and taking on trainees for work experience is a prime opportunity for you to prove some aspects of fulfilment of Section 106 contractual obligations. Other benefits include:
Meet and personally select candidates you want to offer two weeks’ work experience to, ensuring they are the best fit for your team
Candidates will have already received two weeks’ basic training in drylining
Candidates will be site-ready and will effectively add value to your business from day one
Candidates will have a valid CSCS card, PPE kit and a basic toolkit
Jobcentreplus will support candidates for the duration of their training and on-site work experience, meaning no overhead costs for your business
Boost your workforce and future-proof your business by training drylining operatives who will add value to your bottom line
Receive full funding for NVQ Level 2 qualification in drylining through on-site assessment and training (OSAT)
Further information on the BuildBack programme can be found in the Skills Hub here. Employers should register their interest by emailing: skills@thefis.org
FIS members should be aware that there is currently a substantial call waiting time when telephoning the CSCS call centre run by CITB.
We have heard reports of callers being left on hold for over an hour and/or being disconnected from the call when trying to renew or obtain new Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards.
Are you currently experiencing problems in trying to contact CSCS?
Yes - by telephone (100%, 5 Votes)
Yes - by email (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 5
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A CSCS spokesperson said: “We apologise for the increased length of time it has taken to answer calls and are working with CITB to introduce a number of measures to bring call wait times back to acceptable levels. In the meantime, we ask our customers to bear with us. Our busiest times are between 12pm to 2pm, and 4pm to 6pm. Cardholders who call outside of these times will have a shorter wait on the phones.”
If you have a general question relating to CSCS you can use the new webchat service on the CSCS website; simply wait for the Web Chatbox to appear on the CSCS website, submit your question and a member of the team will assist you.
If your question relates to an ongoing application, you will have to contact the CSCS team by calling 0344 994 4777 or emailing customerservices@cscs.co.uk
For those inquiring about replacing their CRO cards, please visit www.cscs.uk.com/cro. This webpage will explain all you need to know about replacing your CRO card.
Alternatively, for anyone wanting to know what card they can apply for, please use the Card Finder tool on the CSCS website: www.cscs.uk.com/cardfinder
Could members who are experiencing any problems please let FIS know by emailing info@thefis.org
FIS is addressing the acute shortage of skilled drylining operatives in the fit-out sector by working with partners such as CITB, Jobcentreplus, Local Authority Councils and Colleges in delivering the FIS BuildBack Programme. We need employers to back the FIS initiative by providing two weeks’ work experience; there will be no cost for your company as candidates will have a valid CSCS card, PPE kit and a basic toolkit.
We are currently running the BuildBack Programme in Birmingham and Lewisham with trainees attending their two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme at South & City College Birmingham and Lewisham Southwark College. If you’re a contractor with current projects in the Midlands then we need you!The BuildBack trainees will be available from 3 April and will be site-ready to provide wage-free assistance on your projects.
Getting involved in BuildBack and taking on trainees for work experience is a prime opportunity for you to prove some aspects of fulfilment of Section 106 contractual obligations. Other benefits include:
Meet and personally select candidates you want to offer two weeks’ work experience to, ensuring they are the best fit for your team
Candidates will have already received two weeks’ basic training in drylining
Candidates will be site-ready and will effectively add value to your business from day one
Candidates will have a valid CSCS card, PPE kit and a basic toolkit
Jobcentreplus will support candidates for the duration of their training and on-site work experience, meaning no overhead costs for your business
Boost your workforce and future-proof your business by training drylining operatives who will add value to your bottom line
Receive full funding for NVQ Level 2 qualification in drylining through on-site assessment and training (OSAT)
Further information on the BuildBack programme can be found in the Skills Hub here. Employers should register their interest by emailing: skills@thefis.org
On 28 February 2018 at the BIM Show Live in Newcastle, the new government-supported Winfield Rock Report was launched. The report, Overcoming the Legal and Contractual Barriers of BIM is co-authored by May Winfield and Sarah Rock and considers the position on levels, standards, standard form contracts, BIM-specific documents and the legal community generally.
The two-day BIM Show Live was supported by the UK BIM Alliance, which is responsible for ensuring that the UK meets the targets set out in the Government’s 2020 Construction Strategy.
February data pointed to a continuation of the subdued growth conditions reported across the UK construction sector at the beginning of 2018. Total business activity increased only marginally during the latest survey period, while new work decreased for the second month running.
Anecdotal evidence suggested that fragile business confidence and ongoing political uncertainty remained key factors holding back client demand. At the same time, strong input cost pressures were reported in February, with higher raw material prices, fuel bills and staff wages reported by survey respondents.
Survey respondents cited fragile client confidence, a headwind from political uncertainty and a continued lack of tender opportunities to replace completed work on infrastructure projects.
Construction companies indicated that business confidence moderated since January and was at one of the lowest levels seen in the past five years. Some firms noted that resilient UK economic conditions had supported optimism. However, there were also reports that Brexit-related uncertainty continued to influence decision making and act as a drag on the demand outlook.
Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The sector was feeling as flat as a pancake in February with falls in new orders for the second month in a row and with just a marginal rise in overall activity, as ongoing political and economic uncertainty shouldered the blame. Cost pressures continued to creep up and bear down on purchasing activity as raw materials became even more expensive and in shorter supply, and vendor performance degraded again impacting on the completion of projects. A talent shortage also gave staff the power to demand higher wages, adding to the overall cost burdens for business.”
In the March edition of SpecFinish, Helen Yeulet, FIS Skills Delivery Director looks at the need for specialist contractors to demonstrate competence in the sector and how the CSCS card has an essential role to play.
Technical Director Joe Cilia meets up with interior and architectural photographer Marek Sikora to ask “what makes a good picture?” Marek provides some useful pointers for fit-out contractors.
Simon Lewis, a partner in the Construction and Engineering team at Womble Bond Dickinson, considers the implications for the supply chain following Carillion’s demise.
Read more in the March edition of SpecFinish online via the Publications section of the website or the PDF version here.
During February, we welcomed three new companies to the FIS membership; MP Drywall and SBR Refurbishment are contractor members and Building Additions Ltd is a supplier member.
We look forward to a long and successful relationship with our new and existing members going forward in 2018. A range of membership benefits, Special Interest Forums, events and publications are available in the FIS Membership Hub.
All FIS contractor members are reminded that they can enter the Scottish Awards here; we look forward to seeing your entries!
After the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent in April 2016, the Lobbying Register website was launched in October 2017. It was also announced that the Act would come into force from 12 March 2018, impacting any individual or business who engages in ‘regulated lobbying’.
From 12 March, individuals or businesses engaged in regulated lobbying will be required to record details of their activities on the new online lobbying register. The Register is also searchable by anyone with an interest in finding out about regulated lobbying activity that has taken place.
Regulated lobbying includes activity which takes place face-to-face with MSPs, members of the Scottish Government, Scottish Government Special Advisers or the Scottish Government Permanent Secretary and which relates to Scottish Government or parliamentary functions.
In the run-up to the Act coming into force, the Scottish Lobbying Registrar’s team has produced a 5-step guide to help businesses establish whether or not what they are doing falls under the terms of the Act, see link on the right.
Ultimately, the Scottish Lobbying Act will increase transparency in how businesses engage with key political stakeholders in Scotland. With the right procedures in place, businesses will be able to continue their lobbying and gain more systematic insight into their political engagement.
In response to the Dame Judith Hackitt Interim Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has initiated the following work streams:
Design Construction & Refurbishment
Procurement & Supply
Occupation & Maintenance
Golden Thread
Quality Assurance & Products
Competence
Residents’ Voice
Regulation & Guidance.
The Construction Products Association has been invited to contribute to Golden Thread, Quality Assurance & Products and Regulation & Guidance, with meetings having commenced during the week of 19 February. The work streams are presently focusing on scopes and CPA will be coming to its membership as questions arise. In the interim, if FIS members have any contributions that they would like to submit, contact joecilia@thefis.org or alternatively email CPA at IRG@constructionproducts.org.uk and CC joecilia@thefis.org
FIS Skills proudly rolled out its flagship BuildBack programme in Birmingham on 16 February with an assessment day held for employers and trainees at South and City College. This is the first instalment of a nationwide rollout planned for BuildBack as part of the Fit-Out Futures strategy of enabling new entrants into the sector.
The BuildBack programme puts job seekers through two weeks of college training followed by two weeks of onsite work experience with an employer, to equip them with the skills and competencies required to pursue a career in drylining.
The event enjoyed full attendance and participation from all partners and trainees. Recognised and respected names from industry attended including, Taylor Hart Ltd, Lakeside Ceiling and Partitions Ltd, BAM Construction Midlands Ltd and Mee Refurb Ltd. It was an opportunity for employers to look around the college facilities, talk to college staff, meet the BuildBack trainees and fellow employers and partners supporting the programme.
Bob Howlett, faculty head of technology and construction said: “I thought the assessment day was a great success, I had the chance to speak to both candidates and employers and was impressed by the commitment of both, candidates obviously enjoyed the practical session and were keen to join the programme and seek opportunities in the sector. I am sure this is the start of a lasting partnership with FIS which will undoubtedly bring benefits to learners, employers and the City of Birmingham as it continues to grow and prosper.”
The trainees selected from the assessment day will begin the Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP) in drylining in early March for two weeks. After completion of the SUP, free semi-skilled drylining trainees will be available for work placements for two weeks, providing wage-free assistance on projects from the 26 March 2018.
Phil Eves, employment and skills co-ordinator, BAM Construction said: “The BuildBack assessment day was very interactive, it gave us an opportunity to engage with the supply chain, have direct conversations with the trainees and other employers who attended and see first-hand the high quality of the college facilities that will be delivering the programme.”
Midlands based employers can register their interest in taking trainees for work placements at skills@thefis.org
Further information on the BuildBack programme can be found in the Skills Hub here.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, anecdotal evidence emerged of fire insurance companies revising terms for professional indemnity and other forms of insurance.
As part of the Construction Products Association’s work for the Industry Response Group (IRG), CPA is joining with BuildUK and CIC to survey a cross-section of the industry to understand the extent of this problem for organisations operating in areas deemed high risk. The CPA would like to encourage the FIS membership to participate and disseminate to any deemed able to contribute to the results.
To participate in the short survey click here. The survey will close on 9 March 2018, all responses are anonymous.
CITB has announced the following dates for the free Employer Advisory Forums which will be taking place at various locations across England, Scotland and Wales. The Forums are an opportunity to hear regional updates and have your voice heard on what is important to your business.
At the events, CITB will provide an update on the Grants Scheme reform and the CITB Training Directory & Register along with details on how your business can access CITB funding. CITB will also share their continued vision and what the changes will mean for the Industry.
FIS Skills is rolling out its flagship BuildBack programme in Birmingham and all employers based in the Midlands are invited to attend the assessment day on Friday 16 February 2018. The event will take place at Birmingham South and City College at the Bordesley Green campus, which specialises in construction.
BuildBack is being delivered in collaboration with Birmingham City Council; as one of the FIS Skills partners, this is a prime opportunity for your business to prove fulfilment of your Section 106 contractual obligations. In addition, you will be able to take on semi-skilled dryliners for a two-week period, providing wage-free assistance on your projects.
The assessment day will be an opportunity to look around the college facilities, talk to college staff, meet the BuildBack trainees and other employers and partners supporting the BuildBack programme.
Such is the confidence in the programme that Steve Coley, the immediate past-president of FIS, will be in attendance at the assessment day and has already agreed to provide work experience for two trainees at his company, Lakeside Ceilings and Partitions.
What is the BuildBack Programme? BuildBack is designed to provide opportunities for job seekers who are serious about developing a career in drylining. Trainees complete a two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP) in drylining at Birmingham South and City College to develop the skills and competencies required for installing drylining. Then follows a two-week work placement on-site with a local employer. All trainees will be offered at least one job interview and those who secure full-time employment with an employer will have their fees paid for ongoing training to NVQ Level 2 in drylining. All trainees will receive free personal protective equipment (PPE) and have their CSCS card paid for.
For further information on BuildBack and all partners involved, visit the Skills Hub.
Helen Yeulet, FIS Skills Delivery Director, said: “From an employer’s perspective, this offers new labour that is semi-skilled and keen to progress a career in drylining at minimum cost to them. We are keen for employers to take advantage of this scheme that will handle the recruitment, the training elements and ensure that they have fully skilled labour within six months.”
Local employers can register their interest in the BuildBack programme and attend the Assessment Day by emailing: skills@thefis.org
As the CSCS priorities for 2018 continue the drive towards qualifying the workforce, the next step towards a fully qualified workforce is perhaps the most challenging. Industry Accreditation (IA), also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification.
To meet the requirements of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) the CSCS will develop plans to move all IA cardholders to a recognised qualification.
Achieving this within the necessary timescales will require extensive industry consultation prior to implementation. In the meantime, existing cardholders can renew their cards in accordance with the scheme rules.
The withdrawal of IA will be the final step towards achieving the CLC’s requirement of ensuring nationally recognised qualifications are in place for all occupations.
CSCS closed IA to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.
You can use the card finder to check what qualifications you need for your occupation in order to apply for a CSCS card. Alternatively, you can call the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777.
On Tuesday 6 February 2018, FIS held the President’s Lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall in London. Over 300 members and guests attended the lunch where the new FIS President, Andrew Smith, addressed the audience: “Compliance and competence are going to be increasingly important in the coming years and FIS has invested in a skills team to help deliver a competent workforce for the sector – and to help FIS members get full value from the Levy. This programme is called Fit-Out Futures and the President’s Lunch provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the successes to date; the Fit-Out Futures Awards.”
Before lunch was served, the first three category winners were announced:
Outstanding Employee – John Ramsey, a Project Supervisor at Brian Hendry Interiors Future Leader – Stephen Reynolds, a ceilings category manager at SIG Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by CCF) – Sean Dooner, an apprentice dryliner at MPG Contracts. The runner-up was Conor Bartram, an Apprentice Trainee Site Manager at Pexhurst Services.
Representatives from the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) were in attendance to collect £2,635 raised in the prize draw. The first prize, sponsored by Etex Building Performance, was a round of Golf for four at Castle Combe Golf Club in Wiltshire. The winner was Steve Smith. Second prize was a Cartwright and Butler hamper donated by Minster, won by Helen Tapper. The third prize was a Champagne gift box donated by Horbury Group, won by James Evans. SIG donated two tickets (including pre-show hospitality) for any show at the Genting Arena; the winner was Lydia Sharples. Finally, Donseed Ltd donated a bottle of Champagne for the winner of the Business Card draw – Andy Mahoney from Taylor Hart.
Comedian Ian Stone provided the after-lunch entertainment. A stand-up comedian, broadcaster and writer, Ian is famous for appearing as a guest on shows such as the comedy panel show Mock the Week. He is also a regular guest on BBC Radio 5’s Fighting Talk.
David Frise, CEO of FIS, returned to the stage to present the final award of the day, the ‘Lifetime Achievement‘. Recently retired after 20 years service with Taylor Hart, the trophy went to Phil Taylor. Photos from the day have been uploaded to our Facebook page; the winners’ videos will be available on the FIS YouTube Channel very soon.
Congratulations to all the winners, we look forward to awarding more ‘Fit-Out Futures’ in 2019!
The HMRC is currently running free webinars, providing members with advice and support regarding the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Whether you’re new to CIS or building on your existing knowledge, the online help will explain how the scheme works and your responsibilities.
CIS for subcontractors – Thursday 8 February – 4.30pm to 5.30pm
This webinar provides guidance to businesses and includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Getting started in CIS
– Payment & Deduction statements
– Records you need to keep
CIS for contractors – Friday 9 February – 9 am to 10 am
This webinar includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Engaging and paying subcontractors
– What information you need to report to HMRC
– How long you need to keep records for
Survey respondents reported a subdued start to 2018, with a return to contraction in residential building activity. New orders declined, linked by many companies to market uncertainty. On a more positive note, confidence towards future growth prospects improved, with many firms anticipating an increase in new project wins later in the year. Meanwhile, intense cost pressures continued across the UK construction sector.
The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) posted 50.2 in January, down from 52.2 in December. The figure was just above the neutral 50.0 no-change mark, thereby signalling a fractional rate of growth that was the weakest for four months.
Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The construction PMI delivered meagre results for January as any hopes for a stellar start to the year were eclipsed by a surprisingly poor show from the housing sector, offering its worst performance since July 2016. With construction teetering on the edge of contraction, this surprise outcome will serve as a jolt to policymakers, that the impact of political and economic uncertainty remains large at the beginning of 2018.”
CITB has contacted over 40,000 construction employers for placement of Carillion apprentices under a £1.5m cash incentive programme. More than 850 employers have responded and offered job opportunities. As of 31 January 2018, of the 1,400 apprentices affected, 553 have received job offers.
To continue the support of the apprentices and the wider Carillion workforce and supply chain, CITB is offering an apprentice adoption grant:
An adoption grant of £1,000 will be paid to those employers who adopt a Carillion apprentice. The grant will be paid in two parts – £500 on sign-up, £500 after 3 months
A standard attendance grant will be paid on the basis that if a learner is in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year, regardless of their progress in that year, they will receive the remainder of the attendance grant for that year
All achievement grants will be payable on full framework achievement
More information on CITB grants can be found via the link on the right. If you would like to find out more, telephone 0344 994 4010 (England) 0300 456 8784 (Scotland) or email carillionapprenticeshipsupport@citb.co.uk
CITB is supporting former Carillion employees and their supply chain associates by giving them access to a newly created jobs board, visit via the link on the right.
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In the March edition of SpecFinish, Helen Yeulet, FIS Skills Delivery Director looks at the need for specialist contractors to demonstrate competence in the sector and how the CSCS card has an essential role to play.
