Newsline - February 2000

Back to news topics | Next news topic

News from the council

Since the last edition of Newsline Council has met several times to discuss important items affecting the future of the Federation. The following are brief references to subjects discussed:-

Plant Theft

The Federation has been represented on the Home Office Plant Theft Action Group for some time and has made substantial input to its discussions. Council believes that the initiative recently published by the Home Office and which the Federation first tried to encourage over 10 years ago - deserves full support. The Home Office document The Nature & Extent of Construction Plant Theft, and the suggested Code of Practice to be followed by manufacturers, users and all concerned in the sale and use of construction equipment above certain values. If any member would like a copy contact either the Home Office or the Secretariat.

Whilst the Code may take some time to operate effectively, and there will always be some who try to find their way around it, it is at least a start. Council believes it is in the interests of all manufacturers to do as much as possible to help users keep their equipment! It is also vitally important that the insurance industry does everything it can to discourage plant theft by recognising, and making allowance for, in premiums or claims, equipment which fulfils the requirements of the Code of Practice.

Non-compliant Machinery

Pressure on the Government and HSE to be more active in the monitoring of equipment reported to them as being non-compliant continues. Despite this, however, the Federation and CECE which has taken the matter up with the European Commission - remains concerned that HSE does not seem to be putting much effort into establishing safety and other compliance with EU regulations. We do not appear to be alone in this respect if one takes note of correspondence in the press during recent weeks about the ineffectiveness of HSE relating to accidents in the construction and other industries.

Membership Survey

Council has now seen the report from BDI Surveys and are encouraged by the responses from members. In preparation for the AGM discussions BDI have been asked to provide further analysis which will help identify any differences in requirements between the OEM and component supplier members.

Industry Competitiveness Project

Members of the Presidential Team attended a special meeting offered by the DTI to identify the extent to which the construction equipment industry could benefit from the Government White Paper Our Competitive Future published in December 1998. The paper is aimed at helping industry sectors share knowledge and upgrade skills which could ultimately lead to the greater competitiveness of UK-based industry. Further information is being obtained from DTI based on a successful project launched by SMMT for the car industry. It is believed that smaller manufacturers - whether OEMs or component suppliers could find benefits if a scheme could be based on the needs of the construction equipment sector.

The Chancellor and Our Industry

Council supported a submission by the Federation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer through its links with the Engineering Employers' Federation and the Confederation of British Industry, which resulted in the withdrawal of the earlier automatic increase in fuel duty each year and a re-think of the proposed levies based on emissions.

Welcome to a New Member Company

At the Federation Council meeting on 23 August the following application was approved:-

· Kocurek Excavators Ltd who specialise in long reach booms and attachments for excavators were accepted as an Associate Manufacturing Member. Please see article - "Services" for more details.