Gas safety campaigners are warning that a boom in home moving and improving, combined with a pandemic-squeeze on people’s finances and a lack of understanding about insurance policies, risks jeopardising health and wealth in 2021. With many entering 2021 suffering from the negative economic impacts of the Covid-19, pandemic, cutting
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose
Business is coming out of a fallow season, as is society, and it’s bringing with it huge demands for infrastructure upgrades across energy, transport and housing. The Guardian has highlighted a sizable 6% surge in March 2021, with infrastructure pushing forward the industry alongside housing. What these figures fail to highlight is
You have invested a lot of time, effort, and money into building a quality construction business. Even with a brilliant team of contractors working for you, it counts for very little if your company doesn’t attract clients. A strong digital marketing strategy isn’t the only key factor to consider, but
The construction industry accounts for one of the highest numbers of workplace injuries and fatalities in the private sector. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 20% of all private worker fatalities in 2019 were from the construction industry, equivalent to one in every five worker fatalities. With
Over the years, online casinos have enjoyed a surge in popularity, thanks in part to live casino technology. This gives players the experience of being in one of the most luxurious casinos globally, without leaving their sofa. However, there is still a place for the land-based casino, and one thing
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also
In this post, we look at all the methods estate agents use to draw attention to an open house event and maximise its potential to sell a property.
Properties in the UK fit into one of two categories: Traditional Construction Most houses, bungalows and low-rise flats are brick or block wall construction. They generally have a sloping roof and will either have solid or cavity walls, depending on the era they were built. Non-traditional Construction Anything other than
We see dust on a daily basis and for the most part, most of us assume that dust isn’t intrinsically dangerous – but this actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Here The Hireman London explains all about the problem and what employers can do to help fix the problem.
Gas safety campaigners are warning that a boom in home moving and improving, combined with a pandemic-squeeze on people’s finances and a lack of understanding about insurance policies, risks jeopardising health and wealth in 2021. With many entering 2021 suffering from the negative economic impacts of the Covid-19, pandemic, cutting costs this Winter is a priority. New research from the Gas Safe Register – the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and gas businesses – shows that just under half of householders (49%) say the pandemic has made them thriftier, prompting 45% to try ‘doing it themselves’ rather than relying on qualified, legally registered professionals for improvements and renovations. However, these efforts to save could actually prove more costly – almost 90% of the 2,000 householders surveyed did not realise home renovations can impact their home insurance cover and large numbers can’t identify some of the most common things that could invalidate policies, leading to future claims being rejected. These include: Using faulty home appliances (61% were unaware) DIY damage caused by improvements such as such as re-locating a gas boiler, building a conservatory, or similar (50%) Not using a certified tradesperson for carrying out gas and electrical work or repairs in your home (48%) Accidentally invalidating your home insurance policy can be distressing, both emotionally and financially – but over half (51%) of Brits admit to never having read their home insurance policy in full. However, for safety reasons, gas, electrical and plumbing works must be carried out by a registered professional. Tackling these types of job unqualified can invalidate home insurance and warranties, leaving people significantly out of pocket if something goes wrong. In fact, according to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 82.2 per cent of claims are accepted, while the average cash amount people claim for on their home insurance is £2,627*. The pandemic has sparked a sharp rise in people in wanting to relocate and change their housing situations, with a near two-fold increase in volume of agreed UK sales by last autumn alone*. This booming property market is set to see last year’s trend for renovations and DIY continue, as over a quarter (26%) of Brits plan to carry out major improvements in their homes over this coming year. To help these millions of movers and improvers stay safe and save money, Gas Safe Register has teamed up with TV personality and DIY expert, Jo Behari as part of its Safety Starts at Home public awareness campaign. Behari says: “When moving home or deciding to make big home improvements, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics or keeping costs down and let home safety take a back seat. Before deciding to embark on any work, I urge all homeowners to ensure that the tradespeople they hire are properly qualified to safely and legally carry out the work. “Worryingly, two thirds of gas work carried out illegally – by people not registered with the Gas Safe Register – is found to be unsafe. At worst, the consequences can be devastating, but it can also invalidate your home insurance. People need to check their home insurance policies so they’re clear on how work might impact their ability to make a claim. Always make sure you use a Gas Safe Registered engineer for gas work, checking they’re certified and on the register. Like with our health, prevention is better than cure when it comes to gas safety and keeping you covered for the unexpected. Having your gas appliances checked annually by a registered engineer means you won’t risk invalidating your insurance by continuing to use appliances that have developed faults.” Jonathan Samuel, chief executive at Gas Safe Register says: “We’ve spent so much more time in our homes recently it’s natural people have looked to move and improve. We’re stressing the importance of not cutting corners when gas is involved, even when finances are squeezed. “While DIY-ing directly with gas appliances is the most obvious way to cause a gas emergency, there are other projects that can indirectly put you at risk. For example, accidentally drilling a hole through a gas pipe while attempting to put up shelving. “Whether it’s gas emergency, planned maintenance or improvements, it’s vital you seek the help of a registered expert. Gas engineers are listed as key workers and as such, are still conducting home visits, with the necessary precautions in place, during this period of social distancing and staying at home.” Kate Devine, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “Attempting home improvements yourself which involve significant building work, or even gas and electrical work, rather than using a legally registered professional can seem like a great way to save money. However, doing so, can easily leave you exposed to having a claim refused and significantly out of pocket, should you need to call upon your home insurance policy and you have unwittingly invalidated it. “My advice is to always be clear on what your policy covers you for and what it doesn’t. Read the Ts&Cs and make sure you enter your own details correctly.” Download the Gas Safe Register’s free winter guide for useful information on how to stay gas safe during the colder months of the year.
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose a solar installer who carefully looks at your requirements, your roof, stands behind their work, and honors any warranty. Take a look at the website and company values The company’s mission and vision statements, objectives, and values offer a glance into a business’s DNA, and you understand how you will be treated as a customer. If the values of the company match with what you are looking forward to, shortlist it. Look at their experience and longevity Gain information about the number of years they have been working in this field. If they are reliable, they will mention their past projects on their websites. Spend some time checking those and the certifications of the company. Examine the warranties Solarpower panels last for years without much maintenance. If an issue occurs, you should know who to contact. The solar energy system has several warranties, from the manufacturer warranties for various parts to workmanship warranties from installers. The latter warranty adheres only to the specific work performed by the installer and usually spans over a period of ten years. Understand the warranty carefully to know what is included or excluded and check with the installer to learn about hidden aspects of the warranties. Also, ask the installer if you have to pay charges during the check or replacement of any equipment. Who will install the system? Full-service installers involve their in-house team members to complete the project – designing, installing, monitoring, and maintaining. Sometimes, solar installers depend on subcontractors to perform all or part of the work involved in installing the system. There is nothing to be disappointed by this as it is a normal practice in the industry. You have to pay attention to the level of transparency from the installers about who will install the system – the installers themselves or the subcontractors. Also, try to know why they use the subcontractor and what portion of the work will be done by the subs. Everything boils down to one point – who will be responsible if there is a problem and who will you go to for a solution. If they answer clearly, you can go ahead with the company or switch your attention to its competitors. Verify their online reviews and speak to their customers Never hire a company without listening to or reading the recommendations. You may talk to friends and neighbors who have also installed solar panels. The reviews about a company from its users and customers are a great way to know about its services. Check out social media platforms and Google reviews to get an insight into the company’s workmanship. Peace of Mind A purchase should never pressurize you. Is the installation company pushing hard? If yes, you may not be alarmed immediately as many reputable solar installers offer incentives to their staff with commissions. But, if you notice that the representatives are moving from door-to-door, insisting you sign a contract without reading it and convincing you that solar will be great for your roof while others refuse to install without repairing the house, understand that these are signs of high-pressure sales tactics. Keep your eyes and ears open for choosing a solar installer. Make sure that the company is reliable and has been in this industry for a long time.
Business is coming out of a fallow season, as is society, and it’s bringing with it huge demands for infrastructure upgrades across energy, transport and housing. The Guardian has highlighted a sizable 6% surge in March 2021, with infrastructure pushing forward the industry alongside housing. What these figures fail to highlight is the increasing rate of accidents on construction sites stemming from huge demand. ConstructionNews.co.uk has found that construction site deaths have risen by a third over the past five years. Whether proportional to the worker population or not, that’s an unacceptable increase in risk and, indeed, rate. Welding comes central to some of these figures, and even when the construction site is safe, poorly completed welding can have a disastrous impact on the eventual users of the new infrastructure. Setting principles The need for high-quality welders has been shown in the long-awaited construction of nuclear plant Hinkley C. As the BBC highlights, aggressive recruitment has been undertaken to provide workers for the construction of the cutting-edge facility, with welders in high demand. Elsewhere, in East Anglia, the approval of other nuclear projects is being met with promises of further welding professional schemes to meet demand. For welders moving into the lucrative business of high-end welding, it’s important to first establish basic safety principles. Much of this will, of course, be covered in the course of learning the necessary skills to work on professional construction sites. What they can’t necessarily provide, however, is proper equipment, and in high-pressure environments, employers often overlook the need for the best quality safety kit. A welding table is a good example, with stable, bespoke items doing a better job for the safety of the employee and their colleagues than the kit often provided on site. Of course, equipment only forms one part of the safety equation, and in high-pressure work environments, workers must be aware of their rights. Overtime and flexibility In May 2020, Yorkshire Live reported on the tragic case of Zac Payne and Michael Morris. Both welders, they had died in a fatal car crash after their parent company failed to follow internal fatigue regulations. A £750,000 fine was ordered as a result. Companies must be aware of the rules and regulations they need to follow under HSE guidelines, and workers should be aware of what they can reasonably expect to work on and how much rest they need between jobs. Fatigue is often the key factor in mistakes – when it comes to infrastructure, this can have a disastrous impact not only on the employee, but the public, too, who use the infrastructure welders contribute to. Infrastructure damage The impact of hastily constructed projects was put into tragic view in Mexico City in May 2021. As Yahoo News UK outlines, poor quality welding, among other issues, led to the collapse of an overhead rail passage. As new infrastructure to supply the UK flies up across the country, lessons like this one are vitally important for project managers and contractors to bear in mind. It’s an exciting time for new builds, and getting the country back on the road to being fully functioning will be something to stake reputations on. However, this cannot be at the cost of human safety. This is what the welding issues boils down to – human safety. There are so many risks associated with welding, from the simple danger of the tools required to the danger of the related environments; welding is often required in electrical environments, for instance. Protecting the safety of workers is protecting their ability to do good work and, ultimately, deliver high quality construction projects.
You have invested a lot of time, effort, and money into building a quality construction business. Even with a brilliant team of contractors working for you, it counts for very little if your company doesn’t attract clients. A strong digital marketing strategy isn’t the only key factor to consider, but it should be a priority. Building companies across the country are continually upgrading their marketing teams. So, if you do not invest in your strategies, it is very likely that the company will get left behind. Here are four cornerstones that will ensure you see the desired results. 1| Gain Visibility Awareness is the first step on the road to conversion. After all, you cannot achieve anything if nobody knows of your company’s existence. With nearly two billion websites online, it’s unlikely that people will find your site by luck. Therefore, investing in strong SEO services is crucial. Given the nature of the business, you will need to ensure that the experts use local campaigns. They should also target mobile searches and voice searches. As well as gaining traffic from search engines, social media platforms can be very useful. A large following doesn’t always translate to increased inquiries, but it gets your message out to more people. It can only help. 2| Use Images To Build Trust They say a picture paints a thousand words. Prospective clients will want to see what your company is capable of achieving before hiring your construction firm. Using your website and social media channels to showcase your portfolio is advised. These photography tips should serve you well. It will help your leads visualise the work you could achieve for them. Images verify your quality as a business. If you truly wish to build trust, though, you should additionally look to use client testimonials. The verified positive reviews will remove any concerns that prospective leads may have. 3| Sell Yourself Hiring a construction firm for B2B or B2C projects is a big deal. All clients need to know that they have the right people on the job. As such, learning to celebrate your USPs as a loyal and reliable service is key. Any awards or accolades should be highlighted while it’s also a good idea to have an ‘about’ page on your site. Let clients get to know you. This transparency should be underlined by a solid customer care game. Nobody likes the thought of spending hours trying to get hold of their contractor if something goes wrong. Show that you will be obtainable, and it’s another reason to choose your firm. 4| Tell Them The Next Steps Visibility and interest in the business will provide a solid foundation. However, the success of your campaigns are ultimately determined by the number of conversions and hot leads that you gain. The choice of Call-to-Action is a commonly overlooked issue. When you get it right, though, it tells clients the next moves that they should take. Removing any ambiguity. CTAs should be added to landing pages, service pages, email marketing streams, and social posts. If you don’t tell customers what to do next, they simply will not follow up their interest. For that reason, you must pay attention.
The construction industry accounts for one of the highest numbers of workplace injuries and fatalities in the private sector. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 20% of all private worker fatalities in 2019 were from the construction industry, equivalent to one in every five worker fatalities. With such grim statistics improving construction site safety should be a priority for every employer. Risks Associated with Unsafe Construction Site Unsafe conditions and lack of training are some of the common problems that construction workers face daily. As a result, they may suffer a wide range of workplace accidents, including falling from heights, being hit by falling objects, electrocutions, being injured by construction machinery, and more. If you or someone you know has been injured at a construction site, seeking the advice of a construction accident lawyer such as Emroch & Kilduff, based in Virginia, can help you collect the benefits you deserve. Steps to Improving Your Construction Safety Workplace injuries and fatalities are usually expensive to employers in terms of compensation and loss of workforce. Employers may also be faced with higher insurance costs due to high accident prevalence. For that reason, every employer has an obligation to ensure the safety of their workers by: 1. Making Worksite Safety with Priority In any worksite, “safety first” should be more than lip service. Prioritizing workers’ safety communicates that their wellbeing and safety is your top concern and can help instill confidence and build trust. Putting safety first can also help you cut costs by improving worker productivity since you will not have workers missing out on work due to injuries. Besides, a strong safety record can also help in keeping your insurance costs down. 2. Training Your Workers On Safety Regularly Ensuring that your workers get proper training is the easiest way to improve your company’s safety culture. On top of that, having your employees trained on safety shows that you value them, which can boost morale. Safety training should not be a one-off event; it should be an ongoing effort at reinforcing best practices. Regular training helps workers retain what they have learned, which helps keep safety top of mind. 3. Ensuring Employees Are Equipped with Proper Protective Gear Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at the construction site could mean the difference between minor and long-term injuries or fatalities. It’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all their workers are equipped with the appropriate PPE relative to the nature of their work. Additionally, employers must ensure that their employees wear their appropriate protective equipment while on the worksite at all times. 4. Rewarding The Good and Correct the Bad Using incentives for good safety practices can be a great way of promoting adherence to company safety standards. Workers could be rewarded for attending safety meetings and training sessions, proper usage of their PPE, making safety improvement suggestions and reporting near misses or unsafe conditions or hazards. In addition to rewarding the good, be sure to correct workers who disregard your company’s safety standards. 5. Conducting Regular Site Inspections and Safety Meetings Job sites need to be inspected before work begins and at the end of each workday. These daily inspections ensure that no tools or dangerous debris are left lying around in the construction site and ensures that all the equipment is in good working condition. It would also be helpful to conduct brief safety meetings daily before work begins to go over the tasks ahead and the safety procedures to be observed. Holding brief meetings can also be an excellent way of ensuring that all construction workers have their proper PPE before starting work on the site. Wrapping Up Having a strong safety culture means making an intentional effort to put safety first. Even where you may believe that you have a safe work environment for your workers, there can always be room for improvement.
Over the years, online casinos have enjoyed a surge in popularity, thanks in part to live casino technology. This gives players the experience of being in one of the most luxurious casinos globally, without leaving their sofa. However, there is still a place for the land-based casino, and one thing that these can offer is stunning design and architecture. Here are five of the most elaborate casino designs in the whole world. 1. Casino de Monte Carlo, Mónaco Monaco is renowned for being glamorous and high-end, and this 19th-century venue is no exception. It is so stunning that many of the casinos in America have tried desperately to emulate it, but nothing has come close to the original true beauty of this casino. From the moment you arrive and glimpse the exterior, your breath is taken away by the stunning and decorative facade. Stepping through the doors, the luxury and splendour continues, with paintings and portraits that reinforce just how glamorous and expensive life is in Monaco. The hospitality is second to none, and players will find all of their favourite games on offer, from table games to slot machines. Be sure to check out the views of the Riviera that are visible from many of the windows. 2. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City In Atlantic City, you can expect an all-out experience, and this sprawling resort is no exception. It started life as a health resort, but it has been expanded over the years and is now home to one of MGM International‘s biggest casinos. It emulates Tuscan architecture, and one of the most notable features is the main tower which is gold glass and reflects light for miles. It cost a whopping $400 million to build and is known locally as the water club. It is a one-stop-shop for all of your needs and includes the casino, the spa, and many shopping outlets, including famous boutique names. The casino is massive, boasting over 180 table games and 3000 slot machines. The resort also has private jets available to go and fetch the rich and famous from all over the world and bring them back to spend time at the casino. 3. The Bellagio, Las Vegas Often referred to as the casino capital of the world, Las Vegas is home to some of the most glitzy casinos ever built. You may well recognise The Bellagio because it is often used in movies and TV shows. The design of the buildings is first-rate, and the casino offers many different table games as well as plenty of extracurricular activity in the form of shopping and dining. It boasts 14,000 ft.² of outside garden space, which is cared for by a massive team of professional landscape designers and horticulturalists. Although it is known primarily as a gambling venue, the gardens are so impressive that they attract experts from all over the world to come and learn and visit the facility. 4. Morpheus Casino, Macau Although Macau might not be the first place you think of for exclusive and stunning casinos, this is actually one of the best in the world. The architect is the 2016 Pritzker Architect prize winner, Zaha Hadid, and it cost over $1.1 billion in construction, making the venue in Atlantic City seem remarkably cheap. On the site, you will find 42 storeys that encompass the casino and hotel as well as the retail and dining outlets. They were aiming to create something totally insane, and they may just have succeeded. Thanks to this and other entertainment venues, Macau has become known as the Vegas of the East and attracts some of the most successful gamblers who want to try their luck. There is certainly plenty to choose from, with 500 gaming tables and thousands of slot machines. 5. Baden Baden Casino, Germany Located in the stunning backdrop of the Black Forest, Baden Baden Casino is as beautiful as the name suggests. Being just outside the city, the casino makes the perfect escape. It is very popular with the elite gambling set, who take full use of all of the facilities. These include a conference complex, world-class dining facilities and a spa. The building boasts some of the most impressive architecture in German history and is decked out with decor and art all locally sourced. If you are looking for beauty rather than out and out ostentatious design, this is the place to go. It is subtle but stunning and so incredibly well designed you will find yourself gazing at the walls and surroundings for hours. As you would expect, all of your most favourite table games are on offer, and you can while away many days away from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life by escaping to this forest retreat.
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also educate clients on the most viable Forex trading strategies. Dozens of companies are advertising brokerage services online. Due to the incredible popularity of Forex trading around the world, the existence of scam sites is not surprising. Since brokers handle their clients’ financial operations, it is vital to make the right choice. This article will help you identify reliable operators in your country. Crucial Selection Criteria Use the following list of factors to weed out scammers. See if you can answer these questions. 1. Does the company comply with UK regulations? What regulatory body is it monitored by? The company must have a licence to conduct business in the United Kingdom. This information should be clearly stated on their website, as it is a sign of credibility. Check the list of regulating bodies carefully. After all, your financial flows will go through the broker. 2. Do client reviews look genuine? Online feedback can hardly be perceived as a reliable source of opinions. However, when reviews are fake or paid, this may be deduced from the language. Look at specialized platforms with comparisons of Forex operators. 3. How much are the transaction costs? The spreads (i.e., the difference between the Ask and Bid values) determine the broker’s commission for every transaction. Although it is natural to seek the lowest fees, remember that these must look realistic. 4. Are there any hidden fees? Unscrupulous providers may use deceptive passages in their Terms and Conditions. Reliable brokers, on the other hand, make all the conditions transparent. 5. How much is the minimum deposit? This usually depends on the type of account you open. Can you afford to start trading with this broker? 6. Are their deposit and withdrawal methods convenient? This determines your ability to make transfers using the accepted methods. 7. Does the broker offer comprehensive guidance? Renowned Forex providers supply clients with tonnes of educational material. Demo accounts should be available, so you can practice trades with zero risks. You should also be able to reach the support centre around the clock, at least on weekdays. Example: Trading with FXTM Established in 2011, this brand is now truly global. With 2+ million clients in 150 countries, it boasts impressive geographical coverage. In the UK, the company is subject to regulation by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The mission of this entity is to protect consumers, enhance market integrity and promote competition in the finance field. Over the years, FXTM has collected over 25 industry awards. The firm is usually included in annual forex broker reviews. Importantly, all client funds are kept separate from corporate assets. This adds another degree of protection. Other competitive advantages include: Other UK Brokers Here are a few other brokers with positive trust ratings. All of them are regulated by FCA. Check the companies’ sites for exact terms and conditions of trading.
In this post, we look at all the methods estate agents use to draw attention to an open house event and maximise its potential to sell a property.
Properties in the UK fit into one of two categories: Traditional Construction Most houses, bungalows and low-rise flats are brick or block wall construction. They generally have a sloping roof and will either have solid or cavity walls, depending on the era they were built. Non-traditional Construction Anything other than a brick or block wall construction is defined as ‘non-traditional’. These include metal framed, pre-cast concrete, in-situ concrete and timber framed properties. The reason they’re split into categories is so that buyers and mortgage lenders are aware of any potential risks with the property. Mortgage lenders will want to know that a property is suitable collateral for their loan. Buyers will want to be sure that they won’t have to pay too much for repairs over time and that they will be able to sell their house fast should they decide to move. Now, let’s look in more detail at each of the constructions and what to be aware of if you’re looking at a property without much additional information. Metal Framed There are around 140,000 metal framed houses in the UK and a number of aluminium framed ones. The majority were built after WWII when rapid re-building was required due to bomb damage. They are, however, made to look like standard houses with finishes of brick, render or imitation brick and many of them are so convincing that a specialist eye would be needed in order to confirm whether they are actually metal framed or not. One way to find out if the house is metal framed is to look in the roof space. There will usually be unlined sheathed metal framing or metal stud framing, lined with plasterboard. Pre-cast Concrete Around 284,000 houses in the UK have concrete panels as their main wall structure. These were built throughout the 1920s, then again in the ‘50s and ‘60s. There are two types of pre-cast concrete houses – panel and pre-cast. Panel systems are created in a factory before being transported to a building site for construction. If they are used as external walls then they will either look like concrete, or will have brick or tile affixed to them, imitating a traditional house. Pre-cast concrete systems are concrete frames with in-fill panels. The panels will be slotted into the frame and can mostly be found in two-storey properties. In-situ Concrete Introduced during the two great wars in the UK, in-situ walling was intended to keep costs low and construction time down. However, they ended up being more costly than traditional builds. The most well-known buildings with in-situ concrete were the Wimpey homes built between the 1940s and 1970s. Timber Framed Houses with timber frames will usually have cladding on the outside that protects the property from the elements, as well as making them look more appealing. From around 1920 to the late ‘70s approximately 108,000 timber framed houses were built in the UK. During the ‘80s brick and block constructions became more popular, until the ‘90s when timber frames made a slight come-back again. Recognising whether your property is timber framed or not depends on when it was built. Pre-WWII houses were mostly clad with timber as well as the structure being built from it. However, post-war constructions were clad with bricks that made them more traditional in appearance. There will usually be indicators somewhere within the property as to whether it is a timber frame or not and a specialist will be able to work this out. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) More recently there has been an increased need for housing, at the same time as there is a lack of skilled workers. Therefore, the Government is now encouraging property developers to use MMC to fulfil demand. Methods such as using Aircrete blocks, thin joint systems and structural insulated panels are helping to evolve more traditional masonry and timber frame constructions. Similarly, steel frame systems have developed, along with in-situ concrete techniques which has led to insulated concrete forms becoming a more popular choice. The point of MMC is to find ways of reducing construction time on site, whilst increasing the number of properties built. The quality of the properties isn’t compromised and developers are able to more accurately forecast costs and turnaround.
We see dust on a daily basis and for the most part, most of us assume that dust isn’t intrinsically dangerous – but this actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Here The Hireman London explains all about the problem and what employers can do to help fix the problem. Excess dust in the workplace can be extremely dangerous on for a variety of different reasons. Even though this type of thing is rare, concentrated dust clouds can be potentially combustible and have catastrophic repercussions – so it’s absolutely imperative to keep a work environment relatively dust-free. Naturally, combustible dust clouds are rare, but far more common are dust-related illnesses which are a leading cause of death in the UK when it comes to occupational health. Workplace environments where dust thrives The average joe working in an office may not be susceptible to dust-related illnesses as much as other occupations – in some industries, dust-related illnesses can be far more prevalent. These include: Mines & Quarries – dust from flint, silica and coal Construction sites – dust from asbestos and cement Carpentry – dust from wood Bakeries – dust from flour Textiles – dust from materials Farming – dust from grain The illnesses Dust is a nasty piece of work when it comes to dishing out illness and therefore can lead to a plethora of health issues. Illnesses and conditions encompass eye and nose damage, skin conditions, silicosis, mesothelioma and lung related illnesses such as cancer. Pneumoconiosis, which is the generic name given to any condition which affect the lungs causing inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue is majorly common with people that have been working with the likes of asbestos and silica – and these can prove to more often than not – be fatal. How to prevent dust build up and keep work environments safe There are a number of government legislations that cover the provisions to minimise the risk from dust within a workplace. These include the Factories Act of 1961, healthy and safety at work act 1974 and control of substances hazardous to health regulations of 1988. There are also industry specific regulations (such as coal mining) where there is a real risk of contracting illness through the workplace. From an employers perspective, they need to doall that they can to eliminate or at the very least, ensure that there are low levels of dust for their workers to work in. Something like an exhaust ventilation system will remove dust from a particular site and furthermore a dilution ventilation system can help disperse the dust evenly throughout a particular area as opposed to allowing the dust to build up. Employers should be constantly vigilant about respirators, protective clothing and ensuring its workers have a safe environment of which to operate in. The Hireman, also provides a wide range of tools that come with dust extraction aids – of which you can find a full catalogue here. What to do in the event you think you’ve caught a dust related illness If you think that your health has been adversely impacted by dust in the workplace you can of course be entitled to some form of compensation (especially if it’s proven that your condition has come about as a direct consequence of working in the environment you’re in). The Hireman suggests that you seek immediate medical aid and persue legal options should your health be affected by poor working environments.