Friday, March 31, 2017

O’Rourke fined £800,000 for Heathrow dumper truck death

Laing O’Rourke has been fined £800,000 after a worker was killed by a dumper truck driven by his brother at Heathrow Airport.

Southwark Crown Court heard how Philip Griffiths died in October 2014.

His brother Paul accidentally reversed into his 38-year-old sibling when the pair were trying to move a broken down scissor lift on a service road, while working for Laing O’Rourke.

Paul Griffiths tried to tow the scissor lift away using a dumper truck under the direction of managers.

During the attempt his foot got stuck between the brake and the accelerator and the truck reversed.

Philip, who was standing between the two vehicles, suffered crush injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An HSE investigation found that neither worker was authorised with the appropriate certificate to use the dumper truck, and that the operation was not properly overseen or managed.

Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited of Dartford pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and was fined £800,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000.

Speaking after sentence, HSE Inspector Jack Wilby said: “This incident was a tragedy for all concerned and, as revealed by our investigation, entirely avoidable.

“Laing O’Rourke did nothing to address the trend of these workers carrying out tasks they weren’t trained or authorised for.

“These dedicated staff, including Philip and his brother, needed appropriate supervision.

“Had there been appropriate supervision, then better segregation between Philip and these two vehicles could have been established and maintained.

“This case should act as a reminder of the dangers of using workplace transport without proper planning, management or monitoring of the risks involved.”

A Laing O’Rourke spokesperson said: “Laing O’Rourke fully accepts the findings of the court following the tragic events in October 2014.

“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts remain with Philip Griffiths’ family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“The company is committed to continually reviewing and improving its health and safety systems.”


The post O’Rourke fined £800,000 for Heathrow dumper truck death appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

How to Repair and Clean Your Parking Lot

how to repair and clean a parking lotRegular asphalt parking lot maintenance is vitally important to extend the durability, functionality and curb appeal of your parking lot.

So how should you care for your parking lot?

Simple. Take a look at our ultimate list of parking lot maintenance and cleaning tips below. Our asphalt paving professionals at Wolf Paving have more than 75 years of experience. You can trust our knowledge and expertise when it comes to everything asphalt.

Keep Your Parking Lot Clean to Make a Good First Impression

Is your business or property making a good first impression? An unsightly parking lot can drive away customers and tenants from your buildings. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider scheduling professional parking lot cleaning regularly:

  • A clean parking lot makes a good first impression on customers and tenants.

  • Regular street sweeping and maintenance extends the life of asphalt, especially porous asphalt.

  • A clean parking lot discourages littering. 

  • Clean parking lots minimize pollution to local waterways. 

  • A clean lot can protect your business from lawsuits. 

  • Proper cleaning and care prevents erosion. 

  • A clean exterior prevents rodents and other pests from moving in.


Cleaning Tips for Parking Lots

Extend the life of your parking lot surface with seasonal clearing. Whether your surface is asphalt, concrete or interlocking brick, using material-specific techniques and tools can help you remove tough surface stains.

Cleaning or street sweeping your parking lot surface can make a big difference in the look, surface texture and overall lifespan of your parking lot.

Regular cleaning will:

  • Remove surface dirt and debris.

  • Reveal necessary repairs, like growing cracks or potholes. 

  • Ensure that your asphalt does not get stained or damaged over time.

  • Clean away harmful vehicle fluids that can deteriorate your asphalt prematurely.

  • Save you money over time and keep your lot looking like new.


remove stains from parking lotHow to Remove Tough Parking Lot Stains

There are specific tools and techniques you should consider based on the type of tough stain you are dealing with.

Consider these helpful tips:

  • Asphalt Cleaning Tips: Trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach and baking soda are all very effective to clean away grease on asphalt. Apply compound directly to the stain, then use a broom with firm bristles to scrub it away.
  • Concrete Cleaning Tips: Cola and dishwashing liquid effectively combat grease spots on concrete. Pour soda on the stain and let it saturate the area. Leave the soda to soak overnight and then scrub with warm water and dishwashing liquid the next day. Create a soapy lather with a nylon brush and the stain will lift away.  Simply pour the soda onto the stain, saturating it and leaving it to soak overnight. 
  • Mulch or Leaf Stain Tips: To remove mulch or leaf stains, apply soap or vinegar to the surface and scrub with a brush using circular motions. Rinse the soapy solution away using a low pressure rinse. If the stain still persists, try mixing one capful of bleach with one gallon of warm water. Scrub the bleach solution on the stain using small cicular motions. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 30-minutes and wash away with warm water or a low pressure rinse. 


  • Oil Cleaning Tips: Grease  and oil spots are a common problem in parking lots, where cars and trucks can be sitting in one spot for a long period of time. If you see motor oil spilled on your surface, blot up as much of the oil as possible. Try using kitty litter as an absorbing agent by letting it sit over the stain overnight. When the excess oil is soaked up, sweep away the kitty litter. If a stain persists, try using TSP or a commercial degreaser. Follow the directions on the bottle and scrub the product into the stain to break down the oil and rinse away with warm water. 


  • Pressure Washing Tips: Pressure washing is a great cleaning option for DIY maintenance. For general cleaning, use a hose that’s capable of producing at least 3000 PSIs. But keep in mind that you should consider your stain type before you use a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on oil patches or set-in stains can make the stain worse, driving the stains deeper into the surface pores.

parking lot cleaning tipsPreventative Maintenance for Asphalt Parking Lots

Investing the time and money to maintain your parking lot can save you money (and time) in the long run. A well-maintained parking lot surface can last upwards of 15 years. In fact, investing in annually cleaning and maintenance makes a big difference in the durability and longevity of your parking lot.

Consider these maintenance tactics:

  • Sealcoating should be done every two years to maintain the protection of your surface and keep your parking lot looking new. Without a regular sealcoating application, you leave your asphalt surface unprotected from the elements and external factors.

  • Regular sweeping and cleaning will reveal needed repairs and prevent long term damage.

  • Good maintenance means filling in cracks and potholes before they can spread. You should always repair surface damage immediately, because without repairs, water is able to penetrate and compromise the sub-base, or support structure, of your parking lot. 


How to Decide Which Parking Lot Repairs Are Right for You

You can see the cracks, potholes and parking lot damage, but how do you know if you need a full reconstruction, a repair or an overlay? Rest assured, we can help you. Asphalt paving experts know how to determine which type of repair will meet your needs and your budget.

Here are some quick tips to help you self-diagnose your parking lot predicament:

  • Pothole and Crack Filling - If your parking lot is generally in good condition, with only minor cracks, potholes or other cosmetic flaws, spot repair work may be the treatment you need. Potholes and cracks are often caused by the expansion and contraction of water after it has entered the ground below the asphalt surface. This is why it is important to regularly fill in cracks and potholes, to help reduce water penetration and water related damage. 

  • Asphalt Overlay - Asphalt overlays are often the go-to repair sought by municipalities and large commercial businesses. Why? Because asphalt overlays can extend the life of an existing parking lot surface for 5-10 years. An overlay strips away the top layer of asphalt and replaces it with fresh, new asphalt. While an overlay will give the appearance of a brand new parking lot, it will eventually need a full reconstruction. Your parking lot may be a good candidate for asphalt overlay if your subbase layer is structurally intact, level and capable of bonding to the asphalt overlay. 

  • Reconstruction or Repaving - If you parking lots has large areas of alligator cracks or is crumbling, you may need to consider a complete repaving. Large areas of cracks or potholes mean the sub base of your asphalt parking lot has been compromised, and no amount of overlay or patching can help the problem. Your contractor can work with you to determine the scope of the project and can outline exactly what needs to be done.


parking lot repair before and after

Determine the Best Type of Parking Lot Surface for Your Needs

If you and your asphalt contractor have decided that a reconstruction or asphalt installation is the best choice for your paving project, you might be interested in understanding different paving materials.

  • Perpetual Pavement uses a multi-layer paving process designed to extend the useful life of a roadway or parking lot. In the installation process, a strong, supportive base prevents cracks in the bottom of the pavement, a strong middle layer, built to be permanent, is laid on top and a driving surface is added that will last for several years but is replaced periodically. With a solid base that can last for long periods of time and periodic asphalt overlays to give the surface a fresh, smooth look, long term costs are reduced significantly.


  • Porous Asphalt is an environmentally, water friendly asphalt solution because it allows water to penetrate through the pavement and into the groundwater below. Porous asphalt solves may water runoff problems and can be especially beneficial for large parking lots which get flooded with water after rain or snow storms. This advanced pavement helps enhance storm water management. Talk with your local governing body about whether you can get tax credits for this green-pavement solution. 

  • Quiet Asphalt is a great option for residential community parking lots. By choosing quiet asphalt, which is made with a stone asphalt mix, you can reduce noise pollution by as much as 50 percent! The use of quiet asphalt can save you money, because you won’t be required to put up and maintain noise barrier walls or other noise reducing structures. 


  • Custom Asphalt Mixes can come in a variety of forms, based on your individual needs. If you work with an asphalt paving contractor who maintains their own asphalt plant, your asphalt mix can be tailored to meet your needs. Wolf Paving maintains two asphalt plants and creates custom mixes for municipalities and commercial enterprises, as needed, to ensure the best asphalt is used for every application. 

Find an Asphalt Paving Contractor with Parking Lot Expertise

If you search online to find an asphalt paving contractor, you’ll likely be overwhelmed with options. But choosing the right paving company for your really comes down to a few key factors: industry experience, asphalt product and customer service. 

At Wolf Paving, you can expect:

  • A consultation, or two, with you beforehand, planning the project in detail so there won’t be any surprises to your timeline or your budget.

  • Our own asphalt plants will prepare the perfect mix for your needs, no matter your weather or traffic concerns.

  • We will try to schedule around your business needs, doing our work when it is convenient for you. In fact, some routine maintenance jobs can be finished in less than 24 hours. For larger scale jobs, we'll coordinate to work around your peak business periods.

  • Continuous communication, as needed, to inform you of any issues or concerns with the project and to make sure we are exceeding your expectations. 

  • Wolf Paving recycles 100% of the materials removed from your site. Your debris and mess become part of our next batch of asphalt.


commercial-parking-lot-pavingAsk Specific Industry Questions During Your Asphalt Paving Consultation

Many paving companies will come out to meet you to discuss your parking lot paving plans and to provide a free paving estimate. Use this opportunity to ask them detailed, industry questions to ensure they know their stuff and will complete your project with expertise.

Be sure to ask your contractors these top questions:

  • What types of asphalt do you provide?

  • Do you use custom asphalt mixes and do you produce those mixes yourself?

  • What types of equipment should I expect to see on the job site?

  • What type of experience do you have with parking lots?

  • How do you manage water drainage appropriately?

  • Are you licensed and insured?

  • Do you offer a project warranty for workmanship and materials and what is protected under that warranty? 

  • Could you provide me with recent customer feedback or reviews?


With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to parking lots and driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.



For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free paving estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-222-0719. For the Madison area, call us at 608-407-9935.



Spring Preparation checklist


The post How to Repair and Clean Your Parking Lot appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

All-clear for first concrete on Hinkley nuclear station

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Looking For A New Career? Why You Should Choose the Asphalt Industry

Top benefits of choosing the asphalt industry for employementIf you are searching for a career opportunity, not just a job, you might want to consider the asphalt industry. In fact, there is more to paving than meets the eye, and you might be surprised at some of the perks for working in the industry. At Wolf Paving, we have been contractors for more than 75 years, building infrastructure in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, all the way to Sun Prairie and Madison. We know a thing (or two) about the industry.

A Career in Asphalt Paving Means Job Security

Job security? Absolutely! If there’s one thing you can always expect to see in Wisconsin, it’s road construction. New roads are always being installed and existing roadways need regular preventative maintenance.

From pothole repair to crack filling and sealcoating, asphalt contractors are busy working to keep Wisconsin roadways clean, smooth and safe for drivers. Moreover, new business construction means new parking lot installation and regular parking lot maintenance, which means job security in a growing economy.

In this short video, Gene, a grading foreman at Wolf Paving, talks about his thoughts on a career in the paving industry:

 

Career Advancement Opportunities in Paving

At Wolf Paving, the management team is dedicated to promoting from within. Many of the employees have been with the company for 10 or even 20 years, working hard and advancing as the company grows.

As part of the Wolf family, you can expect to contribute to the growth and success of the company as a whole. As an asphalt plant manager, Anthony talks about how every position contributes to the success of the team overall.

 

Asphalt Paving Jobs Offer Many Benefits

The asphalt pavement industry is unique for many reasons. The industry offers:

  • Local jobs that are often long-lasting and well-paying jobs
  • Improved community infrastructure
  • Higher standard of living for residents
  • Environmentally sustainable investments and products
  • Economic growth and development
  • You can leave the jobsite each day seeing the progress you’ve made and your contribution to the growth and development of the local area.

Take a look at another video, describing the pride in workmanship asphalt contractors and employees feel after a day at work.

 

If you are ready to start your career in the paving industry, please click below to see available positions and to apply now! We are excited to add dedicated, hard working employees to the Wolf Paving Family!

Wolf Paving Careers


The post Looking For A New Career? Why You Should Choose the Asphalt Industry appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

The Classic Barn Company

The Classic Barn Company

Our Background

Our family business specializes in crafted English oak framed buildings, our business has grown from a small acorn to a grand old oak tree by simply sticking to good business ethics. Our ethos is simple. To create beautifully detailed oak framed barns that become renowned for their superior quality. Support this with a service that is both transparent and efficient to ensure each client receives excellent overall value, enabling our good name to be passed on.

This ethos has won us numerous awards, appearances on TV and various publications.

Campaign

“The Best of British, facing Brexit”. So Brexit is on its way and apparently we all have a challenge. No one knows what effects are on the horizon but one things for sure we all share a common denominator, we own one of the best brands on the planet – Great Britain ! So we’ve decided to play to our strengths by encouraging others to stop devoting time to Brexit ‘what if’s’, ignore those who have a self-vested interest in forecasting about Brexit and instead start focusing on starting your own campaign by showcase your #BestOfBritish product, be proud and switch your mind set to being proactive. Lets show them what were made off !

We’ve kicked this off by launching our new video to the world – British Craftsmanship At It Best !

If, like us you feel inspired to support this campaign then go ahead and show others.

Retweet: https://twitter.com/OakFramedGarage/status/841624157473394688

Facebook: @oakframedgarages

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/hp/update/6247390681543778304

Google +: https://plus.google.com/101378448103358399105/posts/JUKZYRbcBb6

Andrew Guppy
The Classic Barn Company

https://www.oakgarages.com/our-company


The post The Classic Barn Company appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Resin Bound Rubber Mulch Surfacing Middlesbrough

Recent Resin Bound Rubber Mulch surfacing for a school in Middlesbrough

A Recent project for 360 square metres of Resin bound rubber mulch surfacing for a school in Middlesbrough. The project involved us lifting the turf and relaying it with the Resin bound rubber mulch surfacing. This created a wheelchair access path around the football field for the Children.

resin-bark-mulsh Resin_Bound_Rubber_Mulch_Surfacing

This type of surfacing helps absorb impact and protects children whilst at play. Rubber mulch is perfect for natural grass play areas, which often become muddy or slippery during wet weather. Furthermore, the rubber can be laid in all areas in order to offer a safer playground area for Children.

Why choose Resin Bound Rubber Mulch surfacing for your play area?

Especially relevant is this type of surfacing can be installed on top of most surface and is available in a range of natural colour options. In addition, once the rubber mulch surfacing is installed it is durable and requires very little maintenance.

Furthermore, all the materials we use during the installation are thoroughly tested to ensure both qualities of product and safety for children using the area. In turn meeting, the requirements set out by BS EN 1177 safety standards. Critical fall height ratings are also achieved with the thicker depths, making it an ideal option for play areas with slides, climbing frames and swings.

This type of surfacing for play areas offers

  • Superior drainage
  • Very little maintenance
  • No movement
  • A long lasting surface
  • No puddles
  • Quick drying
  • An excellent alternative to wet pour
  • Ideal for schools, nurseries, parks, gardens

All our Rubber bark surface installations are carried out by our own in-house installers. If you have any questions regarding the bonded rubber mulch construction for play areas or other outdoor areas. Please call us on 0800 160 1618, we can offer advice on both the design and installation for your play area.

Keep informed of all our latest news, products and promotions

Finally, if you would like to keep informed of all our latest, products, news and promotions please join our Facebook Page. 

The post Resin Bound Rubber Mulch Surfacing Middlesbrough appeared first on Driveways, Block Paving, Patios, Newcastle, North East | Driveway Company UK.

Union attacks “dead end” construction courses

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

5 Reasons Why Your Business or Municipality Should Repair Potholes In Spring

wpblogcrackspotholessmall.jpgSpring in Wisconsin means longer days, blooming bulbs, baseball...and potholes.

Potholes are caused by the same science that makes a can of soda explode in your freezer - the expansion and contraction of water. Ground water gets under the pavement, expands when frozen, and contracts when it melts. The expansion bends and weakens the asphalt, and the contraction leaves gaps behind where the pavement can collapse and create a hole. This is why potholes multiply in spring as the ground thaws. 

If you require the expertise of a commercial pothole repair contractor or a municipal pothole repair contractor, our team of pothole repair contractors at Wolf Paving have the information you need to know about asphalt pothole repair.

1. Pothole Repairs Prevent Further Damage 

One pothole can do a lot of damage to your entire driveway or parking lot. Here are three things to consider:

  • Water is the root cause of potholes.
  • Existing potholes let more water get in under the sub-surface of your pavement.
  • Repairing a potholes now will prevent the formation of larger potholes and more substantial asphalt pavement damage. 

2. Pothole Repair Now Will Reduce Long-Term Repair Costs

It can be tempting to ignore a couple of small potholes, but those small savings will have a big cost in the long run for your business or municipality. Remember, one pothole can lead to another.

  • Unrepaired potholes can grow and multiply with ongoing traffic and use, resulting in an even more expensive residential or municipal paving project. 
  • The small cost of preventative maintenance today will provide you with big savings in the future. 

3. Pothole Repair will Improve Curb Appeal

Many business and municipalities want to make improvements to property in the spring, as more people get outside.

  • What kind of first impression is your business or municipality making on visitors? 
  • Pothole repair and affordable options like sealcoating can help you keep your property looking great.  

4. Improved Safety

Potholes are more than just ugly, they can also be dangerous, causing damage to vehicles and potential trip and fall accidents for pedestrians. Keep your customers happy and protect your business by making sure that your commercial paving projects are in good condition.

5. Hot Mix Asphalt Can Be Used

Hot-mix asphalt is a durable type of asphalt that is great for large, long-lasting projects, like pothole repair. In the extreme climates of Milwaukee, Sun Prairie and Waukesha, hot mix asphalt is the solution your business or municipality needs to properly repair potholes this spring. Wolf Paving offers custom mix hot-mix asphalt specifically designed for the Wisconsin climate. 
If you are interested in purchasing hot-mix asphalt for your pothole repair needs, please contact Wolf Paving today.

If you’d like more information about how our team of pothole repair contractors can help your business or municipality with timely repair services, request a free estimate now so we can understand the size and scope of your project needs.

Did you know there is a proper way to fill a pothole? Click below to learn more!

Need help with parking lot or roadway repairs? Request a free paving estimate, now!

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your pothole repair and asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free quote for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

fix a pothole ebook


The post 5 Reasons Why Your Business or Municipality Should Repair Potholes In Spring appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog