Scaffolding: Collapses and Falls

Picture of building site with scaffolding

Work at height, including the erection of scaffolding, is a hazardous activity, and regrettably, injuries occur during scaffolding work. To provide guidance in preventing this, the NASC issued a pocket booklet, with the current (as of 2022) version being titled ‘SG4:22 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’.

Causes of Germination Failure in Cereal Crops – Part 3: Pests and Diseases

This article explores cereal crop germination failure, highlighting pests and diseases’ roles. It stresses financial repercussions on farmers, encompassing seed, field prep, and related costs due to crop failure. Pests (slugs, frit fly, leatherjackets, wheat bulb fly, wireworm) and diseases (Septoria & Fusarium seedling blights) contribute to germination issues. It underscores considering various factors and recommends certified seed sources to alleviate risks.

Fresh Air Invoicing

Increasing economic strain, compounded by higher interest rates, inflation, and loan repayments, has led to intensified cash flow issues for businesses. Amidst this, the rise in company insolvencies reflects the challenges. Explore the concept of ‘fresh air invoicing,’ where loans are advanced against invoices lacking proper backing. Discover how Hawkins’ forensic accountancy practice navigates such risks

Collisions with Cobots

Cobots image

Whilst the argument for utilising robots in terms of ‘a labourer that never sleeps’ and ‘improvement in quality through consistent output’ is well established, they also lack the dexterity and adaptability of a human worker.

Causes of Germination Failure in Cereal Crops – Part 2: Soil and Sowing

James Townsend explores the factors influencing germination failure in cereal crops. This part 2 highlights how soil type, previous crops, sowing depth, density, timing, temperature, and post-sowing weather conditions all play crucial roles in crop establishment. Part 1 discussed the importance of seed quality and part 3 focuses on pests and diseases.

Causes of Germination Failure in Cereal Crops – Part 1: The Importance of Seed Quality

Crop germination failure

Germination failure in cereal crops can lead to significant financial losses for farmers, encompassing not only the cost of seeds but also expenses related to field preparations, pesticides, sowing, resowing, and machinery. Additionally, poor seed quality, storage conditions, and the presence of pests and fungi can contribute to lower germination rates, highlighting the critical importance of seed quality control and proper storage practices in crop management.