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CDM Coordinators: Guiding Birmingham Companies To Greater Safety

November 18, 2012 Business & Finance, News

CDM Coordinators are outsourced consultants on hand to guide clients involved in designing and completing a construction project. CDM stands for “Construction Design and Management.” Construction Health and Safety consultants who specialize in this area should be involved before a project is started. Construction projects could be fairly small or quite large, drawing on the expertise of multiple companies. All of these clients need to meet government health and safety regulations if their project is going to be approved.

Say you are going to construct a major Office facility or Retail Park. The CDM Regulations are strict with regard to health and safety, and with good reason. You know what you want to achieve, but the trouble is you do not know if your plan and method will comply with the strict standards laid down by the government’s Health and Safety Executive, or HSE, for everyone’s protection from faulty design and ineffective communication.

This is where CDM Services come in. Either the Office or retail park project will involve multiple supervisory professionals, designers, architects, and managers. Construction could involve teams from numerous professional sources. This is often where safety and health can be compromised: when overlapping professionals fail to communicate accurately. Another problem is ignorance, but CDM Co-ordinators are paid to know everything that will keep a client compliant so that he can progress with his business and earn the money to repay his investment. CDM Coordinators are also the connection point between every major party involved in a project, so even if they do not pass information along, the coordinator will ensure all information is shared wherever appropriate. He makes sure that all parties are getting the necessary information regarding design, materials, etc.

The project starts with the CDM Coordinator notifying the HSE about the proposed works, and records the roles of designers, Principal Contractor, and Contractors. As a CDM Client there has to be a Construction phase plan in place if your project is going to be completed without a glitch, or at least fewer hurdles. That plan is important because it is much easier to prevent a problem before building starts than to go back and try to fix something later. With goals on paper, keeping on track is much easier.

Veritas Consulting (CDM Coordinators Birmingham) work in public, commercial, and industrial sectors, advising clients as to how they can comply with regulations and when their plans are not going to meet standards set down by the government. Your project will include a dedicated project manager, your go-to person.

A CDM Coordinator will write up the pre-construction information based on what the client proposes to do. By collecting information regarding planned materials and strategies, the CDM Coordinator will reach some conclusions regarding how safe a project will be for workers and eventual inhabitants. He is aware of current advisories regarding materials, products, or substance hazards. His job is to then file a report based on what he has learned, advising the client as to his findings, for better or worse. If required, he can also step in and provide guidance as to how a project could meet standards it is not currently meeting. With his help, a costly building project can continue without its backers facing a regulatory backlash in the future.

For a CDM Coordinator in Birmingham with a wealth of Experience in a range of industry sectors contact Veritas Consulting Construction Health and Safety Consultants on 0800 1488 677

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Competent Person Health and Safety Support: A Responsible Business

October 4, 2012 Business & Finance, News

There are many companies that train personnel for the provision of Health and Safety Support in the workplace. In the UK, there exist important pieces of legislation regarding health and safety at work. The law requires that all companies with five or more employees must have, and display on site, a written health and safety policy document.

Health and safety at work covers a number of areas that are interlinked intimately. For example, the wise employer makes certain that he has at least one employee who is a Competent Person Service in the area of first aid. However, even an expert in first aid cannot compensate for a workplace that is less than safe with regard to issues like layout of the furniture, machinery and the lack of clear exit signs.

The first task for the employer concerned with Health and Safety Support is to conduct a thorough audit of his premises. The person who conducts the audit will inspect work processes and machinery, circulation routes, provision of bathroom facilities and entrance/exit doors. The audit company will also identify fire risks and hazards, advise on the provision of fire extinguishers and on the training of fire marshals on every premises. These activities are in accordance with the Fire Safety Regulations.

The audit company can help the employer in compiling his or her health and safety policy. Good health and safety management is about so much more than preventing employees being injured or killed. It is about the employer recognising that his or her employees are the greatest asset that the company has, and investing in their safety and well-being. The good employer also recognises that paying attention to the layout of his workplace can break barriers that block work opportunities to certain groups of people.

The most obvious block to a person with a physical disability  is the lack of bathroom provision with wheelchair access in many workplaces. The Disability and Equality Act 2010 lays out that employers need only provide separate access where it is “reasonable and practicable”. This is most likely in companies with larger groups of employees and buildings. However, employers in smaller companies can pay attention to improving existing bathroom provision.

They can make sure that the floor is not made of shiny tile, that lights and sink taps flick on and off, and that at least one wash basin is accessible while the user is seated. At the end of the day, Health and Safety Support in the workplace is about ensuring that no one is excluded from the opportunity to work by way of disability, pregnancy or maternity status, age and other factors. This is not about altruism; it is good for the employer and economy, too.

There are many companies that train personnel for the provision of Health and Safety Support in the workplace. In the UK, there exist important pieces of legislation regarding health and safety at work. The law requires that all companies with five or more employees must have, and display on site, a written health and safety policy document.

Health and safety at work covers a number of areas that are interlinked intimately. For example, the wise employer makes certain that he has at least one employee who is a Competent Person in the area of first aid. However, even an expert in first aid cannot compensate for a workplace that is less than safe with regard to issues like layout of the furniture, machinery and the lack of clear exit signs.

The first task for the employer concerned with Health and Safety Support is to conduct a thorough audit of his premises. The person who conducts the audit will inspect work processes and machinery, circulation routes, provision of bathroom facilities and entrance/exit doors. The audit company will also identify fire risks and hazards, advise on the provision of fire extinguishers and on the training of fire marshals on every premises. These activities are in accordance with the Fire Safety Regulations.

The audit company can help the employer in compiling his or her health and safety policy. Good health and safety management is about so much more than preventing employees being injured or killed. It is about the employer recognising that his or her employees are the greatest asset that the company has, and investing in their safety and well-being. The good employer also recognises that paying attention to the layout of his workplace can break barriers that block work opportunities to certain groups of people.

The most obvious block to a person with a physical disability  is the lack of bathroom provision with wheelchair access in many workplaces. The Disability and Equality Act 2010 lays out that employers need only provide separate access where it is “reasonable and practicable”. This is most likely in companies with larger groups of employees and buildings. However, employers in smaller companies can pay attention to improving existing bathroom provision.

They can make sure that the floor is not made of shiny tile, that lights and sink taps flick on and off, and that at least one wash basin is accessible while the user is seated. At the end of the day, Health and Safety Support in the workplace is about ensuring that no one is excluded from the opportunity to work by way of disability, pregnancy or maternity status, age and other factors. This is not about altruism; it is good for the employer and economy, too.

Need a Competent Person Service & Health and Safety Support for your business

Contact Veritas Consulting on 0800 1488 677 or visit their website www.hs-oracle.co.uk

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Explore CSCS Tests: The Answer to Onsite Safety, Efficiency, And Productivity

October 4, 2012 Business & Finance, News

In any construction site, safety of the workers and efficiency of accomplishing tasks are among the highly prioritised factors that will largely contribute to the overall success of any building project. As cities continue to grow, the construction industry is booming as well resulting to a growing demand for construction workers. To ensure safety and efficiency which both rely heavily on the competence of the workers, the CSCS tests (Construction Skills Certification Scheme tests) were established in 1995. After about 17 years of implementation, over 1.7 million CSCS cards have been issued to workers who demonstrate a sufficient level of occupational competence.

The purpose of the CSCS Tests

Foremost, the scheme is established for the purpose of improving skills and competencies of the construction workers. With acceptable occupational competence, onsite accidents as well as other possible ailments arising from the nature of the job are reduced. Productivity and efficiency in accomplishing tasks are thus improved significantly.

For the workers, undergoing CSCS tests guarantees employers of their level of competence. For the employers, having a duly certified workforce attracts more clients. For the clients, the CSCS scheme is among the most important indicators to check when looking for high quality service. As an additional security and convenience feature, every CSCS card bears a Smart computer chip to avoid counterfeiting and forging. Other important applications as well can be devised by taking advantage of the Smart computer chip.

Types of CSCS Cards

The types of CSCS cards are distinguished according to the kinds of occupations being covered. To date, 11 types of CSCS cards are issued with an additional set of 10 amalgamated or affiliated schemes. Each card covers hundreds of occupations so that every worker is assured to fit his role in the scheme. Some of the card types include collective designations such as Construction Site Operative (Labourer), Management, Construction Related Occupation, Trainee, and others.

Requirements for CSCS Tests

A set of requirements and an interview will be set for each applicant. The CSCS tests will basically require some personal information as well as the occupation and the National Insurance Number. Current job, past experiences, and professional qualifications and memberships are also asked during the interview. With all these information already in check, the CSCS team will then advise the applicant of the kind of card to apply for and the type of health and safety test to be taken.

For verification purposes, the CSCS team may ask for additional paperwork from the applicant to be attached along with the completed and signed application form. If the qualifications or experiences of the applicant are deemed insufficient for the CSCS cards being acquired, then he will be advised to undertake additional trainings to improve his competence relevant to the position. With the CSCS tests, the employees, the employers, and their clients all benefit from the standardization and regulatory scheme.

Looking to get your CSCS Tests and Cards Quickly?

Call Veritas Consulting Safety Services Ltd on 0800 1488 677 or visit their website www.veritas-consulting.co.uk

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The New CSCS Tests & Importance Of Preparation

May 23, 2012 News

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the industry’s largest certification program in the UK. It covers 220 occupations that include technical, trades, supervisors, and managers. In order to be able to carry CSCS cards that prove competency, candidates must pass the CSCS tests for health, safety, and environment that are approved by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)-Construction Skills.

The original purpose for developing this certification scheme in the 1990s was to reduce construction accidents and increase efficiency and productivity. This has been accomplished by verifying skill levels and increasing safety awareness. The CITB hopes that employers will view the safety test as just the beginning of a longer term, more comprehensive safety plan.

Health, Safety, and Environment Test

The CSCS Card tests itself sounds straightforward enough and lasts only 45 minutes. The 50 multiple choice questions include 12 behavioural case study questions and 38 knowledge questions about health, safety, and the environment. However, there are three versions of the CSCS tests, each one designed for a different trade or profession.

  • Operative. This test includes the behavioural case studies and multiple choice questions on the five core knowledge areas of legal and management, health and welfare, general safety, high risk activities, and environment.
  • Specialist. This test includes six knowledge questions about the specialist activity. This might be  supervisory, demolition, plumbing or gas, highway works, work at heights, lifts and escalators, tunnelling, heating and plumbing services, pipefitting and welding, ductwork, refrigeration and air conditioning, or services and facilities maintenance.
  • Manager and professional. This includes both the case studies and knowledge questions specific to management and various professional positions.

The candidate must prepare for the right CSCS test as the questions are specific to his particular line of work. The case study questions are based on three situations a worker might be faced with that could compromise the safety of the construction job. The four multiple choice questions about each situation are designed to test the appropriateness of the responses.

Although all the questions are based on UK legislation, there is still room to review and update the safety test both in content and format. For example, new knowledge questions on respiratory risks and a new specialist test for tunnelling were incorporated in April 2012. This continual refreshing of questions and expectations has enhanced the validity of the test and the entire scheme of CSCS cards.

Preparation for the CSCS Test

Anyone taking the health, safety, and environment test should take the time and make the effort for serious preparation. There is a range of of revision material available on CDs, DVDs, and print publications.

  • “Health, safety and the environment test”. This CSCS Test Revision book contains everything a candidate needs to know to do well on the test including a transcript of the film, “Setting out”, that outlines the principles on which the case study questions are based.
  • Revision DVD. This provides an opportunity to review the entire set of questions and to practice with simulated tests.
  • Supporting publications. CITB-Construction Skills recommends “Safe start” for operatives or “Construction site safety” for managers.
  • “Site Safety First” training course. This CSCS training can run from one to five days depending on the specialty.

It is important for the candidate to choose the correct version of any of this material as it is available either for operatives and specialists or managers and professionals.

Taking the CSCS Test

The candidate should arrive at the test site at least 15 minutes early with his confirmation letter and photo identification. Without this documentation, the candidate will not be allowed to take the test. Everyone is assigned a computer to use for the test. There is a tutorial at the beginning for those who are not confident about their technological skills. Candidates who take the time to prepare thoroughly will have no problem with successfully completing the CSCS tests.

I’m interested, whats my next step

To book your CSCS Tests and get a CSCS Card call Veritas Consulting 0800 1488 677 or visit their website  http://www.veritas-consulting.co.uk/CSCS-Card-Test-Booking-Form.html

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How to Avoid a Rollover Contract with Business Electricity

February 24, 2012 Business & Finance, News

All businesses want to reduce their cost base whether the economy is good or bad. One item that seems to be glossed over is business utilities especially when it comes to gas and electricity. The cost can be high for businesses that rely on energy for 24 hour lighting, cooking, manufacturing or even universities but many don’t look at this cost each year.

For most businesses business electric is on a one year business electricity contract. This contract will have fixed rates for the duration. But unlike other contracts when it comes to an end the chances of prices increasing by 40% or 50% is extremely high. With these business contracts you need to at least terminate the contract and move onto a new one either with the existing provider or switch to someone else.

If you don’t terminate your contract then all of the power companies in the UK will invoke what is termed as a rollover contract. And even then if you have terminated it and look elsewhere, if you don’t actually move onto a new contract you will be placed onto “out of contract” rates which can be over double what standard rates would be. Once this change has been enforced to be rolled over there is nothing a business owner can do about their prices for their electricity for another year.

Power companies are not obligated to send out either reminder or renewal letters and the first you would hear about it is when your new rollover contract tariff appears in the post. But there are ways in which you can avoid all of these increases and possibly get a reduction in prices as well.

First off you need to know both when your existing contract runs to and within that the specific date on which you can serve termination. You will need to write and terminate your contract (and there are plenty of examples of these letters online to use as a template). Then you will need to find new quotes and either accept those or go back to your current supplier to see if they will match them.

Certainly in the SME market in the UK companies such as British Gas will likely beat any like for like quote and beat it by around 10% – but they won’t do that unless you have terminated the contract and got a new contract with someone else.

This is a lot of work for business owners who simply want to run their businesses rather than get caught up with all the needless paperwork and effort just to get the latest value for money rates. If you don’t want to undertake this yourself then you might want to try the services of a business energy broker. These can help you both manage your contract as well as get quotes for new business electricity prices both online and direct with the suppliers.

With long term forecasts suggesting that the only way energy prices will go is up you might want to consider longer term contracts. The rates are only slightly higher than a one year, and you have the choice of 2 or 3 year prices. So don’t get caught up with a rollover contract. Either manage this internally or get the services of a specialist service. See more rates.

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