To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 May – 18 May 2025), The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its latest figures for its mental health training. Since 2018, CITB has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training – vital support for
INDUSTRY leaders came together in April at Ironmonger’s Hall in London for Miller Knight’s Building Safety Forum 2025 – a landmark event driving forward the conversation on regulation, responsibility and reform in the built environment. Hosted by the remediation contractor in partnership with TFT and BB7, the forum brought together experts,
A construction company has been fined after a kitchen fitter was crushed to death by a pack of concrete blocks at a site in the Cotswolds. Martin Dunford, who was 33, was ‘very much loved’ by his family who say they miss him ‘every day’ since the incident on 23
RAIB recently released its report into a track worker near miss at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton, 23 April 2024. Summary At about 09:53 on 23 April 2024, a train travelling at 104 mph (167 km/h) came very close to striking a track worker who was crossing an underbridge
New data reveals that the industry’s biggest challenges are budget constraints, under-staffing, and barriers to technology adoption According to a recent survey, improving compliance and safety continues to be the number one priority for facilities management professionals. However, 14% of respondents expressed uncertainty about meeting building maintenance compliance standards, while
Construction work is a high-risk occupation, making workplace safety a top priority. We’ve previously noted that construction accidents are of particular concern, with as many as one in every 10 workers injured yearly—up to 71% higher compared to workers in other industries. Yet with the likes of falls, struck-by accidents,
The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and
St John Ambulance launches Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign and new mental health first aid course. St John Ambulance has today launched a campaign to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a
A London property developer has been fined £63,000 plus costs after Britain’s workplace regulator found multiple failures at a construction site in Dalston. Nofax Enterprises Limited was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following four visits to its site on Dalston Lane over a 13 month period between
To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 May – 18 May 2025), The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its latest figures for its mental health training. Since 2018, CITB has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training – vital support for an industry facing a mental health crisis. The courses provide training to educate and equip construction workers with the knowledge to recognise mental health issues developing and start practical mental health conversations. Since 2018, CITB has allocated over £1.5 million to mental health projects and more than £1.3 million in grants to support mental health first aid and awareness courses. The training schemes that are supported through CITB’s Grants Scheme help raise awareness of mental health issues in the industry, helping people in the industry understand the challenges their colleagues may be facing. The figures released today show the total number of individuals supported with mental health awareness and first aid training through the Grants Scheme in financial year 2024-25: Alongside the Grants Scheme, CITB has played a key role in advancing mental health support within the construction industry, including through initiatives such as Building Mental Health with the Lighthouse Club and the mental health for construction apprentices’ projects. These two commissions resulted in: Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that the construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, and we all need to be collectively addressing this issue. It’s encouraging to see the large numbers of people completing mental health awareness and first aid training, and I urge others in the industry to complete mental health courses also. “We need to look after our workforce. When all workers can access support, without fear of stigma, lives will be saved and attracting new entrants will be easier. This is why CITB is actively supporting mental health schemes within the construction industry and will continue to do so by collaborating with key industry stakeholders to ensure everyone has access to mental health resources.” Find out more about CITB’s mental health awareness training here, and find out more about CITB’s mental health first aid training here. Plenty more resources on identifying and addressing mental health issues are available through Mates in Mind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INDUSTRY leaders came together in April at Ironmonger’s Hall in London for Miller Knight’s Building Safety Forum 2025 – a landmark event driving forward the conversation on regulation, responsibility and reform in the built environment. Hosted by the remediation contractor in partnership with TFT and BB7, the forum brought together experts, regulators and property professionals to examine the pressing challenges facing the construction and fire safety sectors. Chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt DBE, the event shone a spotlight on the cultural and regulatory shifts still required to meet the ambitions set out in her ‘Building a Safer Future’ report. In her keynote, Dame Judith reiterated the need for “a long-term mindset” and challenged professionals to take ownership at every level, from construction to facilities management. “We are only just beginning to uncover the challenges posed by the new regulatory system – especially during the occupation phase,” she said. “But reform is not optional. Responsibility rests with all of us to be intelligent, informed and proactive in making the right safety decisions for the buildings we create and manage.” A standout moment came as Dame Judith revealed that the Building Control Review Panel, which she now chairs, will issue its recommendations by the end of 2025. The review is exploring whether building control functions should only be performed by those free from commercial interest – a move set to reshape the industry’s current dual-path system. Speaking about the green paper on construction product regulation, Dame Judith urged delegates to get involved: “Unless we get this fixed, we’re still standing on thin ice. We need better product assurance, better testing, and we need to be bold enough to demand it.” The event featured a packed agenda including panel discussions with leading safety consultants, fire engineers and asset managers. Delegates shared real-world challenges, from poor record-keeping to inconsistent product data, and called for better collaboration across the supply chain. Attendee Dominic Smith, head of CDM services at TFT, commented: “This forum is rare in the sense that it brings the full industry together – from fire engineers to construction clients – with a shared purpose. We have over 70 higher-risk buildings in our portfolio, and events like this help us stay ahead of change and do the right thing by our residents.” In closing the event, Matthew Flower, managing director at Miller Knight, said: “This forum is about more than compliance – it’s about collective responsibility. We’re here to lead by example, push for real change and help others do the same. From contractors and consultants to building owners, everyone has a part to play in building a safer future. This is only the beginning.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A construction company has been fined after a kitchen fitter was crushed to death by a pack of concrete blocks at a site in the Cotswolds. Martin Dunford, who was 33, was ‘very much loved’ by his family who say they miss him ‘every day’ since the incident on 23 January 2020. Martin, from Pocklington in Yorkshire, was killed after being pinned against the side of a lorry loader as two stacks of concrete blocks fell onto him. Martin’s sister, Tracey Hunter, provided a statement on behalf of his family. She said: “Martin went to work and never came home. His life was unjustly cut short. “Little did he know on that date that he was going to work on a site that had ongoing issues and was not following HSE guidelines for working safely on a construction site. “Martin was very much loved by his family and friends. He is missed every day and nothing can ever fill the hole that is left by him no longer being here. “We, his family, and friends are still all navigating throughout this endless period of grief and today’s verdict is the start of some sense of justice towards his senseless death.” Martin had been working at Ebrington Rise, near Chipping Campden – a development of 16 three, four and five bedroomed houses being built by Piper Homes Construction Limited. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Martin had walked around a lorry loader to talk to a driver about how long he would be on site, as he needed access to one of the properties being built. A stack of concrete blocks which had been placed on top of another stack of blocks, which was also supported by a wooden pallet, toppled over onto him, pinning him against the side of the lorry. He sustained severe internal and head injuries and died on site. Piper Homes Construction Limited, who were the principal contractor on the site, had failed to ensure that a suitable, level storage area was provided for the safe offloading of construction materials. The company had also failed to ensure that wooden pallets in a suitable condition were used for the storage of construction materials and that persons were excluded from delivery areas. HSE guidance on pallet safety is available. Piper Homes Construction Limited, which is currently in liquidation, of Lace Market Square, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £5,236 in costs at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 29 April 2025. HSE inspector James Lucas said: “This was an entirely avoidable incident and our thoughts remain with Martin’s family. “Storage of construction materials should be properly planned and managed, to ensure that if materials are stored at height the necessary measures are in place to prevent them from falling and potentially injuring persons. “Storage areas should be level and accessories such as wooden pallets should be regularly inspected to ensure that they are in suitable condition to be used to store materials. “Had this been done on this particular site, Martin would have returned home safely to his family.” This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Jason Dix Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RAIB recently released its report into a track worker near miss at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton, 23 April 2024. Summary At about 09:53 on 23 April 2024, a train travelling at 104 mph (167 km/h) came very close to striking a track worker who was crossing an underbridge at Chiltern Green, between Harpenden and Luton Airport Parkway stations. The track worker was just stepping off the bridge, from an area where there was very limited space between the bridge parapet and train, when the train passed them. Upon seeing the track worker on the bridge, the driver sounded the train’s horn and then made an emergency brake application. Once the train stopped, the driver reported the incident to the signaller, unsure as to whether the train had struck the track worker. At the time of the incident, the track worker, who was a tester carrying out telecommunications cable testing, was walking to rejoin their group after a welfare break. RAIB found that the tester walked over the bridge because they were unaware of any other way to walk back to the rest of the group and because the person in charge had not arranged for the tester to safely leave and rejoin the group when taking a break. The person in charge had previously taken the tester over the bridge using an informal and potentially unsafe system of work, using a route to the site of work which was not the one the project engineer planning the work had intended the group to use. This happened because the staff involved were unfamiliar with one of the locations, the person in charge had a very limited role when the work was planned and had not been briefed beforehand, and the documents issued to the person in charge did not give a clear description of the way the team was expected to walk to the site of work. RAIB found that the tester had crossed the bridge without an effective safe system of work in place despite being aware of the risks in doing so. However, the tester’s personal track safety competency, and the associated rules for walking alone on or near the line, did not prohibit them from crossing a structure with restricted clearance. RAIB also identified that the bridge was not signed as a limited clearance structure, which was a possible factor. An underlying factor was that the overall methodology followed for planning the work did not provide the person in charge with clear information about how to carry out the walking element of the work. A possible underlying factor was that, although Network Rail had recorded the bridge as having restricted clearance, it and many other structures on the railway between London and Bedford were not fitted with the required signage to warn staff of this hazard. RAIB also observed that: Since the incident, changes to the rules were published to prohibit personal track safety competency holders from crossing a bridge with restricted clearance unless an appropriate safe system of work is in place. Recommendations As a result of the investigation, RAIB has made four recommendations. The first is for Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited to review and amend how it plans work on or near the line, so its staff can better understand how to manage and carry out the work they need to deliver. The second is for the Rail Safety and Standards Board to follow the relevant rail industry processes to review and amend as necessary the rail industry standard requirements for warning signage at structures with restricted clearance. The third is for Network Rail to record its lineside signage assets, determine what inspection and maintenance regime is required for these assets, and then schedule these activities to be done. The fourth, also addressed to Network Rail, is to reduce the risks to railway staff due to warning signage not being fitted to structures with restricted clearance. RAIB has also identified four learning points. The first reminds staff involved in planning or carrying out work on or near the line of the importance of coming to a clear understanding about how the planned activities, including the walking elements, should be executed. The second highlights the importance of providing information that clearly identifies the access points to be used if the planned activity involves staff going to more than one access point and different sites of work. The third highlights the importance of not going into any area where there is reduced space between a structure and the nearest running rail of an open line. The fourth highlights the importance of track workers, who are involved in a near miss incident with a train, understanding how they will safely exit the railway, and seeking assistance from the signaller if required. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New data reveals that the industry’s biggest challenges are budget constraints, under-staffing, and barriers to technology adoption According to a recent survey, improving compliance and safety continues to be the number one priority for facilities management professionals. However, 14% of respondents expressed uncertainty about meeting building maintenance compliance standards, while only 23% plan to increase their investment in compliance and safety measures. SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, surveyed 190 professionals from various roles across the built environment, construction and real estate to assess challenges and priorities regarding facility management. The survey reveals that while the industry faces significant pressure, professionals are focused on innovation and improvement, with clear priorities and strategies for 2025. Compliance and safety as top priority The survey reveals that improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for facilities management professionals. A significant 77% of respondents reported compliance to be at least a moderate challenge, reflecting the ongoing issue of meeting complex regulatory requirements. Budget constraints and cost reduction Budget constraints are currently the biggest challenge in the industry, as reported by 75% of respondents. At the same time, reducing operational costs is the second biggest priority for FM professionals. Rising energy costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions all make it increasingly difficult to deliver quality and cost-efficient services within tight budgets. As organisations strive to meet compliance demands and implement essential safety measures, 40% report a budget decrease over the past year, with 13% citing a significant reduction. 69% of facilities management professionals have the same or less budget than the previous year. Meanwhile, staffing shortages are widening the talent gap in facilities management, with 80% of professionals reporting their facility management teams are understaffed, and 24% stating they are significantly understaffed. Technology adoption Digital transformation has become a core focus within the FM industry, as organisations seek to lever technology to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance compliance. 53% of respondents rated digital transformation as a ‘highly important’ strategic priority for their organisation. However, high costs remain a major obstacle to technology adoption in facilities management, with 33% stating it as their main barrier. Many facility management teams work under tight budget constraints, making large-scale investment in digital advancements a struggle. Other challenges revealed were: integration with existing systems (19%), a lack of internal expertise (16%), and a resistance to change within the organisation (17%). Kirsty Cogan, Managing Director at SFG20, says: “As the facilities management industry evolves, improving the quality of asset data, achieving compliance, and controlling costs will be the key priorities in 2025. The survey findings highlight the significant pressures faced by professionals in the sector but also show how they are driving change and innovation to address these challenges. “It’s encouraging to see the industry increasingly prioritising technology as a vital tool for achieving compliance and reducing operating costs. To overcome the significant challenges facing the sector, technology must play a central role. Recognising this, SFG20 are incorporating technologies such as AI search and asset mapping into our software and developing API integrations to assist industry with FM systems connectivity. A great way to start is to build a technology roadmap that is aligned to your organisation’s objectives” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work is a high-risk occupation, making workplace safety a top priority. We’ve previously noted that construction accidents are of particular concern, with as many as one in every 10 workers injured yearly—up to 71% higher compared to workers in other industries. Yet with the likes of falls, struck-by accidents, and machinery mishaps being among the first things that come to mind, UV risks often fall to the wayside. With construction work primarily taking place outdoors, UV radiation is one of the biggest—and, simultaneously, one of the most invisible—risks faced by the industry’s workers. The latest statistics from Health & Safety Matters show that it’s currently the leading cause of skin cancer, which is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most prevalent cancers. Outdoor workers, including construction workers, are 60% more likely to develop the disease. Combined with the fact that it can also pose great risks to eye health—where it can accelerate sight loss by causing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and eye cancer—UV radiation can compromise worker safety and create economic burdens when left unchecked. Therefore, employers and health and safety representatives may wish to begin imposing comprehensive, sun-safe solutions that prevent overexposure through the following best practices. Assess UV risks Minimising UV-related health risks starts with helping workers avoid radiation levels when they’re at their strongest. Assessing the risks those levels pose throughout the day—and structuring work schedules around them—can help workers perform at their best while avoiding the worst of the sun. One of the best ways to do so is through using accessible mobile apps like SunSmart Global UV. Developed by experts from Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, it provides information on UV levels for searchable locations worldwide, which is updated daily, sometimes every hour. Supervisors can easily use the app to set work breaks in shaded or indoor areas during times of peak UV radiation, which usually occurs from around 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Conversely, it can provide dedicated advice for outdoor workers on what kind of sun protection to use during certain hours of the day. Provide protective sunglasses Regularly wearing sunglasses can help workers prevent both long-term eye health conditions like cataracts and short-term ones like photokeratitis. This ‘eye sunburn’ occurs when sunlight bounces off reflective materials, such as metal and concrete, and may thus cause temporary vision loss in construction workers. Thus, supplying them with sunglasses that meet industry safety requirements is vital. The pairs from activewear brand Oakley comply with the standards recommended by the Construction Industry Council (CIC): all its models, including the bestselling Holbrook and Frogskins, use Plutonite lenses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, allowing them to adhere to the British Standard EN 1836:2005 for UV protection. They also come with additional protective features useful for outdoor construction work. That includes PRIZM polarised lenses, which are designed to block glare and prevent photokeratitis while enhancing colour and contrast for improved safety and work performance. While this may not be affordable to roll out across a whole workforce it does give you an idea of the features protective sunglasses need to ensure safety from the sun. Encourage sun cream use Given the high skin cancer risks faced by construction workers, it’s equally vital to encourage them to apply sun cream throughout the day. Ideally, the sun cream they use should carry a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 against UVB rays as well as a four- or five-star rating against UVA. Healthcare professionals generally recommend applying a shot glass’ worth of product to exposed parts of the body, as well as a coin-sized amount to the face—and reapplying every two hours or once sweaty. Perhaps more crucially, sun cream should be accessible. In particular, construction workers can be directed to the likes of ALDI. Its Lacura sun cream, which boasts an SPF of 30 and a five-star UVA rating, is considered among the most effective yet affordable on the market, even outperforming more expensive sun creams from high-profile brands like Calypso, Asda, and Bondi Sands in SPF tests. During the summer months, ALDI also offers Lacura sun cream for free to outdoor workers who email them with their name and job description. Supply UV-blocking PPEs Where possible, ensure that the PPEs given to construction workers protect against both physical harm and UV radiation. They can do so in terms of both the coverage they provide and the fabrics they use. According to the CIC, loose-fitting tops with long sleeves, breathable trousers, wide-brim hats, and safety helmets with side flaps can further support the protection provided by sunglasses and sun cream. Companies can also opt to follow in the footsteps of Dartford-based contractor Laing O’Rourke, which worked with uniform specialist Jermyn Street Design to supply workers across the country with sun-protective workwear. Comprised of pieces like high-visibility polo shirts and softshell jackets, all of the clothing provided came with the necessary Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF (the fabric equivalent of SPF) while also offering insulation and waterproof properties for overcast days.
The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and safety co-ordination. The event provided a platform for leading professionals to discuss the latest regulatory updates, technological advancements, global challenges, building a resilient future and best practices in safety coordination. The key themes discussed included issues around competence and compliance in a Post-Grenfell Landscape. Indeed, with building safety regulations tightening, discussions focused on how Safety and Health Construction Coordinators (SHCCs) – including UK Principal Designers (PDs) and Principal Contractors (PCs) – must adapt to ensure improved safety standards. There were also discussions around New and Emerging Risks – beyond known hazards such as asbestos and silica, the event highlighted new occupational risks and the impact of climate change on construction safety. Speakers at the Congress also reinforced the role of technology, particularly on how digital innovation – BIM and emerging technologies, can enhance health and safety processes and improve risk management. Other themes discussed included introducing more collaboration between ISHCCO and International Social Security Association – Construction Section (ISSA-C) to tackle Global Challenges, building a resilient future by climate-proofing design infrastructure (European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) Manifesto) and measuring performance in a bid to improving safety outcomes to benefit long-term industry improvements. As a founder member of ISHCCO, APS has a long-standing commitment to improving health and safety coordination in the UK and Europe. The joint Congress underlined the importance of sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration to advance construction safety. Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive, APS commented: “APS was formed by consequence of EU Directive 92/57 which impacted on all EU Member States. Despite the UK decision to leave the EU, APS recognises the importance of sharing good practice and research and development with our ISHCCO colleagues, particularly as many design and construction goods and services are now delivered on an international basis.” Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, ISHCCO President, added: “ISHCCO’s vision, as the umbrella organization of safety and health construction coordinators in Europe and Worldwide, is to affirm its members’ professional identity and collaborate with OSH and construction professionals and institutions for a safer, healthier, and sustainable construction industry and infrastructure. “Promoting construction OSH, we not only protect the lives and well-being of construction workers but also contribute to the sustainability of our industry, infrastructure, and society. I extend an invitation to all OSH and construction professionals to join ISHCCO in this noble mission, and I look forward to working together to build a better future for all. “Building on the success of Edinburgh 2024, our Spanish colleagues will host the next ISHCCO General Assembly and Congress in Madrid in 2025, further strengthening ties between European safety coordinators.” For more details visit www.ishcco.org and www.aps.org.uk
St John Ambulance launches Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign and new mental health first aid course. St John Ambulance has today launched a campaign to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but felt it too difficult to talk about. Such is the taboo around the topic that 71% of research respondents admitted to giving their employer a different reason, such as a physical illness, for taking time off for mental health. Nearly four in 10, 39%, would rather quit their job than tell someone at work. The health charity has released the stark findings as it introduces a mental health first aid course that uses real-life scenarios to train workers to spot hidden signs, start difficult conversations and create workplaces where colleagues feel safe to share their problems. It hopes to kickstart these vital conversations by sharing limited edition “Hi Vis Stress Vests” with construction companies and celebrities including TV builder Tommy Walsh and construction entrepreneur Daniel Ashville Louisy. The back of each high-visibility jacket features a statement, such as “No-one will miss me when I’m gone”, to express some of the invisible mental distress that many builders don’t feel able to talk about. The research of 500 construction workers also revealed nearly a third, 31%, describe their current state as “struggling”, “overwhelmed” or “suicidal”, while 82% say they’ve suffered with a mental health challenge at some point in their career in the trade. Nearly a tenth, 8% have left their job as a result of mental health challenges, while 28% have considered leaving; more than a fifth, 21%, have taken over five sick days for the same reason. Nearly half, 48%, say their current levels of stress and anxiety are having a negative impact on their work. Peer pressure Although nearly two-thirds of respondents, 65%, agree it is healthier to share struggles about stress, anxiety or depression, nearly half (48%) think they’ll lose the trust and respect of their colleagues if they don’t put on a brave face. More than a fifth, 22%, believe doing so would be letting the team down, a fifth are too embarrassed and 14% believe they’ll be laughed at. However, more than half, 54%, of respondents said they would be more likely to share their problems if they had a trained mental health first aider on site. Six in 10, 60%, would like to see their employer do more to support mental health in their workplace. Lisa Sharman, head of education and commercial training at St John Ambulance, says: “We know that opening up about a mental health problem with someone who’s ready to listen is the first step towards getting vital help. Our research shows that those working in the construction sector find it particularly difficult to share what they’re going through. We’re confident that our Hi Vis Stress Vests will help get the conversation started. “However, we urge construction leaders to go further and equip themselves and employees with the skills to spot signs and start the difficult chats. St John’s new face-to-face mental health first aid course is interactive and practical, meaning employees find it engaging and leave with the tools to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the people around them.” Wellbeing manager at construction giant BAM, Rhianwen Conron, recently used the Hi Vis Stress Vests at a session for 10 workers. She says: “The messages on the back of the vests are very powerful and proved to be effective conversation starters. “I’m fully in support of this campaign. Anything that prompts our people to start opening up is valuable and having something physical to focus on, like these Hi Vis Stress Vests, is hugely helpful. “I think every construction company should be training people to hold these kinds of wellbeing conversations.” Jon Clayden, former project lead at construction giant ISG, which went into administration last year, says: “The building site is a tough and stressful environment, and whilst over the 30 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen some improvements in mental health conversations, we still have a long way to go. “I’ve known people struggling with mental health issues, and the silence often comes from them simply not knowing how to approach it. “Mental health first aid training has been a critical experience for me, as it’s allowed me to spot signs and support my colleagues who find it challenging to speak up. It’s also given me the skillset to approach them first and show that someone is looking out for them. Having someone to speak to in confidence can be life-saving.” For more information visit sja.org.uk/hivis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ in safety, he has worked across diverse industries but is most passionate about improving communities through transformational retrofit projects. Matthew said: “I grew up in social housing, so I know what it’s like to live in a cold house and not be allowed to turn the heating on through winter.” His career has allowed him to witness first-hand how retrofit solutions can positively impact communities. Matthew continued: “I worked on a rundown housing estate in Wales where we installed external wall insulation (EWI). We collaborated with contractors and site teams to create a positive working environment for residents. As the houses started to look more modern, people took pride in their surroundings – gardens were tidied, fences were painted, and within 18 months to two years, the whole village had transformed.” For Matthew, people are at the heart of safety. His perspective is that processes and procedures don’t keep people safe, but people keep people safe. Working closely with the senior leadership team and project managers, he aims to integrate safety into every aspect of operations to ensure safety is “blended in, not bolted on.” Matthew said: “You can either see health and safety as a compliance and risk strategy, or you can see it as a people strategy. A strong safety culture creates not only a safer work environment, but a more supportive and productive one. This, in turn, should enhance overall well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately support the growth of SBS.” Over the next 18 months, Matthew plans to expand the health and safety team and embed a new way of thinking across the SBS ecosystem. His goal is to create a company-wide culture where safety is a shared responsibility, deeply integrated into every process rather than treated as a separate compliance function. Matthew said: “I want people to make good decisions at the right time, but we must also hold them accountable for those decisions. That comes from a culture of trust, kindness, patience, and responsibility. By fostering open communication, ensuring competency at all levels, and leveraging technology, we can embed safety seamlessly into SBS’s daily operations.” Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Bringing Matthew into the SBS team is an important appointment for us. His expertise and passion for a company-wide cultural approach to safety, along with striving for continuous improvement, will be invaluable in driving SBS toward a more innovative approach to health and safety. We look forward to hearing the ideas he will bring to the table and supporting him with implementing them.” For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A London property developer has been fined £63,000 plus costs after Britain’s workplace regulator found multiple failures at a construction site in Dalston. Nofax Enterprises Limited was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following four visits to its site on Dalston Lane over a 13 month period between 2020 and 2021. The company was overseeing the construction of a four storey building on the site, containing nine flats and large basement to house a youth club. However, the failures identified by HSE inspectors – including multiple working at height risks, poor fire precautions and exposure to large amounts of silica dust – were so serious, that they resulted in the site being closed down on two separate occasions. Other breaches of the law included failing to protect workers from exposure to wood dust, as well as insufficient covid and welfare controls. In total, 9 enforcement notices were served against the company for the Dalston Lane site, including five prohibition notices. The subsequent HSE investigation included inspections at other sites operated by the company, identifying a poor health and safety culture and systemic management failings. Owing to the repeated poor performance and lack of compliance to basic health and safety, Nofax Enterprises Limited, of Maldon, Essex pleaded guilty to breaches of sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.Following the hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 18th March 2025, the company was ordered to pay a total of £88,812.68 which included a fine of £63,000, costs of £25,622. In summing up, the judge stated that despite repeated visits by HSE and multiple notices being served, risks subsisted over a long period and the company failed to make any appropriate changes. The judge concluded by saying that there had been a systemic failure within the organisation to manage health and safety. After the hearing, HSE inspector Gordon Nixon said: “This company showed a total disregard to keeping its workers safe. “They failed to meet even the most basic health and safety standards, continually exposing operatives to serious risks. “HSE will not wait until workers are seriously injured, or worse and will take appropriate action including prosecutions when health and safety regulations are so blatantly flouted.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
