Makita Battery Demo Day

As we look to move forward with additional safety features and improved efficiencies in our Fleet of small tools over the coming years, we decided to invite Makita to our Plant Yard to demonstrate their current battery powered range with several of our site teams. Makita, supported by Terratruck, came with a large array of the newest cordless equipment showing us products such as 40V SDS drills, 80V breakers, backpack blowers and pokers.

The format consisted of setting up an area where the tools could be tested and then compared against various other Plant tools that our team uses on a day-to-day basis. This meant they could get a sense of quality and feel by trying out the new kit and providing some honest open-minded feedback afterwards.

The benefits of this allowed our team to raise questions regarding different aspects of the products. Things such as:

• The battery longevity
• Battery performance
• Where to charge
• Theft risk

 

“The guys were very knowledgeable and demonstrated these tools in a straight- forward manner. Hosting a practical session like this will be very helpful for making informed future decisions regarding purchase of cordless tools.”

Paul Tonks, Tool Hire Manager, Moortown Group

    

As a business, we make it a top priority to provide the correct tools and keep up with the latest innovations for site equipment. This not only helps improve our site safety, but also encourages significant efficiencies such as:

• The reduction of refuelling
• Use of generators
• Trailing cables
• Heavy plant for transportation

When comparing some of the non-battery products, for example the cut off saw (14 inch blade) with a fuel powered cut off saw (14 inch), the difference was noted right away. The cordless product cut with much more ease, and many were very impressed with the running time and power capacity of these tools. For example, the 80V saw worked faster with less noise pollution.

Most equipment was expected to be naturally heavier due to the battery weight, yet this wasn’t always seen as an immediate disadvantage depending on which tool. Fro example, a breaker tool was deemed too heavy to lift when chipping at height, but the heavy weight of the cut off saw worked in favour by moving downwards with the blade.

When addressing concerns of theft, it was communicated that the batteries and tools were paired together with a 4-digit identity number when registered with the communication module app. The hardware is already inbuilt inside the battery and simply just requires activating. This means any attempt to steal batteries are void and become pointless acts, as the product is disabled when the wrong battery is attached.

We are pleased this was a successful day experiencing what Makita had to offer and there was some good feedback from trialling these cordless tools.

Safety Stand Down

We conducted a company-wide, mandatory, stand down for all Managers, Supervisors and Engineers to review our safety operations and to allow us to work through several areas that required improvement. This was held at our HQ last week, where we allocated time to host an important afternoon of presentations and feedback, focussing on addressing some key points.

Maintaining a high standard of health and safety is paramount to our business. We take responsibility to ensure our workforce is routinely educated and to always uphold the right attitude. One careless decision can lead to enormous repercussions, a simple principle which is at the forefront of our toolbox talks.

    

Led by our Operations Director, Richard Mitchell and HSQE Director, Jonathan Milnes, spoke candidly on matters regarding recent incidents in the first half of this year. Having time to reflect on our personal responsibilities and being transparent about the actions needed to move forward.

• Our procedures are in place for a reason, it is not just a ‘tick box’ exercise.
• There is a collective responsibility from everyone throughout all our sites.
• Support and leadership are essential in maintaining expectations.
• High level engagement is vital.

Last year in the UK, the following figures were reported by the HSE:

• 123workers killed in work-related accidents
• 565,000working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
• 61,713injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR

    

These are still shockingly high numbers in an industry existing in a modern age. It’s hard to imagine how many of these insistences could have been avoided altogether, especially the fatalities. Heartbreakingly, this equates to one family being told every 3 days that their loved one wasn’t coming home.

It is critical that we reflect on any failings that occur to ensure standards remain high throughout our sites. We encouraged a Q&A session, allowing anybody to speak freely and share their thoughts. We take our health and safety operations very seriously, communicating that there is no room for complacency in our company culture.

We’re determined to maintain best practice procedures by showing a united effort to deliver a first-class service. It is imperative to acknowledge the current efforts that have already been demonstrated and employed by our hard-working teams who push forward everyday with the right attitude to preserve our reputation. Driven by integrity and dedication, we hope the impact of this stand down will emphasise the need to step up and reboot to ensure everybody goes home to their loved ones at the end of every day. No doubt, a hard day’s graft.

The Value of Mental Health First Aid Training

At the beginning of this month our Operations Director, Richard Mitchell, attended a 2-day Mental Health Awareness & First Aid for Mental Health course at the Livius Training Centre at Boroughbridge.

The delivery and content, as well as the input from the small group of people attending the course, was probably the most rewarding course that I have undertaken in a very long time.

Male site workers in construction are three times more likely to commit suicide than the average UK male. This shocking statistic is a vivid reminder of the difficulties faced by many working in the construction industry every day.

Whilst Mental Health concerns are well documented, and even more so during and following the last 18 months to 2 years of the Pandemic, it wasn’t something that had had a massive impact on me in my role at Moortown or indeed at a personal level. However, following a recent site visit which incorporated a disciplinary meeting with one of our site operatives I was put in a situation whereby the site operative had a breakdown in front of me.

Mental health issues in the last year alone have increased by 5% in the UK, and with it, absence rates have increased. Mental health issues can take over 7.5 times longer to recover from than physical illnesses which paints a very clear picture on the importance of mental health and its role in maintaining a strong workforce and well-oiled business.

He told me of his struggles, a long-term relationship had broken down, he was feeling isolated alone with no-one to talk to, he had taken solace in alcohol which was affecting his work life and felt things were getting on top of him and he saw no way out.  Whilst offering a sympathetic ear and suggesting he contact his GP or Health Care professional I felt at a loss as to what to say and do.

For HR and training specialists, it’s vital that decision-makers are freeing up internal budgets to address these issues. Health and Safety can often be seen as a compliance tick-box as it doesn’t always address an immediate issue. Although, in the construction sector, it is already too late if things go wrong.  

I have taken many positives from the course both on a personal level as well as from a business perspective.  Our people are a prized asset, and we need to take a more proactive approach in delivering the message that it’s ok to not be ok!

Whilst it is very important to recognise and offer support and guidance for our work colleagues and being there to act as a safety net and try and catch people if they fall, it’s just as important that we try and recognise and help people before they fall. Moving forward, we’re looking to deliver some workforce engagement sessions throughout the summer with particular focus on Mental Health Awareness.

Green Meadows School – Making a difference

Moortown was personally thanked for their efforts towards the YorBuild charity project at a specialist school called Green Meadows in Guiseley Leeds. They have pupils from ages 3 – 19 across two sites which also offers a specialist teaching environment to pupils with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The project was overseen by BAM Construct, with an astounding total of 17 contractors contributing to the whole project. Needless to say the school have been very overwhelmed by the gesture.

The refurbishment works included:

An extensive amount of work including demolition, structural changes and new mechanical and electrical systems, transformed an old battered kitchen into a new food tech classroom, as well as forming a servery for the school hall. Pupils will be using the kitchen to learn essential life skills to live an independent and happy life. 

In addition, the new catering kitchen and servery area provides a clean and modern environment for the kitchen staff to use, which in turn creates a more positive surrounding for the students and staff. 

Furthermore, appliances and units for the catering and food technology areas were provided and created an assembly hall with new doors and finishes throughout. Handed over in July 2021.

       

The Variety Big Build at Green Meadows has been truly transformative for the school, its pupils and teachers alike. They no longer have to ‘make do’ with the bare minimum and instead have the top of the range facilities and provisions that they have been crying out for, for years now. The project wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic support and dedication from BAM and every other company involved – their commitment from day one has been amazing and everyone has been so wonderful to work with throughout. They have shown just how important it is for businesses to give back to the communities in which they operate.

Charlotte Farrington, Regional Development Director – Variety Yorkshire

 

You can watch the video of The Variety Big Build Project 2021 here:

https://youtu.be/4LXqSEOOMtA?list=PLZq80r4oA5bccjSdMMgsMczIxYBCAE-Ak

 

Safety First at Chesterfield Hospital

We are thrilled to share that our efforts towards our safety practices and procedures have been credited with a Safety Award.

We are currently on site at the Chesterfield Hospital, delivering the project with Vinci Construction. Works have commenced on the £24m Urgent Care Unit, where laying foundations have begun and the Service diversions already completed which allowed the main works to begin.

Our Enabling Works includes:

• Substructures – Pad foundations and retaining walls
• Associated utilities infrastructure
• Hard Landscaping
• Site strip followed by a cut and fill with surplus materials removed from site
• FW & SW Drainage works
• Ground Floor and upper floor concrete slab works
• External works – paving and kerbs

We even made an appearance on Calendar News the same day! Watch the full clip here – 2.52mins in: https://lnkd.in/gnefqfaN

Apprentice Diaries: Aidan Harrison

 

For the month of September, we are focussing on the talents and benefits of providing apprenticeship opportunities by asking our own apprentices their feedback on their experiences working within our teams.

Our first Spotlight is on Aidan Harrison, a Trainee Engineer studying at the University of Nottingham, who is doing a course in Civil Engineering with an Industrial Year MEng. This involves 5 years of education, with the 4th year being an Industrial year out. Aidan recently completed his summer work experience placement of 8 weeks at Moortown Group.

Read on to hear Aidan’s thoughts!

Why did you choose this vocation?

“I really liked Maths, Art and Sciences in school, so it seemed like a logical direction to take when I chose these as my A-Levels. I’m very interested in architecture and engineering, and these subjects blended well together”.

“I realised that by going down the Civil Engineering route it could offer a good balance between drawings and communications which would still be underpinned by maths. It appealed more when I heard that there was a great need for this role in the industry so I decided to pursue engineering opportunities”.

What has it been like working at Moortown Group?

“My Experience at Moortown has made me feel a valued member of an experienced team of estimators and quantity surveyors who have been exceptionally welcoming throughout my time at the company. Everyone has been very helpful and receptive; I have learnt a great deal about the construction industry all round, especially the nature of work within the subcontracting sector.

My technical knowledge of RC structures, including how to conduct accurate material and quantity take-off, has been improved considerably since I started work. I will return to University with some great industry experience and connections which will form the basis of my future career. I am impressed that I got to be so involved and actually contribute to the work needed, as opposed to shadowing somebody”. 

 

What skills have you learnt? 

• Cubicost TAS C-III (Architectural and Structural) quantity take-off software
• Ability to interpret structural drawings provided by clients
• Technical knowledge of RC structures and groundworks
• Improved interpersonal communication and professional skills

What advice would you give to future students looking to get into this industry?

“Prospective students need to know if the opportunities in construction are ‘future proof’ to some degree, and that there is some level of stability in committing to a career in this industry. If construction companies are hoping to recruit young talent, it would be a big help to us students if these roles were advertised alongside a list of courses, so we could see clearly what aligned with what. This would be a massive help to see where the opportunities lay and how they fit into the ‘real’ working world”.

What did you like about our company?

“I became very aware early on that the majority of staff I was introduced to and met had been working there for many many years. People must stay for such a long time because they feel valued and enjoy the work culture here, and they see the potential in growing with a company that looks after them”.

This September, Aidan will return to University to complete his final year of study and we’re certain he will graduate with flying colours! We look forward to hearing from you again, all the best with your studies.

It’s Easter time

We are delighted that a combined donation of £1500 from ourselves and our sister company V&A Homes, has allowed for additional support for those in need over the Easter period at Leeds Irish Health & Homes. Over 450 Easter Craic-packs delivered this week already!

New Plant machinery

Expanding our Fleet to keep up with demand.

Our resources have been increasing rapidly over the past few weeks due to a significant investment of £1.5m towards our Plant machinery. In order to keep up with demand, we now have over 50 new vehicles ranging from excavators to dumpers. We are very excited to be out on site and putting them to use already!

Three years in the making

Project completion on The Sir Henry Bragg Building at the University of Leeds.

A £65m project is the new home for the schools of Computing and Physics & Astronomy. We worked alongside BAM Construct UK throughout, and designed by Manchester architect ADP, the project consists of a new 6-storey building, a full height connecting atrium and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Old Mining Building with an additional roof top extension. A fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

Starting the year strong

We’re looking forward to working on a large distribution facility worth £125m working alongside Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd. to begin this month.

The project concerns a 850,000 sq. ft warehouse built in South Elmsall with access from the A638 Doncaster Road. Purpose built to meet the needs of its growing online operation, the project will also include the addition of a new two-level bridge that will link buildings to the north, as well as improving highway access.