Mecsafe Limited

Health & Safety Training

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01302 775900
Unit 9 Snape Lane Industrial Estate, Harworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN11 8SP

Stick to the Speed Limit!

The Queen celebrated her 91st birthday on 21st April. Her majesty is the oldest monarch to have reigned in Britain.

Jeremy Corbyn will tell trade unionists today (Mon 24th April) that if Labour wins the general election, they’ll overturn what he calls the ‘vicious Tory Trade Union Act’. The laws brought in by David Cameron meant that for any strike action, there had to be a 50% turnout at the ballot for the action to be legal.

Tougher fines for motorists who drive well above the speed limit are set to come into force from today. Drivers caught doing 41mph in a 20mph zone, 51mph in a 30mph zone, 66mph in a 40mph or 101mph on a motorway will face penalties starting from 150% of their weekly income – up 50% on the previous level. The new regulations apply in England and Wales.

 

In construction news this week…

Multiplex turnover soars to record £1bn on tower boom. London high-rise builder Multiplex has ramped up revenue by two-thirds to a record £1bn as a dozen major projects topped out last year.

BAM takes £30m Southampton Uni job. BAM is set to start main building work for Southampton University on a learning and teaching block at the Highfield Campus in the city.

Small builders bullish despite rising costs. Small construction firms enjoyed rising workloads in the first three months of 2017, despite growing concerns over the cost of labour and materials.

In MECsafe news this week…

We have new 2017 CSCS revision material in stock! We will be selling the books at £11.50 each (no VAT, RRP £11.50).
Don’t forget, you can also book your CSCS test at MECsafe in Doncaster, on your preffered date/time. We also offer a card applying service – Please ask us for further information.

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It’s Been a While!

So, it’s been a couple of weeks since we last wrote a blog and an awful lot has been happening!

Everyone has heard about the terrible United Airline drama, with the Doctor being violently dragged down the aisle. The Dr Dao has now spoken out about the incident for the first time and his family have issued an official statement, which you can read here.

Trump and Putin aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye at the moment, with Trump admitting “Russia relations have reached a low point” – Who knows if this is part of Putin and Trumps big plan though! More on these details here.

Millions of householders admit to struggling with even some of the most basic household tasks, according to a new study from insurer Aviva. Research carried out as part of the company’s latest Home report discovered one in five people aren’t confident changing a light bulb (21%) while a similar number (19%) admit they don’t know how to boil an egg (oh dear)!

 

In construction news this week…

Business park plan approved for Kellingley Colliery. Developer Harworth has got outline planning for a major commercial redevelopment of the former Kellingley Colliery in Yorkshire.

Route picked for £6bn Lower Thames Crossing. The Government has plumped for a preferred route for a new multi-billion pound Lower Thames Crossing between Essex and Kent.

Falling pipe leaves worker paralysed. An Essex gas infrastructure specialist has been fined £200,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries when a pipe fell into the trench he was working in.

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

  • SSSTS – 20th & 21st April 2017
  • IPAF 3a & 3b – 21st April 2017
  • SMSTS – 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th April 2017 (day release)

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend!! 🙂

 

The Round Pound Is No More!

The government has confirmed the new 12-sided £1 coin will enter circulation TOMORROW (28 March).

The round £1 will be legal tender alongside the new, more-secure coin until 15 October.

The public are being urged to use their current £1 coins or bank them before they lose their legal tender status.

The government estimates around a third of the £1.3 billion worth of coins stored in piggy banks or saving jars around the UK are the current £1 style.

Some of those returned by the public will be melted down and used to make the 12-sided version.

The new style was announced in the 2014 budget and has been billed by the Royal Mint as “the most secure coin in the world”.

So why is the new coin is harder to counterfeit?

  • 12-sided – its distinctive shape means it stands out by sight and by touch
  • Bimetallic – The outer ring is gold coloured (nickel-brass) and the inner ring is silver coloured (nickel-plated alloy)
  • Latent image – it has an image like a hologram that changes from a ‘£’ symbol to the number ‘1’ when the coin is seen from different angles
  • Micro-lettering – around the rim on the heads side of the coin tiny lettering reads: ONE POUND. On the tails side you can find the year the coin was produced
  • Milled edges – it has grooves on alternate sides
  • Hidden high security feature – an additional security feature is built into the coin to protect it from counterfeiting but details have not been revealed

For a photo of the new pound, head back to our October 2016 blog 🙂

 

In construction news this week…

O’Rourke fined £800,000 for Heathrow dumper truck death. Company fined after a worker was killed by a dumper truck driven by his brother at Heathrow Airport.

Lendlease launches “Futurehomes” in London. Lendlease is launching its new Futurehome eco-house concept in central London.

HTC crane drivers reject pay offer. The UK’s largest tower crane operator is facing an outbreak of industrial action over the summer after its drivers rejected a 3% pay offer.

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Another Day, Another Political Drama

A group of 72 MPs have written to the BBC accusing it of being pessimistic and skewed in its Brexit coverage – in the months since the vote on the EU.
In a letter to the director general, they said the BBC is “unfairly representing” Leave voters by focusing on those who regret their decision.
The MPs warned the future of the BBC “will be in doubt” if it is not seen as a impartial broker.
The BBC said it was its job to “scrutinise and analyse” Brexit issues.

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland’s former deputy first minister, has died aged 66.
It is understood he had been suffering from a rare heart condition.
The former IRA leader turned peacemaker worked at the heart of the power-sharing government following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. He became deputy first minister in 2007, standing alongside Democratic Unionist Party leaders Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster.

Manchester United agree Bastian Schweinsteiger move to Chicago Fire. The American club are offering him a one-year contract worth £70,000 a week – which will make him one of the ten highest-paid players in the MLS – after agreeing a deal with United late on Monday night.

In construction news this week…

Plans go in for new 6,000 home Hampshire Garden Village. Developers have submitted an outline planning application for a new 6,000 home community in Hampshire.

Travelodge unveils £125m hotel investment plans. Travelodge has confirmed details of its latest £125m expansion programme with 15 new hotels planned across the UK this year.

Cost wrangle hits O’Rourke cancer hospital site. Construction work on a new £106m cancer hospital in Liverpool has been hit by a disagreement over costs.

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here We Go Again…

Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the process to instigate a second referendum on the independence of Scotland will commence next week.

The first referendum took place on September 18, 2014, with the question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ The ‘No’ side won, with 2,001,926 (55.3%) voting against independence, and 1,617,989 (44.7%) voting in favour. The turnout of 84.6% was the highest recorded for an election or referendum in the United Kingdom since the introduction of universal suffrage.

Since then, ‘Yes’ voters have continued to campaign for a break away from the UK, and last year’s EU Referendum which was in favour of ‘Brexit’ has complicated things further. Many Scots do not want to leave the EU and feel that this major development should be a factor in Scottish people deciding their future – either as part of the UK or part of the EU.

Sturgeon has stated that a “choice must be offered between autumn next year, 2018, and spring of 2019”. The EU would need to clarify whether Scottish Independence would mean they simply remain within the EU, or seamlessly re-enter.

 

In construction news this week…

More than 600 businesses have registered interest in the first phase of Trumps $21bn Mexico wall project. The 600 businesses have formally registered interest since 24 February, when the Department of Homeland Security issued a presolicitation notice for contractors to perform the “design and build of several prototype wall structures” for the border.

Plans in for Manchester £1.3bn vertical village towers. Developer Allied London has submitted final detailed plans for a cluster of five towers in Manchester’s St John district.

Barnsley Council to fully fund town centre scheme. Barnsley Council has decided to fully fund its £120m retail-led scheme to transform the town centre.

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Record Breaking Stuff

In 2016 PASMA issued a record-breaking 73,000 training cards.

Comments chairman of PASMA’s training committee, John McNeilly: “These remarkable numbers only serve to reinforce PASMA’s position as the principal provider of what is now firmly established as the definitive industry standard for mobile access tower training, both in the UK and increasingly overseas. For an overwhelming number of organisations no other form of training, and therefore demonstration of competency, is acceptable.”

“It reflects great credit on the work of PASMA training centres and their instructors, and, of course, on those companies and individuals committed to height safety and keeping people safe.”

The 2017 training programme includes nine training courses ranging from ‘Work at height essentials’ and ‘Towers for users’ to more advanced modules covering ‘Towers on stairs’, ‘Towers with cantilevers’ and ‘Towers for riggers‘.

For MECsafe’s “open” PASMA course dates, please click here.

 

In construction news this week…

School children given no info on careers in construction. Half of school age children have never been given any information on possible jobs in construction by teachers or careers advisers.

Bid race starts for Scottish women’s prison. Scottish Prison Service is inviting bids for a new national women’s prison to be built to replace Scotland’s only female jail at Cornton Vale in Stirling.

Van Elle managing director steps down. Ground engineering specialist Van Elle revealed this morning that group managing director Tom Lindup has resigned.

 

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

 

CITB Grant Claiming Guide

The CITB Grants Scheme provides funding for CITB-registered employers to train, upskill and qualify their staff.

This ensures that the right skills are available to help the construction industry grow and that standards are maintained on site.

You can claim a grant once the training has been completed.

 

Who can claim a grant?

All CITB-registered employers can claim a grant, including those that don’t need to pay levy.

As an employer, you can claim grants for the employees you declare on your Levy Return who have completed training.

For training completed between 6 April 2015 to 31 July 2015, you can claim grants for:

  • Labour-only subcontractors (LOSC) and
  • Net CIS subcontractors.

For training completed from 1 August 2015 onwards, you can claim grants for:

 

What grants are available

View the grants available in the 2016/2017 Grants Scheme year. There are grants for a wide range of training and qualifications.

 

Is there a deadline?

For training and qualifications completed between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017, the CITB must receive your grant claim form by 31 October 2017.

For training and qualifications completed between 1 August 2015 and 31 July 2016, the CITB must have received your grant claim form by 31 October 2016.

 

How to claim

You need to complete your Levy Return by the deadline to be eligible to claim grants.

  1. Select the grant(s) you want to claim for.
  2. Download the appropriate grant claim form:
    PDF (415KB): Grant claim form 2016/17
    Excel (128KB): Grant claim form 2016/17
  3. Fill in the form. Complete a separate form for each training course or qualification you are claiming for.
  4. Keep a copy of each form for your records.
  5. Return the form(s) by email or post to the address below by 31 October. If you post the form, keep proof of postage.Email: 
    CITB
    Levy & Grant Customer Services
    Bircham Newton
    Kings Lynn
    Norfolk, PE31 6RH
  6. You will receive a letter to confirm the CITB have received your claim. The letter will tell you if your claim has been approved or you need to provide further information.

Once your claim is approved, the CITB will pay your grant by bank transfer or cheque, usually within 28 days.

 

MECsafe currently have availability on the following CITB courses:

SMSTS – 20th March-18th April 2017 (day release)

SMSTS Refresher – 16th & 17th March 2017

SSSTS – 2nd & 3rd / 16th & 17th March 2017

SSSTS Refresher – 24th March 2017

Health & Safety Awareness – 7th / 15th / 21st March 2017 (Ask us about completing your CSCS test after the course)

SEATS (Environmental) – 17th March 2017

For further information on our courses, please do not hesitate to contact us or for further information on CITB grants please contact the CITB.

 

 

It’s Awards Season!

The UK government has rejected a petition calling for Donald Trump’s state visit invitation to be withdrawn.

It said it recognised the “strong views” expressed but looked forward to welcoming the US president once details have been arranged.

More than 1.8 million people signed the petition, which said a state visit would cause the Queen “embarrassment”.

A counter petition calling for the visit to go ahead attracted more than 309,000 signatures.

For more information on what happens during an official state visit, who decides who gets an invitation, and which other controversial world figures the Queen has hosted a state visit for, click here.

 

Sunday evening (12th Feb) saw the Grammy awards take place in LA and the BAFTA’s in London.

Beyoncé lead her peers with nine nominations while Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West were all tied with eight. But Adele had the biggest win, taking home 5 Grammy awards. Click here for a full list of winners.

Meanwhile, the BAFTAs heard plenty of different political opinions whilst stars excepted their awards. You can view the full list of winners here.

 

 

In construction news this week…

Worker loses leg in rebar horror. A steel reinforcing specialist has been fined £277,000 after a worker had a leg amputated after being crushed at its Canvey Island plant.

Laing O’Rourke construction MD Paul Sheffield quits. Chairman Ray O’Rourke said that the business plans to 2020 were now complete and the group’s vision to 2025 was well advanced and would be ratified in May this year. He said: “Paul and I feel that now is an appropriate time for him to step off and make way for others currently in the business with longer horizons”. 

Plan for £49m Bristol music hall revamp. Bristol Music Trust has unveiled ambitious plans for the £49m revamp of the city’s Colston Hall into a world-class music hub.

 

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Fake News?

Local voting figures shed new light on EU referendum

The BBC has obtained a more localised breakdown of votes from nearly half of the local authorities which counted EU referendum ballots last June.

This information provides much greater depth and detail in explaining the pattern of how the UK voted. Click here to view the key findings.

Donald Trump says ‘any negative polls are fake news’

A CNN survey found he has the worst early approval rating of any US President in history.

Donald Trump has hit out at recent polls suggesting he has one of the worst early approval ratings in US history, saying that “any negative polls are fake news”.

A CNN/ORC International poll released on Friday found Mr Trump had the lowest approval rating of any new President, at 44 per cent.

Mr Trump wrote on Twitter: “Any negative polls are fake news, just like the CNN, ABC, NBC polls in the election. Sorry, people want border security and extreme vetting.”

Read the full article here.

 

Great Britain wins Davis Cup clash by default – after Canadian teenage star puts the UMPIRE in hospital by smashing the ball into his face in flash of temper

Kyle Edmund was already well in control of the deciding rubber when his opponent, the reigning Wimbledon junior champion, hit French umpire Arnaud Gabas flush in the left eye when he angrily smashed the ball away from mid court. Click here for the full report.

 

 

In construction news this week…

Search starts for HS2 Euston development partner. The hunt is set to start this Spring for a developer to deliver the wholesale regeneration of land around Euston railway station as part of the plan for a HS2 terminus at the site.

Skanska holds margin above 2% as profit slips. Tougher market conditions saw Skanska UK’s operating profit slip 8% to £35m despite a 17% jump in revenue last year to £1.68bn.

Deal spurs major PRS and student flats scheme at Old Oak Common. Developer Essential Living is pressing ahead with plans to build the first major build to rent scheme in the Old Oak Common regeneration zone in West London.

 

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

One Million sign petition to stop Trumps UK visit

A petition to stop US President Donald Trump’s UK state visit has gathered more than a million signatures.

Numbers of signatories have been rising rapidly since a US clampdown on immigration came into effect over the weekend, causing anger worldwide.

PM Theresa May announced the visit during her recent US trip. Downing Street has rejected calls for it to be cancelled as a “populist gesture”.

Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn urged the PM to postpone the visit.

Graham Guest, a solicitor from Leeds who began the petition, said he wanted it to “put the spotlight” on Mr Trump.

On Sunday, he told the Press Association news agency: “A state visit legitimises his presidency and he will use the photo opportunities and being seen with the Queen to get re-elected.”

On Friday Mr Trump signed an executive order halting the US refugee programme for 120 days, indefinitely banning all Syrian refugees and suspending the entry of all nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Moves to implement the measure triggered anger and protest across the world.

On Saturday afternoon the petition had just 60 signatures but reached 100,000 needed to be considered for debate by Parliament just after midday on Sunday.

MPs will discuss the debate on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, signatures on the petition continue to increase: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/171928

 

In construction news this week…

Jaguar Land Rover fined £900,000 after worker injured. National car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has been fined after a worker lost their leg following a car accident.

Three construction companies fined after worker fall. Three companies from Essex have been fined after a worker fell over seven meters through a fragile roof he was replacing.

Asbestos Analyst fined for falsifying documents. An asbestos analyst has been fined after he falsified an asbestos air clearance certificate, following licensed asbestos removal in Manchester.

 

In MECsafe news this week…

We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:

  • CCNSG (2 day) – 6th & 7th Feb 2017
  • IPAF 3a & 3b (scissor lift and cherry picker) – 8th Feb 2017

If you would like any further information on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us.