Leach’s, a supplier with over a century of expertise in height safety, has partnered with Altrad, an international leader in industrial services, to provide revamped, high-quality head protection for their workers. Employing over 65,000 people across 200 active subsidiaries, Altrad has expanded to over 59 countries since it was founded in 1985 in Montpellier, France, by Mohed Altrad. Since then, it has formed to become a major player in the construction equipment manufacturing and distribution sector, with Altrad becoming a name synonymous within the industry. Altrad first approached Leach’s in September 2023 with a request for a better-styled helmet and improved specifications for their scaffolders. Alongside supplying height safety supplies, Leach’s is renowned for creating innovative solutions to make scaffolding, construction, and the oil & gas industries safer, providing services for projects in over 80 countries. Upon discussion between Altrad Technical Authorities for Scaffolding and the Leach’s team, we highlighted opportunities to improve the design of the helmets. Leach’s began researching, brainstorming, and testing to meet Altrad’s requirements by May 2025. Areas of improvement were identified and implemented, including a different chin strap. To achieve such a prominent safety feature meant working with the manufacturer directly to design a height safety helmet that meets the desired safety standards. Leach’s then carried out vigorous testing to ensure Altrad was being supplied with the very best head protection and safety features. In addition, the helmet was designed in a more recognisable and modern manner, which reflected Altrad’s brand and tone. This was something that Altrad was delighted with, having signed off on the design and features in early 2025. Upon the project’s completion, Adrian Tennent, Global Sales Manager at Leach’s, said; “This is what it’s all about, identifying a problem and then finding a solution. Leach’s was born with the ethos of making scaffolding safer, this is where our passion lies. We feel very privileged to be part of such a rewarding and exciting project and thank Altrad for approaching and trusting us with this project.” Altrad’s new and improved helmet has since been rolled out to their scaffolding workforce in the UK, and the feedback has been extremely positive.

Construction sites are currently booming in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Leeds, so it’s hard to comprehend how many people pass these sites daily. Children, the elderly, disabled individuals, the general public, visitors, non-construction personnel, and inexperienced workers are all vulnerable to the hazards surrounding and present on construction sites. Increased traffic, dust, and noise pollution are all well-documented contributors to these risks, and while each warrants detailed discussion, this article will focus on just one. Falling objects and debris. The Dangers of Falling Objects and Debris. Falling objects and debris are one of the leading causes of injury on U.K. construction sites.  Between [2]2022 and 2023, 561,000 construction workers sustained non-fatal injuries, with 11% accounting for being struck by moving, flying, or falling objects. Various methods to mitigate these risks can be employed, such as installing canopies and debris nets to catch falling objects and minimise hazards both within and outside the construction site, but what about the traditional rubble chute we have all been accustomed to seeing upon any construction site? So, what does the Rubble Chute Actually Do? The rubble chute eliminates the necessity for workers to manually transport debris up and down the scaffolding. Instead, it promotes efficient waste management by offering a secure channel for waste disposal to be thrown into a strategically positioned skip at ground level, ensuring a safe and streamlined disposal process. It negates the risk of rubble or debris falling onto workers below or nearby members of the public. At Leach’s, we advocate for equipment evolution to safeguard workers effectively for future generations, thereby reducing the long-term risks in the process. So, how did we enhance the conventional rubble chute? Introducing the BIGBEN UltraTuff® 20" Rubble Chute. Well, allow us to introduce the BIGBEN UltraTuff® Rubble Chute. Unlike traditional chutes, our innovative design incorporates a ribbed structure and utilises high-quality premium linear Polyethylene material, guaranteeing remarkable mechanical elasticity. This enables the chute to absorb impact more effectively, with the ability to pop back into shape, significantly enhancing its durability. Furthermore, our ribbed design has demonstrated effective noise reduction, contributing to the long-term hearing health of workers and the general public within the vicinity. The chute can also connect to scaffolding or window openings with ease using the handy, heavy-duty fixing frame. Revolutionary Coupling System We have revolutionised the two-point coupling system, seamlessly integrated into a reinforced rim to enable effortless assembly with the utmost safety. This coupling system, coupled with a secure hook mechanism, guarantees robust resistance and stability of the column during rubble unloading, effectively preventing breakages even under heavy loads. Additionally, the inclusion of a safety hinge ensures a secure grip on the load, eliminating the risk of accidental release. But that’s not it! Our BIGBEN UltraTuff® 20" Rubble Chute is unmatched in quality, durability, and safety. Crafted from meticulously selected raw materials, our chutes promise exceptional performance and long-lasting durability, owing to their remarkable resistance to moisture. We understand your time is valuable, which is why our extensive range of accessories is specifically designed to simplify and expedite installation, reducing set-up time while upholding the highest safety standards. Another way to reduce the Dust. Narrow down on the amount of dust that escapes your rubble chute with the BIGBEN UltraTuff® Anti-Dust Reusable Rubble Chute Hose Cover. This anti-dust protective hose is designed to be easily wrapped around the chute's edges, protecting the surrounding areas and people within the vicinity from dust exposure. Click here to view the BIGBEN Rubble Chute Anti-Dust Covers. The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) recommended the use of a specialist rubble cut sip cover, which reduces dust and debris coming out of the skip. This is where the UltraTuff® Rubble Chute Skip Cover comes in. For projects on a larger scale, these heavy-duty skip covers are a perfect solution for dust and debris containment. With its 100% waterproof feature, tough 600 gsm PVC and ability to be fitted within minutes to the edges of a skip, this product will ensure your site remains safe, protecting your workers and public members within the vicinity from dust and debris. The UltraTuff® Skip Covers come with several extra key features, including the ability to be fitted with high-visibility strips, being reusable, and the reduction is noise pollution. To find out more about these Rubble Chute Skip Covers, click here. Commitment to Safety. Our goal is to mitigate risks and lower the troubling, non-fatal statistics currently affecting our industry. As pioneers in safety equipment, our top priority is you, the workers and members of the public.