2019’s Hajj pilgrimage begins on 9th August, and it marks a crucial moment in a Muslim’s religious journey. The process follows the Prophet Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 632 AD and is said to cleanse followers of Islam of sin. It is to be undertaken at least once in every
Good forest management can both protect the environment and help meet the growing demand for timber from the building trade, argues Nigel Buckley-Ryan, Södra’s UK Sales Director, Merchants. As pressure on the world’s finite resources continues to intensify, timber suppliers face a growing problem: how do we meet the needs
It’s fair to say that most of us have a relaxing ‘go-to’ position that we’ve adopted over time at our desks, in our office chair. Do you lean forward with a rounded back whilst at your computer or, perhaps you allow your feet dangle off the ground? If so, the
Supported and third sector businesses operating throughout Scotland are being invited to meet up with some of the country’s biggest building contractors to explore the possibilities for joining the sector’s supply chain. The hub South West partnership is hosting its third annual Hidden Gems supplier showcase as part of its
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators.
If you work in construction, you’ll already be aware that it’s a noisy industry. But did you know that the construction sector has the second-highest rate of employees developing occupational deafness? In fact, every year, 1 million people in the UK are exposed to hearing-damaging noise at work. So, to
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a
The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, today (Monday 16th September) announces Morrison Construction as its main contractor for Phase 1 of the HALO development in Kilmarnock – its Enterprise and Innovation Hub. After a comprehensive procurement process, Morrison Construction was awarded the multi-million pound contract which will see Scotland’s leading contractor
Tridify today announced a new option to its BIM to XR Processing Service, which makes BIM models instantly available online and sharable via a web link. Using BIMs that have been exported to an IFC format, Tridify’s new Web VR option automatically generates an interactive 3D model and makes it accessible via a URL, ready to be
The dichotomy between the ways that our society has habitually approached physical and mental health is epitomised by the current mental health crisis in the construction industry. The UK’s construction industry is ballasted by a well-established framework of physical health and safety practices, and protocols relating to first aid. In
2019’s Hajj pilgrimage begins on 9th August, and it marks a crucial moment in a Muslim’s religious journey. The process follows the Prophet Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 632 AD and is said to cleanse followers of Islam of sin. It is to be undertaken at least once in every Muslim’s lifetime. In the last 19 years, Mecca has hosted an average 2,362,528 pilgrims annually. To put this in perspective, Mecca’s population as of 2019 is 2,004,888. Essentially, Mecca more than doubles in population over the six-day pilgrimage window every year. With so many people comes a lot of challenges and risks — so, how is a mass gathering like the Hajj made possible and safe? The figures The number of pilgrims heading to Mecca each year steadily rose between 1999 and 2012, resulting in the highest-ever number of pilgrims in 2012 (3,161,573). This led to quotas and restrictions being placed per country by the Saudi government — and 1 million fewer pilgrims in 2013. Despite these restrictions, risks associated with crowds remained. Stampedes had happened during the Hajj before, but the worst occurred in 2015. The resulting questions and concerns surrounding the event led to another fall in numbers in 2016 as many chose to boycott the gathering. Numbers sharply increased after this boycott, however, and have continued to rise. It is predicted that by 2030, numbers could reach 6 million. With this in mind, how do authorities manage such a colossal number of people? The challenges The most obvious risk and challenge of an event like the Hajj is the risk of stampedes or crushes. In such events, those present are unable to control their movements due to being pushed and lifted by pressure-ripples of a tightly packed crowd. This means density numbers need to be managed to a fine detail. One method of managing this risk is through crowd simulation software. Maher Saleh Abolkhour from the King Abdul Aziz University used such software to analyse and predict the movement of crowds at the Hajj. Management Maher focused on the Al-Masjid al-Haram, an open area space of the pilgrimage. Using crowd simulation software, Maher was able to re-run the simulation of a huge crowd in this space, recording predicted behaviour and the rise and fall of crowd density. This in turn allowed Maher to crate different models, moving gates and fences and re-running the simulation to see how these changes would affect crowd behaviour. In terms of physical changes to the route, Jamarat Bridge, which houses the important stoning of the devil rituals, has been redesigned in recent years. In 2016, 308 escalators were installed, alongside six passenger lifts, two ambulance elevators, and two helipad elevators. The Saudi government also has a fleet of ambulances integrated as part of their management efforts for the pilgrimage every year. According to reports by the Independent, each ambulance is considered to be its own intensive-care unit. The Hajj is an important journey in a Muslim’s life. There have been moves to make the pilgrimage as safe as possible, from pilgrim quotas, research and simulation, and engineering. With numbers only expected to rise, it is unlikely that the Hajj will not change again in coming years. Sources:
Good forest management can both protect the environment and help meet the growing demand for timber from the building trade, argues Nigel Buckley-Ryan, Södra’s UK Sales Director, Merchants. As pressure on the world’s finite resources continues to intensify, timber suppliers face a growing problem: how do we meet the needs of consumers and protect our planet at the same time? In my view, good forest management is the main way to address these apparently conflicting needs. Some may think that trees simply grow on their own and that forests therefore don’t need to be carefully managed. However, innovative and responsible forest management can make a significant difference, both to the environment and to the quality and supply of timber. So, what should good forest management look like? Nurturing healthy saplings As you would expect, it starts at the beginning with the careful selection of the seedlings that, over the next 50-70 years, will grow to maturity, create your forest, and provide the reliable supply of timber on which your customers depend. At Södra, for example, the basis of our Falkenburg nursery (where 35 million saplings passed through last year) derives from some of the best quality trees in the world. The programme does not and has never used genetic modification in any way, but rather helps ensure that all desirable traits of these selected spruce are transferred to the seeds, and then to future trees. This helps produce higher quality trees and ultimately improves the overall quality of the end-product. Encouraging good root growth Saplings themselves should be planted in conditions that will ensure strong, healthy root growth. One way of doing this is to line the pots in which they are grown with copper. This prevents roots from spiralling downwards in a corkscrew shape. Instead, the roots spread out to the edges of the pot. This trait continues when they are finally planted in the forest, which makes them less susceptible to storm damage. Before this stage, once saplings reach a height of about 15cms, they should be trimmed and generally well looked after. Errant branches should be cut off to create a nice straight sapling, maximising its chances of growing into a strong, healthy tree. As they grow, saplings will continue to need careful nurturing to keep them healthy and pest-free. However, this shouldn’t mean resorting to chemicals. At Södra, for instance, we have developed our own chemical-free pest deterrent called Cambiguard. Healthy forests lead to quality timber supply Health forests mean health trees that grow for longer, benefiting the environment as they do by absorbing and locking away harmful carbon dioxide. And typically, longer growth results in bigger, stronger, better quality trees which, in turn, means higher yields of quality timber. Once saplings are ready to be planted out, good forest management involves planting them in a location that will offer sufficient light, water and nutrients for continued healthy growth. Responsible forest owners measure water tables regularly and make sure they have a good, up-to-date understanding of what their forest actually consists of. Modern technology can help here. For example, many of today’s foresters now use drones to view the forest. Amongst other things, this enables them to identify which areas need to be thinned and which areas will work well left as nature strips. The role of thinning and nature strips Thinning is an essential element of good forest management and consists of removing slower-growing or defective trees, so providing more space and sunlight for the remaining trees. The subsequent improved supply of soil nutrients, water and light results in bigger, healthier trees. Nature strips also play an important role in forest husbandry. These are areas of forest left untouched so that wildlife can flourish, which helps maintain a balanced forest ecosystem and contribute to the overall health of the forest. Conservation and increased production can go hand in hand In my view, a long-term, evidence-based approach is critical to successful forest management. At Södra our systematic approach over the last 20 years has led to both an increase in voluntarily protected areas with high conservation values and greater production. Over the next five years we’re going a step further and aiming to use our ongoing research and development to achieve a 20 per cent higher annual rate of forest growth while still meeting our sustainability targets. This ambition demonstrates that conservation and improved productivity can go hand-in-hand. Indeed, many forest owners find that, in time, less invasive forestry methods lead to forests with better growth and increased wood volume. This translates into the reliable supply that is so important for builders’ merchants and other timber buyers, particularly in the current climate of uncertainty around the outcome of Brexit. Care with harvesting As they mature, trees will continue to need monitoring to make sure they are still receiving an adequate supply of water, light and soil nutrients. Generally, it takes around 50-70 years for a tree to fully mature and reach its full height, and only once a tree has stopped absorbing harmful carbon dioxide (and locked it away forever), will it be harvested. As with the earlier stages of a tree’s life, good forest management can minimise negative environmental impacts at the harvesting stage. For example, it is important to protect the forest floor and reduce soil damage by constructing temporary roadways and laying down branches. It is also important to identify important habitats that should be preserved. The end results By managing forests in the careful, responsible way I have outlined forest owners can make a significant difference to the environment and, at the same time, provide a reliable supply of the sustainable and quality timber that’s increasingly in demand to meet today’s construction needs.
It’s fair to say that most of us have a relaxing ‘go-to’ position that we’ve adopted over time at our desks, in our office chair. Do you lean forward with a rounded back whilst at your computer or, perhaps you allow your feet dangle off the ground? If so, the fact is that it could be causing long term damage within your body, leading to serious health issues. Health researchers have looked into the negative effects of technology on our posture. The term ‘tech neck’ has been given to the condition caused by spending long periods of time on computers and tablets. Be aware of aches and creases developing across your neck and chest areas – it could be ‘tech neck’. Learn how to look after your posture and ensure your alignment at your desk is a health one. Here’s our guide… The worrying health issue of bad posture Bad posture can not only give you ‘tech neck’, it can lead to muscle problems and strains in other areas of the body. In fact, poor posture is known to be one of the major causes of back problems. It depends on your posture as to which muscle groups feel the strain. Even if you’re not experiencing problems now, improving your posture is something that you should consider to prevent issues from arising in the future. Unfortunately, another main cause of back and neck misalignment is spending prolonged time at a desk — something that many of us can’t avoid. Research has even shown that sitting time has a positive correlation with lower back pain and neck-shoulder pain intensity. You’ll be pleased to hear that there are some actions that you can take to maintain a good posture when you’re at work. A guide to assessing the posture at your desk The first step you can take to bettering your posture is being aware of it. This pushes you to make active changes and recognise when you could improve. Analyse the position of your body whilst at your desk Positioning your body in the right way at work is important, as it’s possible that you’ll be sitting or standing like this for many hours. The way that we sit also has an effect on the way we walk, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Good posture is where the body is in perfect alignment. This is where your spine can maintain its natural curvature and it isn’t strained. The best way to sit or stand in this way is to imagine there is a string attached to the top of your head that’s pulling you up. This should lengthen your stance, improve the way that you’re positioned, and stop you from slouching. You might find that slouching is temporarily comfortable, but over time it can lead to strain on already sensitised muscles and soft tissues. If your job requires sitting down for a prolonged period, what should you be doing? Try and sit back in the chair rather than perching on the edge, as this offers your back some support and again, stops you from slouching. Do not sit as far back so that your feet dangle though. Letting your feet dangle can cause problems. If you sit on a high stool at work for example, tuck them in and rest them on the support. Positioning yourself so that your legs hang over the side of your chair causes gravity to pull your feet towards the ground and this tilts your pelvis backwards, which can lead to pain. Your shoulders should also be in a relaxed position to offer relief for shoulder pain. Avoid hunching them up so that you can lean on the arms of your chair or rolling them forwards. Promote a healthy posture using specialist equipment Not only do we need to sit in the right way, but we need to be using equipment that supports our good posture. Speak to your employer if you think that you need extra support or that your current equipment is affecting your posture. If you have a desk job, a suitably adjusted chair that supports that inward curve of your spine is important. Arm rests can help provide support, but they need to be the correct height. If they’re too high, this can cause raised shoulders, and if they’re too low, it can cause leaning. As we mentioned before, make sure that your chair is the right height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are parallel to, or just lower than, your hips. Your screen should be directly in front of you, around an arm’s length away with the top of the screen at your eye level. A neck rest can also be used to help you relax your neck when you’re not typing. If you use the telephone a lot at work, you might find that a cordless headset would be better suited. This is because you might find yourself cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder, which can add unnecessary strain to our neck, upper back and shoulders. Take breaks from your desk and move around It’s important to stay mobile. Even if you are sitting with good posture, being sat in the same place for a prolonged period can still be harmful. And, moving around at work has other fitness benefits too. In fact, when asked to interrupt their sitting at work every half an hour throughout the day, overweight/obese office workers showed a 32% reduction in lower back discomfort, compared to seated work. But how can you keep moving in your office space throughout the day? Standing during phone call. Taking a break from the computer every 30 minutes and stretching your legs. Walk to a colleague’s desk instead of emailing them. Doing some desk exercises.
Supported and third sector businesses operating throughout Scotland are being invited to meet up with some of the country’s biggest building contractors to explore the possibilities for joining the sector’s supply chain. The hub South West partnership is hosting its third annual Hidden Gems supplier showcase as part of its on-going commitment to an inclusive supply chain offering opportunities to local businesses and organisations throughout the area. This year’s event is being held in partnership with hub West, the development partnership established in April 2012 covering the west of Scotland. Featuring 10 organisations with the potential to sell their products and services into the sector, the supplier showcase will be held on Tuesday September 24 at The Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) in Glasgow’s Edgefauld Avenue. From its roots as a supported factory for the visually impaired, the RSBi has grown into one of the country’s leading examples of social enterprise, combining commercial success with socially responsible practices. It is committed to providing opportunities to people with disabilities, as well as helping towards the economic regeneration of the local community and beyond. Wholly owned by Glasgow City Council as part of its City Building limited liability partnership, RSBi is credited as the largest supported business in Europe. It manufactures a wide range of products including kitchens, office and educational furniture, beds and soft furnishings, timber building kits, metal products and storage solutions. “The RSBi is a fantastic example of a business from which the whole of society profits, and is therefore the perfect location for this year’s Hidden Gems event,” hub South West chief executive Michael McBrearty said. “There are many such organisations throughout Scotland providing much-needed employment and support for local people, and we want to showcase how they can benefit from contributing to the construction industry in general, and in particular to Scotland’s hub programme.” The hub South West partnership was established in 2012 to deliver value for money on public sector community-based infrastructure projects to generate growth in local economies across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. It is currently processing a general pipeline of £1.1bn of works. Hidden Gems forms part of the regular series of workshops organised by hub Club, the networking initiative of hub South West aimed at engaging local businesses and encouraging them to share their experiences. Events from hub Club are open to all members and aspiring members of hub South West’s Territory Supplier Network. Tier 1 contractors represented on the day at Hidden Gems will include Interserve, Kier, Morrisons, Graham, Morgan Sindall, BAM, CCG and Linear Design & Construct. Registration begins at 2pm and places can be booked here.
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box, you’re going to need to be aware of what pests operate in your area and how to stop them from getting into your house. Many people wait until there is an issue and then call the exterminators. While this is an effective tactic, it does mean that your house may be damaged before you have the issue dealt with. Termites can eat wood surprisingly quickly and mice can destroy your electrical cables in virtually no time. It’s better to speak to your local pest control firm and get them to help you pest-proof your home, preventing pests from becoming a problem. Here are some easy ways in which you can get started: Clean Your Home Cluster, dirt, food debris, and standing water are all very attractive to pests, this gives them the perfect conditions to live in. Of course, the fact that it’s inside your home means they’ll also be warm and dry. In short, they’re getting all the benefits of your home without paying the mortgage You can eliminate this attractiveness by removing all standing water. That’s pet bowls, water collecting in your gutter, and even uneven ground outside. If you have a pond or a pool make sure the water keeps moving. Next, remove all food debris. The first step is keeping all open food packets in sealed containers. The second is cleaning all your countertops and floors. Even a crumb can represent a significant meal to a pest, you’ll want to clean the place thoroughly. Finally, focus on removing clutter. Piles of books, magazines, or boxes, are all great hiding places for your pest friends. Get rid of them and your home will be less attractive. Don’t forget, you need to apply this philosophy to your yard as well. Seal Gaps Having removed the attractiveness of your home you can start sealing it up, preventing pests from getting access. To do this you’ll need to walk around the perimeter and look for any gaps or cracks. They are commonly found around windows and doors. But, they can also be where your cladding ends, especially if there is a small gap. Get A Pet It may seem like an unusual idea but a pet can actually keep when pests away. Cats and dogs are remarkably good at smelling pests, they may even hunt them. But, if they don’t, the fact that there is a pet in the house can be enough to deter some pests. There are easier homes to target! Traps You should also consider placing some traps around your home, ideally where children and pets can’t get to them. Monitoring these regularly will show you whether you have an issue and what type of pest you’re dealing with. This will help you take the appropriate steps to avoid the issue. Of course, if you appear to already have an infestation then your best bet is o simply call pest control. They will eliminate the source of the issue while you tidy your home.
If you work in construction, you’ll already be aware that it’s a noisy industry. But did you know that the construction sector has the second-highest rate of employees developing occupational deafness? In fact, every year, 1 million people in the UK are exposed to hearing-damaging noise at work. So, to help raise awareness, Insulation Express have investigated the loud truth of construction tools. They’ve uncovered the noise levels of construction’s most popular tools before highlighting the hearing implications that can occur from using these without protection. They’ve also looked at the monumental effect hearing loss can have on construction employees, the NHS and the economy – https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/construction-tools-affecting-hearing/ Stand Out Stats: When working with construction tools, removing your hearing protection for five minutes cuts your overall protection by 56% Using a power drill for 15 minutes (with a sound level of 125dB) is almost the same noise level as a military jet taking off (130db). A cartridge tool is the noisiest tool in construction. Using one for one second creates sound levels of 157dB, which can permanently damage your hearing if you’re without protection. In the first quarter of 2019, noise breaches on construction sites were up 25% – which proves that the industry is only getting noisier, too. Work-related hearing loss costs the NHS £500 million every year. The Sound Levels On a Construction Site Have you ever thought about the impact construction tools can have on your hearing? Luckily, Insulation Express have uncovered the decibels of the most common tools found on site. Each tool has then been ordered from loudest to quietest so that construction workers can understand the hearing implications that come from working with these tools every day. Also as a word of warning, being exposed to anything at 85bD or higher for extended periods of time can permanently damage your hearing. As you can see, every construction tool is above 85dB, which means that hearing protection should always be worn: Real-life Example of Hearing Loss in the Construction Industry Bob Gowen a volunteer for Hearing Link and an electrician for over 35 years, has unfortunately lost some of his hearing due to working in construction. He believes that construction employees are “now [working] in noisier environments” than he did, yet “private contractors don’t supply ear protection for their staff.” Gowen added that the main concern is that younger employees don’t seem to realise what the noise is doing to their hearing, so “getting them to wear protection is another problem.” Unfortunately, this means that “by the time they get into the 40 and 50 [age] bracket it is usually too late to save their hearing,” Gowen noted. How Employers Can Protect Their Workers According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of all hearing issues can be prevented through various health measures. This is why it is important for employers to: Supply hearing protection – unfortunately, once you lose your hearing, you can’t get it back. It’s therefore important to always wearing hearing guards. Purchase quieter tools – which have silent blades and nozzles. Make machinery as quiet as possible – this can be be done by using pads to minimise vibration or replacing fans and motors. Limit the amount of time workers are exposed to a noisy task. Interested in the full findings? https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/construction-tools-affecting-hearing/
There are endless methods in which someone can use to cut material. There are even multiple types of laser cutting that can be applied to a job. Lasers are not used solely for cutting. They can be used for drilling, marking, or engraving as well. What is Cutting with a Laser? In the simplest of terms, it is defined as the cutting of various materials using a laser beam. A high-intensity light is made up of a single infra-red wavelength. This light structure is contained within the constructs of a CNC housing mechanism, becoming a directed and controlled beam of light. In the technical sense of the phrase, the process is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Why Use It? Cutting material with a laser beam provides a cleaner, more precise cut on the finished product. The use of a laser beam cuts a smaller, much thinner line, creating less wasted material. The process directs the heat needed to create a direct and focused point of contact, a safer method of precision cutting. By applying more direct pressure using a smaller area of contact, the cut becomes that much more precise than alternative cutting measures, such as torch or plasma cutting. Other benefits over its counter options include its non-contact process, leaving the material with less damage surrounding the first cut. How Does it Work? Laser cutting starts in a CNC machine. Inside the machine, multiple mirrors hang in specific positions that allow the beam to bounce off. The beam travels from the resonator through the machine and into a copper tip located inside the CNC housing. Before beginning the cut, the copper tip travels down to the material, determines the resistance between itself and the material to be cut. The tip then self-adjusts to the desired cut height set up in programing and accounts for variations in the material. From there, the beam can focus on the piece of material prepared for cutting. What Can Lasers Cut? This process of cutting is such a precise and technical method; it is used for almost any type of material desired. Many think it can only be used for hard materials such as metals, steel, and titanium and even gemstones. While they are correct in a sense, CNC programmed lasers can also cut nonmetallic material such as woods, silicone, glass, and plastics. Not only are the materials virtually limitless when cutting, but the laser can also cut intricate corners, shapes, and holes out of selected materials. Cutting with a laser creates highly accurate and repeatable cuts every time. What are the Methods of Laser Cutting? Cutting through the material may require different methods, depending on the desired outcome. One option is a continuous wave cut, which closely resembles more melting away the material than cutting. The second option is using a pulsed beam. The pulsed method directs less consistent heat over the material and instead triggers a pulsing tactic to apply repeat cutting to one location, for example, to cut a deep hole through thick material. These methods require the combined use of a gas such as nitrogen or oxygen to assist with the direct heat. Along with continuous and pulsed type cutting, machinists also have the option of using CO2, crystal, and fiber laser cutting methods. Each cutting method has its benefits and power. The overall process includes the use of a high-intensity light beam, invisible to the human eye, to stream the heat and light onto a piece of material and create a cut into it. It is precision at its best.
The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, today (Monday 16th September) announces Morrison Construction as its main contractor for Phase 1 of the HALO development in Kilmarnock – its Enterprise and Innovation Hub. After a comprehensive procurement process, Morrison Construction was awarded the multi-million pound contract which will see Scotland’s leading contractor start work at the HALO site by the end of this month. The HALO’s 45,635 sq. ft Enterprise and Innovation Hub with associated infrastructure works is expected to be completed by January 2021 with approximately 700 construction workers on site throughout construction. The HALO in Kilmarnock is a £63million brownfield urban regeneration project on a 23-acre site, formerly the home of Johnnie Walker, the world’s leading Scotch whisky. The HALO will provide a sustainable community approach to a low carbon mixed-use development providing jobs, economic growth, skills development, access to employment opportunities, clean energy and housing. The HALO’s Enterprise and Innovation Hub will include: A state-of-the-art building designed to maximise collaboration between entrepreneurs experimenting, creating and growing highly specialised digital and cyber businesses. Cutting-edge technology supported through a combination of dedicated sector-based suites that simulate the new working environment in areas such as health and social care. Facilities for virtual and augmented reality-based scenario training. “Living labs” to enable the innovation and evaluation of digital technology and skills that are emerging across society. A knowledge-sharing environment where established businesses and business angels can support emerging entrepreneurs. A unique learning environment providing opportunities through accredited courses with a facility to show-case developing products and processes enabling people of all ages to expand their knowledge and practical skills for living and working in a digital world. An entrepreneurial ecosystem intended to encourage the development of new digital and cyber security products and services. Responding in particular to the needs of the energy, health and space/aerospace sectors. Office and workspace for established companies looking to drive innovation through their organisations. Drew Macklin, Project Director at the HALO Urban Regeneration Company, said: “Today marks a huge milestone for the HALO as we announce Morrison Construction as the main construction contractor to deliver the Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Kilmarnock and start preparations for them to begin construction on site by the end of September. “The Enterprise and Innovation Hub will form part of the HALO’s dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can live, work, learn and play. “With a strong track record of delivering major projects on time and within budget I look forward to Morrison Construction starting work on our exciting project.” Eddie Robertson, Managing Director at Morrison Construction, said: ‘‘We are delighted to be appointed the main contractor to build the Enterprise and Innovation Hub, a development that will revitalise the town centre and support the wider Ayrshire economy. ‘‘We look forward to working with our new client, The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, to successfully deliver this project that will drive growth in Kilmarnock and the surrounding areas. ‘‘Our experienced project team will soon establish site and begin works. During construction, we will engage with all stakeholders and provide education and employment opportunities as part of our progressive social value programme.’’ The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC) will be BREEAM Outstanding – a world class sustainability assessment method for master planning projects – to offer a high-spec flexible workplace environment for start-up and growing businesses. Last year, the HALO announced Scottish Power as its headline sponsor and this partnership will create a digital training and learning facility at the forefront of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The HALO subsequently also partnered with Barclays to develop the entrepreneurship and employability skills of young people and adults across Scotland through the bank’s LifeSkills programme.
Tridify today announced a new option to its BIM to XR Processing Service, which makes BIM models instantly available online and sharable via a web link. Using BIMs that have been exported to an IFC format, Tridify’s new Web VR option automatically generates an interactive 3D model and makes it accessible via a URL, ready to be embedded on a web page, sent via email or text and viewable on a mobile phone. Early users of the new service include WSP, Stefan Ahlman Architects and SATO Corporation (user quotes below.) Feedback from architects revealed to Tridify how valuable it is to be able to send a link to a 3D model instead of sending files. With Tridify, users can now easily publish/unpublish their models and manage their visibility, giving greater control over how the models are used. Models cannot be copied and intellectual property rights are better protected. Targeted at the Architect, Construction and Property sectors and anyone working with BIM models, the new option creates countless opportunities for non-technical audiences, making 3D models easier to share internally, externally, with customers or consumers, on mobiles, tablets, desktops or VR headsets. Users simply upload an IFC file into Tridify and click ‘publish’ to create the model ready to view online, with no additional applications or programming skills required. “Our new Web VR option solves a problem that the industry has struggled with for many years,” commented Alexander Le Bell, Tridify CEO. “By making BIM models instantly available and viewable in any browser, technical barriers are removed, they become a new commodity and are propelled into the mainstream. This will help to dramatically improve communication and collaboration workflows for architect, construction and property companies.” “3D models can now be created from a BIM model in less than two minutes and shared with a global audience via WhatsApp, for example,” Le Bell continued. “The new service starts from $20 per month, which is enough to publish models of several small projects or a model of one medium size project. Soon it will become normal to share 3D models all the time, with anyone, anywhere.” Using the new Web VR option architects can now rapidly visualise their BIM models and share 3D plans with a client or contractor. Construction workers can share plans or review changes in 3D on site via mobile devices, while the property industry will able to market and sell properties more effectively, with 3D model views being easily tracked. Tridify will also be providing various web viewers to enable a model to be shown in different ways to different user groups, depending on the end use and skill level. Sample demo URL and model of a summer house, created using the new option: Images attached are of the same sample model. Early adopters WSP, the multidisciplinary design company, is an early user of the new service. Part of the global WSP group, the firm offers strategic advice to the construction and infrastructure sector. “WSP uses the Tridify Web VR option for fast and effective VR creation on early design stages to ease the communication process with our clients. We are happy to see services like Tridify that make the digitalization of the construction industry easier. This innovation also opens up a great variety of possibilities for further development of VR models as BIM communication tools, also containing BIM data and not only being a pure visualisation,” commented Roope Syvälahti, Project Manager at WSP Finland Oy. Stefan Ahlman Architects in Finland, who work with SATO among other clients, have been testing the new Tridify Web VR option, as CEO and partner, Marcus Ahlman explains: “The Tridify service works well as a quick way of presenting models to clients and members of design teams, as it only needs minimal time and preparation. In our office, the short conversion time makes it much easier to use 3D models during meetings, as it’s easier to switch between different versions. Alternative methods for presenting 3D models need more work and can’t be used as easily ad-hoc as Tridify. During the design process Tridify can help visualise problems and solutions that otherwise lay ‘hidden’ in the model.”Stefan Ahlman Architects is based in Helsinki with projects ranging from large developments and city planning projects to housing projects and public buildings. Jussi Väisänen, Planning Manager at SATO Corporation, one of Finland’s largest rental housing companies with 26,000 homes for rent, said: “Before Tridify we had to use separate viewers to view the IFC models, which took time to learn and master. But now Tridify makes it not only easier and faster to publish our 3D models, it also means we can share them with a simple web link and use them in new ways across the business. Internally it will benefit marketing, sales and technical teams while externally it will improve collaboration with planners and government bodies. Being able to view our 3D plans on mobile devices is particularly powerful when it comes to marketing our homes for rent.”
The dichotomy between the ways that our society has habitually approached physical and mental health is epitomised by the current mental health crisis in the construction industry. The UK’s construction industry is ballasted by a well-established framework of physical health and safety practices, and protocols relating to first aid. In a stark contrast, the mental health of employees has – until fairly recently – been an area of long-standing neglect. The construction industry has historically lacked a culture in which employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, reducing the chance of issues being addressed before they become critical. In 2017, data from the Office of National Statistics revealed that male site workers in the construction industry are around three times more likely to take their own lives than the average UK male. Although awareness of the problem is increasing, the yearly suicide rate in the construction industry is currently estimated to be at two employees per day. In order to approach this problem in a way which is preventative, employers can familiarise themselves with the aspects of a career in construction that can contribute to mental ill health. Steps can then be taken to mitigate known stressors. For instance, implementing policy changes that shape a culture in which employees feel able to access the resources they need to look after their mental health. Common stressors in the construction industry Paradoxically, the high risk of physical injuries is one of the stressors that can contribute to mental health problems among workers. A culture in which mental health issues are stigmatised and employees feel uncomfortable raising them is another contributory factor to the escalation of problems. According to the recent survey data, nearly 30% of professionals working in construction took time off work in 2018 due to mental health issues. Of this group, 63% felt the need to hide the real reason for absence from their employer. (It is pertinent to note that presenteeism – in which employees mask their troubles and compel themselves to show up for work nonetheless – is also problematic for employers. When employees struggle with mental health issues at work, their focus is compromised, which, in the construction industry especially, can lead to costly mistakes, accidents, and related legal disputes and claims.) Incidents can be avoided by facilitating a culture in which employees feel empowered to seek the help they need. The Mates in the Mind launched in 2017, aiming specifically at alleviating mental health issues within the construction industry, and reached more than 187,000 individuals across the sector in their first year of operation. Types of issues which they encounter regularly include anxiety, depression and problems related to sleeping. Insomnia contributes to other mental health issues, and anxiety in particular. Other prevalent problems include struggling with behavioural issues – such as becoming quiet, withdrawn or prone to outbursts – and developing feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness. Intercepting psychological problems, rather than allowing those affected to suffer in silence, will help those affected find ways to stabilise their mental health. How can a Mental Health First Aider help? There has historically been a pervasive culture within the construction industry of stigmatising mental health problems. Company initiatives that protect the mental health of employees need to be implemented to overhaul it. In 2018, a small but important step was taken in this regard, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding 13 Mental Health First Aid Instructor courses across the total workforce. The intention is that those who attend this initial training act as the seeds of change within the industry, going on to train an additional 2500 on-site staff as Mental Health First Aiders by 2020. More about Mental Health First Aid MHFA England, the largest provider of this type of training in England and Europe, says, “the key to creating a mentally healthy environment is about truly understanding the people within it – their attitudes, behaviours and learning needs.” The introduction of a Mental Health First Aider among the workforce is hailed as a transformative step in this direction. By giving mental health visibility in policies and practices that physical health traditionally receives, the initiative aims to reduce suicide within the construction sector. The key elements of the Mental Health First Aider role which benefit corporate culture with regards to mental health are the emphases that the training places on noting the signs of mental ill health, and on broaching the topic with the affected co-worker. Rather than suffering in silence and/or struggling with the choice to verbalise what they are experiencing, employees will be approached in an appropriate manner by the Mental Health First Aider. This is calculated to reduce feelings of isolation, and they are more likely to feel supported in facing their problems. Mental Health First Aiders receive training in directing their fellow employees towards the resources and treatment options that they might need to access, rather than delivering treatment themselves. This is an important distinction to make – it is their responsibility to identify the need for a therapist, rather than to act as one. Noticing those experiencing problems and creating a supportive atmosphere is the remit of the Mental Health First Aider – a powerful means of changing the current corporate culture for the better, but an insufficient means of tackling the problem on its own. Constructive criticism: policy changes that support progress While the introduction of MHFA is a positive start, an additional 40,000 first aiders would be required to adequately cover the industry. Instead of introducing Mental Health First Aiders as a sole approach to the problem, employers in the construction industry need to safeguard the mental health of their workforce with clearly defined policies, which are implemented in full. Recommended approaches to creating a mental health policy that empowers the MFHAs to perform their role effectively include: Defining the role of the MFHA within the company clearly. As discussed above, the Mental Health First Aider role has limitations, and it is important that both they and