Business : BDC Blog News

How To Ensure Proper Traffic Management in a Construction Site

For construction workers and site managers, ensuring proper traffic management is one of the most critical aspects of their job. This means creating a safe and efficient system for handling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through the work zone. There are several factors to consider when designing a traffic

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How to choose the right robot gripper for your needs

When it comes to robot grippers, there are a lot of factors to consider. What material will the gripper be gripping? What are the dimensions and mass of the object? How much force is required to grip the object? And what type of environment will the robot be working in?

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What Does the Future of Smart Homes Hold?

Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices

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Landlords: What You Can DIY and When to Call a Pro

Landlords have a lot on their plates. Between finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, maintaining the property, and dealing with emergencies, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Thankfully, some tasks can be handled by the landlord themselves without having to call in a professional. In

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Working With Electrics Safely: 7 Essential Practices

Health and safety cover many essential components. The fact is that there’s a variety of hazards in any modern workplace, but in a construction setting, these hazards are multiplied infinitely. Electrical equipment, from machinery to computers can all be hazardous if they are not properly used. What does it take

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Digger hire vs. Grab hire vs. Skip Hire

If you are confused between digger hire vs. grab hire vs. skip hire, you are on the right page. On this page, we will explore the advantages of the three mentioned options so you can make informed decisions based on what you are exactly looking for. So, if you want

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Construction Club Launched for Tradesmen

Construction Club Launched for Tradesmen

To mark National Tradesmen Day, which is celebrated today on 16th September, an employee from My Build Estimate has launched a new club, dedicated to those working in the construction industry. Aiming to help tradesmen share information more easily, the WhatsApp group consists of 171 builders, homeowners, and property developers. 

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CPI AND WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: PAVING THE WAY TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE

Women are significantly underrepresented in the construction industry and attracting more female talent and achieving an accurate representation of women in all roles in the sector will have a greater positive impact. Identifying and attracting the best talent is always a challenge of recruitment. At CPI, vital modifications to their

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Business : BDC Blog News

How To Ensure Proper Traffic Management in a Construction Site

For construction workers and site managers, ensuring proper traffic management is one of the most critical aspects of their job. This means creating a safe and efficient system for handling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through the work zone. There are several factors to consider when designing a traffic management plan, including the type and size of the construction project, the number of workers and vehicles on site, and the location of the work zone concerning other traffic. Some of the most common traffic control measures used in construction zones include: Hire Traffic Control Services Hiring traffic control services is one of the most important steps to ensure proper traffic management on a construction site. Traffic controllers are professionals who are trained in managing and directing traffic flow, and they can help keep your construction site safe and efficient. Find the best traffic control services near you to ensure that the people controlling your traffic are familiar with the place. For instance, if the site is located in Narwee, NSW, check out https://sstc.net.au/traffic-control-services/ and consider hiring this team of experts. There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring traffic control services: Make sure the company is experienced and has a good reputation. Ask for references and check them out. Make sure the company is insured and bonded. Get some quotes from different companies and compare prices. Hiring traffic control services is a significant investment, but it is worth it to ensure the safety of your construction site. Taking the time to find a reputable and experienced company will pay off in the long run.   Install Signages and Instructions Safety signs play an essential role in maintaining facilities compliant and workers informed. Construction workers and laborers must have sufficient knowledge to identify different types of hazards in the construction site, the risk level of each hazard, and the safety measures to take. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to keep staff safe, and having a visual communication approach, such as safety signs, is the answer. Signage includes Notification signs and Safe operation Instruction signage to keep your employees informed. These signs will notify the workers of the location of first aid kits, emergency eyewash sites, and other details concisely and clearly. Additionally, signages are also effective visual instruction to manage vehicle and foot traffic within the site to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles know where they should go to avoid traffic congestion. Provide Better Visibility for Vehicles When vehicles reverse in locations where people can’t be excluded, the risk increases, and visibility becomes critical. Hence, if you want to increase visibility within the construction site and help manage the traffic, you should consider aiding drivers with mirrors, reversing alarms, and CCTVs so drivers will have better visibility around the vehicle. Installing proper lighting is also key to improving visibility as it lets pedestrians and vehicle drivers better see each other, especially after sunset or during bad weather. Remember that operating under low light conditions poses numerous additional hazards to construction workers. For example, sight distance will be significantly reduced, and headlight glare may momentarily conceal objects until it’s too late to avoid them. Regarding people within the construction site, you should ensure that they wear additional high-visibility accessories so that vehicle drivers can easily see them and avoid any accidents. Maintain Clear Routes Traffic control is a vital part of any construction project. Hiring professional traffic control services can help ensure the safety of your workers, pedestrians, and motorists. Traffic control services can also help you maintain clear routes and avoid potential congestion and delays. When construction projects occur, it is vital to maintain clear routes for pedestrians and motorists. Hiring traffic control services can help you do this. Traffic control services can help you set up signs, cones, and other traffic control devices. They can also help you direct traffic around the construction site. Hiring traffic control services can also help you avoid potential congestion and delays. Traffic control services can help you plan the flow of traffic around the construction site. They can also help you monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as needed. During construction health and safety checks, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors look for well-organized sites, free-flowing walkways, and access routes. Keeping the routes clear will also ensure that the emergency exits are free of obstruction so that people can evacuate freely and immediately during emergencies. Site Logistics Site logistics play a pivotal role in the success of any construction project. Poorly managed site logistics can lead to delays, accidents, and injuries. So, to avoid these issues, it is important to have a clear plan for managing traffic at your construction site. This includes specifying who is responsible for traffic control, setting up traffic signs and cones, and managing construction vehicles. According to Michelle Gray, core construction EHS leader, Speed limits should be imposed within the site where it’s applicable to help manage vehicle traffic. He also added that traffic flow must be organized and coordinated to keep vehicle speeds low and reduce travel routes to parking areas, trailers, and the loading and unloading stations. It’s also safer for vehicles to make right-hand turns in and out of the construction site. It eliminates the need for cross-traffic. Conclusion Construction sites can be hectic places, with many large vehicles and equipment moving around. Thus, it’s crucial to have a good traffic management plan in place to ensure the safety of everyone on site.

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How to choose the right robot gripper for your needs

When it comes to robot grippers, there are a lot of factors to consider. What material will the gripper be gripping? What are the dimensions and mass of the object? How much force is required to grip the object? And what type of environment will the robot be working in? There are several grippers on the market, each with its strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you choose the right gripper for your needs. What are robot grippers? A robot gripper is a device that is used to grip and manipulate objects. They are typically made of two or more fingers that can be opened and closed to grasp an object. Robot grippers are used in various applications, such as manufacturing, assembly, and packaging. In many cases, they replace human workers in repetitive or dangerous tasks. For example, robot grippers can be used to assemble electronic components or to package products for shipment. In recent years, technological advances have led to the development of more advanced robot grippers that can handle delicate objects or perform more complex tasks. Ultimately, robot grippers provide a versatile tool for automating various tasks in manufacturing and assembly. How do you choose the right robot gripper for your needs? When looking for the right robot gripper for your needs, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to decide what type of gripper you need. There are three main types of grippers: suction cups, friction-based grippers, and vacuum grippers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, suction cups are good for picking up smooth objects but can be less effective on objects with irregular surfaces. Friction-based grippers use brushes or pads to create friction with the object, making them ideal for gripping uneven or delicate surfaces. Vacuum grippers use negative pressure to hold an object in place, making them suitable for smooth and irregular surfaces. Once you’ve decided on the type of gripper you need, you must select the correct size. The gripper size should be related to the size of the objects you’ll be picking up. If you’re not sure what size to choose, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and select a larger size. Finally, you need to decide on the material of the gripper. Some materials are better suited for specific tasks than others. For example, softer materials may be better for delicate surfaces, while more complex materials may be better for gripping heavier objects. Considering these factors can ensure you choose the right robot gripper for your needs. What are the different types of robot grippers available on the market today? There are a variety of grippers available on the market that are designed for different purposes. Some grippers are for specific tasks such as welding or fabricating, while others are for general office and household tasks. The most common grippers are used in manufacturing and industrial applications. These grippers are designed to hold and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes. Some grippers are also equipped with sensors that allow them to identify the object they are gripping and adjust accordingly. Other grippers are designed for more delicate tasks such as handling food or medical supplies. These grippers typically have softer materials that will not damage the items they are gripping. No matter what the task, there is a gripper available that can assist with it. How much does a robot gripper cost, and where can you buy them? Robot grippers are devices that are used to help robots handle objects. They vary in price, depending on the size and complexity of the device. Generally, small grippers can cost as little as $100, while more significant, more complex grippers can cost several thousand dollars. Robot grippers can be purchased from a variety of online and offline retailers. Some companies that sell robot grippers include Robo gripping, Rethink Robotics, and Barrett Technology. What are some benefits of using a robot gripper in your business or manufacturing process? A robot gripper is a tool used to grab or hold an object. Grippers are typically used in manufacturing and assembly processes, where they can help to improve productivity and efficiency. Robot grippers come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular application. Some of the benefits of using a robot gripper include: -Improved accuracy: Robot grippers can help improve the manufacturing process’s accuracy, as they can place objects with precise control. This is especially beneficial for delicate components or products. -Faster production: The use of robot grippers can help to speed up a production line by automating the task of grabbing and holding objects. This can lead to increased output and shorter production times. -Reduced costs: In many cases, robot grippers can help reduce labor costs by replacing humans with machines. Additionally, grippers can often be reused multiple times, which helps to reduce costs further. Are there any drawbacks to using a robot gripper in your business or manufacturing process? There are some drawbacks to using robot grippers in business or manufacturing processes: They are expensive to purchase, and maintenance is crucial to keep the machine running. They require high precision and accuracy, which can be challenging to achieve with some materials. They can cause excessive wear and tear on materials, leading to higher production costs. They may not be suitable for all applications, such as those that involve delicate or fragile items. Overall, robot grippers can be valuable to a business or manufacturing process, but weighing the potential drawbacks before purchasing is essential. With that said Choosing the right robot gripper can be a daunting task. However, by following the tips in this article, you should be able to find the perfect gripper for your needs. Have you tried any of these tips when choosing a robot gripper? Let us know in the comments below.

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What Does the Future of Smart Homes Hold?

Today’s modern homes are a shining example of how well technology can enhance our lives. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and vast networks of interconnected devices, mean our homes have gone far beyond the tech essentials we’re relied on for the past few decades. With smart devices and internet-enabled gadgets, we can already do all manner of things like managing our house affairs with a tap of a button. Whether it’s watching a live stream from your front door, adjusting the thermostat via an app before you get home on a cold day, or even communicating with your fridge and asking it to create a shopping list for you, there are so many things you can do now with technology. These technologies have been proliferating for a few years now, and some technologies are now staples, including digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, video doorbells, and smart controls for lights and heating and cooling systems. So what does the future hold, and will our houses become even more exciting? Your home could start anticipating your needs Artificial intelligence is designed to perform just as well as humans do, and this can include anticipating our needs at home. Smart houses can use AI capabilities to simplify our lives greatly. Think robotic vacuums that learn when and how to clean specific areas of your home and then start doing this without an app command, or sprinkler systems that use weather data combined with your watering habits to predict what your plants need. You’ll have more time to concentrate on the more important things when your AI devices wash and dry the clothes for you, adjust the interior temperature to suit the preferences of the people present in the house, play music, and so on. LG’s DeepThinQ 1.0 technology is already on the market in several of the company’s devices, and these kinds of AI-powered home help are just around the corner. Security is becoming more important Connected user accounts and the fact that controls for smart homes are accessible online mean that smart homeowners are a growing target for digital threat actors. We note digital here because it’s far easier for a burglar to break open one’s front door than to crack into a smart digital lock, for instance. But because these devices are connected to a single home Wi-Fi network, which is connected to the owner’s handheld device, there is a significant potential for hackers to gain access to other lucrative accounts than your video doorbell can offer. In one famous case, hackers managed to access a casino’s systems via a smart fish tank. In addition, several reports have been detailing intimate partner violence (IPV) carried out via smart home devices and growing awareness among experts of the potential for digitally mediated abuse. In 2018, for instance, Ross Cairns was convicted of eavesdropping on his ex-wife via a microphone in a wall-mounted tablet that controlled her home’s heating and lighting. Convenience has always come at a price, be it our online privacy or the security of our smart homes. As home tech advances, the standards we apply to keep our internet-connected homes secure will advance, too, becoming more stringent. Daniel Cooley, Chief Strategy Officer at Silicon Labs, told Time Magazine that the smart home tech would eventually be “just like plumbing,” an essential part of how we live.

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Starting a Career in Oil and Gas Production: Construction Industry Options

The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest globally at the moment, so it’s hard to ignore. In fact, the options available in the oil and gas construction industry are so varied that a career in the field is such an exciting prospect with plenty of room for growth. If you’ve been considering starting a career in this field, you might ask yourself: Which path should I take? Whether you’re looking to work in an office or get your hands dirty on the front lines, the oil and gas industry has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of your options. Welding Welding skills are essential in the oil and gas construction industry, and welders are always in demand. Welders are responsible for joining metal pieces together by melting and flowing metal. Although most welders start with blue-collar jobs, they often advance into higher-paying positions requiring more technical expertise. As a welder, you can be trained on the job or through an apprenticeship program, but it’s best to have some experience already. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Oil and gas production is a highly technical field, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with less than stellar math skills. For example, operating engineers can find work in the oil and gas industry. However, they will need to pass certification exams such as the OSHA for professionals. Operating engineers operate heavy equipment on construction sites. They may be hired by contractors or work directly for the oil company. If you’re considering a career in this role, you’ll need good manual dexterity, strength, and eye-hand coordination. They also need to read blueprints and understand instructions well enough. First-Line Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers When it comes to considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, the first line of supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers is an excellent place to begin. This role offers upward mobility opportunities in the industry, and that’s one of the key reasons for considering a career in the oil and gas sector. First-line supervisors coordinate, direct and supervise workers engaged in construction or extraction activities. They work under general supervision but have considerable autonomy to independently plan and carry out some activities.  In addition to supervising these workers daily, these supervisors are responsible for budgeting their time, keeping track of expenditures, and ensuring that projects stay within budget. A bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field is usually required for this position. Wastewater Treatment Technician Also known as water treatment plant operators, these technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating a water treatment facility. They usually work in a large facility or plant, where they monitor and control the quality of the water that passes through the plant. Wastewater treatment technicians may be required to operate pumps, valves, and other equipment to ensure that the wastewater is treated properly. They may also need to monitor levels of chemicals used to treat wastewater or check for contamination or leaks within the system. The work is physically demanding and typically involves working long hours in all weather conditions, so you must be able to lift heavy items such as hoses and tanks. Roustabout Lensa wrote a piece regarding considerations with regard to Oil and Gas Production as a career, and Roustabout roles are one of the relevant options in the industry that made the list. Roustabouts are responsible for loading and unloading drill rigs. They also provide support to the rest of the crew, including moving equipment and setting up camp. The job requires a high level of physical strength and endurance and the ability to work in various conditions. The pay is good, but roustabouts are often on the road for extended periods. In addition, most work involves lifting heavy tools and equipment, so you’ll want to be in good shape before applying for this position. Instrumentation & Electrical Technician Instrumentation technicians work on the design and installation of industrial measurement systems or instruments. These technicians often work in oil refineries and chemical plants. As an electrical technician, your focus will be on wiring and electronics maintenance. They also install and repair electrical equipment in homes, buildings, and vehicles. Both positions require specialized training to enter the field as an entry-level technician or apprentice, so you’ll need to acquire relevant training and certifications to get up and running in this role. Conclusion Overall, the construction industry is a great place to start your career in oil and gas production. Not only will you be exposed to a variety of work environments, but you’ll also have a wide range of educational opportunities to choose from – not just for degrees but certificates and licenses.  Hopefully, our guide has helped demystify some of the options that are out there and assist you in figuring out which ones are right for you as you start your career in oil and gas.

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Landlords: What You Can DIY and When to Call a Pro

Landlords have a lot on their plates. Between finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, maintaining the property, and dealing with emergencies, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Thankfully, some tasks can be handled by the landlord themselves without having to call in a professional. In this blog post, we will discuss what landlords can DIY and when they should call in the pros! Screening Tenants One of the most important things landlords can do is screen their tenants. This includes running a credit check, criminal background check, and checking references. While it may be tempting to skip this step to save time, it’s important to remember that your tenant will be living in your property, and you want to make sure they are responsible and will take care of your property. Collecting Rent When it comes to collecting rent, landlords have a few options. They can collect rent online through a service like RentPayment, or they can collect rent in person. If landlords choose to collect rent in person, they should have a system in place to ensure that rent is collected on time and in full. Maintaining the Property Landlords are responsible for maintaining their property and keeping it in good condition. This includes tasks like painting, repairing broken appliances, and mowing the lawn. Landlords should have a regular schedule for maintenance to ensure that their property is always in top shape. However, there are some maintenance tasks that landlords should not attempt to DIY and should instead call a professional. For example, if there is a blocked drain on the property, they need to call a local drainage company to clear it. There are some tasks, however, that landlords should not DIY. These tasks include: Emergencies If there is an emergency at the property, like a broken pipe or a fire, landlords should not try to handle it themselves. They should call the appropriate professionals to deal with the situation. Legal Issues Landlords should not try to handle legal issues on their own. If there is a problem with a tenant, like non-payment of rent or damage to the property, landlords should consult with an attorney to find out what their legal options are. Accounting Landlords should not try to do their own accounting. This is a complex task that requires knowledge of tax laws and regulations. Landlords should hire an accountant to prepare their taxes and handle their financial affairs. Hiring Employees Landlords should not try to hire their own employees. This includes handymen, painters, and cleaners. Landlords should use a professional service like Handy to find qualified professionals to work on their property. Marketing the Property Landlords should not try to market their property themselves. This is a complex task that requires knowledge of SEO, social media, and online advertising. Landlords should use a professional marketing company to help them promote their property. As you can see, landlords have a lot on their plate. Some landlords try to take on too much and end up biting off more than they can chew. But by knowing what they can DIY and when to call in the pros, they can make sure that their property is always in good condition!

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Working With Electrics Safely: 7 Essential Practices

Health and safety cover many essential components. The fact is that there’s a variety of hazards in any modern workplace, but in a construction setting, these hazards are multiplied infinitely. Electrical equipment, from machinery to computers can all be hazardous if they are not properly used. What does it take to ensure that the construction site is working with electricity safely? Being Aware of Conductive Tools When working in any area with electrical hazards, we have to assume that electrical parts are live and should not use conductive tools in those areas. There’s a variety of materials that easily conduct electricity, like water. It’s important to operate with a more pragmatic approach and to make the assumption that these electrical parts are always live, rather than just hoping for the best! It’s also important to be aware that some products can easily throw off static shocks, which, after a while, can be frustrating. But companies like Bondline provide anti-static products that can be beneficial in this environment. Follow the Company’s Electrical Safety Work Practices Each company will have its own practices depending on the equipment and the hazards. Every organisation needs to follow company-specific work practices so all employees are safe. Understanding Common Electrical Hazards It should be a part of any robust health and safety practice that employees know common electrical hazards. Components such as damaged equipment and tools, incorrect use of fuses, improper grounding, and smoke or smells emanating from equipment are all warning signs that the equipment should be turned off and the area cleared. Promoting Safe Use of Electrical Equipment Best practices such as unplugging cords safely and not overstretching electrical cords are some things that can ensure everyone’s safety. It is these things that can make the equipment far more robust and potentially save a life in the process. Regular PAT testing on the equipment conducted by a specialist is vital to ensure that every item is operating safely and there are no frayed wires or exposed circuits that could cause danger to employees. Ensuring Only Qualified Personnel Works With Live Electrics In a construction setting ensuring that a qualified electrical specialist with the right training should work on electrical wires. Understanding the Voltage As a rule, unqualified personnel should never interact with electrical currents greater than 50 volts. It’s important to maintain a safe distance from any equipment operating above this and there should be no exposed electrics or wires. Understanding the Impact of Electrical Shocks Electrical shops can be dangerous, but they can also be life-threatening. An electric shock could cause burns, and even a small dose of electricity can be fatal. First aid training is an essential component in any workplace environment, but when it comes to electrical shocks, it’s important to ensure that anybody performing first aid is aware of the potential for getting a shock as well. Workplace safety is undoubtedly incredibly important on construction sites. Having a robust and reactive approach to electricity is crucial. Electrics are no joke, and it needs to be treated accordingly.

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Digger hire vs. Grab hire vs. Skip Hire

If you are confused between digger hire vs. grab hire vs. skip hire, you are on the right page. On this page, we will explore the advantages of the three mentioned options so you can make informed decisions based on what you are exactly looking for. So, if you want some cash, energy, and time for your upcoming home remodeling/construction plan you might want to check out the following snippets of wisdom. Digger Hire Let’s start with the benefits of digger hire. One of the biggest benefits of this option is the quick proximity it brings forth. When the final project is being executed, you might want to use an agency that would be near the construction point. And this is where digger hire comes to play. With the right digger hire in Essex, you can always count on the experts even if you need last-minute help. Because the firms are local, they can also get you all the gears you need. Finally, the biggest highlights of this digger hire are: The professionals are local experts and people you are familiar with You will get recommendations from firms you are aware of The companies have relevant experience The option is cheaper It is more trustworthy Grab Hire Next, let’s foray into the benefits of grab hire. First, grab Lorries come with a larger capacity meaning they can quickly scoop out humongous waste piles. The benefit is especially useful in construction projects and other ventures that generate large waste amounts. The next benefit in line is the capacity of these Lorries. Most grab Lorries are extremely agile and can lift weighty items with ease. Thanks to their hydraulic arm, they can quickly pick huge items like tree barks and large concrete slabs among others. Finally, the biggest benefit of grab hire in Basildon is that the Lorries won’t need any additional permit. This saves you time and cost and is a significant benefit over skip hire which requires you to have a specific permit. Skip hire The third option in line is skip hire, and we recommend it for its easy and eco-friendly ways of disposing of waste which you wouldn’t find with the former two options. With this option, you can be assured that all the excess waste are carefully disposed to their appropriate skip bins. The next benefit of this option is that it is extremely versatile. Whether you need to dispose of large, moderate, or small amounts of waste- you will find a skip hire option right up your alley. Because the professionals conducting the project handle the entire waste disposal process, you needn’t worry about anything. The overall results are time-saving and whether you have a 2 yard skip or a larger one, the process will be sustainable, cheap, and clean. Bottom Line Now that you are well aware of the benefits of digger hire, grab hire, and skip hire, explore your options and make an informed choice. Each of the options is useful and suited for specific renovation projects. So be judicious and choose the best hire option out there.

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4 Different Ways to Improve a Poor Wi-Fi Connection in Your Home or Office

t’s everyone’s worst nightmare whenever the wi-fi goes out. Given how much of our world is connected via the one wi-fi signal that you have in your home and office, if your Wi-fi goes out or you find that your wi-fi connection is very poor, then you need to figure out how to fix it before things slow down for you.  After all, without wi-fi, what is there to do? A lack of a signal is going to put a crimp in your style no matter what! So let’s figure out how to get it fixed and strengthen your signal! Move Your Router Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest, and you need to look at where your wi-fi signal is coming from. The router might just need to be moved because objects around it are blocking the signal or weakening it.  If you have your router simply shoved in the back of your closet, or up in the attic, then you might be slowing down your signal. So make sure your router is in an open area where you can see it, and where your router isn’t obstructed by anything. Use An Ethernet Cable For A Wired Connection While wi-fi might give you a wireless connection, you shouldn’t forget that wired connections still exist and they are able to be used no matter what. Running a wire from your computer to your router might be a bit frustrating and might limit where you can use your devices, but the connection is going to be much faster and also much more stable. If you want the fastest internet possible, then you need to run a wire and simply ignore the wires that might trail around your floor and any changes you might need to make about where you are sitting to use your electrical items. But for a very fast internet, that can often be a sacrifice you are willing to make. Consider Using Software to Map for Wi-Fi Dead Spots If you’ve ever seen heat maps in movies or on the weather channel, then you know how they work, and a wi-fi heat map can do the same thing. They can see the strength of your signal in certain areas, and you can find both the places in your house where you can have a very high wifi strength as well as the areas in your house where you won’t have a lot of strength.  Whether you find slow spots or dead spots you can use the heat map to find and fix all of these spots in your house and hopefully get a better signal.  Whether you choose to use SolarWinds custom Wi-Fi mapping tool, or another heat map to map your home, you will be able to ensure that you get complete visibility in your home and then can fix any problem spots. Cut Off Unused Devices With all the smart devices as well as the devices that connect to our signal whether we want it or not, your wi-fi problem might not be because of a problem with your router, but simply because too many devices are connected at once.  So go through and make sure that only the devices that you need to be connected to the internet are able to use your router.  After all, you’ve probably got a few smart devices that you either never got to work or that you simply don’t need to be connected to the internet. Removing them is going to go a long way to speeding up your wi-fi. You might even be very surprised about how those unneeded devices were slowing you down and throttling your speed. Do Several Methods To Improve Your Wi-Fi As much as you might want to have one method work and strengthen your wi-fi signal, you should try several different methods and see if each one improves the strength of your signal. After all, if you haven’t touched your wi-fi in some time, or your wi-fi only just started slowing down, then you might need to try several methods in order to make your speed as fast as possible.  Also, don’t be afraid to check your devices as well, because if your wi-fi is super slow on one device and very fast on others, it might just be the one device that is having problems and not your wi-fi router. So you can focus on getting it fixed and solving the problem.

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Construction Club Launched for Tradesmen

Construction Club Launched for Tradesmen

To mark National Tradesmen Day, which is celebrated today on 16th September, an employee from My Build Estimate has launched a new club, dedicated to those working in the construction industry. Aiming to help tradesmen share information more easily, the WhatsApp group consists of 171 builders, homeowners, and property developers.  The Construction Club provides a safe space for people to communicate and ask questions about the construction industry and building projects. Moreover, participants can also compare costs, share best practice and offer networking opportunities. “We speak to builders, homeowners and property developers every day, but we often found that they weren’t able to communicate with each other. There simply wasn’t an easy, practical way to do that. It became clear there was a real need for a forum where they could informally ask questions of each other, gauge opinions and communicate in a way which moves the industry forward,” said Parm Bhangal. “With our contacts and knowledge of the industry, here at My Build Estimate we were in the ideal position to set up this WhatsApp group and allow participants to easily reach out to each other with questions, ideas and networking opportunities.  “And what better time to choose, than National Tradesmen Day. Tradespeople form the backbone of the construction industry and provide the tools, experience and skillset to underpin a thriving housing market. We’ve seen numerous people helped through the group already. A problem which could perhaps have been causing a costly and stressful headache for one person, is easily remedied with a quick piece of advice from another,” he added. The group was developed to mark National Tradesmen Day, an event created to show appreciation to tradespeople and the essential services they offer. It calls for the tradesmen in the country to be celebrated and honored for their essential services. A country could have all the sources, but it wouldn’t matter if people with the right skillset are not there to put the sources to the right use. Tradesmen, both men and women, are one such group of people who ensure that sources are used correctly for a nation to live a comfortable life. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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CPI AND WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: PAVING THE WAY TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE

Women are significantly underrepresented in the construction industry and attracting more female talent and achieving an accurate representation of women in all roles in the sector will have a greater positive impact. Identifying and attracting the best talent is always a challenge of recruitment. At CPI, vital modifications to their recruitment practices and channels have been carried out to ensure a wide demographic talent pool is reached. The number of female colleagues at CPI increased by five in 2021, which is an early positive indication of change in demographic.  CPI are enthusiastic about opening up new career paths that women may not have thought of as viable options for themselves. They are delighted to have recruited their first female driver colleague and are proud to have supported an existing female colleague at Harlow through their driver academy to attain her HGV licence and take her place behind the wheel as part of the driver team.   CPI have identified barriers in their own work environment that might prevent women joining the business. Welfare, changing and shower facilities have been upgraded to ensure that they are suitable for both male and female colleagues. CPI recognise that their colleague facilities need to be suitable for the demographic needed in the business and not simply the demographic that currently exists.  The CPI range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing was initially based on a male design and sizing; however, the range of PPE has now been extended to ensure that it includes both male and female sizing and options for all relevant PPE requirements.  Gender diversity within the construction industry is astonishingly low. According to The Guardian, women make up just 11% of the entire construction workforce. The construction industry is male-dominated, and as a result, professions associated with construction are less promoted to women, leading to extremely low levels of female employees entering the sector. Moreover, women that do wish to work in construction, are sometimes met with barriers to progression resulting in them abandoning construction as a career entirely and the loss of talent from the industry.  CPI recognises that a diverse workforce leads to higher employee engagement, better decision making, and higher levels of productivity. A diverse workforce brings a range of fresh perspectives, leading to increased creativity and innovation. Perhaps most importantly, when people feel that they are welcome, accepted and valued team members, they do their best work, resulting in high levels of personal and professional fulfilment, which is why CPI believe in creating a more inclusive workplace. CPI is proud to champion its female colleagues, and the team is continually challenging their work practices to ensure an inclusive workplace is provided for all to support the ambitions in achieving an increasingly diverse and representative workforce. 

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