Unsafe sites boycotted

Exclusive by Justin Stanton

Steelwork contractors are sticking to their guns and refusing to work on unsafe sites.

Main contractors are supposed to complete the Safe Site Handover Certificate, launched last year by the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), effectively guaranteeing safe working conditions before delivery and erection of steelwork starts.

However, some main contractors are ignoring the certificate's requirements, forcing BCSA members to withdraw their services from "dreadful" sites.

Richard Barrett, managing director of Barrett Steel Buildings, told CJ: "A significant minority of sites are dreadful. We've left sites two or three times this year. Mud slurry can be like self-levelling mud - you haven't got a clue what you're running over."

The use of cherry pickers has greatly improved safety in steelwork erection, Barrett said, but he added: "Good ground conditions are critical to success with cherry pickers. Excavations, pilecaps and manholes are a serious danger, made even worse if concealed by mud slurry."

He said he had experienced some antagonism from the customers his firm walked away from, but "you can't cut corners".

"Most major sites today are prepared to excellent standards with well-drained compacted hardcore offering a firm, level and safe platform.

"However, some site managers, particularly on the smaller sites, try to save money by more limited site preparation," said Barrett.

Steve Fareham, BCSA president, said: "To improve poor site conditions we've not only got to put pressure on the main contractor and the client, but also on the subcontractor. Responsibility for safety is borne by everyone in the supply chain."

BCSA director general Dr Derek Tordoff urged BCSA members: "Ask if it [the certificate] is being used on your project - if not, why not?"