We’ll shortly be hosting Demonstration Days in Scotland and at our Head Office in Yorkshire, where guests will see our unique, mobile welfare units and tower lights for themselves.
The upcoming dates will be:
Scotland, EH47: 27th June
Yorkshire, WF6: 11th July
Both dates will feature a range of our products on show, including the latest models in our fleet. To book your place at either event please email info@welfarehire.com.
“Our welfare units and tower lights prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality when you provide sustainable facilities on site,” commented Andy Grayshon, Commercial Director. “The units provide modern, comfortable breakout spaces for workers, with hygienic toilet and washing facilities and lots of other features that site teams appreciate. The super-bright light heads of our tower lights deliver excellent coverage, with long refuel intervals.”
Our Team will be available to demonstrate the products and answer any questions. In addition, guests who attend the Yorkshire date will see Welfare Hire’s in-house operational facilities, which deliver our market-leading service and consistent high quality.
Andy continued, “We’re looking forward to meeting customers, old and new, at both events and discussing how we can help them with their site set up needs.”
Contact the team on info@welfarehire.com or on 0345 600 6670 now to book your place.
Welfare Hire Nationwide will be showcasing our latest product innovations at two industry shows this June. You’re welcome to meet our specialist team and try out first-hand the latest in ECO mobile welfare and lighting!
Welfare Hire’s sustainable range complements the events’ focus on technology and innovation, especially for those that are driving the construction sector toward its net zero carbon goals. With next generation silent, green running systems, including XL solar, rainwater harvesting and smart telemetry, our eco units will be in their element at these outdoor events to showcase the latest in smart ECO welfare and lighting.
Plantworx is the UK’s largest working construction equipment exhibition, held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough between the 13th and 15th June. The outdoor show is the perfect place to see our latest product innovations, including solar hybrid power and rainwater harvesting.
Rail Live attracts 5,000+ visitors each year from across the rail industry. Taking place on the 21st and 22nd June at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, we’ll be showcasing the full array of our range, including some exciting new product launches.
We look forward to meeting our customers and new partners at these events and welcome interested parties to get in touch here for more information and to book your slot with the team.
The humble welfare unit: for anyone who works on or visits rail construction sites regularly, these modular cabins will be a familiar sight. Once installed, they’re static and easy to overlook – a no-frills space in which workers can take breaks, prepare food, and use toilet facilities.
At least, that’s what you might have come to expect. Certainly you can up-spec for more spacious and comfortable facilities. But additionally, could the onsite equipment we all take for granted help you run your site more effectively?
The simple answer is ‘yes’. Powered by telemetry, a new generation of intelligent lighting and welfare systems is making it easier to manage sites, review and optimise fuel usage, and even report on ESG performance. Below, we’ll explain how, thanks to smart tech, these modern assets could make your site smarter and more efficient.
What is intelligent onsite equipment?
In this case, we’re talking about equipment fitted with telemetry (data measurement) systems, which provide insights into power and performance. Site managers can review this data, using it to inform decisions about energy use, servicing, and even security.
While not yet the industry norm, many top-of-the-range products now boast this functionality. And it isn’t reserved for highly complex equipment; everything from lighting towers to welfare units (including the most advanced systems in Welfare Hire’s range) can be fitted with smart tech.
But what kind of challenges could telemetry help you to address onsite?
Managing onsite services efficiently- keeping your workforce happy and productive
Onsite equipment must be managed and maintained. If you’re using lighting towers to illuminate a sprawling rail construction site, you’ll need to keep track of them as they’re moved from area to area – not to mention managing fuel use as required. WC facilities must be serviced regularly, with their water tanks filled and their waste tanks emptied.
Smart tech enables site managers to monitor their equipment remotely, issuing alerts when fuel is running low or tanks need to be emptied. This, in turn, allows them to take a more informed and cost-effective approach, minimising trips to site and booking services only when they’re required.
Perhaps your eco-friendly lighting towers use hybrid battery power? Smart tech would allow you to remotely control noisy backup generators, switching them on when they’re least likely to disturb lineside residents, as well as optimising silent, green running.
Equipment can even be tracked and protected via geofencing, with alarms for crossing a virtual boundary, and allowing you to locate it quickly and easily.
Indeed, making the simplest equipment more intelligent can lead to considerable time and cost savings onsite, while also keeping your facilities performing optimally to support your employees, keeping them safe and productive onsite.
Managing power usage- reducing costs and saving downtime
It can also support and inform your power management strategy. As discussed, telemetry provides granular insights into energy usage, showing which power source an item of equipment is drawing from, battery charge status, and how much power is consumed.
These insights won’t just enable you to manage your onsite services more effectively, anticipating refuelling needs and minimising downtime. They’ll also help you to ensure that equipment is operating as efficiently as possible, and to identify and address inefficiencies. With smart tech, there’s no guesswork – just accurate data, available in real time.
Monitoring ESG targets- supporting your green credentials
With managers under increasing pressure to meet ESG (environmental, social and governance) and sustainability targets, tracking onsite energy usage is more important than ever. The smarter the equipment, the easier this is; with telemetry, you can generate a comprehensive report on a product’s energy usage at the push of a button. And the most ubiquitous onsite equipment – those tower lights and welfare facilities that are essential – is a great place to start.
Intelligent equipment can even help you to manage your carbon footprint, by helping eliminate unnecessary services and site visits, and taking HGVs off the road.
Indeed, when it comes to site management, you could unlock cost, time and carbon savings in unexpected areas. Simply put, it pays to make basic equipment more intelligent and invest in future-proofing your projects.
Article published in association with Rail Business Daily.
Our new depot in the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt is now up and running!
The depot is equipped with stock of our mobile ECO welfare units, welfare vans and tower lights, ready for even faster delivery to our customers across Scotland.
John Deeney has joined our team to manage the depot and our operations across Scotland. John is already working hard with his team to get products out to our partner’s sites.
John Deeney, Depot Manager, Scotland
Lauren Thomson, Regional Sales Manager, Scotland
For enquiries for mobile welfare units and tower lights across Scotland, please contact our Sales Manager, Lauren Thomson on 07929 666831 or email lauren.thomson@welfarehire.com
As the rail industry grapples with a skills crisis, organisations are beginning to recognise the importance of wellbeing and inclusion onsite. A 2021 Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) survey found that over 40% of rail workers were suffering from a mental health condition, which had a “hugely detrimental effect on their employers”, impacting cost, performance and safety. RSSB added that, while the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to this crisis, more must be done to support staff – with a focus on “workplace factors” and helping individuals who might be “socially excluded”.
Wellbeing on Rail construction sites
In this way, employee wellbeing is paramount on rail construction sites, with mental health and burnout an important consideration.
And improving wellbeing isn’t just important from a duty-of-care perspective – it can also help employers to recruit diverse new talent, retain existing staff, and boost productivity. Indeed, RSSB reported that “sickness absence was five times higher (in rail workers) than the general population pre-COVID and six times higher than the general population during the pandemic” – figures that will undoubtedly impact bottom lines.
While onsite facilities (particularly welfare units) might seem like little more than a practical necessity, they can have a dramatic impact on wellbeing. Indeed, for team members working outdoors, a warm, dry and comfortable space can help make a big difference.
Traditional and older welfare facilities are often poorly maintained or lacking the space and comfort to allow workers to take a proper break onsite, contributing to the lack of support many feel at work – these are the “workplace factors” that, if improved, could transform culture and conditions onsite.
As such, it pays to invest in quality welfare units; with access to additional space, modern kitchen appliances, hygienic non-chemical water-flush WC facilities and enough power outlets, employees will be able to relax and recharge during downtime. Providing the right facilities could even encourage them to take breaks more regularly.
Larger, welfare spaces promote positive culture
Comfortable, spacious welfare units (like Welfare Hire’s modern design range) also encourage workers to come together, sharing their experiences and building relationships. This is particularly important for new starters or those with disabilities – who, in RSSB’s words, are at greater risk of being “socially excluded.”
In its survey report, RSSB added that only half of those respondents suffering from a mental health condition sought help. Well-designed welfare units provide a safe, quiet space in which employees can talk and open up – whether that’s to a colleague or line manager.
Indeed, the right welfare equipment won’t just make workers more comfortable – it could help to foster a more positive culture onsite, boosting morale and improving staff retention rates.
Improving inclusivity onsite
Providing better welfare facilities could even help to improve inclusivity onsite. Higher-end units often feature separate, hygienic toilets (Welfare Hire’s units are fitted with ceramic water-flush WCs) or changing rooms for privacy.
Investing in providing the most modern and innovative welfare will send an important message to the workforce – this in turn creates ripple effects, leading to improvements in productivity, employee inclusion, retention and overall staff morale. And, with major projects like HS2 set to create thousands of new jobs in future, building a motivated and diverse workforce is more important than ever.
While improving wellbeing and inclusivity is a complex undertaking, the right welfare facilities can help to make rail construction sites a more positive, more inclusive and safer environment for workers. This, in turn, could have a positive impact on recruitment and staff retention – areas of focus for the industry, now more than ever.
Kelling Group has welcomed representatives from our three Chairman’s Charities recently, as our first year of supporting them came to a close. We were extremely proud to be able to donate almost £27,000 to the charities from the fundraising efforts of our employees.
Chairman John Wood (centre) and CEO Stephen Moore (4th from right), with members of the Charity Board, present Kelling’s donation to Bob McGurrell (2nd from left) & Tracey McGurrell (3rd from right) of 4 Louis, Jenny Jones (3rd from left) of Lineham Farm and Vickie Bowden (2nd from right) of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Whilst here, the representatives chatted to members of the Kelling team to update them on the important work they do and to exchange ideas about how we can support them further in the coming year.
“These three charities all carry out incredible work helping our communities. They focus on different issues, but all depend entirely on donations to provide their vital services to people in need,” commented John Wood, Kelling Group Chairman.
The three charities that Kelling Group support are Lineham Farm, 4 Louis and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance:
Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm works with and supports some of the most disadvantaged children in the City, offering respite from difficult and sometimes abusive home lives. They are dedicated to brightening children’s lives by providing unforgettable breaks and valuable learning experiences in a safe and happy environment. Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm
4 Louis is a charity providing useful tools, training, and equipment free of charge to hospital units, hospices, and other professionals, which support families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a baby or child. Started in the Sunderland area, 4 Louis now supports families across the UK. 4Louis – Stillbirth, Childloss
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a dedicated helicopter emergency air ambulance for the Yorkshire and Humber region. It currently operates two Airbus H145 aircrafts and relies solely on donations to keep both ambulances in the air. Yorkshire Air ambulance Charity | YAA | Donate Today
Throughout the year, Kelling Group employees undertook a wide range of activities to raise money for the charities. These included taking part in the Yorkshire 3 peaks and Lands End to John O’Groats challenges, bake sales, raffles and football cards. The company vending machine also raises money as does a specially branded welfare unit that is hired out to customers.
“The team here were so touched by the work that the charities do, they really got behind the drive to raise money for them,” continued John. “There are lots of great ideas that we’re considering for the coming year, so we’ll be carrying on the effort and hope to raise even more money!”
The special charity welfare unit, which customers can hire to contribute to Kelling’s charity fundraising drive.
Welfare Hire Nationwide (“Welfare Hire”) is expanding its depot network further by making an investment in Scotland with a new depot in the central belt, along with a new dedicated Scottish team.
Welfare Hire is part of the Kelling Group, the UK’s largest provider of highly ECO efficient Welfare products and Vehicle Mounted Access Platforms. The Group has over 3,500 assets, with an average age of less than 2.5 years and commits over £30m in investment to new equipment annually.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to the Scottish market as part of our long-term growth strategy. We look forward to working even closer with our existing clients and for new clients to experience our market leading products and service” said Stephen Moore, Group CEO.
“Our current customers in Scotland are familiar with the high standards we work to. As part of this operational expansion, investing in a Scottish team based locally will improve on this even further,” stated Chris Brown, Group Operations Director.
Lauren Thomson has joined the team as Regional Sales Manager and is on hand to support existing and new clients locally.
The centrally located depot will supply Welfare Hire’s market leading mobile ECO welfare units, welfare vans and eco tower lights to sectors such as rail, highways, utilities and construction.
The Scottish depot will also conduct Welfare Hire’s rigorous 67-point quality check, which is carried out on every Welfare Hire unit ahead of each and every job. This bespoke and unparalleled quality assurance regime ensures consistently high standards and service for the largest and most modern ECO fleet in the market.
“With this investment we can better support infrastructure construction work around core sectors, including Scotland’s current Infrastructure Investment Programme,” explained Andy Grayshon, Commercial Director. “Our products create the highest-level working environment for site setup needed in construction and infrastructure development. As modern towable units, with low cost and low carbon transport and maintenance, our mobile eco units can be used in remote and rural areas, where much of the development is due to take place.
“In addition, our products incorporate the latest green technology and smart innovations, so they fit perfectly with our clients’ drive toward net zero emissions.”
For enquiries within Scotland, please contact Lauren Thomson on 07929 666831 or at lauren.thomson@welfarehire.com.
Welfare Hire has become one of just 12 signatories to a new Plant Commitment Charter created by the Supply Chain Sustainability School (the School).
The Charter was developed to encourage the construction sector to commit to key sustainability goals, including improving air quality and reducing greenhouse emissions, which together will result in a cleaner working environment.
Each signatory provides evidence to the School of its progress regarding measurement & reporting, engagement, training & education and innovation, to demonstrate their commitment.
Andy Grayshon, Commercial Director, commented “As a specialist supplier in ECO mobile welfare & lighting, we are delighted to align with the Supply Chain Sustainability School in an area we are passionate about.
“Welfare Hire have continually invested in high-level innovation with a track record in providing industry-first eco products and solutions. We will continue to champion this to help partners accelerate delivery of their carbon and wider ESG goals and welcome the opportunity to support the plant charter.”
Welfare Hire is one of 12 organisations from a wide range of suppliers who have signed up to the Charter: Advanté, BAM Group, Cheetham Hill Construction, Costain, EKFB, Flannery, GAP Group, Hercules Site Services, M O’Brien Group, Morgan Sindall and Select Plant Hire.
The School was established 10 years ago to drive sustainable change in the construction industry by improving knowledge at all levels of the sector. Welfare Hire is a Gold partner of the School and signed up along with partners, including BAM, Costain, EKFB and Morgan Sindall.
Police in Wakefield have launched a new ‘Safe Space’ initiative in partnership with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Wakefield District Council and third sector partners – using one of Welfare Hire’s welfare units as a base.
The unit is located in the centre of the city, amongst its bars and clubs, and will be staffed by police officers, local authority employees and others from 8pm to 4am every Friday and Saturday night.
The initiative, which has been funded through the Mayoral led Safer Streets Fund for the next 12 months, aims to offer reassurance to the public through expert advice and support from a trained police officer, who can also deal with any ongoing criminal investigations.
Sergeant Graeme Dent of West Yorkshire Police explained, “This Safe Space has been set up as part of our commitment under the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy to ensure that women and girls in West Yorkshire not only are safe but that they also feel safe.
“We want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the varied nightlife that Wakefield has to offer. The Safe Space will not be exclusive and if anyone feels unsafe or needs assistance from police or other agencies, we want them to know that this is a safe place that they can go to.”
“The Wakefield Safe Space is a great initiative that Welfare Hire Nationwide is proud to support. Contributing to the safety of women and girls improves their wellbeing, which is one of our core company values. It’s a good opportunity to help out our local community, close to our Headquarters,” commented Andy Grayshon, Welfare Hire’s Commercial Director.
The Safe Space is located in one of Welfare Hire’s ECO 7+ welfare units, with plenty of space to sit down and talk over any issues that the vulnerable person is experiencing. Other facilities within the unit include tea and coffee, blankets, phone chargers and first aid equipment.
The prestigious 2022 Commonwealth Games have been heralded a huge success – and Welfare Hire has been privileged to support the event with our specialist ECO units.
Our involvement began during Birmingham’s preparations for the event. The ambitious Sprint project is upgrading roadways to slash bus journey times and introducing zero-emission buses, creating a greener city. Phase 1 was fast-tracked to be up and running for the Games, with up to 80 workers on site. Welfare Hire’s units provided the most modern, comfortable facilities for them, while hitting the project’s sustainability targets.
Our support continued throughout the event, with Welfare Hire’s eco lighting and welfare units proving the natural choice for an event with a stated aim of leaving ‘a carbon neutral legacy’1. Our products are powered by next-generation hybrid lithium and solar energy, reducing CO2 emissions and minimising fuel consumption, with no compromise on performance.
Creating safe visitor spaces
With over 1.5 million spectator tickets sold over 11 days of events2 getting people to and from the Games efficiently was paramount for its smooth running. Welfare Hire’s Hybrid Lithium Lighting Towers created safe, brightly-lit walkways and transport hubs for event visitors, with their super-bright performance.
In addition to event visitors, an army of more than 13,000 volunteer stewards needed to be catered for. Welfare Hire’s ECOXLi welfare units were supplied to the temporary transport hubs for the marshals working there, providing them with the most comfortable, spacious and high-specification facilities. These premium units achieved silent, green running with no associated operating costs.
Aaron Muir, organiser of the Park & Ride operations on behalf of Transport for West Midlands noted, “The solar panels have been a real added benefit. They’ve kept the Lithium batteries topped up which has meant that we haven’t had to use the generators at all, so we’ve used zero fuel as a result.”
Units packed with innovative design
While the ECO welfare units deliver on sustainability and smart green technology, there are many other benefits from the modern, innovative design, including:
Large, comfortable canteen area, with plenty of ports for phone-charging
Well-laid out office
Higher quality and hygiene from the 2+1 water-flush toilets
Rainwater harvesting system to top up water tanks
Towable, agile units for easy location
Remote management of units using smart telemetry
Robust, durable build quality
Aaron has also commented on the exceptional service he has received from Welfare Hire, concluding, “The customer service and just the overall impression [from] Welfare Hire has been extremely positive.”
