Ian Johnson
Director
Ian Johnson. TechIOSH
I started on site way too early with my dad, way back when you could go to work on weekends and school holidays at the ripe old age of 13. Dad, who was GF (general Foreman) would show me all the disciplines that you see on site and let me help out with all the different gangs of men. I soon found myself working more often with the joiners and the craic was good. Sites have changed a lot since the early 80's, I've seen the introduction of compulsory Helmets and boots then hi vis vests, right up to the modern way with 6 &7 point PPE. formwork has changed to make it quicker and safer but the core fundamentals remain the same, Moulding concrete into often complex shapes and figuring out how to contain the extreme pressures involved, then making & assembling it all so that it strips away for re-use without damaging the pour.
Traditional formwork will always be needed to blend with modern systems and these are the skills that are fading fast due to the older generation leaving the construction industry. Organisations have long been neglecting training probably due to the way employment has been carried out over the last 50 years. Hopefully if we pass on as much as we can in the next 5-10 years these skills won't be lost.
At Skills Gap hazard awareness and avoidance is something we reinforce constantly whilst we train, We adopt current DTB (daily task briefings) and RAMS before commencing on the training area. Teaching the rules for the site is great but enlightening young workers on what dangers to look out for and avoid is critical to staying safe and hopefully prevent other colleagues from falling into danger too.
" A presentation without a demonstration is merely information "
- R.Thorne-
Ischebeck
