The top construction group, Balfour Beatty, is reinforcing their key safety initiative - “Feet on the Ground” - by fitting an innovative safe lifting system to all of their portable building units. This advanced method of lifting containers, cabins and static welfare units is entitled the HogLift, and is manufactured by the South Wales based, GenQuip/Groundhog partnership.

Balfour Beatty identified that working at height is one of the key safety hazards. An injury involving a fall from a crane platform in April 2008, prompted Balfour Beatty Plant and Fleet Services to radically re-think their approach to working at height with some creative ideas. The HogLift was first introduced to Balfour Beatty when they purchased a fleet of the GenQuip Ecolootion site welfare unit.

Martin Houldsworth, Balfour Beatty's accommodation & site services business manager, explained their approach. “'We're making changes that means our plant and equipment is safer whilst ensuring that people do more on the ground, the HogLift system has eliminated the need to climb up on top of a building or container. We have plans to convert our entire fleet of 2,500 cabins with the HogLift by 2012, investing £0.5m.”

GROUNDHOG DAY FOR NEATH MP WHO BACKS BID FOR DEFENCE CONTRACT 13 October 2009

Neath MP Peter Hain has backed a bid for a multi million pound project from the Ministry of Defence from local company Groundhog UK Ltd to provide a new generation of container-based ablutions for the forces in Afghanistan.

Mr Hain described Groundhog as a “first class company that would provide a first class product for our fighting forces”. The company has long record of success supplying portable toilet, shower and kitchen units for Balfour Beaty and other large construction companies which have now been adapted for harsher conditions of Afghanistan.

On the visit he was show some of the products that are made at the factory and the latest design technology and leading edge manufacturing processes used. Mr Hain has written to the Ministry of Defence supporting the bid and urging the Minister to consider the company for the contract.

Commenting Mr Hain said, “I have seen for myself the superb work that Groundhog UK do and the quality of the equipment they manufacture. With our young men and women serving in the harsh environment of Afghanistan, we must provide them with the best facilities we can. Winning this contract is a vital importance to Groundhog and will enable recruitment of local labour at a time when unemployment in the Neath constituency has been rising.”

West Yorkshire police is using a new vehicle to help process crime scenes.

The RoadHog has seating room for up to seven people, a flushing toilet and a fully fitted out canteen area - including a microwave oven, sink with hot water, and a worktop.

Lighting and heating is provided via an LED 12-volt system and there are self-contained fresh and wastewater tanks. In addition, the toilet area has its own lighting, heating, hot water and a soap dispenser. The RoadHog is made for use immediately upon arriving at a crime scene, with no requirements for plumbing or any other connections.

Any person holding a valid car licence up to 3,500kg can legally drive the vehicle.