A 360-tonne bridge has been lifted into place as part of construction of a new port for the South East, Tilbury2. The steel bridge was towed 135 nautical miles from Rotterdam to the Tilbury2 site – a process which took 24 hours – before it was lifted into place. The
ASCENA has been named as the hotel operator at the much-anticipated £120 million Guildhall development in Nottingham. Ascena will bring a 160-bed four-star hotel offering to the city which will include a rooftop fine dining restaurant, spa and wedding and conference facilities. The scheme will be submitted for detailed planning
Construction work has officially begun on a new distribution centre based at Optimus Point in Leicestershire for laboratory and medical equipment supplier, Sarstedt Limited The facility was granted planning permission in the summer following the appointment of construction consultancy Gleeds by Wilson Bowden Developments. Gleeds is acting as the employer’s
Leeds College of Building is now offering the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship, focusing specifically on the drylining pathway. This is a Level 2 qualification and typically takes two years to complete. Working in partnership with British Gypsum to deliver the course, it includes the supply of materials, training and keeping
Manufacturer’s Dune eVo tiles feature in an agile working programme. Ultra-green ceiling tiles by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions are helping one of Britain’s leading utility companies focus on providing low-carbon, sustainable energy, alongside agile working, within its own offices. In 2014, npower initiated a major programme to introduce agile working across
New building constitutes the third phase of development completed to date at the popular St Modwen Park development in Burton, Staffordshire. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a new 103,947 sq ft speculative distribution unit for leading logistics & industrial developer St Modwen in Burton One of the
Recent strong growth has seen TODD Architects, one of the Architects Journal’s UK leading 100 practices, expand its London office with a move to larger premises in Fitzrovia. Explains London office Principal, Katie Parfitt: “Although TODD’s have had a London studio since the 1980s, we needed more space to support
Several factors can cause foundation issues. They include; drainage issues, poor soil preparation, plumbing leaks, absorption of water by tree roots, etc. You should remember that your home is an investment, and it needs your protection. This will help you stay away from any repairing costs. Here are some tips
The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region
By Mackenzie Peters, Global Product Group Manager, Industrial HEFH at MSA Safety. MSA Safety is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products and customises its hard hats via its MSA LOGO EXPRESS® service. How we got to where we are Directive 89/686/EEC, introduced in 1989, aimed to
A 360-tonne bridge has been lifted into place as part of construction of a new port for the South East, Tilbury2. The steel bridge was towed 135 nautical miles from Rotterdam to the Tilbury2 site – a process which took 24 hours – before it was lifted into place. The approach bridge is the first of three components to be installed over the next few months to create a Roll On – Roll Off facility into the new terminal currently under construction by GRAHAM. Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury, said: “This is another important milestone in the creation of our new port Tilbury2. “GRAHAM’s team successfully completed the link span fixed bridge installation and we look forward to seeing the bridge opened early next year.” The steel bridge, measuring 54m x 15m x 5m was chosen for its strength and durability in the marine environment. It was transported by the HAPO pontoon H-332 and supporting tug. The Port of London (PLA) pilots were on board when entering the Thames Estuary and remained with GRAHAM throughout the lifting operations. Following closely behind in convoy was the MATADOR 3 seagoing floating sheerleg crane with a lifting capacity of 1,800 tonnes, again with a supporting tug. Paul Scott, Contracts Director for GRAHAM, said: “We have hit another milestone on this major project with the arrival and installation of the approach bridge. “It was a real team effort from the loading out at Ravestein’s BV yard through to the installation. “The approach bridge is positioned from abutments on both the landside of the flood defence and on the foreshore.” The Tilbury2 project consists of the construction of a new port terminal and associated facilities on land at the former Tilbury Power Station on the north bank of the River Thames at Tilbury. When operational in Spring 2020, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied freight ferry port, the country’s biggest construction processing hub and will see the creation of a new significantly larger rail head which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m. The project is central to the Port of Tilbury’s £1 billion investment programme during 2012-20, which has seen it double the size of its business in the past 10 years and is projected to double the volume of cargo across the quay (from 16 million to 32 million tonnes) and increase direct employment (from 3,500 to 12,000 jobs) over the next 10-15 years.
ASCENA has been named as the hotel operator at the much-anticipated £120 million Guildhall development in Nottingham. Ascena will bring a 160-bed four-star hotel offering to the city which will include a rooftop fine dining restaurant, spa and wedding and conference facilities. The scheme will be submitted for detailed planning over the next few weeks. Ascena has been working over the past few months to bring forward the redevelopment of the listed Guildhall. John Wilby, project lead for Ascena, said: “We are delighted that this scheme has taken a significant step forward. We will soon be submitting the development for planning and it is likely that all being well, that work will start on site in autumn 2020. “It is a landmark development for the city and a key destination for people across the East Midlands. The Guildhall is an amazing building and we are naturally delighted to be working the city council.” There will be sensitive restoration of the Grade II listed Nottingham Guildhall – the city’s former magistrates’ court – and Fire Station House, he added. “There will be a new lightweight extension to the northern elevation of the existing Guildhall to replace an unsightly latter-day extension,” John said. “We will be utilising high-grade materials and are working closely with our heritage consultant Turley and Historic England to ensure that this listed building is brought back to its former glory.” Ascena owns and runs a number of luxury hotel and restaurant facilities in Birmingham and the south West, one of which is the Birmingham Michelin starred restaurant Opheem – which is run by Ascena business partner Aktar Islam. Aktar, who is a former winner of The Great British Menu and The F Word, will be running the rooftop restaurant. The existing courtrooms will be sympathetically converted to bar and restaurant facilities, retaining many of the original key listed features. There will be a rooftop bar and restaurant to the new build extension incorporating Fire Station House. The Guildhall building itself will house the hotel, while more modern extensions at the back of the building would be demolished and rebuilt. The remaining part of the site, including the old fire and police stations, are subject to a mixed-use redevelopment which will be announced soon. Following detailed planning approval, it is likely that work will start on the hotel in autumn 2020. Since it was built in 1887, it has hosted a magistrates’ court, police station, and fire station. Nottingham City Council was based at the building between 1996 and 2010, until it moved to new offices in Loxley House. There will be a public exhibition on Monday 2 December at 38 Carrington Street from 3pm to 7pm when it will be possible to see images of the development and meet with the project team.
Construction work has officially begun on a new distribution centre based at Optimus Point in Leicestershire for laboratory and medical equipment supplier, Sarstedt Limited The facility was granted planning permission in the summer following the appointment of construction consultancy Gleeds by Wilson Bowden Developments. Gleeds is acting as the employer’s agent and project manager. The new distribution centre will be located on 5.3 acres of land at Plot 10 Optimus Point, Glenfield and requires the construction of a 61,640 square foot unit. It will include two-storey offices and core facilities. Other requirements of the site include associated external parking, a service yard, and landscaped areas. The facility is the latest addition to Optimus Point, a 65-acre development scheme that sits next to Junction 21a of the M1, featuring a range of local and national industrial warehouse operators. Construction is already underway and is expected to take 36-weeks, with an anticipated completion date of 1 May 2020. Cat Hartley, group manager for planning and economic development, Blaby District Council, said: “Sarstedt’s move to Optimus Point will deliver significant and permanent economic benefits to the District of Blaby. Up to 60 jobs will be retained locally.” Anthony Cork, director, Gleeds, commented: “There is no doubt that this new base will help Sarstedt improve its storage, logistics, and distribution with enhanced and modernised facilities, and it’s great to be starting on site. “Through our appointment as Employers Agent, we will look to use our significant skills in this sector to deliver a successful project for all parties.” Henry Henson, development manager at Wilson Bowden, added: “We are pleased that another local Leicestershire based company has decided to relocate to our Optimus Point development site, following in the footsteps of DPD, Boden, Everards, James Latham and Geary’s Bakeries. “These deals demonstrate that there has been extensive pent up demand by local occupiers, looking for high quality industrial/ warehouse accommodation within the local area and Optimus Point offers them this ideal opportunity.”
Leeds College of Building is now offering the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship, focusing specifically on the drylining pathway. This is a Level 2 qualification and typically takes two years to complete. Working in partnership with British Gypsum to deliver the course, it includes the supply of materials, training and keeping apprentices up-to-date with product development. If you are interested, get in touch with the Apprenticeship Team on 0113 222 6041 or email wbl@lcb.ac.uk For full details click here. Key facts Where will the apprentice study? Leeds College of Building Funding band: £1400, non-levy employer contribution £700 Apprentices start: Sept 2020, however early demand could bring the first wave forward to February 2020. Apprenticeship Training Costs: If you are an apprenticeship levy-payer you could fund this course through your levy payments, and for non-levy payers you will be required to contribute 5% of the course cost. If you are a non-levy payer and have less than 50 employees and take on a 16-18 year old apprentice the course will be free. Regardless of whether you are a levy/non-levy paying company, you can claim a one-off incentive of £1,000 for taking on a 16-18 year old apprentice. The college will also support apprentices from out of the area by accommodating them free of charge in a city centre hotel whilst they are in college and also help with the travel costs. With around 60,000 Dryliners active in the UK, Drylining must, as a trade be one of the UK’s best kept secrets. Everybody knows what a plasterer or a carpenter is, but you often get blank looks when you talk about drylining. The fact is that drylining is now emerging as one of the key trades in construction. It is encouraging to see leading colleges like Leeds evidencing this by getting behind it. We now have a new Apprenticeship Standard, new providers and the new funding allows real flexibility about age of apprentices. We are also seeing significant increases in the CITB funding available for companies who take on apprentices – this is over and above the funding that you can get to cover the training. This is a huge opportunity to make 2020 the year of the apprentice, for the sector to embrace this standard as a catalyst for change, to revisit how we invest in training and work with colleges and providers to put drylining firmly on the careers map. Iain McIlwee, FIS chief executive
Manufacturer’s Dune eVo tiles feature in an agile working programme. Ultra-green ceiling tiles by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions are helping one of Britain’s leading utility companies focus on providing low-carbon, sustainable energy, alongside agile working, within its own offices. In 2014, npower initiated a major programme to introduce agile working across its estate to benefit the wellbeing of its employees and enable the business to reduce its own energy overheads. Agile working gives employees the freedom to choose where and how they work, be it from home a few days a week, from a client’s office or a café, or moving around different spaces within an office. The added benefit is that workers can save considerable time they would have otherwise spent on commuting into work, and with fewer workers coming into the office that means less power and water use, and fewer cars on the road. As part of this programme, Armstrong’s new Dune eVo mineral ceiling tiles replaced the manufacturer’s traditional Dune tiles as part of a mechanical and electrical upgrade at npower’s office in Princes Way, Solihull, Birmingham (one of its largest offices, with typically around 600 employees on site during normal working hours). Dune eVo was the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle™ accreditation. Being 100% recyclable, the range has been designed to provide class-leading visuals and improved acoustic performance through a new surface that is also brighter and smoother. More than 2,000m2 of the old Dune tiles were returned to the company’s production facility in Gateshead for recycling while the new Dune eVo tiles were installed over eight floors (550m2 per floor) in two months by a team of six by main contractor Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi) for principal contractor Mitie. The modern, highly efficient Solihull office, which significantly benefits from solar power, is home to npower’s commercial, sales, finance, human resources, communications and risk departments. It boasts an on-site restaurant, with a contemplation room and a number of quiet study rooms. Bbi’s strategic business development director Paul Westlake said: “The project went very smoothly, with the Armstrong systems performing very well as usual. The fact that we offered a recycling scheme was a big positive as this was a refurbishment project and we diverted the old tiles from landfill.” As one of Britain’s leading energy companies, npower serves around 3.6 million residential and business accounts with electricity and gas. Julian Pugh, head of real estate and workplace at npower, said: “Our business aims to provide good value to its customers, operating in a professional manner, and is very much in the public eye. Our management of the workplace needs to follow a similar value-adding approach to the working experience of our employees. “Since introducing flexible and agile working five years ago, one of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that agility isn’t a property strategy, it’s a people strategy. This has changed the dynamic of project perception, so instead of just looking at redesigning an estate around the most cost-effective use of property, we’ve also looked at it from the perspective of enhancing the experience of employees using it at every point on their work journey.” More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceiling Solutions website https://www.armstrongceilingsolutions.co.uk.
New building constitutes the third phase of development completed to date at the popular St Modwen Park development in Burton, Staffordshire. GMI Construction Group has announced the completion of a new 103,947 sq ft speculative distribution unit for leading logistics & industrial developer St Modwen in Burton One of the largest warehouse developments in the Midlands, St. Modwen Park Burton has outline consent for one million sq ft and is now home to a number of established occupiers, including Hellman Worldwide Logistics, Keylite Roof Windows, Supply Technologies and London City Bond. The unit, which includes 10 dock levellers (including 2 euro-docks), a 50m deep yard and Grade A office space, is the latest opportunity for businesses to join the popular scheme, which prominently fronts the A38 to the south of Burton-upon-Trent. The new unit could provide approximately 120 jobs once occupied, in addition to a significant number of construction jobs, which were created during the build by GMI Construction. Speaking about the project GMI Group Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “GMI is proud to have been trusted by St Modwen to deliver this important new building on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards – which is the promise we make on every project and our primary focus going forward. This project is the 4th logistics and industrial project we have been awarded and completed this year and further endorses our growing credentials in this sector”. Also commenting Rob Richardson, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics, said: “St. Modwen Park Burton is one of our key sites and a significant asset for the business. Our third phase of development expands the scheme’s offering, allowing us to meet market demand for quality, well-located space in the region. Our decision to speculatively build the 103,000 sq ft unit demonstrates our confidence both in the attractiveness of the scheme and in the wider industrial and logistics market.” For more information on St. Modwen Park Burton, please visit stmodwenlogistics.co.uk/property/st-modwen-park-burton/
Recent strong growth has seen TODD Architects, one of the Architects Journal’s UK leading 100 practices, expand its London office with a move to larger premises in Fitzrovia. Explains London office Principal, Katie Parfitt: “Although TODD’s have had a London studio since the 1980s, we needed more space to support the growth of our London business. We’ve had considerable success, especially in the last nine months, winning several large, prestigious projects, including the delivery of major residential developments for Ballymore at Goodluck Hope on the River Thames and for Ardmore as part of the continuing Battersea Power Station redevelopment.” Continues Katie: “With a growing portfolio, we needed extra staff, taking onboard a new Part 1 Architect, Aesha Mehta, fresh from Westminster University as well as architect Stephen Duncan transferring from our Belfast office. With this extra talent, as well as plans to recruit additional staff, we needed to find more space.” TODD’s have leased the fourth floor at 18 Wells Street, a new build Grade A office space in the heart of Fitzrovia. With the new space fitted out by Rubicon Commercial, the essentially open plan office uses free standing shelving to break up the area without creating fixed partitions. A private balcony supplements the excellent natural light with views across the vibrant neighbourhood. Concludes Peter Minnis, TODD’s London Director: “We see this new move as the latest step in our expansion in London and the South East. Our involvement with projects like the Royal Wharf development that we recently completed for Ballymore, has given us a strong platform and we’ve been able to keep up that momentum with the Goodluck Hope and Battersea commissions”. Todd Architects’ new office can be found at: 18 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3PG (0203 1469555)
Several factors can cause foundation issues. They include; drainage issues, poor soil preparation, plumbing leaks, absorption of water by tree roots, etc. You should remember that your home is an investment, and it needs your protection. This will help you stay away from any repairing costs. Here are some tips to help you out: Inspect your home You should walk around your infrastructure after a few months and check if there is any sign of trouble. In case you spot cracks or holes on your wall, it is essential to fill them. This will help you destroy the infestation of insects, which could ruin your wall. If you have a bean and pier foundation, inspect the crawlspace to see if there is any indication of mildew, dampness, and wood rot. When checking for cracks, you should keenly look at them to see how large they are and also where they are coming from. Stopping the fractures when they are small will help you to prevent further damage on your wall. It is difficult for you to see the movement happening because of the weight of the house sagging down the foundation. In case your home is setting or sinking, you should seek help from a profession to inspect your wall. You can also find more information when you checkout Houston foundation repair. Keep the moisture level consistent Prevent the soil around your structure from becoming extremely dry or wet. This is because the soils around your structure contract and expand as humidity levels change. Therefore, you will have extra work to keep up the moisture levels. The movements created due to contraction and expansion of soil are the source of cracks or holes in your structure. Putting a water control program into action will help you prevent any further damage to your wall. During the warm season, it is crucial to water the base. It is good that you use an underground irrigation system though it is ambiguous on rainy seasons, and it is also expensive to install. The best option for your home is using a soaker pipe or an automatic lawn sprinkler to keep the dirt around your foundation a little bit moist. You can also consider setting up rock beds. These beds will enable the needed moisture to go into the soil hence preventing any cracks on the base of your property. Establish a proper drainage system A lot of water around your structure is not good as also little because it can lead to upheaval (a case when your structure raises above its supposed position). It is also advisable to install some gutters. They should be sufficient enough to dispose of a large mass of water, which can pile up during heavy rains. You can also use downspouts to discharge water from your structure. If your area has sandy soil which quickly absorbs water, you can discharge water at 3” from the foundation. In case water is standing around your structure and drainage is an issue, it is advisable to install surface drainage. If smaller dampness is a problem, you can install a French drain to prevent your house from smaller but extremely destructive amounts of humidity. The drainage system and drainage collection will help you to solve your issues. Protect your house from large trees For trees to live, they need a lot of moisture, and their large roots will absorb water from the soil surrounding your structure. This might cause damage to the base of your house. When planting trees, make sure you plant them some distance away from your house. This depends on the kind of trees you want to plant. Consult your nurseryman to learn more about the moisture needed and the expected root size of the tress you wish to plant on your landscape. Yearly inspection of your home plumbing Plumbing leaks mainly under slab leaks are the biggest causes of foundation damage. The holes take place in sprinkle irrigation systems, freshwater, and any other part of your plumbing system. In case there is a plumbing leak, call a licensed plumber to conduct hydrostatic testing to enable him to detect invisible leaks. Installation of a root barrier Suppose you already have planted large trees around your house. The best thing to do is to install a root barrier. The wall is implanted in the ground. It is made of metal, plastic, or any other materials. It will help to prevent tree roots from getting to your foundation. They direct roots away and down from your structure. Construct your structure on a proper slope It is essential to have good grading to enable water to drain away from your structure. The ground surrounding your building should be sloping away from it. In case it is not, you can install a moisture barrier approximately 5” deep around your house. Protectection against cracks When a house is lifted, there will be a formation of a significant break. Cracks can cause severe problems in areas of metroplex. Seasonal weather conditions cause various foundation issues. In case you spot such issues, contact a foundation constructor. You can also repair the cracks if need be. This will prevent further damage to your wall. Have a contractor examine your foundation issue In case you spot a foundation problem, consult a reputable contractor. Through inspection, he or she can tell the difference between cracks, which shows foundation problems, and those that indicate there were some movements. They will stop by your home to inspect the extent of the damage and advise accordingly. They can also help you to fix the issue. Click here to see more tips. Conclusion The tips will enable you to protect your house foundation. They will also help you reduce costly repairs. As a homeowner, it is crucial to be careful and prepared for any issue which may destroy your home foundation and property. It is best if you avoided any foundation repairs. Early detection of foundation issues will save you money and time.
The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region over the next few years. The rapid growth of online casinos in Japan sparked a clamour amongst consumers for brick and mortar venues to be allowed to open across the country. The Japanese government subsequently reacted to the calls by agreeing to allow new casinos to be constructed at up to three different locations. Tokyo, Hokkaido, Chiba, Yokohama and Nagoya are amongst the cities vying to host what could be the most stunning casino resorts on the continent. There have been some truly staggering venues built in Asia over the past few years and Japan can be expected to follow suit when construction begins. Read on as we look at the latest state of play regarding major casino developments across the Asian continent. Iconic Singapore venue set for huge expansion Owned by the Las Vegas Sands organisation, the Marina Bay Sands resort is undoubtedly one of the most iconic properties in Asia. The three-tower design, which was inspired by decks of cards, originally cost $5.5 billion to build but its owners are not resting on their laurels. The operator is planning to add an impressive arena, exhibition halls and a new luxury hotel tower that will take the total number of rooms to more than 3,600. Las Vegas Sands believe that the $3.3bn investment will keep the resort at the pinnacle of the gambling industry over the coming years. While the casino is a hugely important part of Marina Bay Sands, experts believe that the provision of other facilities will ensure it remains a successful venture for years to come. Operators plan massive investment in Macau Having generated Gross Gaming Revenues of nearly $38bn in 2018, Macau is firmly established as one of the most important gambling destinations in the world. Many of the main operators there are planning major new developments over the next few years, with a view to ensuring that the government issues new licenses to them when they expire in 2022. Galaxy Entertainment is leading the way with plans to expand the stunning Galaxy Macau over the next couple of years at a projected cost of HK$45bn. SJM Holdings are also planning major investment in Macau, with the Grand Lisboa Palace scheduled to open during the second half of 2020 at a cost of HK$36bn. MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts & Entertainment have also confirmed ambitious expansion plans in the region. NagaCorp ready to cash in on monopoly in Cambodia NagaCorp Ltd’s position of dominance in Cambodia is set to continue with another expansion of its superb NagaWorld casino resort in Phnom Penh. Naga 3 will feature a theme park with the latest digital rides and attractions, plus world class shopping, restaurants and much more. The venue will be the largest resort in Cambodia, further cementing NagaCorp’s status as one of the biggest casino operators in the world. The company currently has a 41-year gaming monopoly within a 200-kilometre radius of the Cambodian capital that runs through until 2035. Their gaming license runs for a further 30 years after that, and their latest multi-billion dollar investment in the area highlights their ongoing commitment to remain at the forefront of the industry in the region.
By Mackenzie Peters, Global Product Group Manager, Industrial HEFH at MSA Safety. MSA Safety is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of industry-leading safety products and customises its hard hats via its MSA LOGO EXPRESS® service. How we got to where we are Directive 89/686/EEC, introduced in 1989, aimed to ensure the free movement of personal protective equipment (PPE) within the EU by completely harmonising the essential safety requirements to which it must conform. In 2016, this was updated to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. This regulation of safety standards across the EU will have no doubt prevented countless severe head injuries and even deaths. Work remains to be done 2016 statistics from Eurostat, however, reported that 4,409 people across the European Union’s 28 member states were incapacitated long-term due to head injuries at work; 759 workers tragically died. In the UK specifically, these numbers were 254 and 39 respectively. The statistics are sobering, which is why any positive development or product innovation that contributes to better head protection products and compliance can only be positive. Especially so for those that work in the construction industry as construction work can be a particularly high-risk activity. Accidents can occur and head injuries are, unfortunately, a relatively frequent occurrence. They can occur due to a variety of reasons, including falling objects; striking fixed objects, such as unprotected ends of scaffolding poles or other projections; or from restricted headroom. Combatting the challenge of busy construction sites In the UK, in a bid to make construction sites safer, Build UK – the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry – has developed a harmonised hard hat colour standard for contractors. This was an important step. Colour-coding helps to improve safety by providing consistency in identifying people’s roles on site. Different experience levels, or visitors, are also easier to distinguish. On a construction site with dozens, or even hundreds, of workers, hard hat customisation is absolutely necessary. Customisation, including the printing of companies’ logos, doesn’t just help site managers differentiate workers’ varying roles and responsibilities; it’s also an invaluable marketing tool, enabling smaller and bigger companies alike to stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive industry. Customisation can also help to unify workforces and foster a greater sense of collective teamwork and pride. Who’s who? Managing multiple sub-contractors on a busy, multi-faceted project can be challenging and it’s important to remember that sub-contractors may be relative strangers to the workplace and therefore unfamiliar with an organisation’s procedures and rules. Customised hard hats provide a useful reminder of who’s who and what workers’ positions and responsibilities are. In addition, personalisation can also increase the value of a worker’s safety equipment, thus increasing the likelihood that, first and foremost, it will be worn, but also well looked after. Other more fundamental safety features can also be added on, including retro-reflective stickers that enhance the visibility and safety of workers, day and night, and the promotion of potentially life-saving safety messages and reminders. The inclusion of badge holders to hard hats can also add another layer of identification and safety. Compliance can only be positive. It is important to note that the different types of hard hats available currently on the market are not only to produce aesthetically pleasing gears which were meant to function solely for protection but the added features give a wider level of protection. There’s no excuse… Hard hats have come a long way since 1989. Product innovation and technological advancements mean that quality manufacturers provide hard hats that are comfortable, lightweight and durable against the harshest applications. There’s no excuse not to wear them. And now – given increasingly lucrative projects and busy construction sites – the evolution of the hard hat has taken its next logical step: customisation. Knowing who’s who and what they do on site is now an essential safety consideration. Don’t get left behind. For more information, please visit https://gb.msasafety.com/customhardhats