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
Amid rising concern about the globally increasing risk of Legionella, leading Legionella rapid testing expert Hydrosense is calling construction professionals to take a proactive approach to reducing the risk. It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures,
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable
MULTI-DISCIPLINE principal contractor, Miller Knight, launched its first in a series of Building Safety Forum events this month at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa football club. The event welcomed professionals from across the built environment sector, with a specific focus on remediation, refurbishment and regeneration, particularly in
October marks breast cancer awareness month, a global event that receives a flurry of support from businesses and industries of all kinds. It’s not just from companies with a strong female workforce, either. Organisations with a traditionally male-predominant workforce are also showing their support, not only raising breast cancer awareness
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the independent champion for change in construction, has completed the acquisition of the Building a Safer Future (BSF) programme. The programme, which creates positive culture and behaviour change in building safety, was launched in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. It aims to complement a more
MULTI-DISCIPLINE principal contractor, Miller Knight, is set to host its first annual Building Safety Forum on 6 November at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa football club. The event will centre on some of the major challenges the construction and property management sector are facing, predominantly in light
Considerate Constructors Scheme, the independent champion for change in construction, has partnered with compliance and risk management leader Veriforce CHAS to broaden its inspection monitoring services across the UK. As public and government scrutiny on build quality intensifies, the collaboration marks a major step forward in both organisations’ missions to
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer
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.
Amid rising concern about the globally increasing risk of Legionella, leading Legionella rapid testing expert Hydrosense is calling construction professionals to take a proactive approach to reducing the risk. It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures, providing an ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. It’s estimated that there are between 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.1 In light of this, Hydrosense has revealed some thought-provoking new findings which advocates the need for a faster, more agile and more accurate approach to detect the full spectrum of Legionella pneumophila risk, the main cause of Legionnaires’ disease The extensive 3rd party study2, conducted by the CDC ELITE laboratory Chemicals Incorporated (CHEM Inc.) of CA, USA, saw Legionella samples using CDC reference Legionella materials tested using both the traditional lab-culture testing (CDC method) and the Hydrosense PRO rapid testing kit. One complete set of samples was processed using the lab culture method – where a culture medium is controlled and observed under laboratory conditions – which took seven days. A further three complete sets of samples were processed using the Hydrosense PRO lateral flow test method, taking just 25 minutes. The results revealed that the Hydrosense method was 100 percent accurate in identifying both L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 from blind samples and gave comparable results to the traditional lab culture testing method but in a much quicker time. All work was completed at CHEM Inc.’s CDC ELITE and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. For Hydrosense, the inference of this insight is that it is clear that the need for an alternative and faster method for Legionella bacteria detection can no longer be ignored. Greg Rankin, CEO at Hydrosense comments: “The statistics show that the scale and severity of Legionella cases happening in the USA, the UK and Europe are all increasing at alarming levels. With an alarming 1000% increase in the US since 20003 and only recently, the EU observed its highest annual notification rate of Legionnaires’ disease to date.4 Clearly continuing to do what we have previously done is simply not good enough.“As such, there has never been a more appropriate time for businesses, employers, property owners, construction professionals and the like to act and review how they assess, test and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.” Despite being the oldest and most widely accepted technique for the detection of Legionella bacteria, it is well documented that lab culture testing has many limitations. Foremost, most lab culture tests take 7-10 days to return results. Yet Legionella can double in a day. This large time lag means increased exposure and risk for businesses, employees and the public. Water samples can also get damaged in the transportation process, killing the Legionella inside and increasing the risk of a false negative result. Moreover, lab culture testing is also unable to detect Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) – which though dormant can still be incredibly dangerous – further compromising the validity of the end result. As a direct response to this issue, the breakthrough Hydrosense Legionella testing kit was developed to provide an easy and quick testing of water; on-site and without training or experience, with accurate results delivered in just 25 minutes. The result is a huge opportunity for duty managers, water management professionals and installers on the job to take a proactive approach in reducing the growing risk of Legionnaires’ disease. Greg adds: “To consider the vast progress that has been made in so many areas of medical science over recent years, it appears unfathomable that we still remain very much in the dark ages when it comes to Legionella detection. By moving away from the reliance on traditional lab methods, which take up to two weeks to provide results and ignore some dangerous forms of Legionella bacteria, to more holistic testing regimes that incorporate methods that are much faster, and better at detecting even non-culturable bacteria we have a real opportunity to reduce exposure and protect lives. “These are unprecedented times. Global temperatures are rising, water systems are becoming increasingly complex and the way we use buildings is changing, which means we must take up the mantle and find better and more effective ways to control what is becoming an increasing Legionella risk.”For further information please visit: https://hydrosense-legionella.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable strikes across the UK, which have resulted in 12 injuries and fatalities over the past year. With the potential for underground cable strikes to result in power outages, property damage or even severe injury or death, the safety messages produced with ‘The Digger Girl’ Amy are designed to ensure people know what to look out for and what to do to keep themselves and others safe when working near the electricity network. The Digger Girl – with more than 800,000 followers across her social media channels – is famous for her creative and engaging content, industry expertise and down to earth information and advice about life as a female working in the construction industry. Previously named as one of the UK’s top 100 women in construction by the National Federation of Builders, she’s now using her popular platforms to share SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe when working near underground cables and overhead lines. Amy said: “As operators working in the construction industry, safety is the first thing we should all be thinking about when using machinery. When you add in the potential risks of using that equipment around underground cables or overhead powerlines, it’s even more important – we all deserve to go home at the end of the working day. “That’s why this content with SP Energy Networks is so important for people to see, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts to support a safer work site for operators like me. If I had one bit of advice, it would be to make sure you follow these easy safety tips at all times when on site – they really could save your life!” Amy’s top tips for staying safe near underground cables and overhead power lines are: Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “It’s fantastic to have ‘The Digger Girl’ on board to help share SP Energy Networks’ vital messages about recognising potential electrical hazards and how to stay safe while working near the electricity network. We know that many people working in the construction industry will routinely follow this advice, but evidence shows that’s not always the case and one injury – or worse – is one too many when there are lots of ways to keep ourselves safe. “I’ve no doubt Amy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in the industry combined with her brilliant storytelling style will ensure we reach as many people as possible – it really is the perfect way to help boost industry safety.” For further information and details on SP Energy Networks construction safety advice, please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MULTI-DISCIPLINE principal contractor, Miller Knight, launched its first in a series of Building Safety Forum events this month at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa football club. The event welcomed professionals from across the built environment sector, with a specific focus on remediation, refurbishment and regeneration, particularly in relation to fire protection and safeguarding solutions needed for the future proofing of buildings. Industry insights were provided by representatives from BB7, TFT, Quelfire, Blackhurst Budd, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and Miller Knight’s own managing director, Matthew Flower. Much was discussed including case studies demonstrating best practice, as well as those which otherwise failed in compliance and responsibility when it comes to fire protection. As the industry continues to review its processes around fire safety, protection and responsibility, the forum provided a platform for reflecting on lessons learned from tragedies such as Grenfell and the more recent Dagenham high-rise fire. While it is widely recognised amongst professionals that more needs to be done, there are still instances where discrepancies are bought to the surface due to a lack of understanding around who is responsible for ensuring fire safety measures are enforced and adhered to when considering different property types. Wayne Woodland, business development director at Miller Knight, said: “The event signifies the beginning of our vision for Miller Knight to be a leader in creating conversations around fire protection, remediation, regeneration and refurbishment. “As the industry continues to adapt its ways of working following the Building Safety Act (BSA), we believe it is our responsibility to facilitate a forum which provides like-minded professionals with the opportunity to discuss and learn together to ultimately improve practice across the built environment, but most importantly, keeping people safe”. One key insight and take away is that the market is vast, and the solutions are readily available to achieve safety and compliance. However, it’s key that managers, landlords and owners of buildings clearly understand who is responsible for implementing the wide range of fire protection measures needed to keep people and buildings safe from the risk of fire. The Building Safety Forum aligns with Miller Knight’s long-term commitment to advancing safety and compliance. By facilitating dialogue and sharing expert knowledge and experiences, the event aided an industry wide conversation regarding regulation as changes continue to work their way into the process of remediation and refurbishment projects solidifying that what was once acceptable before, is not fit for purpose anymore. In light of various conversations, it was evident that the need for stringent processes in the fire and protection spaces isn’t a new issue, but the question on many people’s minds is how and why it has taken so long to get to this point of understanding and compliance. This marks the first of a series of events that Miller Knight will host as the Building Safety Forum, with their next discussion aiming to take place in March 2025 in London. For more information and to register your interest for the next event, please contact: enquiries@miller-knight.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
October marks breast cancer awareness month, a global event that receives a flurry of support from businesses and industries of all kinds. It’s not just from companies with a strong female workforce, either. Organisations with a traditionally male-predominant workforce are also showing their support, not only raising breast cancer awareness by encouraging men to get themselves checked but also sparking vital conversations about other conditions that affect them as well. One such example is the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), which has taken the opportunity to encourage men to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Such encouragement is vital in male-heavy industries, where health issues often fall under the radar despite the impact they could have on staff. With so many safety measures adopted in demolition and construction, it makes little sense for people to skip on precautions when it comes to their own personal health. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with roughly 52,000 men diagnosed every year in the UK alone. In male predominant industries, such as the construction and demolition industries, organisations NFDC are inspiring members through online and social media campaigns, encouraging workers to get cancer screenings to ensure early detection. For men over the age of 50, regular prostate exams are recommended every two to three years. Just like identifying hazards on-site, workers can spot potential health risks by understanding the factors that influence prostate cancer, including age, race and family history. Some symptoms of prostate cancer include, needing to urinate more frequently, feeling as if your bladder hasn’t emptied and finding blood in semen. Health and safety are a big concern within the demolition industry, but health issues such as cancer are not talked about enough. It is imperative for workers to be proactive and not wait for symptoms to catch up with them. Duncan Rudall, CEO of the NFDC, outlined how working in the demolition industry is extremely physically demanding and that frequent health checks are essential. “Frequent health screenings ensure workers are physically capable of doing their jobs,” he said. “If a medical issue is caught early, there is a higher likelihood of receiving beneficial treatment.” Suffering from physical health issues such as prostate cancer can lead to other issues, including considerably affecting workers’ mental health. Cancer Research UK says that when caught early, 8 in 10 men survive prostate cancer for ten years or more, highlighting the importance of regular screening, particularly for men over 50 working in demanding industries. Owing to the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental health, organisations working in a predominantly ‘male’ gendered space have made it a priority to educate workers with simple messaging throughout social media platform LinkedIn to keep reminders front of mind. Breast Cancer: Prostate cancer is not the only health issue demolition and construction workers should be concerned about. Breast cancer can also occur in men and is something that can often be forgotten or disregarded as a predominantly female condition. In reality, according to Cancer Research UK, around 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease annually. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the demolition and construction industries have been instrumental within the trade by ‘wearing it pink’ PPE gear on-site, as well as using pink equipment to raise awareness and funds for the cause. “The demolition and construction industries being involved in ‘wearing it pink day’ every year has helped challenge stereotypes and ensure male workers are vigilant about their health, particularly with a condition they may have previously believed to be considered ‘female only.’” Mr Rudall added. People who have one or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer may also have an increased risk of breast cancer and should get checked and seek medical advice if they are experiencing any symptoms, including swelling, lumps or ulcers on their chest or armpits. Organisations that are part of male-predominant industries, like the NFDC, are promoting health and safety regulations, including regular health screenings for the detection of cancers alongside other regular health checks. Early detection through regular health checks is key in the fight against breast and prostate cancer,” Mr Rudall said. “In both cases, awareness can be the difference between life and loss. Demolition contractors are vigilant on-site when it comes to health and safety, and it is just as important to prioritise healthcare first off-site, too.” Both prostate and breast cancer pose significant health risks – and early detection can lead to better outcomes, early treatment and better recovery. It’s essential staff stay safe on site and off, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear. No one should feel embarrassed to seek medical help. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the independent champion for change in construction, has completed the acquisition of the Building a Safer Future (BSF) programme. The programme, which creates positive culture and behaviour change in building safety, was launched in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. It aims to complement a more robust regulatory framework and promote a culture of safety within the built environment. The programme emphasizes accountability, transparency, and the sharing of best practices to ensure that buildings are safe for occupants. All underpinned by third party independent assurance of the reduction in any risk profile. The work of Building a Safer Future is underpinned by a Charter which consists of five commitments. The UK Government encouraged an industry-wide commitment to sign-up to a reformed building safety regulatory system, in its response to the Building a Safer Future consultation. In early 2020, CCS was appointed to take on responsibility for the management of the Charter. CCS subsequently established a new, not-for-profit independent organisation (Building a Safer Future Ltd) with an independent governance structure, to lead and develop the Charter further. Whilst originally conceived to focus on high-rise residential buildings, BSF has extended its scope to cover buildings of all heights, and equally applies, and is relevant to, all construction activity and companies. Companies can apply to become a Registered Signatory of the Charter and/or participate in the Champions programme. The Charter is an important step in driving forward the systemic culture change in relation to major hazard safety that is required across the built environment. The BSF Champion third party assessment gives companies detailed insight into their existing leadership and culture around building safety and equips them with actionable data and practical tools to help review and upgrade processes, driving meaningful and measurable continuous improvement in leadership and culture around building safety. Peter Caplehorn, Non-Executive Director for Considerate Constructors, said: “The acquisition signals our continued commitment to improved safety and standards in the construction industry. Having originally managed the Charter, CCS is the commonsense future home for the BSF business, staff and clients. While having different focal points, we share common goals around safety, collaboration and a culture of improvement.” Graham Watts, Non-Executive Director for Building a Safer Future, added: “We look forward to developing our relationship to support companies in their building safety journeys. Our common purpose is key in helping organisations to meet their requirements, ensuring that risk profiles are reduced across the industry. As the only independent champion for change in the sector, CCS was really the only choice for us.” The financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The acquisition follows the recent announcement of a partnership with compliance and risk management leader Veriforce CHAS to broaden CCS inspection monitoring services across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MULTI-DISCIPLINE principal contractor, Miller Knight, is set to host its first annual Building Safety Forum on 6 November at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa football club. The event will centre on some of the major challenges the construction and property management sector are facing, predominantly in light of the country’s legislative changes surrounding building safety and fire regulations. Bringing together industry leaders, the Building Safety Forum will serve as a platform to explore key regulatory updates, initiate conversations, and encourage collaboration, while aiming to create the future of a safer and more accountable built environment. With speakers from BB7, TFT, Quelfire, Blackhurst Budd, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and Miller Knight’s team of experts themselves, attendees will gain insights into the changing regulatory landscape and the robust fire protection safeguarding solutions needed for the future. The event comes in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell disaster, which has been a catalyst for a stringent focus on building safety and compliance. The Building Safety Forum aims to ensure that the industry continues to use past failures as grounds to improve building practices that adhere to the highest safety standards. Wayne Woodland, business development director at Miller Knight, said: “We have all witnessed the devasting consequences of non-compliance. To ensure tragic events of the past are never repeated, we must take responsibility and unite the industry around a shared goal of safeguarding health and safety. “With the Building Safety Forum, we aim to move the conversation from talk to action. The event provides the much-needed opportunity for collaboration between key industry professionals, combining our expertise to create a safer, more compliant and sustainable future.” As a leading name in remedial fire protection and refurbishment, Miller Knight is known for delivering high-quality passive fire protection services across the UK. The company specialises in fire stopping, fire doors, and compartmentation services, ensuring that buildings not only meet current safety standards but are also future proofed against changes in regulations. The Building Safety Forum aligns with Miller Knight’s long-term commitment to advancing safety and compliance. By facilitating dialogue and sharing expert knowledge and experiences, the event will help to generate an industry wide conversation as a new regime of regulation continues to work its way into the process of remediation and refurbishment projects. For more information and to register for the event, contact: enquiries@miller-knight.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Considerate Constructors Scheme, the independent champion for change in construction, has partnered with compliance and risk management leader Veriforce CHAS to broaden its inspection monitoring services across the UK. As public and government scrutiny on build quality intensifies, the collaboration marks a major step forward in both organisations’ missions to raise standards in the construction industry. The Considerate Constructors monitoring service assesses members’ adherence to the Code of Considerate Practice, helping identify opportunities for improvement. This service, conducted by Considerate Constructors’ expert Monitors, is now strengthened by the partnership with Veriforce CHAS. Benefits of the partnership include: Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman for Considerate Constructors, said: “Veriforce CHAS leverages its business expertise and investments in technology to consistently deliver high quality services across the UK’s built environment. Our partnership enables us to streamline our operations, scale faster and more impactfully and enhance overall efficiency for contractors and developer partners.” Alex Minett, Head of Products & Markets for Veriforce CHAS, added: “Partnering with CCS reinforces Veriforce CHAS’s dedication to making the UK construction sector safer, higher quality and more successful. We’re excited to collaborate and broaden our impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The project aimed to reduce transport-related risk across AIUK’s sites, using an innovative, proactive approach. The team – including Leeds Beckett psychology experts and a full-time KTP Associate – have created a dynamic toolkit to reduce future incidents and fatalities. This is now being rolled out across the organisation worldwide and creating a safer and healthier place for employees. AIUK has more than 200 sites and around 3,700 employees across the UK. They are part of the Holcim Group, a global leader in building materials and solutions, operating across 70 countries worldwide. The project was led by Dr Jim Morgan, Principal Lecturer and Leader of the Psychology Applied to Safety and Health (PASH) research group at Leeds Beckett. Dr Morgan explained: “We have designed and implemented a toolkit, using academic theory and models, which proactively identifies safe and unsafe behaviours within the business. This includes a step-by-step process for developing work system redesign – the way work is planned and conducted – and behaviour change programmes. This means AIUK can fully understand the underlying factors that influence their workplace safety and are putting in place strategies to prevent fatalities and reduce future incidents.” AIUK estimate that – as a direct result of the KTP – they will increase their profits by £8million within the next three years. This is based on predicted cost savings from reduced fatalities and injuries, increased productivity due to work system redesign and reduced injury-related employee absence, and an increase in the number of bids won for new work. The KTP has now been graded ‘Outstanding’ by independent assessors at Innovate UK – this is the highest possible rating awarded to projects. A key element of the KTP’s success was Laura Jackson – the full-time Associate recruited to manage the project as a member of the AIUK team, with the support of the Leeds Beckett academic experts. Laura led four research studies, including questionnaires and interviews involving more than 280 drivers, and a highly innovative eye tracking and sleep study. The Safety Voice Toolkit supports AIUK’s long-term aim to be the safest company in the industry, and to achieve ‘zero harm’ in its workplaces. It will be shared across the UK construction materials industry to inform best practice. Following the success of the KTP, Laura Jackson has secured a newly-created role at AIUK as Behavioural Safety Business Partner – leading AIUK in their journey to improve behavioural safety across the whole organisation. Laura is also continuing to study for her Masters by Research (MRes) degree at Leeds Beckett University. Laura said: “To achieve AIUK’s ambitions, they needed the psychological expertise relating to safety and health in the workplace at Leeds Beckett. The targeted and tailored safety behaviour change interventions that we have developed are not something that could be achieved by off-the-shelf consultancy services. “The KTP has had a significant impact on safety culture at AIUK. I worked hard to gain trust with colleagues, and tactfully engaged stakeholders, to successfully instil core values, foster collaboration, and promote accountability. This has been a genuine ‘bottom up’ approach to zero harm strategy – and is the first step in a long-term shift in how we manage and prioritise safety in the workplace. I am now enhancing our strategic safety plan for 2024 onwards, which includes a structured approach to identifying, addressing and preventing unsafe behaviours and conditions.” Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, added: “To have achieved an Outstanding grading for the project is testament to the success of this collaboration between Laura, our academic team, and AIUK. We are thrilled with the impact this is creating across the international Holcim Group – and look forward to continuing to make lasting impact for the extensive range of businesses, public sector and third sector organisations we work with through our KTP programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
