Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety
Develon, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment, has underscored its very successful debut at the Plantworx Exhibition by winning the Best Live Demonstration Award from the organisers, recognizing the best overall use of outdoor space and best stand set up. The Best Live Demonstration Award is one of the onsite
Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of
Work is now underway on the much-needed 420-place new primary school in Cringleford near Norwich. A ground-breaking ceremony, which traditionally marks the beginning of construction for new building projects, was attended by: Norfolk County Council, which is funding and commissioning the new school; Inspiration Trust, which will be running it;
Enrok Construction has announced the successful completion of its flagship scheme in Brixton, London, which has seen the firm deliver sixty-three one-and two-bed luxury apartments for Node. The construction specialist has worked on the Build to Rent (BTR) project since March 2022, overseeing the complete renovation of a 1940s building
The construction of the brand-new Woodland View School building in Waterside, Kirkintilloch, is now complete, ahead of opening its doors to pupils in August 2023. Accommodating children and young people from ages 2- 18 from across East Dunbartonshire who currently attend Campsie View and Merkland Schools, the building is designed
A new skills academy has given future students a taste of what it would be like to be part of landmark regeneration projects such as Meridian Water. Delivered through a partnership by Enfield Council, Capital City College Group and Countryside Partnerships, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opened on 14
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents
LEADING house developer, has recruited an industry-leading light to head up its sales and marketing team, continuing its impressive trajectory of growth in the North East as it expands its current portfolio of developments. Tracy Iles joins the team bringing more than 20 years’ new homes and construction experience to
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around
Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety risks. “It is concerning that RAAC, which has a lifespan of about 30 years and is prone to collapse when exposed to water, has been commonly used in low-rise structures with flat roofs. Even if the product isn’t for the roof, water can still get in and cause problems. The carbon impact of RAAC should also have been considered more thoroughly. Despite using less concrete, its short lifespan of 30 years contributes significantly to environmental impact. “In comparison, timber as a construction material offers longevity, durability and can capture carbon in the built environment for centuries – as evidenced by a vast array of buildings constructed generations ago that are still around today. If properly designed and constructed, timber buildings have low embodied energy and carbon emissions which, when combined with proper insulation for optimal operational performance, can achieve net-zero emissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Develon, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment, has underscored its very successful debut at the Plantworx Exhibition by winning the Best Live Demonstration Award from the organisers, recognizing the best overall use of outdoor space and best stand set up. The Best Live Demonstration Award is one of the onsite awards for those exhibitors at Plantworx who made a big impact on the onsite judges who assessed companies’ stands and demonstration areas. The awards were presented at the Exhibitor’s Reception on the first evening of the show. The Best Live Demonstration Award category was judged by Nick Drew (Earthmovers) and Peter Haddock (Content with Media) – who were unanimous that this prize should go to Develon. Their statement about the Develon stand read as follows: “There was a lot of thought and preparation that went into this stand – it really had the wow factor. The stand and the demo area have a really nice feel and flow and the whole stand was not just a ‘Tent in a field’ but a truly impressive stand.” Kevin Lynch, Marketing Communications Manager for Develon, said: “We are delighted to win The Best Live Demonstration Award, especially with the transition we are making with the Develon brand and making its first appearance at Plantworx. The excellent Demo show on the stand carried out by our operators, Nigel Horton and Alex Humpage, brings across the high performance, innovation, versatility and durability of Develon equipment in an exciting and very watchable way.” The Demonstration area on the Develon stand at Plantworx features the new DX250WMH-7 material handler being launched at the show. Joining the DX250WMH-7 in the Demonstration area is the Develon DL80-7 compact wheel loader, the DX55R-7 5.7 tonne mini-excavator, the DX225LC-7 23 tonne crawler excavator and the DL420CVT-7 wheel loader. The DX250WMH-7 is one of several products on display being seen for the first time in the UK. They include the new DX63-7 6 tonne mini-excavator and the new 14.6 tonne DX140LC-7K crawler excavator in the Static section of the stand. New Develon Excavators Together with the DX62R-7, the DX63-7 is one of two new 6 tonne mini-excavators from Develon, completing the roll out of the next generation of machines from the company, with a new shared global styling design. Both models are powered by the D24 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 44.3 kW (59.4 HP) of power. Despite offering an 8% increased torque of 26.5 kgm/rpm, the D24 engine still provides a 7% decrease in engine fuel consumption. Like all of Develon’s new generation mini-excavators, the DX63-7 is designed to offer maximum performance, optimum stability, increased versatility, enhanced operator comfort, controllability, durability, ease of maintenance and serviceability. The new DX140LC-7K 14.6 tonne crawler excavator, replaces the company’s successful DX140LC-7 model. Whilst the performance and working range are the same as the DX140LC-7, the new machine incorporates many improvements that enhance safety and convenience both for the operator and for working on site, together with a better operator experience, particularly from a maintenance point of view. The upgraded serviceability of the DX140LC-7K includes better access to the DEF tank and the fuel refilling hose. This is combined with a much easier approach for the operator to the engine compartment via new anti-slip steps and handrails positioned behind the cab. The DX140LC-7K also has a new flattened engine cover design that has reduced the maximum height of cover components on the back of the machine from 1285.5 mm and 1320 mm down to a uniform 1070 mm across all of the back of the machine. This now offers much better visibility for the operator both to the rear and to the right hand side of the machine. Joining the DX63-7 and DX140LC-7K in the Static area of the Develon stand is the DX27Z-7 and DX85R-7 mini-excavators, the DX100W-7 wheeled excavator, the DL80TL-7 compact wheel loader and the DL280-7 wheel loader. New DX250WMH-7 Material Handler Equipped with an MG22 Sorting Grapple, the new DX250WMH-7 25 tonne Stage V compliant material handler is being demonstrated by Develon for the first time in the UK, for use in the solid waste, recycling, demolition and forestry industries. Designed to carry out the toughest tasks, the DX250WMH-7 is built with front and rear stabilizers, and a boom and arm specifically designed for material handling tasks. A standard feature is the hydraulic cab riser, which gives the operator better all-around visibility of the attachment and work area. The DX250WMH-7 material handler is easy to operate with ergonomic joysticks and a steering wheel. The machine comes equipped with two-way auxiliary and rotate circuit hydraulics to improve efficiency. The operator can use buttons on the joysticks or an optional foot pedal to control auxiliary attachments. The new DX250WMH-7 material handler is powered by the 6-cylinder, turbocharged Develon DL06V water-cooled diesel engine, providing an output (SAE J1995) of 141 kW (189 HP) at 1900 RPM. For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of safety standards impacts the planning and execution of construction projects. Historical Overview: Safety Standards in Construction From the Industrial Revolution, construction has consistently been one of the riskiest industries for workers. Early construction work was characterized by high injury rates, inadequate protective gear, and little to no regulations. Over time, however, society recognized the importance of workers’ safety and began to implement regulations and standards. The establishment of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States in 1970 represented significant leaps in prioritizing worker safety. Similar bodies were created globally, ensuring construction safety became a universal concern. This era marked the beginning of the integration of safety standards into project planning. The Evolution of Safety Standards Safety standards in construction have progressively become more sophisticated and stringent. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements, emerging safety theories, and an increasing understanding of human factors in accidents. For instance, in the early days, safety regulations focused on providing workers with rudimentary PPE like helmets and gloves. Today, the technology has evolved to include smart PPE, which integrates advanced technology like biometric monitors and augmented reality to enhance safety. Moreover, there’s been a shift in perspective. Safety practices have moved from a reactive approach — dealing with accidents after they happen — to a proactive one, focusing on prevention. Now, the focus is not just on safety but health as well, with mental health and ergonomic issues getting increased attention. Impact on Project Planning The evolution of safety standards has fundamentally changed the approach to project planning in construction. It’s no longer seen as an additional burden or cost but a necessity that can enhance efficiency and productivity. Below are some key ways the evolving standards impact project planning. Safety Integration in All Phases Safety measures are now integrated into all stages of project planning. From the pre-planning phase to design, construction, and maintenance, safety standards dictate various aspects of project execution. The concept of “Safety by Design” is now a cornerstone in the industry, which stresses on integrating safety measures right from the design stage. Cost Estimation In the past, safety measures were often seen as cost-increasing factors. However, with the evolution of safety standards, it’s now recognized that the costs incurred in implementing safety measures are significantly less than the potential cost of accidents, both in terms of financial impact and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, modern cost estimation in construction project planning now factors in the cost of safety measures. These might include the cost of advanced PPE, safety training, installation of safety infrastructure, and ongoing safety audits. Time Scheduling Safety considerations can affect project scheduling. Projects now need to include time for safety training, safety checks, and maintenance of safety equipment. The time required for safe working practices, which may be longer than less safe alternatives, must be accounted for in the schedule. Furthermore, preventing accidents through proactive safety measures can avoid unforeseen work stoppages and delays, contributing to better adherence to the schedule. Risk Management The evolution of safety standards has influenced the risk management approach in construction project planning. As safety risks can cause significant project disruptions, they are now identified, assessed, and mitigated in the initial stages of project planning. For instance, any hazardous activities are identified during the design phase itself, and steps are taken to mitigate them. Modernized Project Planning and Safety Standards Incorporating safety standards into project planning is not just about reacting to changes in regulations or technologies. It is about a fundamental shift in how project planning is conducted. Outdated practices, like physical paperwork planning, whiteboard outlines, or the classic construction site go-to: sticky note walls, are no longer sufficient. These methods lack the dynamic nature needed in today’s construction industry, especially with the continual evolution of safety standards. Traditionally, safety planning could be as simple as outlining areas on a site map where hard hats should be worn, or sketching potential danger zones on a whiteboard. However, these rudimentary methods have substantial drawbacks. They do not easily allow for changes, are prone to accidental erasure or damage, and rely heavily on manual updating. In the fast-paced environment of a construction project, such methods can lead to safety measures being overlooked or improperly implemented. Embracing Digital Tools for Safety Planning The advancement of digital technologies offers a solution to these issues. Digital planning tools provide a more secure, organized, and flexible method of project planning. Such tools allow project planners to integrate safety standards into their project plans seamlessly. For instance, with digital planning tools, safety measures can be built into the project plan from the start. Safety zones can be delineated on digital maps, and safety requirements for each task can be included in digital project schedules. As the project progresses, these safety measures can be updated in real time, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective. Digital tools also offer a way to centralize safety information, making it easily accessible for everyone involved in the project. Workers can consult the digital plan at any time to refresh their understanding of the safety measures in place. This helps ensure that safety standards are understood and followed throughout the construction process. Furthermore, digital planning tools can integrate with other technological advancements in safety, such as smart PPE. Data from these devices can be fed into the digital plan, providing a continuous stream of information on safety conditions on the site. This allows project planners to respond swiftly to any emerging safety issues, reinforcing the shift towards a proactive approach to safety. Examples of Digital Planning Integration A great example of digital planning tools enhancing safety planning is the use of Building
Work is now underway on the much-needed 420-place new primary school in Cringleford near Norwich. A ground-breaking ceremony, which traditionally marks the beginning of construction for new building projects, was attended by: Norfolk County Council, which is funding and commissioning the new school; Inspiration Trust, which will be running it; and RG Carter which is building it. The new school is being built on land off Colney Lane on the edge of Norwich. It will be a second primary school for the growing village of Cringleford, which is due to see around 1,300 new homes built. Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s really exciting to see work starting, it demonstrates the council’s commitment to making sure there are the right number of school places so children can go to school in their local communities.” Cllr David Bills, local member for the county council’s Humbleyard division, said: “I know local residents will be pleased to see that the project to make this new school a reality is underway, enabling more children in this growing community to go to school close to home.” Mario Rackham, Director and General Manager at R G Carter, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed to deliver this much-needed school for the local community and to have hosted this celebration to mark the start of its construction. “We have extensive experience in providing high-quality educational facilities across the region and are looking forward to working in partnership with Inspiration Trust and Norfolk County Council Children’s Services to deliver this exciting new project in Cringleford.” Gareth Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of Inspiration Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to open a new free school in Cringleford and it was wonderful to see the building works underway. “We have a clear mission across all our schools – to provide the children of our county with the best possible education and being able to open this new free school in Cringleford will enable us to expand further on this, improving outcomes for even more children and setting them up to succeed in the next stage of their education.” The new school will be two storeys with car parking for staff and visitors, including electric charging spaces, and external hard and soft surfaced outdoor play areas. Its design and layout has been carefully done to reduce net carbon in the operational energy demands of the school and respects the local area and new housing. The new building would have solar panels, passive stack natural ventilation, air source heat pumps and an all-electric kitchen. The school is due to open in September next year. It is one of a proposed 26 new schools proposed for the county within the next 10 years as part of Norfolk County Council’s £308 million Local Growth and Investment Plan to ensure sufficient places in areas of major planned housing growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enrok Construction has announced the successful completion of its flagship scheme in Brixton, London, which has seen the firm deliver sixty-three one-and two-bed luxury apartments for Node. The construction specialist has worked on the Build to Rent (BTR) project since March 2022, overseeing the complete renovation of a 1940s building on Shakespeare Road, including adding an additional fourth floor to create six luxury apartments. The penthouses boast premium views across the capital city with a number of iconic buildings in sight, including The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. The site has now been handed over to Node and will become the company’s first London location. Aimed at young professionals, the site also includes residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, a communal roof terrace, wellness garden and patio area. It is intended to become a community for creatives and entrepreneurs. Speaking on the project, Simon Bennett MCIOB, Enrok’s Operations Director, commented: “We are pleased to hand the completed building over to our client, and to see the first residents moving into their new homes. We are sure the scheme will be hugely popular given its location and the quality of the environment Enrok, along with our partners, have created. “I am particularly pleased with the additional fourth floor that we have created. Building outwards is not always feasible in high-density areas, so developing upwards is an effective solution and the view from the penthouse suites is a huge selling point.” Enrok worked on the project alongside architects 56Three, Engineer Rodgers Leask and Employers Agent The Construction Consultants. Enrok Construction is a privately owned construction company, operating across the UK from its headquarters in Derbyshire. The firm provides developers and clients from the UK and beyond with an all-inclusive construction service. It has built a reputation across the Midlands for consistently designing, building and project managing the delivery of homes and commercial buildings that people aspire to live, work, socialise and visit and which benefit their communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of the brand-new Woodland View School building in Waterside, Kirkintilloch, is now complete, ahead of opening its doors to pupils in August 2023. Accommodating children and young people from ages 2- 18 from across East Dunbartonshire who currently attend Campsie View and Merkland Schools, the building is designed to be both practical and stimulating for pupils who have a broad range of additional support needs. Council Leader Gordan Low joined Head Teacher Kay Hunter and pupils from both schools to receive the keys from contractors McLaughlin & Harvey and to have their first glimpse inside the custom-built development. Councillor Low said, “After having my first tour inside Woodland View School, I am confident this purpose-built place of learning will well serve the needs of the 200 pupils from Merkland and Campsie View Schools who will start attending here in the August term. “Our contractors have delivered a school built to a very high standard, that boasts plenty of open spaces and a sensory trail leading from the ground floor to the first floor. Both indoors and out, the school is undoubtedly a welcoming and comfortable learning environment for our children and young people with modern décor and fittings.” Head Teacher Kay Hunter, added, “It was very exciting to see inside our new school – the building is absolutely fantastic! It has been designed to meet the needs of all of our pupils; from extra wide lifts to an accessible walkway, connecting the ground and first floor. “There is so much light and space, with lots of access for outdoor learning. The use of natural materials contributes to the creation of a happy and nurturing environment throughout. Outdoors we have beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyard areas as well as a super Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). I am sure all our children and young people, and our parents and carers, will be absolutely thrilled with it.” Chris Boyle, Scape Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are delighted to hand over the new Woodland View school to East Dunbartonshire Council. We have enjoyed working in collaboration with the Council, the two merged schools and the community to create a bespoke learning environment that will enhance the lives of so many young people in the area. “The project was delivered using the Scape framework to maximise the economic benefit to the local community. This has included using local labour and supporting community groups and individuals in Waterside, Kirkintilloch and East Dunbartonshire.” Ms Hunter added, “Over the coming weeks, all pupils from Merkland and Campsie View Schools will come along to see the new accommodation, to help prepare them for the move in August. I can’t wait to see the excitement on their faces.” Whilst the school building and playground areas are complete, work continues on the community area which consists of a full-size football pitch and biodiversity planting. It is anticipated these works will be finished in the coming months The £34.9m Woodland View School is being delivered by the Council in partnership with Scape and main contractor, McLaughlin & Harvey. The architects are Norr. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new skills academy has given future students a taste of what it would be like to be part of landmark regeneration projects such as Meridian Water. Delivered through a partnership by Enfield Council, Capital City College Group and Countryside Partnerships, the Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opened on 14 June with workshops to demonstrate the wide range of courses on offer. The academy aims to train around 500 people per year enabling local people to develop skills to access good quality work. There are several positions available for people at the academy to gain employment in the construction of Meridian Water, Enfield Council’s landmark regeneration project in the east of the borough. Enfield Council is committed to empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in Enfield by providing education and training. The academy will offer courses and apprenticeships in core construction skills with a focus on sustainable development based on the needs of the industry. Learners will benefit from a range of facilities including dedicated indoor and outdoor workspaces to give them hands-on skills training using various construction methods and equipment. The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “Meridian Water is about benefiting the local Edmonton community. By investing in Enfield through programmes such as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy the Council can help to deliver positive outcomes that will enable people to gain the qualifications they need for a successful career in the industry. This investment will ensure people have ongoing and sustainable employment which in turn will support the local economy.” “We are thrilled to see the first learners arriving at the academy this summer and hope they continue onto careers across the development of the Meridian Water site.” Kate Ives, Strategic Growth Director, London at Countryside Partnerships, commented: “The need for the construction industry to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater, so we are immensely proud to open the Enfield Construction Skills Academy alongside our partners Enfield Council and Capital City College Group. Providing the workforce of the future with the skills and training opportunities to help deliver the crucial Meridian Water regeneration programme and more, the academy is set to leave a considerable legacy across the borough and beyond.” Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal of Capital City College Group, said: “At CCCG, we are committed to working with employers to reduce the huge shortfall of skilled construction workers in the UK. The academy will provide excellent construction training to industry standards to boost employment in Enfield and support the local and wider economy.” “The academy will further enhance CONEL’s excellent reputation for training people for great construction careers. Our experienced teachers have a huge wealth of skills and knowledge from across the industry from bricklaying and plumbing to carpentry and electrical, to give students and apprentices the best possible training. Many of our programmes will place an emphasis on sustainable development in line with our Mayor’s Academy Green Hub” “We look forward to building our relationship with Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships and the new academy becoming a centre of excellence for construction training in London.” Enfield Construction Skills Academy is the latest addition to the ever-growing Meridian Water development which will deliver 10,000 homes and 6,000 jobs. The academy is run by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) which is part of CCCG. To learn more about the development, visit the Meridian Water website where you can also find information on the Enfield Construction Skills Academy. To explore the range of courses available visit CCCG’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents threatening road workers with weapons, such as machetes, crossbows and dogs. A driver threatened to chop off an operative’s head with an electric handsaw unless he was allowed through a closed road. One worker was shot at with a pellet gun, while another regularly receives homophobic abuse. Road workers are there to do a critical job to improve the roads and environment for communities living in the city, and every single person deserves to go home to their families safe and well at the end of each shift. Kier Highways site supervisor, Paul, said: “The people I work with are not confrontational. They are good people, there to do a job that they have been instructed to do. Yet they have been threatened with machetes, shot at, driven at, had things thrown at them. “And what for? Just because somebody wants to drive down the road that must be closed for safety reasons? “Road workers are there to do a job and earn a living. We should respect that and afford the people in these jobs the right to earn that living.” Expect Respect features stories from five different operatives who work across Birmingham. They each tell their lived experience of abuse and call on the public to make a change to their behaviour. The campaign has been launched by the Integrated Programme Alliance (IPA), which delivers vital network improvement works across the city and was established by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Highways Ltd, together with Kier, Arcadis, Tarmac, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) and WJ Group. It is also supported by Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council. Cllr Clements said: “Everyone working on our highways network is doing an important job – and all of their tasks are carried out for the people of our city and those using our roads. “That is why it is totally unacceptable that they are subject to any form of abuse. Some of the incidents that have been reported are shocking and horrific, which is exactly why I back this campaign.” Birmingham Highways Ltd (BHL) manages and maintains the roads in the city. To support road workers and to provide the police with better evidence, BHL has invested in CCTV towers, body cameras and warning systems to alert workers when people or vehicles enter a live work site. Dave Pugh, Technical Director at Birmingham Highways Limited, added: “Over 800 people across our IPA teams are working hard to improve the standards of the roads in Birmingham, and they deserve our respect. The work they do is vital to the safety and efficiency of our roads, and we hope that the proud people of Birmingham will support our workers and call out any incidences of abuse or assault to collectively help stamp out this shocking behaviour.” Road workers on the contract receive regular training on public interactions and how to keep these positive, as well as incident reporting training and these messages are being reinforced throughout the campaign. Should a resident wish to raise an incident about a road worker and their conduct, they should do so via the website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING house developer, has recruited an industry-leading light to head up its sales and marketing team, continuing its impressive trajectory of growth in the North East as it expands its current portfolio of developments. Tracy Iles joins the team bringing more than 20 years’ new homes and construction experience to the role. Before Lovell, she previously worked for four national housebuilders, working her way up from field sales manager to senior sales manager, before becoming sales director. She joins Lovell as its new sales and marketing manager, where she’ll be responsible for directing marketing initiatives to promote new developments and enhance sales. Tracy said: “I’ve worked in the property world for so many years now, but Lovell’s reputation for excellence has always preceded it. Following the North East region’s launch in 2021, the team has gone from strength to strength, and it’s exciting to get the opportunity to be a part of that.” “The North East region has an ambitious growth plan with a number of new sites coming to fruition across North Yorkshire, Durham and Tyne & Wear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the team during what is set to be an exciting time.” Tracy’s new role will also see her managing and recruiting sales staff and assessing land opportunities. Tracy said: “I’ve joined an incredible team committed to delivering homes of outstanding quality. I’ve been inspired by their enthusiasm, and I look forward to engaging with existing and new clients in the coming months”. Paul Devaney, regional managing director of Lovell Partnerships in the North East region, said: “At Lovell, we always aim to achieve and exceed the expectations of internal and external stakeholders, as well as our customers, by striving for a five-star house builder status. “This is because it’s really important to us to ensure that our house buyers are in a happy environment, and having the right staff members in place is a key part of that. “Tracy has a wealth of experience in the construction industry and is a great asset to our team. With her help, I’m looking forward to building on our success to date.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy, whilst maintaining respect for the environment. MAP test certification is a key requirement for obtaining major CSCS cards, including: In November 2021, CITB surveyed 10,000 Managers and Professionals across the UK who had taken the CITB HS&E MAP test in the previous two years. They were offered the opportunity to provide feedback, with the insight used as part of a review, leading to the inclusion of six new additional subjects: Further changes to the test include updating existing questions and adding new ones, as well as updating the corresponding revision materials to ensure candidates are well prepared for taking the test. The new test is also available for candidates to take in Welsh, a significant milestone in CITB’s commitments to the Welsh Language Scheme and increasing accessibility. Industry feedback plays an important part in CITB’s product and service development and reflects the needs of the construction industry and that of the modern workforce, which evolve over time. CITB wants to ensure the test remains relevant, fit for purpose, and reflects changes made to legislation, working practices and new technology. Coming into effect from 27 June 2023, the new test will equip Managers and Professionals with the most up to date and accurate information, to ensure they can confidently lead their teams on health, safety and environmental matters. Garry Mortimer, CSCS Head of Operations, said: “CSCS is pleased to have worked with CITB over the revision of its MAP test to help ensure that it meets our minimum standard required, which it does, ensuring that those individuals who take the test have the appropriate levels of knowledge and skills to carry out their role safely and to keep others safe in the process.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to gain industry insight and carry out these important updates to the HS&E MAP test and revision materials, with consideration to new technologies and legislation. Our purpose is to support the construction industry in developing and maintaining a safe, skilled, and competent workforce, both now and in the future. To do that, we must move with the times to ensure our tests remain relevant – it’s about keeping people safe.” If candidates are taking the test on or after 27 June 2023, they will need to ensure that they are using the new revision materials. Developed to align with the changes to the test, the new revision materials are available via the CITB Shop. There is also a revision app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Visit the CITB website to book a test or find out more on the HS&E MAP test changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals