Here’s what you missed at the TRA AGM 2024  

The TRA AGM and Conference saw the trussed rafter industry join together to take part in a day of insightful discussions on the new building safety regime, understanding your employees in a post-pandemic era, staying ahead of the coming building regulation changes, and the Future Homes Standard.

Welcome to the New Building Regime workshop

Nick Boulton, chief executive of the TRA held a session on regulatory changes facing the industry. He covered the Building Safety Act, how the role of the principal designer will impact Trussed Rafter manufacturers, and the role of the new national regulator for construction products, the OPSS.

During the session, there was particular emphasis on the need for members to be prepared to provide evidence of safety performance to the principal designer and be aware of risks surrounding spandrel panels which are not currently covered by CE or UKCA marking.

Sorry, we’re just not that into you

Liz Male, managing director of Liz Male Consulting introduced members to the ‘new social contract’ between employers and employees, and how employee attitudes and expectations have changed in a post-pandemic world. Liz also reminded members the importance of staying ahead of the curve in order to attract and retain talent.

The Future Homes Standards

Les Fuller, chair of the TRA Technical Committee, spoke about the requirements of the Future Homes Standards which included the competency schemes such as air tightness, ventilation, heat pumps, and the processes of Part F and L of the Building Regulations that took effect in June 2022.

Although further consultation has been going on through 2023/24 on Approved Document F, members need to understand what the changes mean for them.

The TRA’s Essential Update to Health and Safety

Luke Roberts, chairman of the TRA, and Ed Kirk, chair of the TRA Health and Safety Committee, held a workshop on key health and safety issues facing TRA members.

Ed spoke about the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wood dust inspections and the things members should be doing to remain compliant and avoid costly referrals – including housekeeping, LEV and PPE. Ed also covered the latest issues around loading and unloading.

Luke then spoke to members about the importance of undertaking regular health surveillance surveys and shared his recent experiences with a visit by the HSE regarding employee welfare, with a particular focus on recent updates to the hearing loss category which is leading to an increase in referrals for timber businesses.

Roofscape Design Awards

Winners of the 2024 Roofscape Design Awards were announced. The awards recognise and celebrate the highly technical skills required to design trussed rafter roofs, joists, and panels.

Find out who the winners were.

Log in to your members’ area to access the presentation slides. For access to your members’ page, please contact our PR team via – TRA@lizmale.co.uk.

State of the Industry survey

Members are encouraged to participate in the TRA’s State of the Industry 2024 survey to help the TRA understand your confidence for the year ahead. The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete. Results will be available in the summer. TRA members will receive an email regarding the link to the survey.