In a packed week for building fire safety, the House of Lords considers amendments to the Bill and top mandarins face scrutiny over last year’s Communities department annual report. The Fire Safety Bill returns to the House of Lords on Tuesday this week, as peers consider Commons’ amendments. This is
Amid the current UK multi-residential development boom, the majority of contractors and consultants claim sustainability will be the most important design issue over the next ten years, according to an industry report. In contrast, the survey of 520 M&E contractors and architects – 25% of whom work in the residential
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX presents ReadyPave® Camden, a modern twist on traditional rumbled pavers, which uses a new manufacturing process that ensures a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product. ReadyPave® Camden retains the classic appearance of a traditional stone sett without a secondary manufacturing process to ‘rumble’ the
Eden Training Solutions has worked with Hargreaves Industrial Services, over the past two years to help the levy paying firm enhance the skills of its workforce with high-quality professional training. As a business that constantly strives to develop its teams, Hargreaves is always looking to maximise the effects of its
Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published
If you want your construction business to stand out from its competitors, consider making a shift to digital marketing. For several years, online marketing campaigns are on a steady rise. And for a good reason, digital marketing provides leverage to small businesses and startups but at lower costs. Whether you’re
Construction sites pose many dangers to workers. There are risks of slipping, falling from heights, and accidents from moving objects. Some chemicals like asbestos and adhesives used in buildings may also be dangerous and lead to potential health issues. Noise, harsh weather, vibrations, and dust are also potential hazards. Accidents
In a packed week for building fire safety, the House of Lords considers amendments to the Bill and top mandarins face scrutiny over last year’s Communities department annual report. The Fire Safety Bill returns to the House of Lords on Tuesday this week, as peers consider Commons’ amendments. This is not the first time that the Bill has returned to the Lords, in a process known as ping pong, and the amendment about who pays for cladding remediation remains contentious. Lord Greenhalgh, who is Minister of State for Building Safety and Communities as well as holding the Fire brief in the Home Office, leads for the government. The controversial amendment is known as the McPartland-Smith amendment, named after the sponsoring MPs, Stephen McPartland MP and Royston Smith MP. It would prohibit the owner of a building from passing cladding remediation costs on to leaseholders and tenants. Currently, the Commons disagrees with this amendment: “Because the issue of remediation costs is too complex to be dealt with in the manner proposed.” Today, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee investigates the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20. Chair of the Committee, Clive Betts MP will hear evidence from Permanent Secretary, Jeremy Pocklington, Alex Skinner, Director of Local Government Finance, Emran Mian, Director for Stronger Places and Matt Thurstan, Chief Financial Officer. The session will examine departmental spending in the last financial year. This will include focus on particular programmes including Help to Buy and cladding remediation, as well as overall departmental spend and local government financial health. One of the seven operational objectives set out in the MHCLG Departmental Plan includes: “Secure effective support for those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster, delivering the changes this tragedy demands and ensuring people are safe and feel safe within their homes.” This oral evidence session will give MPs the chance to scrutinise the Grenfell-related work of the Ministry as well as cladding issues. MHCLG Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20 Fire Safety Bill Lords amendments and Commons reasons
Amid the current UK multi-residential development boom, the majority of contractors and consultants claim sustainability will be the most important design issue over the next ten years, according to an industry report. In contrast, the survey of 520 M&E contractors and architects – 25% of whom work in the residential market – showed 44% of respondents believe wellbeing is being “value engineered” out of a project later on in the build. This was despite 91% also identifying human health as a key concern when specifying pipe fittings. As the research suggests wellbeing is not prioritised throughout the entire building process, Designing Healthy Apartments – the report from leading polymer building solutions provider REHAU – explores the intrinsic link between health and sustainability when designing buildings, and solutions that are available to tackle this. Mounting pressure on construction professionals to deliver futureproof buildings, against a backdrop of changing legislation, has been further exacerbated by increased demand for inner-city living. In order to deliver multi-residential developments in line with expectations of occupants, the report demonstrates that health and comfort must be designed and built into the environment just as much as sustainability. With the multi-residential construction market under pressure to meet housing demand across the nation, Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions UK, explains the importance of prioritising these aspects from the outset. “With our research highlighting sustainability as a priority for the market, a key aspect also being “value engineered” out of projects, we are releasing this report to identify solutions to meet this now, and into the future,” says Steve. “Designing Healthy Apartments explores the importance of considering materials that promote wellbeing, sustainability and high performance, highlighting the key role of polymer-based products in delivering building services fit for 21st century needs.” While sustainability and performance remain key to the built environment’s health and longevity, the importance of hygiene has also climbed the public agenda in light of COVID-19. The report explores building services’ role in achieving optimal hygiene for residents, as well as the impact of sealed buildings on air quality. Steve adds: “This report is making the link between these critical priorities, and seeks to demonstrate the need for their consideration during design, if legislation and end-user expectations are to be met. As a supplier, listening to the requirements of industry professionals is key to ensuring our solutions are fit-for-purpose and this report shows exactly how we intend to do this.” For more information and to read REHAU’s guide, Designing Healthy Apartments, please visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/designing-healthy
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX presents ReadyPave® Camden, a modern twist on traditional rumbled pavers, which uses a new manufacturing process that ensures a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product. ReadyPave® Camden retains the classic appearance of a traditional stone sett without a secondary manufacturing process to ‘rumble’ the pavers. This not only creates a more sustainable product by using less energy, but also reduces manual handling and eliminates dust and waste. ReadyPave® Camden’s rustic appearance is softer and more subtle than rumbled paving setts. The new ReadyPave® Camden is different to CEMEX’s previous multi-sett paving as it is available in a three-size multipack, which can be combined to form various patterns with consistent row widths, to suit any design. By combining all three sizes into one multipack this has reduced packaging and eliminated the potential for waste product on site. “We are always looking for ways to improve our manufacturing processes to provide our customers with more environmentally friendly building products, and ReadyPave® Camden is a prime example of this effort,” said Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe. “It offers the soft, rustic and highly desirable appearance of traditional rumbled pavers, while incorporating modern technology and equipment to reduce manual handling and energy usage in the production process and the elimination of dust and waste, all combining to create a greener and more sustainable paver. We are sure this product will prove popular with all those keen to make more sustainable choices in their building projects and improve their climate impact.” Readypave® Camden is the latest innovation from CEMEX Urbanisation Solutions, CEMEX’s strategic core business providing sustainable ways to solve urbanisation issues. “This innovative sustainable paving solution developed by our UK Urbanisation Solutions team demonstrates our relentless determination to build a better and more sustainable future for our customers and their clients,” added Marcelo Catalá, VP of Urbanisation Solutions for CEMEX EMEAA. ReadyPave® Camden is available in four different colours, with bespoke options available on request. It was named after the traditional cobbled streets of the iconic Camden market in London, with the name chosen by members of CEMEX’s team. This product is ideal for the domestic market, particularly for use on driveways and housing estates.
Eden Training Solutions has worked with Hargreaves Industrial Services, over the past two years to help the levy paying firm enhance the skills of its workforce with high-quality professional training. As a business that constantly strives to develop its teams, Hargreaves is always looking to maximise the effects of its programme with a strategic, yet agile and efficient approach. As such, in recent months, Eden has worked with the leading, UK-wide industrial operations, maintenance and engineering firm, to develop and deliver a bespoke programme to upskill its team leaders in line with the firm’s evolving business landscape and their personal development goals. Three-day upskill The tailor-made courses, which were developed and delivered by Eden’s experienced team of specialists, were created by working closely with Rebecca Drury, HR Advisor at Hargreaves, to pinpoint the exact skills required, and craft bespoke programmes to deliver these skills. With Eden’s tailor-made approach, expertise and knowledge of Hargreaves’ business, this comprehensive, custom-made ‘upskill’ training was delivered in just three days. Covering Relationship Building, Communication, Cross Departmental Working, Meetings, Operational Management, Project Management, Finance, HR and Decision Making, the bespoke programme was delivered from 3rd to 5th of February, on a face-to-face basis with six working team leaders from the business. Top grades and high morale As a result of the training, the six team leaders at Hargreaves all achieved additional skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver their roles. The benefits of this approach are significant. Not only does it provide a programme to suit a business’s specific needs, but the process of specifying the exact and relevant skills and knowledge required for the individuals taking part in the course, can save time, improve morale, and maximise a ROI for an organisation. Rebecca Drury, HR Advisor at Hargreaves’ Industrial Solutions division, which has over 500 employees at 22 contracts across the UK, comments on the benefits delivered by Eden: “Bespoke training is of great benefit to our business due to the diversity of our operations. As a business, our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing into their training and development for several reasons. “The bespoke courses that Eden creates allow us to offer relevant training to our teams which aids in development, improves employee engagement, supports staff retention and underpins health & safety within our business. What’s more, creating a diverse pool of skills helps us to deliver the most professional service to our clients.” A strategic approach to training Kirsty Duffield, Business Sector Specialist Trainer at Eden Training Solutions, who was instrumental in developing and delivering the bespoke programme adds: “The employees that experienced the training benefited hugely and I saw a significant leap in their confidence and knowledge during my time with them. “Hargreaves Industrial Services is a perfect example of a business that takes a strategic approach to training. Pairing a bespoke programme with apprenticeship training maximises the benefits for business, its customers and its teams. “By working in partnership with a professional training provider, in the way Hargreaves has, organisations, large and small, can easily enjoy a tailored training strategy to upskill their teams with tailor-made training in line with their business requirements.”
Construction might be the only sector of the economy that is growing, but its recovery is far from over. These are the words of Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety (APS) who says members of the association are concerned about the impact of Brexit. Recent data published by the Office of National Statistics shows that new work has increased by 1.7% in January. Private commercial and infrastructure lifted the sector which increased by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively. However, with shortages in building supplies continuing to cause disruption, it will be some time before the construction industry returns to pre-pandemic new work levels. “It’s been nearly three months since the end of the Brexit transition period, and construction professionals are still very concerned that recovery is far from over,” comments Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of Association for Project Safety. “Our members are still reporting difficulties in sourcing specialist materials and supplies. This is a worry as it’s both holding up projects in Northern Ireland it’s delaying the importing of materials from EU. They’re just stuck at ports. “In addition, there is concern over the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. Professionals across the industry are worried they will no longer be able to accept work in EU countries or attract personnel for projects in the UK. As an association representing 3,900 members across the UK, we urge the government to ensure the construction industry – a major driver in the UK’s economic recovery after Covid-19 – to relax immigration rules. In doing so, projects will not be delayed due to lack of properly qualified and skilled professionals plus the industry will be able to re-establish with EU colleagues a mutual recognition of professional qualifications.” Founded in 1995, the Association for Project Safety is a professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury and tackling ill-health associated with construction. It helps individuals and businesses achieve the highest professional standards in design and construction health and safety risk management. Members are across the UK and include those working in architecture, engineering, architectural technology, project management and surveying. The Association for Project Safety recently formed a partnership with Cardo Crew, which offers wireless communication technology to the construction industry, as part of efforts to support the construction industry during uncertain times. Shachar Harari, Chief Business Officer & Head of Cardo Crew, says: “The construction industry has had a hard time. Not only have workers had to adapt to social distancing and new ways of working, they have also been faced with shortages in both materials and skills. It’s been relentless, which is why we have partnered with the Association for Project Safety. We want to help its members in any way we can to ensure the construction industry is back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.”
If you want your construction business to stand out from its competitors, consider making a shift to digital marketing. For several years, online marketing campaigns are on a steady rise. And for a good reason, digital marketing provides leverage to small businesses and startups but at lower costs. Whether you’re already harnessing digital marketing techniques or are still planning to start your campaign, here’s how you can work smart and integrate the best marketing trends in the construction industry today and for years to come. 1. Content marketing Content marketing is a long-term marketing campaign that can be used in either the initial or current stages of your business. At the onset, it can be used to create brand awareness. Done continuously, it can be helpful in slowly building your brand, and later, improve brand reputation and trust. Blogs, graphics, video blogs, social media posts, and any informative post online, as long as it’s high-value, can be beneficial in cementing your place in the industry. A good strategy is to make everything user-centric, meaning you have come up with content that your audience will take an interest in and share with their peers. 2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO is a set of techniques that allow a construction company to boost its search rankings, helping raise awareness about the brand. A company that appears high in search engines receives more site clicks and visits and conveys trustworthiness. Put simply, SEO methods include understanding search algorithms to know how they rank and adjusting your content based on these factors. This may mean changing your content to accommodate these criteria. One good strategy is to conduct a simple web search based on specific keywords that apply to you. For instance, type ‘best new construction companies near me,’ and see if your company appears. Also, analyze how your competitors use their strategies to rank high in search engines. Practicing effective SEO techniques requires the help of a digital marketing specialist team, like Caffeine Cheltenham, to work efficiently. 3. Paid digital ads In pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, a construction company, or any business organization for that matter, will only pay once a user clicks on the ad and visits their website. When availing of this ad service, a company’s ad will be placed on top of search results or on another site to increase traffic on the advertiser’s website. The construction company’s ad will appear on the search results based on the keywords typed by the user. Display ads appear ubiquitously on the various parts of the site’s content. It’s said that these types of ads effectively reach more than 90% of internet users. The popularity of social media platforms has made ads an emerging marketing trend. And these popular platforms are using it to their advantage. These sites harness artificial intelligence to program advertisements to specific users based on their interests, age, gender, and hobbies, among other factors. 4. Video marketing Video marketing is another emerging strategy for most businesses, including the infrastructure sector. This strategy is beneficial for companies because it allows the marketing team to produce videos to market products and services more effectively. According to a survey done by HubSpot, a top sales and marketing software company, a brand’s marketing video convinced 81% of customers to avail of a product or service after watching it. Additionally, 76% of the marketers were under the impression that a marketing video was vital in increasing sales and traffic. Of all the various content forms, videos are the most engaging, where brand recall was also highest, according to ‘Media Equivalence Study: Video,’ done by Mediaplus Group, SevenOne Media, and Google Germany. Whether introducing a new product, creating an exciting story about the company’s origins, client testimonials, or expounding the benefits of your goods and services, consider producing a video for more appealing content. 5. Email marketing Email distribution is one of the most cost-effective digital marketing strategies you can use these days. These can come from information emails, digital newsletters, product updates, and welcome emails. These email blasts can help increase your client base, look for potential leads, and promote customer retention. As a construction company, you can send newsletters to your customers and promotional updates on deals and discounts for existing clients. New customers may also be offered helpful content, whether informational blogs, videos, links to webinars, and more, just to keep sparking their interest in your brand. What about traditional marketing? Traditional marketing such as television, event hosting, billboards, and other forms of print advertising are still needed but will command lesser attention than digital marketing campaigns. The Bottom Line Whether a newly-established business or an industry veteran, organizations, especially construction companies, should shift to digital marketing in 2021 and beyond. SEO, content, and video marketing, and digital paid ads are the most popular marketing strategies. They’re not only practical but budget-friendly and offer measurable results, as well.
Construction sites pose many dangers to workers. There are risks of slipping, falling from heights, and accidents from moving objects. Some chemicals like asbestos and adhesives used in buildings may also be dangerous and lead to potential health issues. Noise, harsh weather, vibrations, and dust are also potential hazards. Accidents in construction areas are a common occurrence, although that doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided. While most injuries are minor and will have you back to work in no time, there are also more serious cases that may take longer to recover from. The worst ones are severe injuries that lead to disabilities, and injuries that result to an untimely death. When you suffer an injury while working, you have the right to receive compensation or disability aid. The good news is, there are lawyers and law offices that specialize in workers’ compensation. Most of them offer free consultation, like Terry Katz and Associates. WC lawyers will guide you throughout the process and help you get the maximum compensation possible. Working in hazardous environments doesn’t have to be scary, especially when accidents can be minimized. This is where site managers or supervisors can make a big difference by implementing stricter safety measures that may help to create a safer environment for all workers. Here are some useful safety measures that supervisors may implement in construction sites: 1. Reducing Work At Nighttime Working during the night can cause accidents due to poor visibility. Also, workers are most likely tired at this time of the day and may not be alert. Project managers can help reduce nighttime accidents by ensuring that the crew doesn’t work in the dark, especially in dangerous areas. 2. Requiring Reflective Wear Workers should always wear brightly-colored clothes on site. This makes them more visible for other workers no matter what they’re doing. Reflective vests or uniforms with glimmering strips may also help. It’ll ensure that everyone else around the site can see them, thereby avoiding accidents. 3. Encouraging Breaks And Shifts Fatigue can cause mishaps around the working area. Site workers should be encouraged to take a break every few hours to relieve exhaustion. During these recess periods, builders can take snacks or fluids to reenergize. This strategy can help them remain attentive and more focused while doing their job. Shifts may also help to distribute workload better. Employees can come into work in turns, and avoid working hours that are too long for their own good. 4. Emphasizing Safety Gear Construction workers and bosses ought to always have protective gear on them while on site, where they could slip and fall or step on sharp objects. Moreover, some chemicals used in construction may also be harsh to the bare skin. This is why all workers on construction sites must have personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times. Examples are gloves, slip-resistant safety boots, and hardhats. Employers can also provide fall arrest systems, eye and face guards, and gas masks for safety. 5. Advocating For Healthier Meals Construction site workers often require a lot of energy while working. Thus, energy-giving foods should be a part of their daily lives. Additionally, a balanced diet supplies helpful nutrients to the body, which may help reduce fatigue and boost daily performance. As a result, builders can work efficiently without getting exhausted fast. Aside from healthy foods, workers should regularly drink water and other healthy fluids. It’ll help to keep them hydrated and increase alertness. 6. Frequent Equipment Inspection Building apparatus wear out as time goes by. Frequent maintenance to keep tools efficient is quite critical. It’s also vital that all equipment be inspected before work. Some of the things you can look at are: Hand tools Electrical plugs and cords Slippery working areas Hardware handles Heavy machinery parts like brakes, engine performance, cooling systems, wheels and tires, etc. Inspection shouldn’t be done before work only. Ensure that tools are checked even after work to reduce the risk of accidents. 7. Holding Safety Meetings While most occupations have permanent locations, it’s different for construction sites. When working on new locations, it should always be assessed for safety, and workers should receive a full safety briefing each time. Additionally, risks change as projects advance. Employers are therefore required to communicate the necessary precautions for new work areas. They should also frequently update workers on the potential dangers in every stage. 8. Drug Testing Intoxication is a leading cause of accidents. It’s advised that builders be tested daily for drugs or alcohol. A drug-free working environment enhances safety for people within the building space. Conclusion Building sites report more accidents compared to other workplaces. Hence, employers should prioritize safety for their workers. Even though construction injuries are common, some steps can be taken to minimize the risks. For instance, project heads can ensure that all employees have PPEs. They should also test them for alcohol and drugs before work. Managers should also hold safety meetings and allow shifts and breaks. Healthy eating has to be promoted, and tools should be inspected before and after work. Additionally, night work must be avoided at all costs, and reflective wear must be worn all the time.
