CONCRETE
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Concrete “Physical distancing is relatively easy to achieve in the factory, with plenty of spacing between each active working mould over several casting sheds” Steve Morgan, Thorp Precast
PRECAST DELIVERS DESPITE THE PANDEMIC COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS DID NOT STOP PRECAST CONCRETE SPECIALISTS FROM KEEPING PROJECTS ON PROGRAMME – AND THE SECTOR IS NOW LOOKING AHEAD WITH OPTIMISM. CM REPORTS
Above: Thorp’s ‘weave-design’ panels on HMRC’s new Salford hub
When covid-19 hit the UK last March, the precast concrete industry was better prepared than most. Controlled factory conditions and efficient site processes meant the sector could adapt quite easily to lockdown restrictions. Thorp Precast has operated at 100% capacity at its 8ha site in north Staffordshire. While many construction sites, particularly in urban locations, can be congested workplaces, the opposite is the case for precast manufacturing plants. “Physical distancing is relatively easy to achieve in the factory, with plenty of spacing between each active working mould over several casting sheds,” explains Steve Morgan, technical sales manager.
When the pandemic struck, Thorp senior management consulted with all operatives on the coronavirus dangers and new guidelines for safe working. “All our staff opted to continue working in line with the new measures, which has resulted in no lost productivity and no cases of covid-19,” explains Morgan. There have been a few changes to operating procedures. “We have one person working per mould, reduced working hours and fewer people working in concrete pouring teams,” explains Morgan. “We also have bubbles for workers when travelling to and from work in the same vehicle. They clock in at the factory gate and not on a machine, and strict one-way systems have been introduced. We also restrict access to the plant much more, with everything carefully recorded and booked in.” Away from the factory, Thorp workers have to follow social distancing requirements on delivery to site and installation of the precast units. “They are small teams, but they all use relevant PPE, particularly if working face to face, and install panels with operatives on either side of a precast panel, ensuring that social distancing is maintained,” says Morgan. “A huge benefit of only needing four to five men on site at any one time to maintain maximum productivity is that we can install a conservative average of five to six panels per day on
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