Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery
Digital construction experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are teaming up with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions to create an innovative new ‘digital golden thread’ to proactively address key recommendations for the construction sector – following the Grenfell tragedy – to ensure that fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors
Work came to a standstill on all Ashe Group sites for an hour this week for an innovative safety initiative. The special event, Stand Down for Safety, devised by Ashe’s health and safety team, involved everyone in the company stopping work for an hour to watch a presentation live streamed
Sir Robert McAlpine is under renewed scrutiny after another cladding panel became loose on the Hilton Hotel in Woking, forcing yet another road closure. High winds last weekend led to the discovery of the issue, prompting the closure of the adjacent A320 Victoria Way for safety inspections and repairs. This
Y Senedd in Cardiff played host to the second leg of the APS National Construction Industry Mental Health Awareness campaign, before it moves on to Westminster The Association for Project Safety (APS) continued its UK-wide campaign to promote mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry, taking its message to
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health
A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report,
There’s no doubt that construction sites are among the most hazardous to work in. According to the Health and Safety Executive, its workplaces see the second-highest number of self-reported injuries across the country. This mainly has to do with the materials construction workers use, the manual labour, and the environments
Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril Coleman, Business Administration Director at SafeSite Facilities, a UK leader in site safety and security, outlines the ‘quick wins’ that can get you started. 1 Look for opportunities to encourage ‘circularity’ – including hiring instead of buying Circularity, a sustainable model which focuses on re-use and the elimination of waste, should be a key focus for businesses starting their sustainability journey. One solution for construction sites is to consider hiring equipment rather than buying it outright. This might apply to CCTV but also to safety barriers – in fact anything which is not required permanently. 2 Look for suppliers that offer buy-back on products For businesses that prefer to buy, choosing a supply partner that offers buy-back options when the products are no longer required is an alternative way to support circularity, Extending the lifecycle of products is particularly relevant to construction sites, because when a job is complete the temptation is to simply send unwanted products to landfill. At SafeSite Facilities, we offer to buy back products that are still intact, such as fence sets and barriers, to extend the life cycle of these products. It’s something that suppliers in other industries could look at, too. Equipment that is bought back is either re-sold or sent to scrap metal experts who re-use it. Plastic materials often go back to the manufacturer to be re-used or turned into new products. It’s about extending the lifecycle of a product. 3 Choose recyclable products made from natural materials Products that are recyclable, or made from recycled material, create a circular economy. This might include aluminium, which is 100 per cent recyclable, steel, bamboo, wood and cork. Plastics, including plastic barriers, still have an important part to play in the market, too, but look out for plastics that are recyclable. 4 Make the switch to electric vehicles wherever possible Removing petrol and diesel vehicles from a company fleet is a long-term ambition for many businesses in the construction sector. There are still some significant challenges in this arena as we wait for technology to catch up. Electric delivery vehicles, for instance, remain a challenge because of range anxiety and inefficient charging stations. But switching to electric cars for executives and the sales team is more achievable in the short term. 5 Choose suppliers that calculate optimal routes for delivery drivers One way to reduce emissions in a petrol or diesel fleet is to work harder to reduce journey times. AI software is now available that can calculate route planning to deliver more efficient journeys. Upgrading vehicles, putting limiters on vehicles so they can’t go above a certain speed can also have an impact. That’s important because transport is such a huge contributor to the scope of any business’ carbon footprint. 6 Work with other businesses that hold recognised environmental and sustainability certification It’s always good to work with suppliers and partners who share your values, especially when it comes to sustainability. There are a range of environmental and sustainability certifications to look out for, including ISO 14001. This is a global standard that provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an Environmental Management System, created by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). 7 Go paperless Removing paper from your operation, and choosing suppliers who have done the same, is an important early step. Long gone are the days when deliveries required a pile of paperwork. Most transactions and documents can now be handled on a screen. There are plenty of software options available now which can facilitate this. 8 Train your team in sustainable practices For a business to be truly sustainable it needs buy-in from all its people. Everyone can play a part. The best way to create a culture of sustainability is to train your people and make reducing emissions part of everyday business. There’s no point in having environmental and sustainability policies if nobody in the company actions them. 9 Consider products that use solar power Reducing energy usage on site is a challenge, but solar power can help. CCTV cameras and lighting can now be powered effectively by solar panels, for instance, and technology is improving all the time. 10 Take measures on site that support and protect wildlife There’s more to sustainability than using less energy and reducing waste. Protecting wildlife should also be a consideration for construction sites, especially those in rural areas. SafeSite Facilities offers a range of newt and reptile wildlife fencing, designed for protected species mitigation projects and managing wildlife movement. These are perfect for applications such as construction sites, power stations, highways, rail networks, utility pipelines, and ecologically sensitive areas. They serve as an effective barrier to keep newts and other amphibians out of your site as well as conforming to the guidelines laid out in the Great Crested Newts Guidelines. There are even fences available to protect snakes. By embracing all ten of these tips, construction sites can make a positive start on the journey towards a more sustainable industry in which carbon emissions are reduced. About the author: Avril Coleman has worked at SafeSite Facilities for nearly a decade and is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued and empowered in the construction industry and beyond. As Business Administration Director, she leads on administrative functions and sustainability at SafeSite Facilities, which sells and hires non-mechanical safety and security products to construction sites, major highways projects, events and festivals nationwide. Avril was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction for 2024 as a Local Hero for the South East, by the National Federation of Builders, for her continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the construction industry in the UK. Building, Design &
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill aims to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. It was introduced in July 2024 and is currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords. HAE EHA will be sharing best practice videos and infographics on its website and social media to educate users on how to store and use these batteries correctly, as well as what to do should a fire break out. HAE EHA members will also be able to access a more detailed resource pack as part of their membership. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery provided for use in power tools and equipment, for example; cordless drills, grinders, saws, garden tools etc, as well as e-bikes and scooters, and mobile phones. These batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small volume and support high power demands. Though generally safe, lithium-ion batteries can become fire risks due to improper use or damage, and enter a state called ‘thermal runaway’ where the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state which can lead to a fire. It has been reported that UK fire services attended 921 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023, a 46 per cent increase on 2022’s figures, with almost three fires a day involving these batteries[1]. HAE EHA is an industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world. Carl Bartlett, director of certification services at HAE EHA, said: “We don’t want any more people to be hurt as a result of poor use or poor storage of lithium-ion batteries. There are too many avoidable instances where we believe better education about how to handle these batteries could save lives and livelihoods. “Companies in the hire industry hiring out these devices need to be able to properly inform their customers and teams about how to safely use, transport, store and report any issues about their lithium-ion batteries. If these new resources can help avoid even one fire, their job has been done.” HAE EHA’s advice for the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries includes: For full advice and best practice guidance, members can download resources via the HAE EHA member platform: https://www.hae.org.uk/members/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digital construction experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are teaming up with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions to create an innovative new ‘digital golden thread’ to proactively address key recommendations for the construction sector – following the Grenfell tragedy – to ensure that fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors and developers on building sites. The project is a 33-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK. LBU experts will support ARC in creating the bespoke quality and installation monitoring product – which will use AI predictive models and data monitoring to ensure the highest quality of building product installation and automate the identification of incorrect or faulty installations. ARC is the UK’s leading manufacturer of cavity fire barriers and cavity closers, supplying many of the UK’s leading contractors and developers who install their products within housing developments. The KTP is led by Saheed Ajayi, Professor of Digital Construction and Project Management in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at LBU. Professor Ajayi said: “Using the unique expertise of our Construction Informatics and Digital Enterprise Laboratory (CIDEL) at LBU, we will support ARC in creating the ARC Remote Quality Monitoring (ARQM), which will provide an interactive two-way feedback loop and build a database of key information about building products and installation. This KTP supports a significant step towards addressing the need in the construction sector for a digital golden thread, whilst enabling ARC to position themselves ahead in the sector.” George Danzey-Smith, Director of Commercial and Technical at ARC, said: “We have identified that monitoring installation with certifiable compliance is likely to become a ‘must’ in the construction sector. Building the ARQM supports our strategic ambition to be the first in our sector to proactively address and meet key recommendations within the Hackitt Report – the independent review of building regulations, particularly their impact on fire safety following the Grenfell tragedy. The innovative new solution will support our ambition to achieve more regulated assurance that our fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors and developers.” The Hackitt Report includes recommendations that “A ‘golden thread’ of information is needed where accurate records are initiated during design and construction… to demonstrate building safety”. The project is the second KTP between LBU and ARC. In the first project, completed last December, LBU supported ARC to implement a New Product Development department and to create, develop and bring to market two new building insulation and fire safety products. The KTP was graded ‘Outstanding’ by independent assessors at Innovate UK – the highest possible rating awarded to projects. Dr Alex Boote, the KTP Associate recruited by LBU to manage the first KTP, is now employed in the permanent position of Product and Innovation Manager at ARC, and will manage the KTP Associate recruited to the new project. The new Associate role – Machine Learning Engineer – will be a full-time member of the ARC team, with full support of the LBU academics. For more information and to apply, please visit leedsbeckett.ac.uk/jobs/ The closing date for applications is 3 March 2025. Dr Boote continues to have strong links with LBU – collaborating regularly with academics and presenting guest lectures to students. The LBU KTP team is completed by Dr Jamiu Dauda, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Kate Morland, Research Fellow, both in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at LBU. Leeds Beckett University is currently ranked eighth in the UK for its number of active KTPs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work came to a standstill on all Ashe Group sites for an hour this week for an innovative safety initiative. The special event, Stand Down for Safety, devised by Ashe’s health and safety team, involved everyone in the company stopping work for an hour to watch a presentation live streamed to all of Ashe’s construction sites and offices. A presentation was given by one of the UK’s most inspirational speakers, Jason Anker MBE, who was paralysed from the waist down due to an avoidable accident on a construction site when he was just 24 years old. Statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive recently revealed a rise in fatalities in the construction industry with 51 fatal injuries to workers in the year to March 2024, an increase on an average of 42 deaths per year during the previous five years. The sobering figures also revealed 47,000 construction workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work during the same period. Jason told the story of his life after falling 10 feet from an untethered ladder whilst undertaking roofing works on a construction site. Initially told he would recover from his injuries, tests showed he would never walk again. Jason explained the ripple effect of his decision not to tether the ladder; the months in rehab, the strain on his marriage and the affect his injuries have had on all aspects of his life including his family and friends. The training initiative, saw over 600 people across 20 sites in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and London attend the presentation designed to be a hard-hitting way of sending the construction safety message home to all those connected to Ashe’s projects. Among those attending were employees and directors from Ashe Construction and Ashe Roofing, architects, project subcontractors and their directors, and clients. Subcontractor, Hayden Topp who is senior site manager at Bellwood Interiors attended the presentation at Ashe’s Bedford Academy site and said: “A big thank you to Ashe Group for hosting a very insightful seminar based on health, safety and wellbeing. The seminar covered a wide range of topics such as workplace safety, including the impact it has on you, your employer, your colleagues and family.” The presentation also covered mental health awareness and steps on improving wellbeing, such as improving sleep and the way diet and attitude can affect the way you feel both physically and mentally. Ben Hamblin, architectural technologist at GSSArchitecture watched the presentation and said: “Jason’s presentation highlighted the impact that serious injuries can have, not just on those injured, but also on the people, they know, and that your decisions are important. “Part of our responsibility as architects is to design out the risks, such as working at height and we factor in the safety of those who’ll undertake the future maintenance of our buildings, too. Jason’s talk was a great reminder that if you spot something unsafe on site, you must speak up.” Ian Berrie, head of health and safety said: “I have no doubt the impact of Jason’s story will leave a lasting impression on all of us and my hope is it will help encourage safe working on our sites and be a springboard for safer working for all in 2025 and beyond.” Robin Blake, Ashe’s group chief executive said: “Whilst process and procedures always receive much attention, we wanted to do something more to enhance our safety culture. Stand Down for Safety is an opportunity to consider the human aspect of our work, the impact it has on family and wellbeing. “Jason’s story is a powerful way of reminding us of our responsibilities and how something that could easily be avoided can have life changing consequences. Don’t gamble on your safety, particularly for the sake of your family. Speak up if something doesn’t look right or feel right.” Ashe Group employs 130 people and operates from offices in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The company specialises in building schools and healthcare facilities. Major projects currently underway include MK East and Bedford Academy. Ashe has recently been awarded Five Stars in a British Safety Council Audit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sir Robert McAlpine is under renewed scrutiny after another cladding panel became loose on the Hilton Hotel in Woking, forcing yet another road closure. High winds last weekend led to the discovery of the issue, prompting the closure of the adjacent A320 Victoria Way for safety inspections and repairs. This marks yet another disruption, as the road had only recently reopened in mid-January following similar concerns raised in December. Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, expressed frustration over the ongoing problems:“The closure of Victoria Way is incredibly disruptive, and I am deeply frustrated that another panel has failed despite previous assurances that they were secure. A plan is in place to address the issue, and we are urging swift action to prevent this from happening again.” A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine confirmed that the latest issue followed the impact of recent storms:“Following Storm Herminia and Storm Eowyn, one cladding panel was found to be loose on the western elevation of the hotel. For safety reasons, Victoria Way will remain closed until the panel is secured and further checks are completed. Unfortunately, this is expected to take several weeks, and we apologise for the disruption caused.” Woking MP Will Forster has written to McAlpine’s chief executive, Neil Martin, demanding a clear remediation plan to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, local leaders continue to push for a permanent solution to ensure public safety and minimise future disruptions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Y Senedd in Cardiff played host to the second leg of the APS National Construction Industry Mental Health Awareness campaign, before it moves on to Westminster The Association for Project Safety (APS) continued its UK-wide campaign to promote mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry, taking its message to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) in Cardiff. Whilst the overall social stigma related to mental health has been largely reduced with employers now offering staff a raft of support interventions, The Association for Project Safety (APS) remains steadfastly committed to seek greater awareness and understanding on the range of issues which accounts for 24% of all ill health in the construction sector and to compel the industry to consider mental health in a similar vein to physical health. Having successfully launched its campaign at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, last November, APS took its message to Y Senedd on Tuesday 14th January. An invited audience made up of APS members in South Wales, local construction companies, cross-party MS members from the Welsh Parliament and representatives from local mental health charities gathered to hear the event host, senior former Labour Minister John Griffiths MS from the Welsh Labour Group, speak of the need for employers and individuals to prioritise mental health awareness and provide support where it is needed. He comments: “Addressing the stigma of poor mental health and promoting positive mental wellbeing across workplaces has never been more important. We need to focus on the great work carried out by APS and its focus on construction. In doing so, we can work towards a mindset change needed to improve workplace mental health.” The event also heard from guest speaker, Dylan Skelhorn – a former Solid Fuel Heating Engineer who sustained life changing injuries following a fall from height 15 years ago. Since his slow mental and physical health recovery, Dylan has been working as a motivational safety speaker, sharing his story to try and prevent others having life-changing accidents. Dylan is involved in projects to prevent Working at Height injuries and deaths and is a harsh reminder to those in all industries and at every level that unfortunately these incidents are still happening today Andrew Leslie, CEO, The Association for Project Safety, believes the construction industry is sitting on a mental-health time-bomb that requires a collegiate approach. “Across society, there is a growing awareness of the benefits to discuss mental health issues, but this societal change is taking time to filter through the construction industry. “Asking for help and opening up about feelings and emotions are not things that come naturally to many of those working in construction. The sad truth is that large numbers of workers will never approach their employer, or even an independent service, to seek support about their mental health. This is especially true of older workers, who are not as comfortable talking about their emotions as newer recruits into the industry. This is why we are taking these events to the seats of power across the United Kingdom to promote positive mental health across the construction sector and let our politicians see what needs to be achieved.” APS plans to hold its next event at The Palace of Westminster in early summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of preparedness. Customers in affected areas should follow the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Prepare-Care-Share advice. Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering at Energy Networks Association said: “With yellow and amber warnings in force for Storm Darragh, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too. “If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.” How you can prepare for Storm Darragh The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts. Prepare Care Share Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut. Share our national website, PowerCut105.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health problems within the industry. The last report, released in 2020, highlighted 97 per cent of construction workers had experienced high levels of stress, and 71 per cent of respondents revealed they had not received any mental health training. Even more alarmingly, more than a quarter of those surveyed claimed they had experienced suicidal thoughts. Daisie Barnett, Policy Development Manager at CIOB, said: “Our 2020 report revealed scary statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges within the workforce. “The number of workers experiencing stress, fatigue and suicidal thoughts highlighted significant and urgent change was needed. “Our follow-up survey allows us to understand what progress has been made and where further action might be required. We are particularly interested to see what has changed post the pandemic, with the introduction of flexible working opportunities and the potential increase of financial worries.” The CIOB is calling on construction professionals at all levels—from on-site workers to senior executives—to share their insights on mental health challenges and the initiatives organisations have implemented to tackle the issues. Barnett continued: “We want to hear from construction workers across the globe and we encourage everyone to be as honest as possible. “Mental health in construction is a silent crisis, so please use this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help shape future strategies to support those working in the industry worldwide.” The survey is open from Monday, 2 December until 31 January 2025 and can be accessed here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report, ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, has been informed by a highways industry roundtable with industry leaders to drive progress on road safety. The roundtable discussion involving 15 senior highways professionals concluded that standards in the UK are now at risk of falling far behind those found in other European nations. The roundtable, which took place earlier this year, gathered influential figures from across the industry to review current efforts for preventing serious incidents on UK roads. Attendees were unanimous in their view that collectively as an industry we must take firmer action to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the road network. Once considered a leader in road safety, consecutive years of reductions in funding and a lack of strategy has seen the UK’s KSI (killed or seriously injured) rate effectively plateau over the past decade compared to significant improvements in the 2000s. According to the latest government figures, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network stands just under 30,000. Although this shows a small reduction when compared to previous years, this number has remained relatively stable since 2010, barring a minor improvement during 2020, although this could be attributed to COVID reducing traffic levels. Given this current trajectory, ‘Vision Zero’ – the objective to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries – is a distant hope rather than a realistic goal. At the WJ Group roundtable, attendees shared different stories of highways incidents from across the country. It soon became clear that many could have been avoided or less severe. While dangerous driving and genuine mistakes did account for loss of life, poor design, maintenance and management issues were also major contributing factors to the UK’s KSI rate. Using the insight from the roundtable, WJ Group has created ‘Five Cs’ to help the highways industry make Vision Zero a reality: 1. Culture The further development of the industry’s safety-first culture, considering safety within every aspect of the decision-making process and ensuring it is never compromised. Lessons can be learned from other sectors such as aviation where any safety breach is treated as something going catastrophically wrong. 2. Centralisation There are multiple databases filled with information about the road network such as how to improve safety that have not been brought together. By doing this, highway authorities will be able to continuously learn and improve from one another, as well as provide a forum for contractors and councils to discuss regulation. 3. Creativity By maximising existing technology, highway authorities can reestablish the connection between efficient asset management and safety. Alongside this, it can also create the link among innovations and demand which, in turn, can deliver road safety interventions with measurable outcomes in mind. 4. Conflict By creating a baseline standard for road safety that is recognised across the industry, conflicts such as justification for noise reduction versus improved safety and funding both can be addressed and managed by highways authorities. This can be done by implementing safe systems approach to enhance design and management of the network. 5. Collaboration Detailed in depth in WJ Group’s new report, safety successes across the industry must be shared to promote new learnings alongside the need to facilitate knowledge sharing according to a recognised structure. This will help collaboration within the industry, bringing different stakeholders together and help push it towards a safer future. Speaking on the roundtable’s findings, Wayne Johnston, CEO at WJ Group said: “Strategies such as Vision Zero should not be considered unachievable. By bringing together 15 experienced highways leaders, we have been able to further the conversation on what the industry thinks and what must be done to reduce the number of people who lose their life through avoidable road incidents. “Using their years of expertise, we have created the ‘Five Cs’ as a blueprint for the industry to implement change without the need to significantly increase budgets. “If we continue this trajectory, then members of the public are still at risk each and every time they use the road network. It is our duty to mitigate this and create a safe environment for everyone. By recognising and implementing learnings from ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, we as an industry can take small and simple steps that will greatly impact road safety.” For more information about WJ Group, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
There’s no doubt that construction sites are among the most hazardous to work in. According to the Health and Safety Executive, its workplaces see the second-highest number of self-reported injuries across the country. This mainly has to do with the materials construction workers use, the manual labour, and the environments they operate in. Simply working on building sites means slipping and falling or being hit by objects dropped from a great heights can cause serious bodily injuries. Although, it’s also vital for construction workers to remember to take care of their eyes as well. Whether they’re welding, doing outdoor construction work, or working with chemicals, those working in this industry must prioritise shielding their eyes from possible harm. This can help to ensure worker safety, job satisfaction, and even the final quality of the project they’re working on. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the following tools are always present on construction sites to provide the best means for eye protection and first-aid treatment: Protective equipment Safety goggles Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) is a requirement for every construction site due to the fact that they can effectively prevent serious injuries when working with dangerous or heavy machinery, operating in the same area as machine drivers and operators, and even using equipment that can potentially cause hearing impairments. Aside from gloves, high-visibility clothing, and hearing protection devices, however, a construction worker’s PPE essentials should also include safety goggles. Though safety eyewear can look and feel like regular eyeglasses, goggles are more ideal for construction work because they boast frames that completely seal off the eye area and provide protection from more angles. The 2890 model from 3M, for example, is made of durable polycarbonate and comes with anti-fog and anti-scratch lens coatings. That means they can effectively block flying wood chips, welding sparks, and other tools or objects while keeping a worker’s field of vision clear so they can safely see what they’re doing. UV-blocking sunglasses The initial phases of any construction project often take place outdoors. This exposes workers to the sun and puts them at risk of overexposure to its UV rays. These rays are most commonly known for accelerating age-related diseases like cataracts, and their short-term impacts can significantly impact construction site eye safety. Sunlight bouncing off reflective materials like glass and metal can overwhelm the eyes with glare. This can lead to workers not being able to see what they’re doing at key moments, leading to accidents. In the worst-case scenario, excess glare can cause temporary blindness through a condition known as photokeratitis. These potential incidents make it crucial to supply workers with UV-blocking sunglasses when working outdoors. Models with larger frames, like the Grayson from Glasses Direct, will generally be more effective because they’ll shield more of the eye area. These sunglasses often come with an option to add prescriptions to their lenses, which can be a more convenient means of protection for construction workers who wear corrective glasses. However, the one feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is polarisation. Polarised sunglasses use filters that can eliminate glare and make it safer to work outdoors. First aid Eye wash Construction workers also work with a number of chemicals, including those that help cure concrete, add waterproofing to buildings, and improve grout quality. Unfortunately, many of these compounds aren’t meant to touch the eyes and skin—meaning that any splashes can cause serious irritation and injury. Though safety eyewear like goggles and sunglasses can shield against those splashes, workers need a tool that will prevent further damage when splashes manage to reach their eyes. That’s where eye wash stations comes in. Construction sites must have eye wash stations where workers can flush their eyes of the offending chemicals. An eye wash is usually comprised of purified water mixed with saline solution or boric acid, which helps neutralise these chemicals and fight off potential infections. To properly clean their eyes, workers must keep them open while flushing them with the wash for a full 10 to 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. Tap water can be used in emergencies, but is generally not recommended due to the contaminants it may contain. Eye shields Similarly, eye injuries like corneal abrasions may still happen despite the use of protective eyewear. As exemplified by a close call experienced by tradesman Brad Morrison, objects and debris can potentially crack safety lenses and make it to the eye if they’re flying at extremely fast speeds. In Morrison’s case, his glasses were able to stop a wood chip from doing that just in time—but in the cases where a worker’s eyewear can’t, it’ll help to have eye shields on hand. These tools are essentially small, cup-like objects strapped over the eye. They’re commonly used to protect the eyes after cataract surgery. In construction, however, eye shields are often used to ‘vault’ or contain any traumatic eye injuries before they can be treated by a medical professional. The best shields are usually made of shatter-proof polycarbonate and use designs with small holes for ventilation.
