Awards Endorse NFDC Commitment to Quality
The demolition industry is often perceived by outsiders as a somewhat rough and ready, hazardous environment in which to work. But members of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors are helping dispel these myths, achieving recognition for professionalism and safety far beyond their core business sectors.
In the space of just a few weeks, NFDC members have been nominated for and collected several key industry awards. Key among these is Erith Contractors’ awards from both the British Safety Council and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA); and Coleman & Company’s triumph in the demolition category of the Construction News Specialists in Construction Awards. Fellow NFDC members Keltbray, Cuddy Group, Walter Forshaw and Cantillon also received nominations in this hard-fought category.
Just Reward
The recognition of Coleman & Company by the Construction News judging panel was just reward for the company having achieved its list of stated goals and objectives. “During 2005, we set ourselves a number of targets. These included the improvement of our working environment, the development of a unique recycling facility, a reduction in whole body vibration and a reduction in working at height,” explains Strategic Development Manager James Howard. “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved with the Company, we achieved all of these aims.”
Key among these developments was the investment of £6.0 million in the redevelopment of the company’s 4.5 hectare headquarters at Shady Lane, Great Barr in Birmingham. Acting as client, management and principal contractor, the company was responsible for the construction of modern offices of workshops and a highly specialised demolition waste, recycling washing plant.
Unique Recycling Plant
But it is the company’s new recycling plant that drew attention from the Construction News judges. The plant is the first of its kind in the UK and has been developed specifically to recycle materials from demolition projects. Recovered material is processed, and washed removing all deleterious material, under manufacturing conditions to produce high quality sands and engineering grade gravels. The process is so unique that it attracted a maximum contribution of £391,000.00 from the Government-funded Waste Recycling Action Programme (WRAP).
Other key innovations by the company include the development of a remote-controlled excavator equipped with a rotating concrete cracker. Developed specifically for work on the Grade I listed Birmingham Town Hall contract, the excavator helped remove operatives from the work face, eliminating whole body vibration and making a major contribution to site safety. “This award recognises the significant contribution our highly professional employees make to the industry, and I am delighted for them,” says Contracts Director Mark Coleman. “We believe it is people who drive innovation and continuous improvement and awards formally recognise their effort.”
Six Awards for Safety
Another company striving to dispel the hazardous demolition perception is Kent-based Erith Contractors. Not content with netting the 2006 Silver Award for Occupational Safety from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) earlier in the year, the company has just collected a staggering five awards at the British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards Banquet. Key among these was an award for the company’s exceptional safety record on the 55 Baker Street contract in the heart of London, one of the UK’s largest and most complex demolition projects.
Despite changing job specifications and schedules, restricted working hours, on-site flooding and a whole host of other unexpected challenges, the company completed the prestigious contract on-time and on-budget and collected commendations for site safety along the way. Originally appointed to conduct the soft-strip on the 10,000 m2 eight storey building, Erith then won the contract to remove and process asbestos from the building. Having completed both initial phases on-time and on-budget and with no injuries or accidents, the company was ultimately awarded the role of Principle Contractor for the near £8.0 million controlled demolition contract.
Cut & Carve Contract
The contract required the “cut and carve” demolition of the three adjoining sections that linked the four main buildings, and the removal of eight stairwell/lift shaft cores. It also required the installation of temporary works and the management of an extensive mini piling project in preparation for the creation of a new combined office and residential complex that retains large parts of the existing structure.
With the site surrounded on all four sides by residential and office accommodation, which remained in use throughout the contract, Westminster Council imposed a noise restriction on the site. Following consultation with the local authority, Erith devised a programme of work to limit breaking time to two hour slots, three times per day to further reduce the impact upon local residents.
The company received unannounced visits from the Health and Safety Executive throughout the duration of the contract. None of these resulted in any action. Indeed, the company received comments commending its commitment to health and safety welfare on the site. ENDS – 800 Words
EDITOR’S NOTE: The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is the voice of the UK demolition industry. Founded in 1941 to help spearhead London’s post-Blitz clear-up campaign, the NFDC’s 167 corporate and 50 associate members are responsible for more than 90% of all demolition that takes place in the UK. Today, the NFDC is committed to establishing safe working practices for its members, and to represent their interests in areas such as training, safety, the environment, and codes of practice.
Further information from Mr Howard Button, National Secretary, NFDC. Tel: 01784 456799
9th Jun 2006
ID: 914
