For the most part, there are two reasons for travelling from one place to another. The first is pleasure: we want to see the world, sample new tastes and sensations, and take a break from working life. The second reason is business. In today’s interconnected world, businesses which operate internationally
Apleona HSG Facility Management UK has secured a multi-million pound FM services contract with Siemens Mobility Limited. The three-year deal with one of the UK’s largest transport technology organisations will see Apleona deliver services including mechanical & electrical, fabric maintenance, reactive works, grounds keeping, winterisation, and projects at 35 locations
Conexus Law, the specialist advisory firm that provides legal and commercial advice to clients who work in sectors where the built environment, technology, engineering and people converge, is launching a range of fact sheets on the legal implications of the Covid-19. The first one provides legal analysis alongside some valuable, practical
The world is turning its focus to the point of environmental awareness as people strive to incorporate eco-friendlier methodology into their day-to-day practices. Everyone is becoming clean and ‘green’ as far as the things they purchase, the food they eat, and how they function on a regular basis. Reducing every
For most consumers today the words “plastic” and “sustainability” don’t often go together. However, manufacturers understand that reusable plastics are making supply chains more sustainable. Additionally, reusable plastics help to streamline a supply chain, reducing bottom lines and making products more affordable. This is especially true in the food supply
Mott MacDonald Ventures, the investment arm of global management, engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald, has announced a new strategic partnership with 3D Repo, pioneers of cloud-based design collaboration for building information modelling (BIM). The partnership follows a recent £2.3m A-series investment round in 3D Repo led by The Ingenious
Do you want to renovate your house or flat but you cannot do it on your own? If you do, it is worth to hire some specialist in this field. A professional painter or even decorator who will change your flat into a unique place. However, there is a question
Manufacturer’s aluminium glazing systems used again at Bournemouth University. Frequent Kawneer specifiers Atkins has used the manufacturer’s architectural aluminium glazing systems again, on a unique building which forms a new £27 million gateway to a leading UK university. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling forms triangular screens some 25m
If you’re taking your DIY game to the next level and have your sights set on cementing the base for your own shed, read these tips before you start. Once you know how to pour concrete, you’ll find that you can quickly increase the value of your home, should you
Modern businesses need access to reliable internet if they’re to function. If a substantial portion of the workforce are self-isolating thanks to COVID-19, then this need becomes especially pressing. But for decision-makers weighing the cost of investing in new broadband technology, the breadth of options can be a little bit
For the most part, there are two reasons for travelling from one place to another. The first is pleasure: we want to see the world, sample new tastes and sensations, and take a break from working life. The second reason is business. In today’s interconnected world, businesses which operate internationally cannot silo their various branches away – they must occasionally send representatives from one place to another. Of course, the opportunities to do this are being heavily limited by the effects of the unfolding coronavirus pandemic, and it remains to be seen what effect this will have on the way international business operates. It is likely that alternative means of payment will be considered for employees less sure of the hours they need to be in the office – carnet tickets represent a flexible option that is likely to be popular. But why was it that we travelled for business in the first place? Why we travelled for business Network If you’re at a trade show or conference, you’ll have a unique opportunity to interact with your peers – and doing so is near-essential. This is where representatives with social skills will help to get your brand out there. Opportunity The rate at which prospects can be converted into customers vastly increases with the help of a face-to-face meeting. Some larger companies would not even think of signing a contract unless some form of real-world contact has been established. And if you’re signing international contracts, then some form of travel is always necessary. Human Interaction Face-to-face contact is advantageous for several reasons. It allows us to put a face to what might be a name on an email, and help individuals to endure for longer in the memory. Another plus side is that it will reduce the chance of a miscommunication. Business Travel Spend Through the Years According to Statista, business spending on travel has steadily increased in Britain over the last decade, from just under forty billion in 2010 to just over fifty billion in 2017. It remains to be seen whether the current nosedive in business travel represents a fundamental change, or a temporary blip before business-as-usual is restored. Effects of Brexit While Brexit might seem like a bit of a sideshow now, there’s no doubting that the effects it will have on business will still be consequential in the long-term. They just won’t be anywhere near as seismic as those of Covid-19. Freedom of movement across Europe will be restricted, and thus travellers may need to seek documentation prior to travelling to the mainland. Moreover, delays along the way are possible. For those travelling frequently, these might amount to a nuisance, and a drain on the scarcest of resources: time. But documentation isn’t the only thing that will drain your precious time. Other things like carrying heavy luggage and queuing to store them can also waste this scarce resource called time. While you may have no control over the effects of Brexit on business travel, you can at least ensure that minor things do not waste your time. Regarding luggage issues, for example, you can opt for luggage storage solutions. For example, if you’re in London, you’ll find options like left luggage Waterloo very helpful if you need to leave heavy luggage behind.
Apleona HSG Facility Management UK has secured a multi-million pound FM services contract with Siemens Mobility Limited. The three-year deal with one of the UK’s largest transport technology organisations will see Apleona deliver services including mechanical & electrical, fabric maintenance, reactive works, grounds keeping, winterisation, and projects at 35 locations ranging from Dundee in Scotland to Poole on the south coast of England. Siemens Mobility Limited supplies smart solutions for rail and road transport, including trains, traffic management systems and rail signalling and electrification, focussing on supporting passenger and freight services.
Conexus Law, the specialist advisory firm that provides legal and commercial advice to clients who work in sectors where the built environment, technology, engineering and people converge, is launching a range of fact sheets on the legal implications of the Covid-19. The first one provides legal analysis alongside some valuable, practical steps that may be taken by parties who find the impact of Covid-19 affects their ability to meet contractual obligations owed to others (upstream), or who find that their trading partners can no longer meet the obligations owed to them (downstream). Ed Cooke, Founder at Conexus Law, said: “In the modern commercial world, businesses are often heavily reliant on trading partners and long “just in time” supply chains in order to fulfil their contractual obligations. The impact of Covid-19 could significantly upset those finely balanced arrangements and the relationships between parties may be tested in ways they had not previously contemplated. “As trading relationships are now often global, a complex interplay of laws from different jurisdictions may also be in play, some of which are potentially in conflict. For example, English law may govern your contract with your customer, but Chinese law may govern the law of your contract with a critical supplier enabling you to perform your customer contract.” The Conexus Law fact sheet advises that organisations identify whether there are any express provisions written into the contract which might be relevant to the Covid-19 situation. For example, there is a large section on force majeure and whether it is applicable. Other areas include certain insurances and the importance of following all relevant procedures in the policy related to claims notification and submission of claims. “The Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak is already having a significant impact on many individuals and businesses and it is becoming clearer that the impact will likely be more significant and longer lasting than we may have imagined at first. We hope these fact sheets provide helpful guidance during these challenging times,” concludes Ed. To download this fact sheet, free of charge, click here: https://7aee0ab1-94f5-4d7e-9556-9f9a01df3265.filesusr.com/ugd/b58c63_71a397aa9f414609913e82fc89d9417a.pdf
The world is turning its focus to the point of environmental awareness as people strive to incorporate eco-friendlier methodology into their day-to-day practices. Everyone is becoming clean and ‘green’ as far as the things they purchase, the food they eat, and how they function on a regular basis. Reducing every person’s carbon footprint is the way to make the planet a healthier, safer place for the generations that follow. While you can effectively save the energy within your home or business through the installation of new windows and doors, a simple solution that can be implemented quickly is the use of commercial solar lights. These lights use the energy produced by the sun for power to light various areas throughout your property. They’re not only good for the planet; they’re cost-effective. Types Of Solar Lights There is a multitude of different types of solar lights spanning the market. Depending on your aesthetic, manufacturers have created a variety of styles, shapes, colors, and sizes so the lighting can be useful in any design scheme with them serving a wide range of purposes. Solar-powered path lights: Designing various pathways, sidewalks, even the driveway around the home or your small business are great ways to give curb appeal. But you can only really enjoy the beauty of this type of landscaping during the daytime. The perfect way to enhance these features is to add illumination that will showcase them even when it’s dark. Not only will solar lights add charm at night, but they will also act to protect visitors from missteps or falls when it’s difficult to see. Solar lights for decoration: Decorative lanterns, blown glass, string lights, and a host of other styles are the perfect backdrop to outdoor evening get-togethers, whether it be a pool party or a barbecue on the deck. They produce the ideal ambiance for the intimate gathering without the need for added expenses to run lighting for the event, plus they’re beautiful in comparison. For benefits of these light sources go to https://www.buildings.com/buzz/buildings-buzz/entryid/227/benefits-of-solar-lighting. Solar-powered spotlights: A solar spotlight boasts as being among the brightest of the solar family. It notes to produce light that is comparable to that of a 40-watt incandescent bulb. You can set these to highlight a focal point for which you want to bring special attention. Some people like to do this with their front door entryway and some have specific beloved garden elements they want to stand out. You can get these with the option of motion detection, so they come on when there is any type of movement. A motion-detected spotlight would be helpful at the entrance to a house or company front entry as people approach. Or you can merely have those that stay on. The main issue facing the environment is the ever-expanding carbon footprint that stems from energy production through the use of non-renewable sources. There are genuinely simplistic things that each person can do in an effort to reduce their impact. And solar lights are not only a way to do a good thing for the planet, but they are also a way for you to add cost-effective light sources to any environment. Click here to learn the benefits. The issue that some people face in going green or clean is that the price point for items such as the solar lights themselves can prove to be somewhat stifling at first glance. But when you take into consideration the amount of money that you save with energy bills, not to mention supplies such as light bulbs, you’ll see that you will truly get your money back and some. The amount of money in light bulbs for regular lighting alone can be incredible. When you purchase solar lights, there’s no added expense after that point. They have the potential to last for years with very little maintenance, if any. Solar lights provide an unlimited source of power if you place them where they can make contact with the sun. It’s an ideal alternative to any other resource, such as electricity. Going green doesn’t have to take tons of effort or be exhaustive. You can start small, and solar lights are ideal for
For most consumers today the words “plastic” and “sustainability” don’t often go together. However, manufacturers understand that reusable plastics are making supply chains more sustainable. Additionally, reusable plastics help to streamline a supply chain, reducing bottom lines and making products more affordable. This is especially true in the food supply chain, where sustainability as well as cleanliness are of utmost importance. When looking at the journey a tomato takes from farm to a consumer’s home, it’s clear to see how often reusable plastics make it possible. Plastics in the Growing Process It used to be that tomato farming required in the US the use of a large amount of non-eco-friendly materials, such as metal and wood. However, the containers and other products made of these materials are damaging to the environment to create as they require mining or felling of trees. Additionally, these products weigh more than plastic, leading to raised shipping costs and adding to the fuel required to get these products to the farms and out for shipments. Nowadays, farmers use carefully sourced plastic systems to help them grow tomatoes safely and naturally. Plastic seedling trays, plastic irrigations systems, and plastic greenhouse covers allow farmers to grow tomatoes more efficiently and in all kinds of weather, yielding more abundant crops and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the tomato industry. Plastics in the Harvest Process Lipman Family Farms, located in Immokalee, Florida, is America’s largest field tomato grower. They pride themselves on being Earth-conscious and pioneering sustainable farming practices, which is why plastic harvest bins are their go-to containers when it’s time to pick the tomatoes. “The harvest bins are the foundation of our farming operation, they’re reusable to the point of five to six years,” says Louis DeMaso, Sustainability and Operations Analyst for Lipman Family Farms. “They hold about 5,000 pounds [so we use them] anytime we transport our bins from farm to packinghouse.” Not only are plastic harvest bins reusable, but they can be equipped with features such as ventilation, sturdy handles, and side-wall access. These features make harvesting easier for workers, thereby speeding up the process. Containers with these features can also protect the produce within, leading to less waste. All of this can contribute to reduced costs for the farmer and consumer. But perhaps the most crucial reason that plastic harvest bins have become preferable in agriculture explains DeMaso is that “from the food safety perspective, plastic is much cleaner.” Plastic is safer for food storage due to its nonporous nature. It does not absorb moisture, so bacteria is not able to grow. Washing plastic with sanitizer virtually guarantees a clean surface because substances cannot become trapped within the plastic, unlike cardboard, which very easily absorbs moisture, dirt, and germs. Plastics at the Packinghouse After the tomatoes are harvested, they are then sent to a packinghouse for washing and packaging. Specially designed reusable plastic crates allow for proper ventilation and automated sorting, all of which leads to reduced waste. Most tomatoes are then processed into sauces and soups. For this purpose, most packinghouses rely on intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs. These large plastic boxes are especially designed to hold liquids and can hold over 300 gallons. Their high-load capacity, durability, and reusability make IBCs far superior to traditional barrels. Plastics in Distribution There are many reusable plastics being used at the distribution level as well. Grocers rely on reusable plastic containers, or RPCs. These lightweight, foldable containers also often act as the “shelves” in produce displays. They are also easily stacked, and not expensive to ship due to their light weight. Additionally, plastic shipping pallets are used to send tomatoes and produce of all kinds to grocers and processors. They are lighter, take up far less vertical space than traditional pallets, and can nest into each other for return shipments, making them far more cost effective for shipping large quantities of goods. Plastics and International Trade For international transit, especially, plastic is preferable because the supply chain is longer. The durability of plastic, as opposed to wood, means the containers are less likely to be damaged on a long trip, even with hundreds of pounds of produce stacked on top of them. Plastic is often also easier to pass through international customs, as they’re naturally less likely to harbor dangerous germs, molds, or other contaminants. The United States has been a bit slower to adopt reusable plastics in general, likely because the initial cost of reusable packaging is higher than single-use options. However, companies like Reusable Transport Packaging are working to change that perception by offering rental models that allow farmers to only pay for the time they are using the containers. “Farmers still spend a lot of money on single use corrugated and or single use plastics for distribution to retailers. Our pay-per-use or milk man model allows users to cut out single use packaging waste, save money, and use a better reusable transport package,’ says Justin Bean, Business Development and Sales Manager at Reusable Transport Packaging. Many in the agriculture industry are also realizing the importance of using reusable packaging if they want to do business internationally. “There are a lot of countries especially in the EU that will not allow or simply don’t want their products shipped in single use cardboard or plastics,” says Bean. “We are able to work with those customers to provide a RTP that will work for them and protect their protects better in transit.” Looking at all the advantages of reusable plastics, it becomes clear why they have become a staple for supply chains in nearly every industry. Of course, agricultural shipping has additional concerns when it comes to maintaining food safety, making plastic containers an even more ideal solution.
Mott MacDonald Ventures, the investment arm of global management, engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald, has announced a new strategic partnership with 3D Repo, pioneers of cloud-based design collaboration for building information modelling (BIM). The partnership follows a recent £2.3m A-series investment round in 3D Repo led by The Ingenious Group’s infrastructure ventures EIS service, and brings more positive momentum for the innovative start-up. Mott MacDonald currently utilises BIM across the building, oil and gas, transport, water, and power industry sectors, and plans to use 3D Repo’s online collaborative platform to enhance collaboration and to drive better results on construction projects across the UK. Darren Russell, chief digital officer at Mott MacDonald Digital Ventures, said: “BIM brings a long list of tangible benefits that ultimately save time and money through reduced risk, minimising waste, faster delivery, and enhanced sustainability. Through our partnership with 3D Repo we’ll be able to connect people with the information they need to drive better decisions and deliver more of the UK’s most ambitious construction projects.” Mott MacDonald is a US$2bn organisation, employing over 16,000 people and delivering projects all over the world. Notable developments include Heathrow Terminal 5, the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, and the US$13bn redevelopment of JFK Airport. Dr Jozef Dobos, founder and CEO of 3D Repo, said: “3D Repo is already partnered with a growing list of forward-thinking tech companies including Opentext, BrydenWood, and Mission Room, among others. Our new partnership with Mott MacDonald will open new doors for 3D Repo and allow us to deploy our digital construction platform on more of the most challenging infrastructure projects in the UK.” London-based 3D Repo has deployed its collaborative BIM platform on projects such as Wood Wharf district, the remodelling of King’s Cross railway station and Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Its multi-award-winning digital platform for BIM provides access to data to anyone with a web browser whenever and wherever they need it. The service democratises the data, mitigates risk and reduces complexity for everyone involved including architects, engineers, and contractors. 3D Repo allows users to manage 3D model revisions and highlight potential clashes and safety issues using live collaboration tools which enable the whole project team to work from a single source of truth, anywhere and at any time. www.3drepo.com
Do you want to renovate your house or flat but you cannot do it on your own? If you do, it is worth to hire some specialist in this field. A professional painter or even decorator who will change your flat into a unique place. However, there is a question – which painter on the market is good? Read this article and find out about the ways which will help you to find the best painter in your district. 1. Preparation before you start looking for specialist 2. Ask for pricing more than one painter 3. Don’t be afraid of asking Preparation before you start looking for specialist Before you start looking for a professional on the Internet or ask your friends for instructions, make a list of things that need to be done, taking into account the necessary preparations. Thanks to this, the painter will be able to prepare an accurate estimation cost. What is more, you will be able to answer all the person’s questions and make the schedule of the work more accurate. Ask for pricing more than one painter It is highly advisable to ask for a quote from at least three different painters. If it is possible, invite them to your home to see the rooms that need to be painted. As a result, they will take into account all stages of work including preparation for painting and some additional works as well. Don’t be afraid of asking Before you sign the agreement with the painter, it is recommended to ask as many questions as you can regarding the renovation. What is more, it is worth to write them down in the agreement to avoid misunderstandings in future. Some of the important questions worth asking are following: – Who will rearrange the furniture and protect it and clean it after painting – some companies provide only painting services, they do not clean and rearrange the furniture after the work is done. – Is the service covered by a guarantee – every reputable company should provide the guarantee, if you hire a small one, it is worth to check it. – Is the painter insured – in case of accident, you can have some problems regarding healing the worker. – Can he provide references from previous clients – references should be verified before you sign the agreement. – What is the estimated working time – it should be also included in agreement. – Is the painter responsible for purchasing the paint or the customer should do it on his/her own – if the painter will buy it, it is also worth to set the details. Article prepared in cooperation with Ignas Limited – Painters and Decorators in London.
Manufacturer’s aluminium glazing systems used again at Bournemouth University. Frequent Kawneer specifiers Atkins has used the manufacturer’s architectural aluminium glazing systems again, on a unique building which forms a new £27 million gateway to a leading UK university. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling forms triangular screens some 25m wide and 15m high for the main atrium at Bournemouth University’s 5,000m2 Poole Gateway Building, while Kawneer’s thermally-superior AA®720 entrance doors were used throughout the building and its AA®190 TB automatic sliding door was used at the campus side entrance lobby. In addition, Kawneer’s AA®541 fixed-light windows were used to create openings within both the rainscreen and masonry facades while thermally-broken AA®543 tilturn windows were used alongside aluminium spandrel panels as insertions to the curtain walling. Kirsty Pesticcio, senior architect at Atkins, said: “The glazed elements have a significant impact on the building and the Kawneer products interfaced really well with the masonry and rainscreen façade. “The triangulated gateway form was very complex in nature so we had to ensure fixings were angled with precision to tie into the structural members. Kawneer-approved installer Leay were engaged early within the design process to ensure the developing design met both our design concept and technical constraints of the products chosen.” The building was targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” score so upper BRE Green Guide ratings for material specification, aligned with budgets, was important. The Poole Gateway building is a state-of-the-art combined technical facility for the university’s faculties of Science and Technology and Media and Communication, the latter of which houses the UK’s only recognised Centre for Excellence in Media Practice. The two-year build by main contractor Willmott Dixon comprises a steel frame, SFS infill and composite concrete decked floors. Although the building is primarily divided by internal stud partitions, there are many technical studio spaces which had to be designed and installed as a ‘room in room’ construction using timber frames. Specialist sub-contractor Leay had a team of up to six on site for three winter months. Leay’s business development manager Mike Watts said: “The main curtain wall screens are essentially large triangles. The transom locations were staggered in design in an attempt to prevent hard lines being established in the overall design. “The transoms were set out by us to keep glass specification the same thickness on the project and also to optimise the material on the project efficiently to keep wastage down and therefore cost. “The project was also designed to limit the amount of intermediate steelwork to make the atrium feel as open plan as possible as well as to dead load the full screen down onto the ground-floor slab. “We proposed the use of Kawneer products on this scheme from the outset as we knew they would represent the best value for money and also achieve the structural requirements of the scheme. Working alongside the architect from an early stage, we were able to quickly assist with mullion sizings to allow setting out to be established and avoid potential clashes at a very early stage.” Atkins’ brief was to deliver a new gateway building on the eastern edge of the university’s Talbot Campus which sits just inside the border between Bournemouth and Poole and would be predominantly used by students from the two faculties, providing a range of high-quality technical facilities to support undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as research. Kirsty Pesticcio said: “We believe the client is delighted with the overall design and how it meets the original brief of a gateway building to their campus.” NESTA (National Endowment for Science Technology and Art) said: “Almost half of all graduates from specialist VFX [visual effects] courses who gained employment in the industry had graduated from Bournemouth University”. Graduates have worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Gravity, Star Wars, Madagascar and Interstellar, which won an Oscar in 2015. The Poole Gateway building is one of three at Bournemouth University which feature Kawneer systems. They have also been used on a £40 million new home for the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. Again designed by Atkins, the Bournemouth Gateway Building features Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain walling with feature face caps on tall atrium screens along with AA®720 window vents and entrance doors and AA®190 TB doors. The Kawneer systems here were installed by fellow Kawneer-approved dealer Aluminium Sashes for main contractor Kier. The Bournemouth Gateway Building is due to open in September 2020. Kawneer systems were also used on the original £22 million BREEAM “Excellent” Fusion building which features Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling, AA®541 top-hung casement windows, AA®545 low/medium duty swing doors and series 190 doors. These were installed by approved dealer AB Glass for Willmott Dixon to a BDP design.
If you’re taking your DIY game to the next level and have your sights set on cementing the base for your own shed, read these tips before you start. Once you know how to pour concrete, you’ll find that you can quickly increase the value of your home, should you wish to sell. Or simply improve your curb appeal. Who wouldn’t prefer a sleek new driveway vs an old cracked weed infested entrance? The Risks Involved With substantially more risks involved with cement pouring vs your average DIY project, there are even more if you decided to do this in winter. Be aware of these hazards before you decide if laying a cement foundation is something you want to do. Let’s look at the potential risks involved: – Slips and falls – Eye irritation – Breathing difficulty – Chemical burns – Severe skin dryness – Improper lifting Injuries Most of these risks are easily managed with the right safety gear and basic awareness. Slips Trips and Falls The most common hazard in everyday life. But concrete takes it a step further. Now it is your responsibility to create a surface that is safe to walk on. Finishing the concrete slab with a too smooth surface is very dangerous particularly if outside and could get wet. A smooth wet surface is just asking for slips and falls. You can easily achieve a safe surface texture with a broom. Use a contractor’s broom to achieve consistent lines by using overlapping parallel strokes. You can determine the smooth-rough texture by wetting the broom during this process. Wear appropriate concrete boots when pouring cement. If you’ll be standing in wet concrete, wear long rubber boots and be sure to have a safety toe for foot protection. The most suitable footwear is easy to clean and has a non slip outsole. Eye Irritation & Breathing Difficulty Dry concrete is a light powder that can get into eyes, nose or mouth of anyone nearby. This powdery mixture can cause respiratory irritation. It can even lead to infection or illness. Wear suitable HEPA-filter respirator protective equipment as specified by OSHA standards and minimize dust as much as possible. If you can avoid sanding or cutting cement then don’t do it and avoid the dust it creates. Are you working on a larger area surface? It might be sensible to have a cement company mix the concrete off site and deliver it in a cement mixing truck. Chemical Burns & Severe Skin Dryness Wet cement is dangerous. If you experience direct contact with it, severe skin reactions can be expected. Some reactions can include chemical burns, dermatitis, blistering amongst other unwanted and painful side effects. Your skin is damaged not only by the chemicals but by the intense moisture extraction that leaves your skin damaged and vulnerable. “So just use a bit of moisturising lotion” you might think? Lotion is no match for this type of damage. There have been cases where cement contact has caused amputations. Rather safe than sorry and protect yourself. When working with wet cement, cover as much of your skin as possible with tall boots, long pants tucked into your waterproof boots, long shirts, jackets or overalls, alkali-resistant gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. You will also have access to an emergency washing area should you come into skin contact with wet cement. OSHA reports that cement workers suffer 4x more work absence days vs construction workers. Improper lifting Injuries This is a constant risk from gardening to office workers to the construction site, but cement workers suffer the most again, with these types of injuries. Cement bags are heavy even if they are “only powder”. Make sure to lift bags with a friend and use your legs. After lifting with your back, one of the most common issues is twisting whilst carrying heavy items. Ideally you would use a forklift on anything over 50 lbs. Another option is to roll a heavy item or half the load. Divide and conquer by simply 1) buying smaller concrete bags or 2) scooping it safely into a seperate container and make 2 or more trips to the oversized bag. You can review safe lfting techniques on the OSHA website here. Conclusion I hope you are more prepared when approaching your new DIY task and can plan accordingly. Take a few basic precautions as discussed and you are good to go. There is no better feeling than coming home every day and admiring that new driveway you constructed. Enjoy your new project and above all be safe out there! If you have questions, leave them below! Author Bio Maya Fleischer is an enthusiastic DIY-er, writer and editor at TheFootFacts. She has a passion for researching & building projects in a new (possibly improved!) method and enjoys sharing useful safety ideas she’s gathered on her journey.
Modern businesses need access to reliable internet if they’re to function. If a substantial portion of the workforce are self-isolating thanks to COVID-19, then this need becomes especially pressing. But for decision-makers weighing the cost of investing in new broadband technology, the breadth of options can be a little bit on the confusing side. Just what are all of these types of internet connection, and what do they mean? Let’s take a look. Fibre Broadband The gold standard for broadband speed is fibre-optic. This relies on pulses of light being transmitted along optical fibres. There’s no resistance to worry about, and the signal does not degrade in the same way that an electrical one would. Traditionally, the signal from the telephone company will arrive at your local cabinet via a fibre-optic connection, and then be distributed locally over copper wire. This is known as a fibre-to-the-cabinet, or FTTC, connection. FTTP Fibre-to-the-Premises, or FTTP, is a much rarer technology. It eliminates all of the copper from the signal chain, resulting in blazing-fast speeds. By making the switch to ‘full-fibre’, where the entire signal chain takes place over a fibre-optic connection, you’re effectively bringing the telephone exchange closer to your place of work. Unfortunately, this is impracticable in many cases. One solution posited by Openreach is the introduction of a compromise called G.fast, which effectively speeds up existing fibre lines. ADSL Broadband Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line has been around for decades. It isn’t anywhere near as fast as fibre broadband, but it still accounts for more than half of the UK’s broadband connections at present. This proportion is likely to decrease as fibre-optic infrastructure is rolled out. Those in more remote and rural locations may find that they’re unable to get access to full-fibre, despite government pledges of £5 billion to get the infrastructure expanded. In most cases, ADSL represents the inferior option. With that said, this is often reflected in the pricing, and many businesses will not have a choice but to go with it. By investing in the right hardware and connectors from RS Components, you’ll be able to eliminate performance bottlenecks within the premises, and ensure that you’re squeezing maximum utility from the older tech. 5G One option that mobile workers might be interested in is 5G, which promises to allow for rapid-streaming video from just about anywhere where the signal allows. One of the biggest advantages of 5G is its ability to tolerate large gatherings without any dip in service – though given recent events, it’s unlikely that this virtue will be leveraged in the near future.