October 29, 2024
The government’s use of military drones to ensure security

The government’s use of military drones to ensure security

In recent years, the use of military drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has become a significant tool in national defense strategies around the world. These advanced technologies allow governments to enhance their ability to monitor, respond to threats, and protect their citizens. The implementation of drones in

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ABP Expands Port of Immingham with Strategic Land Acquisition

ABP Expands Port of Immingham with Strategic Land Acquisition

Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq

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Lidl Secures £70 Million Deal to Expand Across the UK with 12 New Stores

Lidl Secures £70 Million Deal to Expand Across the UK with 12 New Stores

Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities

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Vantage Delivers Solar Installation at Leicester Build-to-Rent Site as Part of Turn-Key Decarbonisation Solution for CER III Fund

Vantage Delivers Solar Installation at Leicester Build-to-Rent Site as Part of Turn-Key Decarbonisation Solution for CER III Fund

Vantage, a sustainable retrofit and principal contracting business, proudly announces the successful completion of its photovoltaic (PV) installation project at The Arches, a new build-to-rent development in Leicester, for the Catella European Residential Fund III (CER III). The project was delivered on budget and a week ahead of schedule. Commissioned

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Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

October 29, 2024

The government’s use of military drones to ensure security

The government’s use of military drones to ensure security

In recent years, the use of military drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has become a significant tool in national defense strategies around the world. These advanced technologies allow governments to enhance their ability to monitor, respond to threats, and protect their citizens. The implementation of drones in military operations has revolutionized the way modern security challenges are managed, offering benefits in surveillance, precision strikes, and minimizing human risks. Enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering One of the primary advantages of a military drone is their ability to conduct surveillance operations over vast areas. Drones equipped with high-definition cameras, thermal imaging, and other sensors can collect real-time data and intelligence without putting personnel at risk. This capability allows the military to monitor borders, conflict zones, and sensitive areas, preventing potential security threats such as terrorism, smuggling, or unauthorized incursions. By providing constant surveillance from a safe distance, drones offer governments the opportunity to maintain a watchful eye on regions of interest, even in remote or dangerous environments. This technology enables decision-makers to respond quickly to emerging threats, making drones invaluable for national security. Precision strikes with reduced collateral damage Another critical role that drones play in modern military operations is their use in precision strikes. Unlike traditional manned aircraft, drones can hover over a target for extended periods, providing detailed information and the ability to strike with remarkable accuracy. This reduces the risk of collateral damage, which is a significant concern in military operations near civilian populations. Drones allow governments to carry out targeted attacks on high-value targets, such as terrorist leaders or militant groups, with minimal risk to civilian life. These operations often involve missions that would be too dangerous or costly to carry out with manned aircraft, making drones a more efficient and ethical option in certain conflict scenarios. Reducing risk to military personnel One of the most notable advantages of drones is their ability to minimize the risk to human life. In traditional military operations, soldiers, pilots, and intelligence personnel are often placed in harm’s way. With drones, many dangerous tasks can be carried out remotely, reducing the number of military personnel needed in combat zones. This remote-control capability also means that governments can conduct operations in hostile or inaccessible regions without the logistical challenges of deploying human troops. By lowering the risk to military forces, drones enhance the effectiveness of operations while ensuring the safety of military personnel. Border security and counterterrorism efforts Military drones have also proven to be an essential tool in maintaining border security and combating terrorism. In countries facing challenges with illegal immigration, drug smuggling, or infiltration by terrorist groups, drones offer a reliable means of patrolling and securing national borders. Drones can cover long stretches of terrain, especially in difficult-to-reach areas, such as deserts or mountains, that might otherwise be vulnerable to unauthorized entry. In counterterrorism operations, drones can be used to track and eliminate terror networks with precise strikes. The flexibility and responsiveness of drones enable security forces to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently, contributing to global and domestic security. Ethical and legal considerations Despite their numerous advantages, the use of military drones raises several ethical and legal concerns. One of the main challenges is ensuring that drones are used in accordance with international law, particularly with regard to human rights and sovereignty. Some critics argue that drone strikes can violate the sovereignty of nations, especially when they occur without explicit consent from the host country. Additionally, there are concerns about the transparency and accountability of drone operations. The potential for mistakes, such as misidentification of targets or civilian casualties, highlights the need for strict oversight and clear rules of engagement when deploying drones. The future of military drones As technology continues to evolve, drones are likely to become an even more integral part of military strategy. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems could further enhance the capabilities of drones, allowing them to make real-time decisions on the battlefield without direct human intervention. This could lead to faster and more efficient operations, though it also raises new ethical questions about the role of machines in warfare. Furthermore, with the increasing availability of drones, governments around the world are investing in counter-drone technologies to defend against potential drone-based attacks. This arms race highlights the dual-edged nature of drone technology: while they offer significant security benefits, they also present new challenges for defense.

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New Data Centre Plans to Position Blackpool at the Heart of UK Tech Innovation

New Data Centre Plans to Position Blackpool at the Heart of UK Tech Innovation

Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the construction of two data centre buildings and a 400-space multi-storey car park, paving the way for cutting-edge infrastructure that could redefine Blackpool’s role in the digital economy. The ambitious plans detail two 20-metre-tall data centre buildings covering a combined 157,000 square feet, which will house “multiple data halls accommodating approximately 600 racks” of server infrastructure each. These facilities will replace an existing surface-level car park at the site, creating a need for new parking solutions for DWP staff. To address this, Elite UK REIT has proposed a multi-storey car park that would support the data centre and DWP employees, though demand is expected to drop as around 1,000 DWP staff are scheduled to relocate to Blackpool’s town centre next year. Elite UK REIT selected this location for its prime connection to the North Atlantic Loop, a high-speed subsea fibre optic cable linking the USA, UK, and Ireland. This connectivity promises fast and reliable internet speeds, boosting Blackpool’s appeal to data-centre operators and tech firms. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Silicon Sands, a 40-acre tech cluster planned within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, designed to attract data-driven industries to the Fylde Coast. According to consultancy Cassidy + Ashton, Project Edison “will position the Fylde Coast at the cutting edge of AI development, supporting the economic ambitions of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.” To find out more, search reference number 24/0516 on Fylde Council’s planning portal. The project team includes Cassidy + Ashton, KeySource, TTSP, Murphy Geospatial, SLR, GEA, and Bowland Ecology, all working to bring this landmark development to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ABP Expands Port of Immingham with Strategic Land Acquisition

ABP Expands Port of Immingham with Strategic Land Acquisition

Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq ft of new industrial buildings or 16 acres for open industrial storage. North Lincolnshire Council planners are expected to make a decision on the application soon. Andrew Dawes, Director of Humber Ports, commented: “Acquiring this strategic site on the western edge of the Port of Immingham is essential to extending our footprint and ensuring that the Port can continue to grow in line with the needs of our customers on the Humber. As the nation’s busiest port by volume, Immingham handles around 46 million tonnes of cargo each year, making this expansion critical to maintaining our role as a gateway to Keep Britain Trading.” ABP’s Head of Property, Greg Lacey, added: “This acquisition is another significant step for the UK’s largest port by tonnage, following our purchase of the Stallingborough Interchange last year. We’re seeing high demand for warehousing to support traditional bulk cargos as well as industrial open storage. With its proximity to major players like Phillips 66 and Prax, the site could play an important role in broader energy projects focused on generation and storage. This aligns with ABP’s mission to Enable the Energy Transition and contribute to the Humber’s decarbonisation.” The new acquisition underscores ABP’s commitment to enhancing the Port of Immingham’s capacity to meet growing demand, positioning it as a central hub for the UK’s industrial and energy sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lidl Secures £70 Million Deal to Expand Across the UK with 12 New Stores

Lidl Secures £70 Million Deal to Expand Across the UK with 12 New Stores

Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities nationwide. To bring this vision to life, Lidl has teamed up with Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Real Estate Fund, who have formed a joint venture to acquire these new stores upon completion. Under the agreement, Lidl will continue to manage and operate each location, allowing the retailer to strengthen its UK presence while unlocking capital to fuel further growth. Initially, Lidl acquired land and planning permissions for each of the 12 strategic sites. Once construction is complete, Roadside Real Estate will acquire the stores, leasing them back to Lidl under a 25-year contract. This flexible capital arrangement allows Lidl to grow its network while maintaining a robust operational foothold in key communities. The funding deal sees the joint venture contributing an initial £30 million, with a further £40 million to be provided upon the stores’ completion between late October 2024 and February 2025. These new additions will bolster Lidl’s current network of over 960 UK stores, solidifying its position as a major player in the British retail sector. Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s Chief Development Officer, stated: “We have big ambitions for our expansion, including plans to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future. This deal is just the latest example of how we’re continuing to grow our footprint, ensuring that more households can benefit from a Lidl store nearby. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Roadside, Meadow, and the JV.” Charles Dickson, Executive Chairman at Roadside, added: “The Lidl portfolio perfectly demonstrates the JV’s strategy, swiftly providing targeted capital to support tenant expansion while generating management fees and opening up further income opportunities.” George Trimmer from Savills commented, “This is a valuable opportunity to forward fund the construction of 12 supermarkets let to Lidl. The 25-year leases not only provide long-term income stability with annual indexation but also enable Lidl GB Limited to unlock capital while retaining operational control.” This sale-and-leaseback arrangement is a testament to Lidl’s commitment to sustainable growth, combining an innovative funding model with operational stability. By leveraging real estate partnerships, Lidl is accelerating its store expansion across the UK, continuing its mission to invest in quality and affordability for British customers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vantage Delivers Solar Installation at Leicester Build-to-Rent Site as Part of Turn-Key Decarbonisation Solution for CER III Fund

Vantage Delivers Solar Installation at Leicester Build-to-Rent Site as Part of Turn-Key Decarbonisation Solution for CER III Fund

Vantage, a sustainable retrofit and principal contracting business, proudly announces the successful completion of its photovoltaic (PV) installation project at The Arches, a new build-to-rent development in Leicester, for the Catella European Residential Fund III (CER III). The project was delivered on budget and a week ahead of schedule. Commissioned by CER III and Catella APAM, the site’s asset managers, Vantage began by assessing The Arches’ energy performance baseline and producing a tailored decarbonisation pathway. The report identified the potential for a significant roof-mount PV array, alongside a selection of other energy and carbon reduction projects. Following an extensive feasibility study – which included a structural assessment as well as planning and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) applications – Vantage executed a comprehensive design and build solution, acting as Principal Contractor for the project. Vantage managed all aspects of the project, including in-house procurement, project management, cost management and construction site oversight. The successful installation now allows The Arches to generate 25% of its total electrical load from on- site renewable energy, significantly decreasing reliance on grid energy and bolstering the asset’s energy performance credentials. Marwin Weber, CER III Fund Manager, commented: “We have integrated a climate strategy into our investment strategy aiming to decarb and adapt at the lowest possible cost point. This is another milestone of our pan-European climate strategy.” Adam Fairless, Managing Director of Vantage, added: “The PV installation marks a significant milestone on the asset’s journey to net zero. We’re thrilled to have delivered this project ahead of schedule and within budget, and look forward to continuing to support CER III on future sustainability enhancements.” Chalwe Silwizya, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, stated, “This project underpins the CER III Fund’s commitment to reducing its climate impact and increasing the energy efficiency of its portfolio. This is one of several initiatives being undertaken at The Arches as part of our ESG strategy, to adapt to the changing climate and occupier demands” For enquiries about the Vantage turn-key decarbonization model or if you’re interested in enhancing your assets EPC rating please contact us at info@vantagezero.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Scotland faces alarming rise in homelessness by 2040, new projections warn

Scotland faces alarming rise in homelessness by 2040, new projections warn

If current trends persist, Scotland is set to face a homelessness crisis of alarming proportions by 2040, according to a new report by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. The study has forecasted a 90% increase in homelessness applications to more than 4,100 annually, while at least 7,000 households could be forced into temporary accommodation – an 89% surge. The City of Edinburgh is anticipated to have the largest share of households in temporary accommodation in Scotland, comprising two thirds (66%) of the total nationwide. Highland follows, accounting for 32% of all such households in the country. Grant Docherty, partner and head of Shakespeare Martineau in Scotland, said: “This is a wake-up call. We cannot allow these projections to become a reality. “Scotland abolished the Right to Buy scheme, which gave council house tenants the opportunity to buy their rented home at a discounted price, in 2016 – leading to a 4% increase in the country’s social-rented homes stock in the six years that followed. “However, despite this, these figures show that it is crucial the public sector and housing associations work together to provide stable, accessible and affordable accommodation. The government also needs to ensure support services for vulnerable groups are properly funded. “The cost of doing nothing will be catastrophic – not just for the individuals affected but for society as a whole.” Utilising the latest National Records of Scotland population projections, Shakespeare Martineau – supported by socio economic experts at Marrons – has built a national and regional picture of Scotland’s housing need in 2040. Supplementing this is government data on homelessness applications and the number of households living in temporary accommodation, as well as under-occupation statistics. By 2040, Scotland’s 16+ population is expected to grow by 4% to more than 4.7 million people. Notably, Edinburgh and Lothians emerges as the fastest-growing region – anticipating 15% growth to more than 871,000 – while Highlands and Islands will witness a 3% decline in its total population. To meet the burgeoning demand, at least 352,500 homes need to be constructed across the country by 2040. Edinburgh and Lothians leads the way in housing need, with demand for more than 111,500 homes. In contrast, South of Scotland demands the least, with a requirement of 16,830 properties. The first-time buyer demographic is anticipated to grow by 1% to more than 1.3 million, with Edinburgh and Lothian expected to experience the most positive growth at 11%. Highlands and Islands stands out with the most significant decline, projected at 7%. Nationally, the later living demographic is set to witness a 27% increase, with Edinburgh and Lothians experiencing the greatest surge (39%) and Scotland South demonstrating the slowest growth (19%). Meanwhile, the student-age demographic is set to make up 7% of the total 16+ population in Scotland’s university cities. Dan Usher, economics director at Marrons, who specialises in housing need evidence, said: “Citing pressure on homelessness services, rising property prices and high levels of temporary accommodation, the Scottish government and 12 of the country’s 32 councils have declared housing emergencies – signalling that intervention is needed. “In examining the data, it becomes evident there is a pressing need for strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the growing demand for affordable housing, as well as a real opportunity for purpose-built homes tailored for last-time buyers. By capitalising on this, we not only cater to the specific needs of this demographic but also unlock the potential to release much-needed family homes back into the market. “Building a range of homes to suit many different needs is not only a priority but a necessity. It creates more choice, aids first-time buyers onto the property ladder, gives expanding families additional space; helps the ageing population downsize and live in homes more suitable for their needs, and adds to the supply of affordable housing.” To read the full report, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ScotlandHousing2040. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Housebuilder Story Homes beats national companies to win four UK Property Awards

Housebuilder Story Homes beats national companies to win four UK Property Awards

Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, beating strong competition from national companies to win the five-star award for the ‘Best Developer Website in the UK’ for the third year running. The builder also collected the national award for ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ for its Fulshaw Manor development in Wilmslow, triumphing over show homes from other housebuilders across the country. The Carlisle-headquartered business also collected a further two regional 5-star accolades for its Fulshaw Manor development, with the scheme receiving the awards for the ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ in Cheshire, as well as the accolade for ‘Best Residential Development’ in Cheshire. Story Homes was presented with the four awards at a ceremony on 25 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. As winners of four 5-star awards, the builder will be entered into the European Property Awards, which determine Europe’s finest property companies. Now in its 31st year, the UK Property Awards are the most demanding and rigorous in the property sector. The awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts, focussing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability. Colin Wood, CEO at Story Homes, said: “We are so proud to be recognised once again at the UK Property Awards, which is a very prestigious accolade within the housebuilding industry. To walk away with three 5-star awards for our Fulshaw Manor development, plus a further 5-star award for our website for the third year running, was a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our commitment to quality and design. “We are passionate about investing in our website to showcase our unique product offering and provide the most seamless and user-friendly experience for our customers, and we are therefore delighted to be acknowledged by the industry for leading the way in digital innovation.” Fulshaw Manor is a beautiful development of high quality homes located in the aspirational area of Wilmslow in Cheshire. This exclusive development offers Story Homes’ ‘Signature Collection’ of one to five-bedroom homes, carefully designed throughout, with a high specification included. Since its official launch in February this year, the development has been extremely popular with customers and Story Homes continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers who are delighted with the quality of their home and level of service received. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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APM calls for greater focus on project delivery and advises Government to resist urge to start ‘building’ straight away

APM responds to NAO report – ‘cultural shift’ in government spending plans

A new report by the National Audit Office (NAO), ‘Lessons learned: a planning and spending framework that enables long-term value for money’ has called for a cultural shift in the way government sets out its public spending plans to ensure long-term value for money.  In response to the report, Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association for Project Management (APM), said: “With increasing scrutiny on value for money and environmental impact, it is more important than ever that all projects, especially those funded by the taxpayer, show how they will deliver tangible, measurable impacts in the longer term. “Public spend is often justified by the benefits that a particular government project will accrue over several years. Too often these benefits are not adequately captured and there is often a significant time lag before they are fully realised. “A benefits-led project approach will ensure the impacts of a project on society are more accurately reviewed and delivered. Only this way can we make public money work harder in the long-term.  “APM believes the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), when established, can play a key role here. For this to happen, NISTA must be given the resources to further professionalise project management in government and the mandate to ensure project benefits and value for money are given the long-term focus they need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Akela Ground Engineering achieves NHBC Accepts certification for innovative precast foundation system

Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation. By combining precise off-site fabrication, alignment and interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams. Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes. NHBC Accepts enables a more efficient assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project.  Jermaine Medina, Accepts Technical Operations Manager at NHBC: “As the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, we’re pleased to welcome Akela Ground Engineering to NHBC Accepts with its ABeam pre-cast ground beam system. Systems with NHBC Accepts certification give developers faith and confidence in the quality of the products they are building with.” Will Payne, Manager Director at Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Our new ABeam precast system offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality. Designed and manufactured at our purpose-built facility at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, our expert team has the capability to fabricate the product in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output. “We are proud to have achieved NHBC Accepts certification and believe this is a testament to the quality and expertise employed to deliver a robust and industry-leading pre-cast product.” For further information on NHBC Accepts or to view our accepted systems, please visit www.nhbc.co.uk/accepts Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Promoting Health Through Early Detection and Support in Male Predominant Industries

Promoting Health Through Early Detection and Support in Male Predominant Industries

October marks breast cancer awareness month, a global event that receives a flurry of support from businesses and industries of all kinds. It’s not just from companies with a strong female workforce, either. Organisations with a traditionally male-predominant workforce are also showing their support, not only raising breast cancer awareness by encouraging men to get themselves checked but also sparking vital conversations about other conditions that affect them as well. One such example is the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), which has taken the opportunity to encourage men to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Such encouragement is vital in male-heavy industries, where health issues often fall under the radar despite the impact they could have on staff. With so many safety measures adopted in demolition and construction, it makes little sense for people to skip on precautions when it comes to their own personal health. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with roughly 52,000 men diagnosed every year in the UK alone. In male predominant industries, such as the construction and demolition industries, organisations NFDC are inspiring members through online and social media campaigns, encouraging workers to get cancer screenings to ensure early detection. For men over the age of 50, regular prostate exams are recommended every two to three years. Just like identifying hazards on-site, workers can spot potential health risks by understanding the factors that influence prostate cancer, including age, race and family history. Some symptoms of prostate cancer include, needing to urinate more frequently, feeling as if your bladder hasn’t emptied and finding blood in semen. Health and safety are a big concern within the demolition industry, but health issues such as cancer are not talked about enough. It is imperative for workers to be proactive and not wait for symptoms to catch up with them. Duncan Rudall, CEO of the NFDC, outlined how working in the demolition industry is extremely physically demanding and that frequent health checks are essential. “Frequent health screenings ensure workers are physically capable of doing their jobs,” he said. “If a medical issue is caught early, there is a higher likelihood of receiving beneficial treatment.” Suffering from physical health issues such as prostate cancer can lead to other issues, including considerably affecting workers’ mental health. Cancer Research UK says that when caught early, 8 in 10 men survive prostate cancer for ten years or more, highlighting the importance of regular screening, particularly for men over 50 working in demanding industries. Owing to the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental health, organisations working in a predominantly ‘male’ gendered space have made it a priority to educate workers with simple messaging throughout social media platform LinkedIn to keep reminders front of mind. Breast Cancer: Prostate cancer is not the only health issue demolition and construction workers should be concerned about. Breast cancer can also occur in men and is something that can often be forgotten or disregarded as a predominantly female condition. In reality, according to Cancer Research UK, around 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease annually. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the demolition and construction industries have been instrumental within the trade by ‘wearing it pink’ PPE gear on-site, as well as using pink equipment to raise awareness and funds for the cause. “The demolition and construction industries being involved in ‘wearing it pink day’ every year has helped challenge stereotypes and ensure male workers are vigilant about their health, particularly with a condition they may have previously believed to be considered ‘female only.’” Mr Rudall added. People who have one or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer may also have an increased risk of breast cancer and should get checked and seek medical advice if they are experiencing any symptoms, including swelling, lumps or ulcers on their chest or armpits. Organisations that are part of male-predominant industries, like the NFDC, are promoting health and safety regulations, including regular health screenings for the detection of cancers alongside other regular health checks. Early detection through regular health checks is key in the fight against breast and prostate cancer,” Mr Rudall said. “In both cases, awareness can be the difference between life and loss. Demolition contractors are vigilant on-site when it comes to health and safety, and it is just as important to prioritise healthcare first off-site, too.” Both prostate and breast cancer pose significant health risks – and early detection can lead to better outcomes, early treatment and better recovery. It’s essential staff stay safe on site and off, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear. No one should feel embarrassed to seek medical help. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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