Roofing Today Top Ten Most Read Stories in 2020

What a year 2020 has been!

Readers have been flocking to the Roofing Today website in record numbers this past 12 months, checking for the latest news in this fast-moving, ever changing year of extraordinary events.

Here, we’re taking a look back at the most read news stories of 2020.

In at number ten is the news of the major new £4million distribution hub for SIG Roofing opened near Bristol. A popular story – and perhaps not surprising as readers struggle with supply shortages and long delivery times this year.

SIG Roofing Announces Major Bristol Hub Investment

In ninth place, was the list of 2020 UK Roofing Awards finalists. Released in April, just after the first lockdown had started, the timing of this good news couldn’t have been any better. Of course the pandemic meant the celebratory award event was postponed and is now scheduled for 28 May 2021. Good luck to all the finalists!

UK Roofing Awards 2020 Finalists Announced

Coming next, is the publication of the Health and Safety annual fatality, injury and illness figures for the 12 months 2019/20. The stats showed that almost half of fatalities and a fifth of injuries were due to falls from height. Most of these were not in roofing, but the figures are a warning to our industry to keep up its training and safety vigiliance.

HSE Statistics Show Almost Half Construction Accidents were Falls From Height in 2020

At seven we have another health and safety story. This time it’s about research conducted by HSE on the health effects of slate cutting. The research said that employers should ensure operatives are exposed to harmful slate dust at levels considerably below the workplace exposure limit (WEL).

HSE Warns on Health Effects of Slate Cutting

In sixth place we have an infographic on the precautions roofers should take to stay COVID safe when working during lockdowns and Tier restrictions.

https://roofingtoday.co.uk/should-roofers-continue-to-work-during-times-of-social-distancing/

At five there’s the Covid Site Operating Procedures. Issued and updated throughout the pandemic by the Construction Leadership Council, the SOPs have helped sites to stay open and keep workers as safe as possible. The latest update of SOPs was in October to Version Six.

https://roofingtoday.co.uk/site-operating-procedures-updated-to-version-6/

A heart warming story of a kind hearted roofer was the next story that caught readers’ attention. Coming to the rescue of a Morecambe householder and his nurse partner that had been the victims of a cowboy builder during lockdown, roofer Andrew Parsons worked on his days off for free to put the roof right and restore the couple’s faith in humanity.

Kind-hearted Roofer Comes to the Rescue After Cowboy Builder’s Shoddy Job

Reflecting the incredibly busy second half of the year roofing contractors have had, building and materials distributor, Permaroof reported record breaking growth. Keen for some positivity, the story attracted the attention of readers, showing this year hasn’t been all bad.

Building Materials Distributor Declares Record Breaking Growth

In at the penultimate top spot is guidance and information on the Green Homes Grant. Launched as part of the Prime Minister’s Green Recovery Plan, the scheme has now been extended for an extra 12 months giving contractors longer to do insulation and other energy saving installations for householders who are eligible for the Grant vouchers.

How Will the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme Work?

And in top spot, with the story that almost broke Roofing Today’s website, is the conclusion of the three-year Lead Cartel investigation. After finishing its investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority issued fines to BLM British Lead and Associated Lead Mills when they admitted forming a cartel to fix lead prices and restrict lead supplies.

Two UK Roofing Firms Admit to Lead Cartel – Third Responds

>> Read more of the latest news