One of the most important trades in the construction industry is scaffolding, yet it does not get the recognition it deserves, but without safe and secure scaffolding, many other tradesmen would find it difficult to carry out their duties.
Scaffolding has evolved over the years from a time anything would be used to make a platform like a plank across two barrels to what it is today where safety is paramount.
So for this month’s edition of Building Ireland we take a closer look at a company involved in what many describe as the ‘forgotten trade’.
Donegal based and Letterkenny headquartered Sweeney Welding & Scaffolding was established 15 years ago by Alan Sweeney who had many years’ experience in this industry beforehand. That experience has helped the business evolve and their success can be gauged by their renowned clients such as Sisk, Ward & Burke, Stewart Bros and BAM.
With the focus 100% on contract scaffolding, Sweeney Scaffolding has no competing agendas or distractions, and only uses fully trained direct employees.
Good quality materials are essential for a safe scaffold. Cheaper materials eat away at the safety margin – Alan and his team invest in long-term quality and long-term safety.
As stated, Sweeney Scaffolding has been trading for over 15 years. As such it has a real appreciation of what a business needs to do to be sustainable in the long term. A critical aspect of sustainability is to have a renewable workforce and the company invests heavily in training annually.
“We would have a core of customers here that we do most of our work for. We would be a nationwide company, but fortunately we are busy in Donegal at the moment with a number of projects ongoing. You would always like to be busier, but that is the nature of this business,” said Alan.
These projects include the Government building in Letterkenny along with the courthouse and General hospital in the town also. They are also working on a housing development in Donegal town as well as the local convent. Another project that they are currently on is for the fisheries in Killybegs. All work is local enough which is great for the company, but they are willing to travel anywhere for work.
With a workforce of 14, Sweeney Scaffolding provides many different services including Cuplock Scaffolding, Acrow Props, Mast Climbing, Temporary Fence Panels, Scaffolding Tools, Debris Netting, Plastic Rubbish Chutes, Erection and Dismantling of scaffolding, Hire of scaffolding and scaffolding boards and the latest addition being teleporter hire.
“The teleporter hire is a new venture that we have begun. We hire the teleporters and drivers. I think we are the first in the country to do this. We are only doing this a few months, but there is plenty of interest there. At the moment, there are four teleporters for hire and all are out on jobs and it is an area that we will be looking to push this year.”
Of course, health and safety is the key area in this industry and in that regard, Alan stressed that they maintain their focus on what needs to be done in this sector.
All staff at Sweeney Scaffolding hold a valid Safepass Card aswell as CSCS Basic Scaffolding card (QQI Level 5) and a CSCS Mobile Access Scaffolding card (also QQI Level 5). Our three senior foremen have completed their courses on CSCS Advanced Scaffolding & Scaffolding Inspection.
“Our full time dedicated Safety Officer insures that our companies safety statement is adhered to at all times. All employees go through site specific safety induction training and toolbox talks.
“Our safety officer also carries out regular unannounced internal audits, we find that this ensures the highest standard of scaffolding and a safe working environment for both our staff and the staff of other contractors on site which is vital.
“Our main goal is to satisfy customers through ensuring that health and safety on site is always the priority. This is why all our staff are trained to the highest safety standards. All staff wear the correct protective clothing and use the equipment used is always of top class quality. We are fully committed to providing the highest possible standard of design, service and safety of temporary construction within the private and commercial building industry in Ireland
“Weekly site inspections and site sign offs can be arranged on all ongoing projects. Staff at Sweeney Scaffolding adhere to scaffolding regulations at all times. We bring our dedication and experience to every single job. In 2016, we became the first Scaffolding company in Donegal to obtain Safe-T-Cert accreditation.”
Of course, all this paperwork and method statements bring about their own costs and Alan revealed that it is not the only expense that has increased in the business.
“Health & Safety is costly to have right, but it is something that we are very keen on implying. Our safety record speaks for itself, but another area that is costing more and for no reason is an increase in the price of insurance, which has doubled from year on year.”
Sweeney Scaffolding have been involved in a range of projects from small one-off jobs to large developments and they have also had the one goal, customer satisfaction.
“Once the client is happy with the work that we do, then we are happy. We have set ourselves standards that our customers expect us to maintain and that will always be our goal.”
Contact Details:
Sweeney Welding & Scaffolding
Massreagh,
Kilmacrennan,
Co. Donegal
Tel: 086 250 6654 or 074 91 39539
e-mail: [email protected]
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, September 2018, Vol 4 No 8
