Work has commenced on a new £9.5million health centre to help support the delivery of locally integrated healthcare services. Hadrian Health Centre is another step toward improving health and community services for those that live in the Wallsend and surrounding areas. The new centre, which will become the new home
A report commissioned by the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has highlighted the crucial role played by building ventilation in reducing the risk of Covid-19 and other infections, but it misses some crucial practicalities, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The report, which was produced by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC)
The end of July marked the second reading of the Building Safety Bill in the House of Commons. There were a number of new items and changes, which we are in the process of analysing. Highlights of the second reading: Jenrick stated that dwelling fires were at the lowest point
Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has completed the first of two new Grade A warehouse developments in Harlow. The JV has delivered Unit D, a bespoke last mile distribution unit of 84,407 sq ft
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with the construction of a light manufacturing facility on Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield. The £10million scheme will see the build of a new single-storey facility and basement space for a UK leading multi-sector manufacturer based in the East Midlands. The 80,000
In response to the increasing requirement by organisations in the datacentre, commercial, media and high-tech sectors to upgrade, modernise and expand their mission critical facilities and infrastructure, BCS Group (Business Critical Solutions), the specialist services provider to the digital infrastructure industry, has appointed an experienced Head of Critical Infrastructure. Simon
Casinos are the perfect place for tourists who love light adrenaline, luxury, and, of course, gambling. All over the world, both gamblers playing at the best online casino Canada and millions of tourists spend incredible sums of money daily within the walls of these institutions. But why visit a regular
When news that confirmed COVID-19 being airborne broke out, everyone understandably got more cautious. By that time, it’d been almost a year since initial evidence suggested that the virus could spread within one meter of an infected person. More people have either fallen ill or succumbed to the disease over
Construction sites are dangerous locations. Aside from the common construction hazards such as falls and machine injuries, trucks and construction site vehicles also pose a significant threat to everyone on site. Along with the risk of injury, if you were to get hurt from an on-site truck or construction vehicle,
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Work has commenced on a new £9.5million health centre to help support the delivery of locally integrated healthcare services. Hadrian Health Centre is another step toward improving health and community services for those that live in the Wallsend and surrounding areas. The new centre, which will become the new home for Park Road Medical Practice and Portugal Place Health Centre as well as a range of community health services for more than 20,000 patients, is set to transform healthcare services in the area when in opens in Summer 2022. Located next to the Forum Shopping Centre, the new building is being built to modern, environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art specifications. It will include both consulting and treatment rooms, light and airy spaces for patients and dedicated training areas as well as offering convenient links to public transport. The two practices will be able to share resources and work more flexibly, offering extended opening times to patients, whilst more doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals will be able to receive training within the building. Dr Kerry Burnett, GP from Park Road Medical Practice, said: “We’re all so excited to see that work on our new health centre is getting underway. “Not only will it make it easier for patients to access a range of services all in the same building but the new centre is also located just a few hundred metres from the old surgeries.” Dr Nathalie Ellis, GP from Portugal Place Health Centre, said: “The practice is really looking forward to moving into the new building. “Providing the best possible service to those in our communities has always been our top priority and having this new health centre will certainly help us continue to do this well into the future.” North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group, clinical chair, Richard Scott said: “As North Tyneside’s population continues to grow, this new health centre will mean the practices can continue to meet the ever-increasing health and care needs of patients in what is going to be a fantastic new building for local people.” Community services operated by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which currently operate from within Wallsend Health Centre, will also move into the new health centre. These include: district nursing, mental health concern, talking therapies, neuro rehabilitation/physio, podiatry, speech and language therapy and office administration. Teresa Creighton, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s deputy director of community services, said: “This new health centre, right in the heart of Wallsend, will ensure patients will be able to access a range of primary care and community healthcare services all under one roof and it will be easy for them to get there with nearby transport links. “This is an excellent example of how we can integrate healthcare services and ensure that patients are at the centre of delivering this care.” It is anticipated the new building will take 15 months to complete and is being funded by Assura, the national primary care premises specialist who will also work as the practices’ long-term premises partner. Andrew Cooper, Assura, Senior Development Manager, said: “As ever, this is a real team effort and the whole project team including the practices, CCG and Trust are excited to finally bring forward this transformational development that will benefit the whole community in Wallsend.”
A report commissioned by the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has highlighted the crucial role played by building ventilation in reducing the risk of Covid-19 and other infections, but it misses some crucial practicalities, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The report, which was produced by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) – a group of 43 professional engineering organisations led by the Royal Academy of Engineering – revealed flaws in the design, management, and operation of buildings. It advised Sir Patrick that, unless these flaws were addressed, they could disrupt the management of this and future pandemics, impose high financial and health costs on society, and constrain the UK’s ability to address other challenges including climate change. However, BESA said the problem was that many buildings were designed in a way that made it very difficult and sometimes cost prohibitive to fit the systems needed to achieve adequate ventilation. It said the government should link its ambitions for climate change mitigation and sustainability to work on ventilation and overheating in buildings and consult with all parts of the engineering and construction sectors to get a joined-up solution. “It is very positive that the government’s top scientist recognises the importance of raising standards of building ventilation to deal with this and future pandemics, but he is only getting part of the picture,” said the Association’s head of technical Graeme Fox. Solutions “The knowledge of professional institutions is hugely valuable, but unless they align their theoretical expertise and design philosophies with industry practitioners who operate at the sharp end and know what it is achievable, we will not be able to deliver the solutions the country needs,” he added. BESA said building designers needed to consider practical measures like allowing enough space in ceiling voids to add or improve mechanical ventilation systems. Enabling access for maintenance purposes, cleaning ventilation ductwork and fitting or renewing air filters were other crucial factors often overlooked during design and fit-out phases. The Association also highlighted the recent report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which warned that many new buildings were being developed without adequate adaption measures, which means they would be prone to overheating as our climate warms up. The CCC identified overheating in buildings as a major climate change risk and health emergency in 2016, but since then 570,000 new homes had been built without climate adaption measures and a further 1.5 million were due to be built in the next five years. Fox said there were more than 2,500 heat-related deaths during the 2020 heatwave in England, which was higher than at any time since records began, and that the CCC expected heat related deaths to treble by 2050. “The government needs to understand the concept of a sustainable built environment in the widest sense,” he said. “Sustainability is not just about carbon and energy saving, it is also about ensuring that the facilities we build and refurbish are able to sustain human activity in the long-term while also safeguarding health, well-being, and productivity. “It is highly possible that a huge proportion of the homes and commercial buildings being designed now will no longer be inhabitable in a few years’ time because they are too difficult to cool and ventilate.” BESA has recently released new technical guidance to help contractors deliver indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions to transform existing buildings into ‘safe havens’ for people including how to minimise the risk of transmitting diseases via airborne particulates. “The vast majority of the work needed to create safe and healthy indoor spaces will be retrofit and so we need a strong focus on low cost, practical measures that can actually make a difference to people’s lives,” said Fox. “Professional institutions should not be expected to provide that kind of work on their own. This requires a joined-up approach from the whole construction and building engineering supply chain.” Consistency The RAE report: ‘Infection Resilient Environments: Buildings that keep us healthy and safe’ called for the plugging of skills and knowledge gaps and criticised the lack of building management consistency in healthcare settings. It added that investment in research and development was needed to clarify acceptable minimum standards for ventilation to support regulation by Local Authorities and others. “We welcome the report and agree with many of its findings, but it only goes so far,” said Fox. “We have a big job to do in defining what we mean by the skills required to tackle the major health threat to people posed by buildings that have been designed to trap heat in order to minimise energy use. “If you design tight you have to ventilate right and, unfortunately, our members come across buildings that have locked in air quality and overheating problems on a daily basis. This also needs to be explained to government at the highest level so that investment can be targeted in the right areas.” www.theBESA.com/iaq
The end of July marked the second reading of the Building Safety Bill in the House of Commons. There were a number of new items and changes, which we are in the process of analysing. Highlights of the second reading: Jenrick stated that dwelling fires were at the lowest point since 1981 and expert guidance had five recommendations to correct the disproportionate reaction to safety in some parts of the market: EWS1 forms should not be a requirement on buildings below 18m. Where there are known concerns this should be addressed through risk management. All major lenders, including HSBC, welcomed the advice that EWS1 forms should not be a requirement on buildings below 18m. The new Building Safety Regulator would have the powers to enforce the rules set out by the new framework. All buildings would have an individual that is accountable and responsible for safety, and non-compliance would be a criminal offence. Whilst also being able to tackle bad practice, the Bill will have the ability to remove construction products that were unsafe from the market The Bill will strengthen redress for people who were buying a new build home through provisions for the New Homes Ombudsman, who will resolve complaints between buyers and developers. He reaffirmed the commitment in the Bill which will retrospectively extend the period in which compensation can be claimed for defective premises from 6 to 15 years. The scope of the work for which compensation can be claimed will also be expanded to include future major renovation work. He stated that he hoped builders, in time, would extend their warranty for this period. He forecasted that over 1,000 buildings with non-ACM unsafe cladding will receive support through the Building Safety Fund. 5 recommendations within the speech that government will support and act upon: EWS1 forms should not be a requirement on buildings below 18 metres. In the small number of cases where there are known to be concerns these should be addressed primarily through risk management and mitigation. There should be a clear route for residents/leaseholders to challenge costly remediation work and seek assurance that proposals are proportionate and cost effective. Government should work with the shadow Building Safety Regulator to consider how to implement an audit process to check that fire risk assessments are following guidelines, not perpetuating the risk aversion we are witnessing, in some instances, at the present time. Fire risk assessors, and lenders should not presume that there is significant risk to life unless there is evidence to support this. This would ensure that they respond only to the evidence and adopt a far more proportionate and balanced approach. It was confirmed that the building safety fund will re-open for registrations in the Autumn 2021 – we will notify our members when registration is open. Please also note that the we will be sending out updated RICS guidance regarding EWS1 forms when it has been published. The Bill will now enter its Committee Stage when Parliament returns in September, we will ensure members are kept up to date with the passage of this Bill at all times. Click here to read the full written statement to Parliament.
Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture by leading commercial property developer, Stoford and private global investment firm, TPG Real Estate, has completed the first of two new Grade A warehouse developments in Harlow. The JV has delivered Unit D, a bespoke last mile distribution unit of 84,407 sq ft at Icon Harlow in Essex, on behalf of an international online retailer. The new building is part of phase two Icon Harlow, providing almost 200,000 sq ft of much needed Grade A warehouse accommodation for the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor. A second unit (E) is under construction on a speculative basis, with completion scheduled for October 2021. The Grade A unit will extend to 112,000 sq ft and provides the rare opportunity to occupy one of the only available buildings over 100,000 sq ft in the north M25. Phase one of Icon Harlow completed last year and comprised three highly specified units, including two speculatively constructed. All three units are now occupied and extend to 244,258 sq ft. Angus Huntley, Director at Stoford, said: “Icon Harlow has attracted significant interest from distributors looking for much needed quality warehouse and logistics accommodation in the home counties, but with quick access to London and the wider South East. The final unit (E) will provide Grade A accommodation with enhanced sustainability credentials, including PV arrays and 20% EV car charging provision. We have the opportunity to offer occupiers early access to the warehouse from the end of September 2021.” Icon Harlow is conveniently located in close proximity to Harlow town centre and benefits from excellent road, rail, air and sea links. The development lies a short drive from junction 27 of the M25, just 17 miles from London Stansted Airport, 30 miles north of central London and 34 miles from DP World’s London Gateway Port. Existing occupiers include SOP International, Verhoek Europe and leading arts and crafts supplier, Baker Ross. For all enquiries, please contact the scheme’s retained agents: DTRE, JLL and M1 Agency.
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is progressing with the construction of a light manufacturing facility on Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield. The £10million scheme will see the build of a new single-storey facility and basement space for a UK leading multi-sector manufacturer based in the East Midlands. The 80,000 sq. ft production facility, which is due for completion in early 2022, will comprise of a ground floor with workshop and office space including staff facilities, and a basement level for storage. The new building will be cladded and feature composite insulation panels to the walls and roof and adjacent will be an external service yard with two artic loading bays and car parking spaces over three levels for 139 cars. Previously allocated as Employment Land, the steel frame of the build is now complete. Works are progressing with brickwork, roofing and wall cladding, which will be followed by the construction of ground bearing and suspended floor slabs, and the installation of fire protection and first fix M&E services. G F Tomlinson is working alongside project manager and principal designer Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects – both firms the contractor has worked with previously on office and industrial projects in Mansfield and Lichfield. Andy Sewards, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “Mansfield continues to attract major players in the industrial and manufacturing sector and we are pleased to be working with a new client on a scheme of such scale. “This facility will provide sizable and contemporary manufacturing and office space and the new building has been designed for the future expansion of our client’s production capabilities. “We are proud to be working with Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects again to deliver this impressive scheme.” G F Tomlinson will also be carrying out £3m M&E works as part of the project. David Grieves, project manager at Jackson Design Associates, said: “We first discussed the project with the client towards the end of 2018. It’s fantastic to now see the project taking shape so quickly, particularly given the challenges we have all endured over the last 18 months. The team have had to overcome many hurdles, Covid-19 being just one, to get us here today. “The development is a great example of local businesses coming together to deliver a project which will enable a valued client to expand and grow. The expansion of this facility increases the client’s capabilities in the market and provides job opportunities to benefit the community. “G F Tomlinson has done a remarkable job in managing the risk of Covid-19 and continue to adopt the precautions required to ensure a safe and controlled site is maintained. Whilst controlling the Health & Safety aspect, the project continues to progress safely, at speed and in a professional manner.” G F Tomlinson, which has offices in Derbyshire and Birmingham, has many years of experience across multiple sectors including industrial, education, retail, healthcare, leisure, commercial and residential.
In response to the increasing requirement by organisations in the datacentre, commercial, media and high-tech sectors to upgrade, modernise and expand their mission critical facilities and infrastructure, BCS Group (Business Critical Solutions), the specialist services provider to the digital infrastructure industry, has appointed an experienced Head of Critical Infrastructure. Simon Harris will take up the role bringing with him over 20 years’ experience of delivering specialist mission critical systems and data centre consultancy across international markets. He has previously held senior roles at construction consultancy Currie & Brown and Sweett Group. His new role will include project management, cost management, procurement and construction contract administration services, tailored to clients’ specific needs. In addition, advice and guidance will be provided regarding capital allowances to support these types of initiatives. He will work closely with Chris Coward, BCS’ Head of Project Management and James Carmillet, Head of Cost Management. James Hart, CEO at BCS Group, said: “In recent months we have seen this area of our business grow substantially so we have taken the decision to have a dedicated specialist team to support this. Simon will lead this team and his knowledge and experience will bring a fresh perspective and really complement the skillsets that we already have in the business.” Commenting, Simon Harris said: “Critical infrastructure projects often face a unique and challenging collection of objectives and constraints but there is no doubt that legacy infrastructure can be refurbished to increase capacity, support new and emerging business services and reduce operating costs. With many clients also keen to deliver on their ESG commitments, this sustainable approach is increasingly appealing.”
Casinos are the perfect place for tourists who love light adrenaline, luxury, and, of course, gambling. All over the world, both gamblers playing at the best online casino Canada and millions of tourists spend incredible sums of money daily within the walls of these institutions. But why visit a regular casino when you can combine it with luxury. We offer an overview of stunning casinos that will make a lasting impression not only on the amount of money lost but also on the beauty and level of service. 10. Casino at the Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel The Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel is a beautiful colonial-style complex with a first-class spa and, of course, a unique casino. It is located in Argentina, which means that the trip will be interesting, and you can not only visit the casino but also enjoy the beauty of Latin America. However, if someone is planning not to leave the hotel for a couple of days, he also will find no less interesting entertainment here. The three-tier Regency Casino is a blend of European style and service excellence. Players from around the world come here for the adrenaline, to play not only baccarat but also many other games. 9. Casino at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Marina Bay Sands, which is located in Singapore, is the chicest hotel in the world. It impresses by its service and interior as much as by its appearance. Here you can find everything your heart desires. Visit the hotel swimming pool to enjoy panoramic views of Singapore, undergo relaxing spa treatments. In addition, the Museum of Science Art, built in the form of a lotus flower, theater and casino awaits its guests. The casino boasts more than 2,300 slot machines and about 500 gaming tables, every player is sure to get lucky. 8. Casino at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in China is built in the likeness of a hotel in Las Vegas. Inside it is completely similar to its counterpart in America. The luxurious hotel has 3,000 rooms, trendy shopping malls, and pools in the Venetian style. And, of course, the enormous casino, with 500 gaming tables and more than 2,000 slot machines. It is undoubtedly the most ideal place for players because it is ready to fulfill all desires. 7. The Grand Hotel Casino, Ibiza The Grand Hotel, which is located in Ibiza, Spain, has a gorgeous view of the sea and the old part of town. It is widely known for its nightclub and casino. The casino is home to gaming tables, slot machines, and poker championships are held here. During the day, you can relax by the pool and unwind during your spa treatments or in your luxurious designer room. The Grand Hotel is a great place to relax and spend money. 6. Casino at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Juan The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Juan is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and its guests can enjoy the gorgeous seascapes. The hotel-owned casino is one of the most sophisticated and stylish in the world. It offers players to try their luck at roulette, blackjack, poker, mini-baccarat, and slot machines, of which there are over 300. Apart from the casino, the extravagant hotel has plenty to do, such as relaxing in a first-class spa treatment or enjoying the chic cuisine in the restaurants. 5. Casino at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas In Las Vegas, the Wynn Hotel is considered one of the most extravagant in the city. It cost $2.7 million to build, but visitors will confirm that the hotel’s interior, exterior, and service justify such a huge investment. It boasts a five Michelin-star restaurant, a luxury car dealership, the perfect lounging pool, top-notch shows, an incredibly interesting and busy nightlife, and, of course, an extravagant casino with a chic interior. 4. Casino at Sun City Resort, South Africa The extravagant Sun City Resort Hotel in South Africa is located next to the Pilanesberg National Park. The casino satisfies both the avid gambler and the casual gambler who wants to try his luck. It offers a choice of slot machine, blackjack, roulette, or a room for serious and experienced players. For beginners, the hotel offers master classes in poker, blackjack etc. In addition to the casino, you can visit the Valley of Waves water park, play golf on one of the hotel’s courses, or go on a romantic hot air balloon ride. 3. Casino at the Paris Hotel, Monte Carlo, Monaco The Hotel Paris is the ideal place for avid and experienced gamblers. It is located in Monaco and forms an entire complex with the Palace du Casino and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The casino is famous for being the setting for one of the James Bond movies, Casino Royale. In addition, you can enjoy dinner and expensive wine in one of the first-class restaurants of the complex. 2. Casino at the Bellagio in Las Vegas Although the Bellagio Hotel is known for its luxury, it owes its worldwide fame to the movie Ocean’s Eleven. The hotel will not disappoint but will greet you with a luxurious fountain with regular nightly music and light shows, a regular Cirque du Soleil show, and an elegant casino where you can spend an entire night. 1. Casino at the Hotel The Kurhaus in Baden-Baden For those who want to experience the true luxury of the century before last, The Kurhaus in Baden-Baden is a perfect choice. It was built in the 1820s and the casino later in the 1850s, it is one of the oldest casinos in Germany. In addition to the casino, first-class spa treatments and a chic, elegant interior await.
When news that confirmed COVID-19 being airborne broke out, everyone understandably got more cautious. By that time, it’d been almost a year since initial evidence suggested that the virus could spread within one meter of an infected person. More people have either fallen ill or succumbed to the disease over that timeframe. As the United States and most parts of the world slowly regain some normalcy, various industries aren’t leaving anything to chance. Offices and stores will be reopening, and adequate ventilation—reorienting vents, installing high-efficiency filtration systems—and adopting new workplace safety protocols can’t be stressed enough. In other words, the new status quo demands rethinking the way air flows within a building. While such changes are no substitute for health protocols (i.e., physical distancing, wearing face masks, etc.), an efficient ventilation system can contribute to a safer workplace. With that said, in this post, you’ll get to know some ways offices and stores can safeguard the well-being of their customers and employees. Displacement ventilation Proper building ventilation warrants deriving more air from outdoors. While the downside is an increase in energy consumption, this system will expel airborne pathogens and other particulates more often. You might have to shell out few extra dollars in utility costs, but that’s a small price to pay for keeping everyone safe. (1) If a higher energy bill is out of the question, consider refitting the facility with a displacement ventilation (DV) system. First implemented in Northern Europe, DV relies on fluid dynamics—namely, how cold and warm air move. (2) Cold air enters the room through vents placed close to the floor, where it gets heated and rises to the ceiling. The warm air then exits the building through vents in the ceiling. Unlike traditional ventilation systems, DV only requires less velocity in taking outdoor air in, meaning the fans can run more slowly and for a more extended period. (2) However, DV works best under the following conditions: Contaminants are light enough to move with the rising warm air Incoming outdoor air is much cooler than the air inside the room Minimal disturbance to the room’s airflow The minimum advisable ceiling height is nine feet Noise should be as low as possible (2) Layered approach Since COVID-19 made landfall in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have introduced guidelines in minimizing its spread. While most of these are related to personal hygiene, there are also guidelines on proper ventilation. The CDC COVID ventilation requirements include taking a layered approach to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Aside from increasing outdoor air intake, the requirements justify adding new exhaust fans, repositioning existing exhaust fans closer to windows, and installing air filters in high-risk areas. Improving ventilation is just one layer in this multifaceted method. The office management also plays a role, keeping a skeletal force as much as possible, rearranging office cubicles and rooms, and regularly disinfecting surfaces. The more safety protocols offices and stores introduce, the lower the risk of COVID-19. (3) Filtration and ionization Just as in overall COVID-19 risk reduction, the ventilation system should also have multiple layers. Every part, from intaking and removing air, must be active in ensuring everyone in the office or store breathes safe air. At the heart of this system is the air filter. Commercial spaces should employ high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems designed to capture particles as small as 0.01 microns. The COVID-19 virus is estimated to be around 0.125 microns (contrary to popular belief that it’s 0.3 microns small)—well within a HEPA filter’s capture range. (4) Augmenting the filtration system with standalone air cleaners can add an extra protective layer. However, be aware that some portable air cleaners in the market generate ozone, which can be harmful at high levels. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of bipolar ionization against harmful pathogens and particulates, but it’s better not to rely on them too much. (5) Regular maintenance No amount of advanced ventilation technology will reduce a commercial space’s risk of COVID-19 if it doesn’t work as intended. Ventilation systems should undergo systematic maintenance every three to five years to clear out the buildup of particulates in the ducts. Even as ducts, filters, and fans grow more reliable, maintenance shouldn’t still be taken lightly. Conclusion It’s unlikely COVID-19 will go away anytime soon, especially with its more contagious variants still running rampant. While waiting for more people to be immunized from the disease, preparing safe spaces for customers and employees should be a priority for reopening offices and stores. Updating or overhauling ventilation systems will go a long way in doing so. References “Is the Air in Your Office Fit to Breathe?” https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-07-13/covid-stresses-need-to-regulate-and-improve-office-ventilation “When, where to use displacement ventilation”, https://www.csemag.com/articles/when-where-to-use-displacement-ventilation/ “Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces”, https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/implementing-layered-approach-address-covid-19-public-indoor-spaces “Can HEPA Air Purifiers Capture the Coronavirus?” https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/can-hepa-air-purifiers-capture-coronavirus/ “Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19)”, https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/air-cleaners-hvac-filters-and-coronavirus-covid-19
Construction sites are dangerous locations. Aside from the common construction hazards such as falls and machine injuries, trucks and construction site vehicles also pose a significant threat to everyone on site. Along with the risk of injury, if you were to get hurt from an on-site truck or construction vehicle, you could be out of commission for weeks or months at a time to recover. Trucks and other heavy vehicles are needed on construction sites. These vehicles assist the workers and make their job easier, especially if they’re working on large-scale projects. Unfortunately, these vehicles can also cause significant injuries, especially when used by untrained workers. In this article, we’ll discuss how to reduce the risk of truck accidents on construction sites. 1. Don’t Let Untrained Workers Operate Trucks & Other Construction Vehicles One of the most common reasons semi truck accident happen on construction sites is a lack of or improper training. It’s crucial to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Therefore, every employee entrusted with handling trucks and other machinery should be trained correctly. It is imperative every worker is educated on safety measures to keep both themself and others safe. Collisions and rollovers are two of the most common type of truck accidents on construction sites. These accidents could occur because of erratic, distracted, or reckless driving and are extremely dangerous to construction workers who’re on foot. Also, since most of the trucks on construction sites are larger and heavier, they could inflict significant injuries or damage if they collide with workers or other vehicles. As such, construction workers should have hands-on training with trucks, other construction vehicles, and their operation. Also, don’t let workers who have no proper training operate such vehicles. Employers should ensure that workers assigned to operate trucks and other construction vehicles are licensed or have a certificate to show they are qualified to operate said vehicles. Keep in mind construction vehicles can be both dangerous for both the operator and other construction workers. Operators should have basic mechanical knowledge about these vehicles in case there’s an issue or problem to address. 2. Check The Construction Site Before you start to drive a truck onto a construction site, don’t forget to check the site first. Make sure everything is in order and there’s nothing to hinder traffic. 3. Inspect The Vehicles Regularly It’s also important to inspect vehicles to ensure they’re in good operating condition. Operators should at least know basic mechanical maintenance procedures for these vehicles. When a vehicle isn’t well-maintained, it could quicken the chances of mechanical problems. The tires may need to be changed because their treads have lost grip on the asphalt. Trucks are often driven lengthy distances, so wear and tear on the engines tends to increase. Be sure to avoid needing to repair engines to avoid accidents on-site. If engine repair is needed, try to schedule maintenance quickly to lessen downtime between orders. It’s better to let a professional mechanic service these vehicles regularly. By doing so, you extend the lifespan of the vehicle and assure you’re sending drivers out in cars that have no issues. 4. Use The Vehicles Only As Intended Every construction vehicle is designed to perform a specific task. Trucks, for example, are used to onload or offload construction materials such as sand, gravel, cement, etc. As such, you can’t use them for carrying heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes, and other wheel loaders. You need to make sure each vehicle is only used for its intended purpose. Avoid overloading or overworking construction vehicles. Never load more than needed or allowed on a vehicle. The more objects carried, the longer it could take to move, which could result in an accident. An operator has to be mindful of the payload capacity of their trucks. Depending on the amount of construction materials to onload, you may need a bigger truck to get everything stowed. Be smart and safe; if a bigger vehicle is needed, err on the side of caution and make the proper arrangements. 5. Avoid Abrupt Changes In Speed When driving, it’s important for a driver to maintain a constant rate of speed, especially when on a construction site. If possible, try not to speed up or slow down abruptly. This is especially important if you’re driving within a construction site. Keeping your speed moderate while around potential hazards such as workers or other machinery could help you avoid potential situations where you might lose control. 6. Implement An Internal Traffic Control Plan A backover accident, when a worker is struck by a vehicle backing up, is one of the most common causes of significant injuries on constructions sites. Backover incidents are often caused by a variety of factors. There could be a worker that gets distracted, a backup alarm could be faulty, a vehicle operator might assume the path is clear, or a worker could in the vehicle’s blind spot. There could also be a scenario where a worker accidentally falls from a backing vehicle. Fortunately, backover incidents are preventable with the help of proper planning and better communication between the workers and vehicle operators. One of the best ways to help prevent backover incidents is to implement an internal traffic control plan. Having a detailed control plan can help minimize the interaction between vehicles and workers on construction sites. This plan could specify specific routes for vehicles and workers. Road signs could be used to identify where trucks and heavy equipment should go on-site. Make sure proper signs are posted in areas where trucks are permitted to be driven. There should also be plenty of warning posters nearby to let workers know the rules of the job. Workers on foot shouldn’t be allowed on construction vehicle routes to avoid injury or potential delay of operating procedures for large trucks delivering construction materials. By laying out specific routes and restricting vehicles to certain areas, backing incidents should be reduced and workers should have less risk to injury. 7.
