When you think about decking, what’s the first thing that
comes to mind? Probably an afternoon in the garden, enjoying the sun with a
beer, barbecue and a group of friends. Traditionally they are only really found
in residential settings. However, decks are becoming ever more popular in
commercial projects and can be increasingly seen in a variety of workplaces. Composite decking boards, in particular, are becoming a popular choice with
the architect, construction companies and landscapers
Employees
are more demanding over their work environment.
Companies are increasingly trying to find ways to improve
the working environment of their employees. Keeping staff happy is always a
priority as recruiting is filled with cost and uncertainty. Employers are
recognising that relaxation areas, both inside and out, are simple ways of
maintaining staff motivation and therefore retention.
Outdoor areas have proved to be a top choice for companies.
By adding a composite decking area they are able to provide an attractive area
for employees and improve the overall appearance of the building’s exterior.
Where a company has a number of separate buildings, composite decking is being
increasingly used to construct pathways between the two.
Most
accidents at work are caused by trips and falls.
Although they look great, there is a more practical reason
for the increased use of composite decking areas. RIDDOR (Reporting of
Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) reported that there
were approximately 150,000 workplace accidents in 2017/18 due to slips and
falls in the workplace. A number of
these incidents led to secondary injuries such as falling into machinery,
dropping items and burns. Employees who suffer from these workplace accidents
are strongly encouraged to make a claim for compensation. With the number of no
win no fee solicitors who will take on these cases, the claims are often
successful. It is important for businesses to put measures in place to properly
protect their staff.
Composite
decking improves workplace safety.
The use of composite decking for making improvements to
businesses outside area successfully improves the aesthetics. It also improves the safety of the work
environment. Composite decking is manufactured from a mixture of wood and
plastic. This combination results in a product that is resistant to becoming
slippery in wet conditions. This doesn’t’ only have to mean during bad weather.
Spilt drinks, leaks and morning dew can leave moisture on a floor surface which
can become a serious hazard. A hazard which will significantly contribute to
the number of workplace accidents. Timber can be used as a lower cost option to
composite decking. But under the same conditions wood does not exhibit the same
anti-slip properties and accidents, and therefore litigations, are much more
likely to occur.
Composite
decking stays as good as new.
Maintenance of an outdoor area has to be factored when
considering employee safety. With constant exposure to changing weather
conditions and regular footfall, a decking area made from traditional timber is
susceptible to become quickly fatigued. The cycle of being wet, followed by
drying out has serious effects on most wooden structures. A timber deck will
suffer from twisting, warping and splintering, all of which are additional
hazards to the workplace. Composite decking boards will never show these signs
of wear and damage. This significantly reduces the potential for trips and falls.
A further advantage of composite decking is that no annual maintenance is
required. Once the structure has been established it will pretty much look
after itself for the next 20-30 years. Timber decking is very quick to fall
into disrepair. Even with the best intentions of annual sanding, staining and
varnishing this is rarely sufficient to prevent rot and splintering. With the
regular expansion and contraction, screws and nails can become loose in timber
decks. When sitting proud of the surface these can be a further trip hazard.
Composite decking doesn’t have any visible nails or screws so you can achieve a
completely seamless finish.
Businesses
are being measured on their environmental impact.
Businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact
they have on the environment. Environmental management systems (EMS) such as
ISO14001 are a standard part of a company’s quality system. Their EMS can
include policies for not printing emails, increasing the use of recycled paper
and even using electric cars for salespeople to reduce emissions. Using composite decking will also satisfy the
environmental requirements of businesses. Composite decking boards are
manufactured, almost entirely, from recycled material. Approximately 55% is
wood from recycled products, sawdust and wood pulp which have no contribution
to deforestation. A further 50% is recycled plastic which prevents a
considerable quantity going into landfill.
Composite
decking still looks like real wood.
Despite the strength, longevity and use of recycled
materials, composite decking still maintains an authentic looking wood finish
with a wood grain texture. There is also
the added flexibility of being able to choose from a wide range of styles, shapes
and colours. A decked area can be made from composite boards in the colours of
the company logo to give a unique corporate branding to an outside space. This
can have a particularly strong impact when showing visitors around your
business premises.
