National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated
Anyone who is thinking about selling their home likely has to consider the idea of renovating to increase the value of the home. Renovations can range from small updates, such as adding insulation, to bigger updates, like adding an extra room to the house. Before undergoing any renovation project, you
Are you a first-time home buyer looking to find your dream home, but are worried about making some mistakes? Do you want to make sure that you cover all your bases when buying your very first home? Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make,
First of all, let us learn a few pointers about slaughter lines. They are often known as an “abattoir” where animals are slaughtered and processed into meat. Clean and unclean slaughter line activities are physically separated and staffed separately to prevent contamination of corpses and edible by-products. They have evolved
In your home, there are a variety of problems that can arise. Some of these problems will be easy to fix, and others may take some time. The difference between fixing a problem quickly or waiting until the problem gets worse is called “settling” versus “foundation.” According to the experts
Are you thinking about building a property instead of purchasing an existing home? If so, then it’s important to approach this the right way. You might think that building a home is never going to fit into the budget that you are working with. However, don’t be so sure. It’s
Community groups can apply for funding from the new Meridian Water Community Chest, funded by contributions from Meridian Water developers, contractors and consultants to deliver projects benefitting local residents. A new rolling grant scheme, the Meridian Water Community Chest will be used to help Edmonton communities around the £6bn Meridian
Have you ever wondered what types of people visit online casinos? Well, the short answer is all types. Even when you think of brick-and-mortar casinos, the demographics are changing. We used to see only rich people in their elegant black-tie outfits, however, when you step into a casino hotel in
Construction companies take safety measures seriously because they want to prevent injuries, accidents, and even death in the workplace. Such problems could cause disruptions that may be costly for many contractors. However, despite best efforts, accidents can still happen. And some of them may be due to defective construction equipment.
Real estate developer Kronos Homes has spent the past two years raising the bar for resort living in the Western Algarve at luxury resort, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf. Now, the company has revealed the resort’s latest addition: a magnificent brand-new villa designed by RCR Arquitectes. The villa is the first of eight
National construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy, has committed to creating equal opportunities for ex-servicemen and women and their families after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Under the agreement, the leading hire firm has pledged to establish a tailored employment pathway for veterans by working with not-for-profit service Career Transition Partnership, and by recognising military skills and qualifications in interview processes. “Signing this covenant formalises the respect we have for those that come from armed forces backgrounds and underlines our commitment to supporting them in developing their future careers,” said Ellie Armour, HR director at Speedy. “Our veteran colleagues enrich our business with the training and skills they developed while serving their country, from project management to driving heavy goods vehicles, and we recognise our duty as a major employer to give back to armed forces communities nationwide.” The company, which already has a number of ex-service personnel in their ranks, is aiming to increase the number of employees from armed forces backgrounds. Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant it’s received the Bronze Award in the Employee Recognition Scheme, which evidences the tangible support an organisation offers to its armed forces community, with the company now progressing through silver towards its gold standard. The covenant was signed at the firm’s national support centre in Tamworth, where HR director Ellie Armour was joined by co-signatory Colonel Paul Gilby alongside veteran colleagues from across the company. Speedy joins other major employers in the construction industry including some of the UKs largest contractors in signing the covenant, signalling to ex-service men and women that they are armed forces friendly organisations at a time when almost one in five (17%) veterans in work say that finding the right job is very difficult*. The business has also committed to support its employees with family in the armed forces by upholding several principles that include sympathetically reviewing requests for leave surrounding partners’ overseas deployment and providing paid leave for employees whose loved ones are lost or injured in the line of duty. “Construction services and the armed forces share many complementary skill sets. It’s excellent to have Speedy’s support with the covenant. The company shows clear intent to help veterans across the country to build successful careers as they transition away from the military,” added Colonel Paul Gilby, co-signatory and Ministry of Defence representative. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure, and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.
Anyone who is thinking about selling their home likely has to consider the idea of renovating to increase the value of the home. Renovations can range from small updates, such as adding insulation, to bigger updates, like adding an extra room to the house. Before undergoing any renovation project, you need to ensure that you consider all the factors involved, and that you are honest with yourself about whether or not the renovations will add true value to your home. You also need to think about contacting a skip hire company like Proskips, as you’re going to be dealing with huge amounts of waste during the renovation process. Apart from the changes to resale value, you must consider how these renovations will impact day-to-day life. If you’re looking to sell your home and are wanting to renovate, here are the rooms you should focus on: The Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of any home, and it is the one place that brings together the entire house without fail. Everyone uses the kitchen. This is where families prepare meals, bond, and even host guests. Without question, this is the room that gets used the most. Nothing is worse than seeing an outdated kitchen when house hunting. The truth is that everyone wants a modern kitchen, so if you want to entice buyers, you should invest in kitchen renovations. Focus on quality finishes and lots of counter space because the kitchen is always the focal point of every home and can make a significant difference in the value of the house. When renovating the kitchen, focus on the following: Colours and textures Upgrade counters Replacing or re-painting cabinets Re-tiling Stainless steel appliances and new handles The Bathroom The bathroom is another very important room in the house and is used multiple times every single day by the entire household. When buyers are house hunting, they have their eyes set on what the bathroom is going to look like, and an outdated bathroom can ruin the entire home for potential buyers who do not want to renovate. Renovating the bathroom falls on the expensive side, however, it is worth it because you are guaranteed to receive a return on your investment. When focusing on the bathroom, consider doing the following: A fresh coat of paint Adjusting the shower pressure Stainless steel taps Re-grouting tiles Removing and replacing the silicone around the bath, shower, and toilet areas The Bedroom The bedroom is the sanctuary of the home and is where most people unwind and relax. This room is used every day and is where we rest our heads at night. People want a bedroom to exude comfort and their own personal style. When house hunting, people want the bedroom to be a blank canvas with modern finishes so that they can envision how they are going to decorate and arrange everything. To improve the bedroom, consider the following: Removing and replacing old carpets Re-painting walls Replacing or re-painting outdated cupboards Ventilation or air-conditioning Living Room The living room serves different functions in different households. In some households, the living room is a formal room that nobody is allowed in except for visitors, while other households treat the living room as a place where family can come together and spend some time. Buyers want a spacious and modern living room with a bit of character that compliments the rest of the house. If you want to make the living room better, consider the following: Repainting Removing or replacing carpets with tiles or wooden flooring A fireplace Updated light fixtures Updated light switches and plugs When renovating this room, keep colours neutral and the finish minimalistic. You don’t want to add a theme to the living room because you want the buyer to have a blank canvas that allows them to easily decorate however they want. Office Not all homes will have an office. If your home does, this is a room that is not often used but is still highly efficient. It can serve as a place for kids to do homework, or for one to get work done, especially during a pandemic where more people are working from home. When renovating this space, consider repainting, adding bookshelves, and air-conditioning. Stick to colours that are not distracting, and renovate it in such a way that it can be easily transformed into a guest bedroom in the event that you decide you don’t want an office.
Are you a first-time home buyer looking to find your dream home, but are worried about making some mistakes? Do you want to make sure that you cover all your bases when buying your very first home? Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so it’s important to take your time and find the right place. When looking for houses, there are several factors that should be considered. Location, inspections, neighborhood, size of the house, and other factors are all important considerations. If you are nervous about buying your very first house, here are some of the biggest mistakes you should avoid as a first-time home buyer: Not Accurately Predicting Expenses There are so many things that you need to remember as a first-time home buyer: the cost of the house, how many rooms you are looking for, if there are schools nearby, and so much more. It can all get very overwhelming, and sometimes you can forget that there are actually other expenses involved in this process. First of all, you will need to hire an agent if you want the best results possible. However, this isn’t something you should feel forced to do. But it is highly recommended that you hire a professional, like Miller Metcalfe, when buying a home, as real estate agents can help you make an informed decision. This real estate agency offers a wide range of properties for sale in Bolton as well as many other areas, and they offer personalized packages to suit you. Apart from the expense of the house itself, you will find that there are monthly expenses that will continue on for as long as you own the house, and you need to know what these are. Things such as water, electricity, and other maintenance fees will be something you will have to pay for monthly. On top of that, you will need to pay off the loan for your house. All of these can add up very quickly. Not Learning About the Location When you go looking at different houses, you might think that you have found your dream house that is perfect and everything you could have ever wanted it to be. But then it turns out it isn’t close to a school for your children. Learning all you can about the location of the house and what surrounds it will prove immensely valuable. Many people just look at the house itself, but you need to think about the neighborhood and what your family needs, such as the commute to work, where the schools are, how close the nearest grocery store is, what kind of entertainment is around, and more. All of these can affect your decision dramatically. And if you don’t consider these things beforehand, you may end up with buyer’s remorse. Compromising Compromising is absolutely key in this entire process. You may have an exact image of your dream house, along with your dream price, and the right location. However, it is not uncommon to end up compromising a bit in some, if not all, of these. Then there are other times where you find your dream house, but it costs a lot more than you were hoping for. In this case, you might have to look for a different house or think about increasing your budget. The same goes for the location too. Not Thinking Long-Term A house is something that you will have for a very long time, if not for the rest of your life. This means that you need to think about what your future might look like and who your house needs to cater to. Right now, you may be single with just a dog or a cat, but in the future, you may want to start a family and have children running around. In this case, you will need to think about that and make sure that when you are buying a house, you are looking at ones that will have enough space to suit your family and their needs in the future. Not Considering the Size of the Property Last but not least, you need to consider the size of the property. Having a house that is smaller could limit you, but having a house that is too big could be too hard for you to maintain. You need to think about what is just right for you. Do you have kids running around that need a big back garden? Do you have pets that need some space? Do you work from home and need a home office? There are so many questions you need to ask yourself in order to make the best choice that will pay off in the long run.
First of all, let us learn a few pointers about slaughter lines. They are often known as an “abattoir” where animals are slaughtered and processed into meat. Clean and unclean slaughter line activities are physically separated and staffed separately to prevent contamination of corpses and edible by-products. They have evolved significantly in the last 30 years. Technology has advanced in handling the live animal shortly before slaughter, stunning, killing, early autopsy management, and carcass treatment. The key drivers of progress in these technical aspects of butchery have been the improvement of carcass and meat quality. Methods and conventional techniques for slaughter lines Stunning The current mechanical way of stunning is by shooting, which can take two forms; Using a captive bolt pistol to transmit a force into the animal’s head to render it unconscious. A penetrating free-bullet gun or rifle is acted upon to render the animal unconscious. Compression stunners with or without penetrating heads also immobilize livestock using air rather than cartridges. An ancient way of stunning in which the animal’s head was smacked or struck with a hammer. This method got prohibited for its inhumane practices in some countries, but in extreme and desperate cases, the hammer comes back into action to stun small ruminants with a quick blow to the back of the neck. The use of electricity to stun small animals, particularly pigs, is usual. The most basic approach involves placing electrodes or probes in tongs with insulated handles between the animal’s ear and eye for 1–4 seconds. However, chemical stunning refers to the use of carbon dioxide to immobilize animals before bleeding. Although Co2 striking is more expensive than electrical stunning, it is widely used in small livestock such as sheep and goats. Bleeding Animals that have been stunned must be positioned first for bleeding. Bind below the hock of one hind leg, raising the animal to convenient height results in a vertical or hanging position. The animal gets positioned horizontally on a concrete slab or a sturdy plastic pallet to prevent bleeding. The goal is to sever the blood vessels in the neck and allow blood to flow freely. The oesophagus may be slit and the viscera can become contaminated if the sticking is done in a different place than recommended. Electrical stimulation It is a method of stimulating muscular contraction and post-mortem metabolic activity in an animal corpse. It happens shortly after slaughtering by applying an electrical current to it. So, we’ve gone through some pointers on how the slaughter lines have progressed over time. However, there are select businesses in our society committed to offering goods and services to their customers. They help their customers in carrying out meat processing and product handling in a reliable, efficient, and hygienic way. If you’re worried about slaughter lines, DGS has a comprehensive choice of rail and transport systems. The stainless-steel rails are the world’s most hygienic option, and they’re simple to upgrade because they work with the current galvanized chain
In your home, there are a variety of problems that can arise. Some of these problems will be easy to fix, and others may take some time. The difference between fixing a problem quickly or waiting until the problem gets worse is called “settling” versus “foundation.” According to the experts at ‘58 Foundations, “Foundation settling issues can arise when a part of the footing is poured over fill dirt that is not properly compacted. A footing resting on fill dirt is where the structural failure is most likely to occur. The footing itself cracks at the spot where the soil has further compacted. This is called a differential settlement, where one part moves and the other does not. Like a hinge, the settling side moves down and the other remains supported and does not move.” Here is an insight into the difference between settling and foundation problems Foundation Shrinkage When you have a problem with foundation shrinkage, it means that your foundation is starting to crack. Therefore, the material in the walls of your home may be pulling away from each other. This can cause issues such as doors not closing correctly or windows becoming difficult to open and close with time. If you have foundation shrinkage, it is best to get a professional to your home so they can take a look at the issue and begin repairs or replacements. Foundation Expansion Foundation expansion is the opposite effect of foundation shrinkage. When you have a problem with foundation expansion, it means that your foundation has an issue where water and other liquids are getting inside to cause damage. This can make your home become structurally unsound over time and create mold throughout the walls, which is not healthy for people or pets. Foundation Settlement Settlement is when your foundation moves, which can happen for a variety of reasons. This usually occurs because the soil has changed where you are building or changes in water levels that cause it to move. You may hear popping noises around your home and feel vibrations throughout the day. The Difference between Settling and a Major Problem When you have a problem with settling, it means that the ground is continually moving and causing your home to become uneven. With time this can cause problems such as doors not closing correctly or windows becoming difficult to open and close. In addition, if there are any cracks in your walls, they will begin to get larger and larger. Before you call a contractor to fix your problem, you must understand the difference between settling and foundation problems. If any cracks in your walls or doors have become difficult to open and close, then this may be an example of foundation settling. Therefore, it will require more time, money, and effort than simply repairing something such as uneven floors. Possible Solutions Settlement piering is an option if you are experiencing settlement problems with your home. The process involves installing deep pilings to avoid settling the ground, foundation, or sidewalks in front of your house. With this method, people will live in their homes without worrying about future foundation issues. If you are unsure what is causing the problem at your house, give a professional a call today to take an in-depth look at your home and discuss all of the potential issues with you. In summary, foundation problems are widespread and can occur in any home. Some of these problems will be easy to fix, and others may take some time. While there is no accurate way to tell how much your repairs cost, it should always depend on the type of problem you have with your residence.
Are you thinking about building a property instead of purchasing an existing home? If so, then it’s important to approach this the right way. You might think that building a home is never going to fit into the budget that you are working with. However, don’t be so sure. It’s possible that you can build a home for less than you might realise. You just need to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps here. If you don’t do this, then the costs could quickly build and you could end up with nothing more than a money pit that is constantly draining your accounts. Here are some of the challenges of building a home that you will need to address the right way. Finding The Right Contractor First, you will need to take steps to find the right contractor who will build your property. Choosing the right contractor will depend on a variety of different factors. For instance, it’s important to choose a professional solution that will be able to work within your budget. You should mention your budget whenever you are speaking to a contractor that you are considering working with. Of course, it’s not just about the cost. You will also need to ensure that you are getting the right quality solution when you choose a service like this. We recommend that you think about checking referrals as well as reviews before settling on the business that you are interested in working with here. You might also want to consider looking at the portfolio of previous work that the team has completed. A company should always be able to provide you with evidence like this. If they can’t then you should question whether you can trust the services that they are promising to deliver. It’s likely that all is not as it seems here. Money Concerns Next, you should think about how you are going to pay the cost of building your home. As already mentioned, building a home may not cost as much as you might expect. But you will likely still need to handle costs here the right way. We recommend that you explore different mortgage options that could be suitable for you. Self build mortgages are available on the market and this will provide you with the funs that you need if you don’t have a substantial amount of money in savings for a project like this. Do be aware that your chances of obtaining a mortgage like this can be contingent on numerous factors. For instance, you might be classified as self-employed. If that’s the case, then you should think about exploring self employed mortgages. A solution like this will mean that you can get a mortgage even if you don’t have a fixed career or hold a set position. If you are concerned about the cost of building a home like this, we recommend that you think about saving a deposit similar to the money that you would put together for a typical home. This will make your home purchase far easier to handle and manage effectively from a financial standpoint. Location, Location, Location Next, you should think about the location of where you are building your new home. It’s important to make sure that you do build your home on a quality plot of land. If you fail to do this, then you can end up in a situation where there are issues with the foundations of the home or the general design. You should also make sure that you are choosing a location with a good infrastructure in place. Problems with the infrastructure of a location will mean that it’s always going to be more difficult to sell the property in the future and that’s the last thing you want. As well as treating this as a home, you also need to think about it like an investment. It has to be something that you can make money off when it’s time to sell. You don’t want to end up with a built home that is going to leave you with a substantial loss. One of the ways to avoid an issue here is to make sure that you are building your home as part of a planned development. The right planned development will mean that your home is part of an up and coming area that is already gaining the attention of buyers and investors. Delays Finally, it’s possible that you face delays when you are building your home. This is a concern, particularly if this is a property that you want to move into. It can be a nightmare if you end up with nowhere to live for an extended period as well as mounting costs. The good news is that there are ways to avoid delays when you are building your property. For instance, you can think about ensuring that you choose a contractor that will handle all the permits and individual requirements for you. You might also want to consider choosing a builder that has significant levels of experience in this area. Other issues can lead to delays too. For instance, you might find that there are delays getting the materials that you need for your home build. One of the ways that you can handle this is by making sure that you take steps to prepare plans for this long before you start building the property. Preemptive thinking could save you a lot of time with processes like this. We hope this helps you understand some of the key challenges of building a home from scratch. If you take the right steps here, then you can guarantee that this is going to be a relatively smooth process without too many headaches that you will need to navigate. Do be aware that building your home does provide you with a lot of significant benefits. For instance, you can get a property that you have always dreamed of, complete with some amazing features that are
Community groups can apply for funding from the new Meridian Water Community Chest, funded by contributions from Meridian Water developers, contractors and consultants to deliver projects benefitting local residents. A new rolling grant scheme, the Meridian Water Community Chest will be used to help Edmonton communities around the £6bn Meridian Water development get involved in the future development of their neighbourhood and introduce projects that will improve the day-to-day life of the area’s residents. The funding will help to improve the neighbourhoods in the three Edmonton wards (Upper, Lower & Edmonton Green) which are amongst the most deprived in the UK and is available to not-for profit organisations. The vast majority of the fund will be allocated to ‘large’ grants from £10,000 to £60,000 and the remainder will be allocated through smaller grants of up to £2,500 for more informal local based groups. Cash for the scheme will be raised from developers, contractors and consultants and be used to benefit local people. Meridian Water is Enfield Council’s flagship development that will provide 10,000 homes, 6,000 jobs and a wide range of community, leisure and commercial uses over the years to come. Enfield Council Leader, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, said: “The private sector has a social and moral responsibility to the communities in which they are working within to make a difference in terms of social value to ensure the continuing wellbeing of those areas. “So far our developers, contractors and consultants have stepped up to offer finances, skills training and apprenticeships, as we work with more partners we will continue to deliver social value. “Here in Enfield we are taking that principle one step further by ensuring that local people will help to choose where the money is spent to provide the greatest benefit. “Our Community Chest will enable us to transform the lives of Edmonton’s residents and deliver real benefits to those most in need. Ever since Enfield Council took over control of the delivery of Meridian Water we have said local people would be the primary beneficiaries of this project, this initiative is merely the latest manifestation of that commitment and I am delighted that once again we can demonstrate the value this transformational development will have on the lives of thousands of people in our borough.” The projects funded from the Community Chest will help achieve the aims of the Council’s A Lifetime of Opportunities and deliver the 27 recommendations contained in the Enfield Poverty and Inequality Commission Report. Enfield Council’s Cabinet agreed to set up the fund last in July. Groups working in Edmonton can apply at www.meridianwater.co.uk/community/ the deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 17 December. The Council’s Neighbourhood Fund is also accessible for all residents and the next round will be launched shortly https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/your-council/community-development/#13
Have you ever wondered what types of people visit online casinos? Well, the short answer is all types. Even when you think of brick-and-mortar casinos, the demographics are changing. We used to see only rich people in their elegant black-tie outfits, however, when you step into a casino hotel in Las Vegas today you will find all sorts of people. If you want to play casino games online the choices are almost infinite and online gambling is available for everyone over the legal age in countries where it is legal to gamble. So who visits online casinos? A Portuguese iGaming expert, Martim Nabeiro gave us the answer to this question. The Free-game Lovers You may be surprised to learn that most online casinos offer demo versions of their games. People who are only after entertainment and not money often play free games at casinos. In these games, players don’t risk anything but they can’t cash out anything even if they win. They can still enjoy the great gameplay and kill some time in a way that is more interesting than just watching tv. Most online casinos that accept players from Portugal, such as casino888 offer free games after registering and some do even without registering. The Money-makers Everybody’s dream is to make money while playing games but it is not a very easy path. That being said, there are people in gambling who make money consistently. While with most games of chance, you have to be simply lucky to win, you may turn your skill into money in blackjack, poker and sports betting. There are professional poker players playing at online casinos who win more often than not using their excellent strategy, people skills, and experience. Problem Gamblers Problem gamblers are the players who are addicted to casino games. They only make up a small percentage of all online casino players but they generate a significant part of the casinos’ income as they tend to spend a lot of money on games. Reputable online casinos take responsible gambling seriously and if they detect problem gambling behavior they will reach out to the player and stop them from depositing more. However, nothing stops these players from simply going to another casino and continuing playing games there. The Casual Players This is the category where most online casino players fall into. There are many people in online games and casino games who visit just for the excitement and fun. They can afford to lose some money and usually play for small stakes. For example, they can play on a slot machine for an hour and only wager €5-20. Casual players tend to play often – e.g. every day after work. They sometimes win and sometimes lose and this is what makes them come back. They often play with their friends, inviting them to casino sites and thus earning casino bonuses for the referrals. The High Rollers High rollers don’t only exist in land-based casinos. In online casinos, you will find high roller tables where the minimum bets are much higher than at the standard tables. The high rollers often lose a lot of money but they can usually afford it. Most of them play typical casino games such as baccarat and roulette but they can be found at the poker tables too or by the slot machines placing maximum bets. The Time-killers You would think that online casinos are only visited by young or youngish people, but then you would be wrong. For example, online bingo is very popular among older ladies – just like attending physical bingo halls in Portugal. To play bingo you don’t need a lot of money and you can spend a very long time there. You can chat with other players and make friends, have conversations, and generally spend time. Conclusion In online casinos, you will find all sorts of people – young and old, men and women, rich and poor. Some are after pure entertainment, some desperately want to win money, some consistently make money and some just want to make new friends.
Construction companies take safety measures seriously because they want to prevent injuries, accidents, and even death in the workplace. Such problems could cause disruptions that may be costly for many contractors. However, despite best efforts, accidents can still happen. And some of them may be due to defective construction equipment. If you work in construction and handle tools, machinery, and equipment onsite, you must strictly follow your company’s safety policies to prevent injuries and other similar problems. However, when your work equipment malfunctions and you’re injured, you can seek help from personal injury lawyers such as Townsend Law and others to know the rights you’re entitled to and the claims you can make. Don’t wait for something terrible to happen at the worksite. To avoid accidents, here are the dangers posed by defective construction equipment that you need to know: 1. Loss Of Body Parts Cutting tools are essential in construction sites. Since these are dangerous tools, companies usually provide training and other measures to highlight the importance of safety when using construction equipment. One danger of using cutting tools that you should watch out for is the potential loss of toes, arms, fingers, and limbs. It’s worth noting that the bigger the power equipment, the bigger the risk for amputation. 2. Contusions And Lacerations The most common injuries from faulty tools and equipment are cuts, bruises, and contusions. Despite the steps companies take to manage the risk of equipment failure, wounds and bumps in the workplace can still occur. Defective power saws or nail guns could cause severe lacerations that may cause nerve damage and blood loss. Meanwhile, getting hit by a crane’s hoist could lead to head trauma, bone fracture, or even brain injury. 3. Electrocution Frayed wires, poor wiring, and defective switches in construction equipment are dangers that onsite workers should be wary about. Aside from skin burns, other related hazards include electric shock, adverse effects on the nervous system, and possibly even cardiac arrest. Of course, you could prevent such dangers by making sure all electric-powered equipment and tools are checked regularly. 4. Fire The risk of fire is another possibility that defective construction devices may cause. When you work in a confined area or near highly combustible materials, using electric-powered tools with exposed wirings, switching problems, or any other defect could cause sparks, which may trigger a fire. A fire incident could bring about many health dangers, including breathing difficulties from inhalation of harmful substances, skin burns, and even contusions and lacerations from falling debris. 5. Trips, Slips, And Falls Slipping, tripping, and falling are also prevalent work-related injuries in construction sites. Slippery floors, loose cables, and uneven surfaces are typically the reasons behind such accidents. But there may also be instances when faulty tools could cause such accidents. Dripping fuel from machinery can lead to slippery floors while loose parts like nuts and bolts could fall on the floor and cause someone to trip and fall. 6. Toxic Injuries Devices that use chemical compounds such as acetylene are ubiquitous in construction sites. Hose defects could cause chemical and gas leaks that can trigger respiratory woes or create slip hazards. Faulty generators could also lead to toxic dangers because they can leak fumes that may result in carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly in enclosed spaces. Since some chemicals are flammable, exposure to minor electric sparks or fire may cause an explosion. Any chemical compounds you use in construction equipment should be handled with care and stored correctly to prevent such hazards. 7. Eye Injuries Wearing safety glasses, goggles, or face shields is an effective way to prevent eye hazards. There are cases when damaged tools may cause explosions, flying objects, or protruding parts that may all lead to eye injuries. For example, nail gun defects might lead to ricocheting nails that could pierce a worker’s eyes. Such severe eye trauma may lead to surgery or even loss of eyesight. 8. Death If there’s one thing that any construction company wants to prevent at all costs, it’s death in the workplace. Construction sites are hazardous areas, and there could be many possible causes of tragedies. Workers slipping from ladders, metal beams falling from cranes, and pallets getting dislodged from forklifts, among other things, can cause injuries that may lead to death. Thus, to help prevent such accidents, construction companies must put in place meticulous risk management policies. Moreover, they should carefully check old and newly bought equipment for defects and problems before each use to prevent the dangerous consequences of using faulty construction tools. Bottom Line Construction sites are undoubtedly dangerous places to work in. Thus, companies should have efficient safety regulations to protect their employees from harm. One of the basic safety policies that all construction areas should enforce is proper handling and maintenance of tools. Defective construction equipment poses dangers that could lead to severe injuries and possibly even death. If you’ve been injured at work, don’t forget to consult an experienced lawyer to know your rights and options.
Real estate developer Kronos Homes has spent the past two years raising the bar for resort living in the Western Algarve at luxury resort, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf. Now, the company has revealed the resort’s latest addition: a magnificent brand-new villa designed by RCR Arquitectes. The villa is the first of eight impressive homes designed by RCR Arquitectes, who scooped the industry’s most prestigious international accolade in 2017, the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Nestled between the Alvor Estuary and the bay of Lagos, Palmares enjoys a stunning scenic setting. The resort’s low-density construction is undertaken in harmony with the surrounding natural environment, meaning that each villa delivers premium views. Palmares’ villas have been designed to match the resort’s beach and golf lifestyle perfectly. They are within walking distance of all resort facilities, including the 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the spectacular, RCR-designed award-winning Clubhouse that serves as the hub of the resort community and the new fine dining restaurant, Al Sud. At the same time as providing easy access to the Palmares facilities, the villas also deliver a delightfully private lifestyle that flows beautifully from indoors to out and back again, thanks to their thoughtful design. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa occupies a superb 2,200 square metre plot overlooking the golf course and Bay of Lagos and boasts a total construction area of 490 square metres. The villa also affords eight terraces including one for each bedroom, and a private swimming pool set at the centre of the building. The terraces include a mixture of covered and uncovered spaces, working seamlessly with the natural landscape to create a fusion between the home and nature – bringing the outside in effortlessly. Palmares has attracted not only national clients but also an international clientele, with the resort’s ocean view apartments snapped up by Portuguese, British, German, Dutch, Belgian, Swiss and American buyers. In addition to its exceptional golfing facilities, Palmares opened the doors of its brand-new fine dining restaurant, Al Sud, earlier this year. Home to Michelin-starred Executive Chef Louis Anjos, the restaurant complements the resort’s already-impressive leisure facilities and has been fully booked since opening. The new villas at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf are part of a masterplan of 460 homes (103 villas, 357 apartments), which will also see the addition of a second five-star hotel (complementing the existing boutique 20-room five-star hotel) and a pool and wellness facilities.