The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election,
FSi Promat will highlight the need to account for movement in buildings when specifying passive fire protection in a presentation at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Speaking at the ASFP stage at 12pm on Tuesday, April 30, Technical Manager at FSi Promat, Paul Nash, and the passive fire specialist’s National
AN environmentally conscious surveying practice is putting sustainability at the heart of its service provision with the creation of a new, bespoke internal training course. Trident Building Consultancy has joined forces with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) to create a unique course which is aimed at upskilling every building
Pure Vista Ltd have their next CPD session certified and ready to go Next online open session is on Friday the 26th April at 1pm. Pure Vista’s newest CPD session is an Introduction to Martyn’s Law and the relevance of anti-terror glass balustrades. In this informative session, you will learn
By Trevor Steven, mental health ambassador, Causeway Technologies Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, but the focus is often geared towards the finished product and the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants. Rarely do we take a moment to consider the people who bring these structures to life:
Wates Construction Ltd – one of the UK’s biggest Tier 1 contractors – has recently been awarded the ‘Certificate of Commitment and Progress – Building Safety Stage One’ in recognition of their successful completion of Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture) of Building a Safer Future’s Champion assessment scheme. The BSF
New research by NBS finds half of industry professionals still unclear on duty holder responsibilities for higher-risk buildings As the six-month transition period for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) comes to a close, new research from NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, shows the industry is still struggling to achieve a
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in
Renowned life safety leader, Hochiki Europe, is gearing up to display its comprehensive fire safety solutions at the Fire Safety Event 2024, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from the 30th April to the 2nd May 2024. The event brings together industry professionals dedicated to raising the bar on fire
The demolition industry has stepped-up its efforts to combat work-related stress and promote good mental health by joining Great Britain’s workplace regulator campaign. The Working Minds campaign, set up by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), welcomes a new partner in the demolition industry to help reach trades and offer
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election, CIAT’s document focuses on three core issues; low carbon and retrofit, building safety, and skills shortages and recognition. The Institute is calling for greater collaboration within the sector to address these critical areas, to ensure that we can create sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities for future generations. CIAT President, Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: “We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.” The document can be accessed and downloaded here: https://architecturaltechnology.com/about/ciat-recommendations-improved-built-environment.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FSi Promat will highlight the need to account for movement in buildings when specifying passive fire protection in a presentation at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Speaking at the ASFP stage at 12pm on Tuesday, April 30, Technical Manager at FSi Promat, Paul Nash, and the passive fire specialist’s National Commercial and Marketing Manager, David Roulstone will take an in-depth look at the application of fire stopping and how movement can affect its performance. Appearing as part of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) passive fire protection seminar programme, FSi Promat will build on the work it has done to raise awareness of the potential issues that movement can cause to built-in fire protection, in the worst case causing it to become non-compliant. In addition, FSI Promat’s team will be on hand on stand 5/D115 throughout the three-day event, discussing the impact of movement on a practical level and how this can be accommodated with a third-party evaluated solution. David said: “With an increasing focus on robust building safety following the Hackitt Review, the Fire Safety Event is the ideal forum to explore the challenges – and solutions – in designing and installing passive fire protection to ensure it performs as expected in the event of a fire breaking out. “Ensuring that the correct passive fire protection is in place when specifying products at the design stage is essential – but it is important that this remains compliant throughout the life span of the building. Taking into consideration the part that movement plays in this is vital to prevent tears and cracks. “FSi Promat will demonstrate why movement should be considered, and what can be done to address this when specifying fire stopping, primarily by using our specialist Flexi Coat solution.” FSi Promat’s sister company Promat will also be represented alongside the team at the Fire Safety Event, which takes place from 30th April to 2nd May at the NEC in Birmingham. Both part of the Etex group, the brands offer complimentary passive fire solutions with Promat specialising in protective board solutions used to maintain compartmentation and provide structural integrity in the event of a fire, while FSi Promat is a leading manufacturer of fire stopping and cavity barriers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AN environmentally conscious surveying practice is putting sustainability at the heart of its service provision with the creation of a new, bespoke internal training course. Trident Building Consultancy has joined forces with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) to create a unique course which is aimed at upskilling every building surveyor and project manager working in the business. The move bucks the industry trend of having a specialist sustainability individual or small team within a practice that provide advice and input into specific projects. By providing the training across the whole of the business, Trident is ensuring sustainability and reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions is at the forefront of every survey and project it undertakes, helping clients to minimise their impact on the environment. Managing director Dan Roe said the initiative came about because sustainability is the highest topic on everyone’s agenda, particularly clients. The first cohort, comprising of Trident’s senior leaders, has already got started on the programme, with the business aiming to roll out further training to the remainder of Trident’s surveyors over the next year. Mr Roe said: “Many surveying practices and building consultancies have gone down the route of recruiting a small number of in-house staff or small teams that specialise in sustainability. “Whereas we would never rule that out, we want to go beyond that and upskill all of our existing client-facing workforce. We already have a good knowledge and experience of sustainability such as energy performance and how to make buildings more efficient, but we want to turn that into a much wider knowledge so we can advise our clients more comprehensively. “We’re trying to embed sustainability in everything thing we do. A building surveyor’s mindset was traditionally always to fix buildings, but we now want our surveyors not just to be looking at how we repair buildings but how we make them more energy efficient, too. It is a bit of a mindset change and the training programme we’ve developed is designed to facilitate that.” The training course has been developed in partnership with UKGBC, a membership organisation established to transform the sustainability of the built environment. It comprises of online and classroom-based training delivered by experts from the UKGBC, covering topics such as ESG and the built environment, decarbonising buildings, and how net zero strategies can be integrated into commercial retrofits. Mr Roe said it was fantastic to be working with the UKGBC which he described as ‘a leading authority on making buildings more sustainable’. “They have more than 700 members who are all extremely passionate about the subject,” he said. “They lobby government on policy and are at the coalface of developing sustainable solutions that enable people and nature to thrive side-by-side. “Partnering with them for this training means we’re in great hands.” Trident Building Consultancy has nine offices across the UK and Ireland, including Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, and Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pure Vista Ltd have their next CPD session certified and ready to go Next online open session is on Friday the 26th April at 1pm. Pure Vista’s newest CPD session is an Introduction to Martyn’s Law and the relevance of anti-terror glass balustrades. In this informative session, you will learn about anti-terror glass balustrades, how they can work for you, the benefits, force loadings, product testing and safe substrates for installation. We will discuss the fundamentals of Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) and what this new legislation might mean for your project. This CPD certified session on the Introduction to Martyn’s Law and the relevance of anti-terror glass balustrade is now available. In this informative session, you will learn about anti-terror glass balustrade, force loading, and safe substrates for installation. We will discuss the fundamentals of Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law). Additionally, we will introduce our fire rated balustrade, which can be used over 11m high. Our session will cover building regulations, product testing, and results for this safety glass balustrade system. We are committed to providing you with all the necessary information. We will ensure to answer all your questions at the end of the session. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions regarding the safety of your buildings and projects. Our glass balustrade system meets building regulations and has been rigorously tested and designed for optimal results and performance. Contact our helpful team to book a session today – we can provide this online or in person to large groups. At Pure Vista, we’re a Cornish business with over thirteen years of experience providing top-tier balustrade systems to satisfied customers worldwide. We are regularly involved in projects from domestic homes to airports and train stations. Our innovative products are designed to meet the needs of modern architecture and health and safety regulations, without sacrificing beauty. We take great pride in offering the latest in glass railing systems. Complete with unparalleled technical support and the kind of personalised service you can only get from a trusted business. When you chose Pure Vista, you’re not just getting a product – you’re getting a commitment to quality and authenticity that runs deep in everything we do. Register for this session by signing up on our website CPD page or email sales@pure-vista.com Event link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d71cfef9-352c-43fd- b09e-611bf57be9a4@5092b490-5471-4368-9c57-6fbcdc5c19dc Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Trevor Steven, mental health ambassador, Causeway Technologies Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, but the focus is often geared towards the finished product and the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants. Rarely do we take a moment to consider the people who bring these structures to life: the construction workers. However, it is important to ensure they are not overlooked. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 45 building workers died because of work-based accidents in 2022/23. Shockingly, there were 507 cases of suicide among them in 2022. The real crisis in construction Having visited several construction sites throughout the country in my role as mental health ambassador for Causeway Technologies, I’ve surveyed a total of 1,439 workers about their mental health. Over an 18-month period, I gathered valuable insights into the reality of the mental health of such workers. More than half (56%) of respondents said they were either currently experiencing or have experienced a mental health problem in the past and 12% said they had experienced or were experiencing suicidal thoughts. The top five mental health issues were anxiety (40%), depression (37%), fatigue linked to low mood (28%), lack of self-confidence (25%), and feeling overwhelmed (25%). Just 21% of those surveyed said they have been diagnosed by a GP or other professional as having a mental health problem, which indicates there is a large group of construction site workers having to cope with undiagnosed symptoms. Work is having a negative impact While many said they were fighting battles in their personal lives, workers are plagued by worries in a professional setting about unrealistic deadlines, poor work/life balance and inadequate staffing. When asked what they think contributes to poor mental health in the construction industry, 59% said long and irregular working hours. Almost half (45%) of respondents cited job security as a key contributing factor for poor mental health. This is not necessarily surprising when you consider that government data from 2018 suggests nearly half of construction workers might lack the security of a permanent position. Such statistics show the importance of acknowledging the prevalence of temporary workers and subcontracted workers within the construction industry, as they often miss out on the benefits typically associated with permanent roles. Some of the feedback we gathered from construction workers was about how they don’t always receive financial support if they require time off for any sickness absences. It was said that factors such as this could be contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates. A new definition for construction cost Our research prompts a critical re-evaluation of how we define construction cost. Traditionally, this refers to the financial figures outlined in project agreements. However, our findings suggest we should adopt a potentially more holistic perspective: to prioritise the idea of talking about mental health at work. Perhaps the true cost of construction should include not only the financial outlay but also the human cost – the impact on the mental health of the workforce who transform blueprints into reality. The UK construction industry is worth £132.989 billion (in annual output). Is it fair to stand and watch future construction workers suffer mentally while the industry flourishes? Causeway’s commitment We are urging all contractors to consider the mental well-being of staff and demonstrate to workers their commitment to ensuring mental health is made just as important as profits by signing up to our pledge. The support we receive will allow us to lobby the government – centrally and locally – to drive a change in legislation to support better mental health in the construction industry. Specifically, we want to see mental health policies mandated for all procurement frameworks, contracts, and processes. The construction industry does have the capacity to change, despite the tragic statistics. Just look at how much progress has been made in other areas of health and safety. Read more about our mental health campaign and sign the pledge today via: www.causeway.com/about-us/mental-health Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Construction Ltd – one of the UK’s biggest Tier 1 contractors – has recently been awarded the ‘Certificate of Commitment and Progress – Building Safety Stage One’ in recognition of their successful completion of Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture) of Building a Safer Future’s Champion assessment scheme. The BSF Champion process – which was launched with a group of early adopters in August 2021 – is designed to support organisations working in the UK built environment industry in their ongoing journey of continuous improvement in relation to building safety, providing them with actionable data and practical tools to assist them in developing their leadership and culture. Having completed Stage 1 of 2, Wates joins a growing tranche of organisations that are engaging in the assessment, achieving positive progress and reaping the benefits from the external eye being cast over their building safety culture. Steve Elliott, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented: “The leadership shown by Wates in stepping forward and taking part in the assessment is critical in helping to shift the industry towards improvements in building safety. I encourage many more companies to follow their fantastic example and sign up for the Champion process. Congratulations to Wates on the achievement of their Stage 1 certificate, and I wish them well for Stage 2.” Gary Townsend-Vila, Interim Chief Executive of Building a Safer Future, commented: “Achieving the Stage 1 certificate is a terrific milestone, and I offer my congratulations to Wates for this recognition of their hard work and commitment. They should be proud of their leadership and I look forward to observing their progress in Stage 2.” Building a Safer Future (BSF) is a non-profit organisation committed to raising standards in building safety and supporting required culture change in the built environment industry. Companies can apply to participate in the BSF Champions programme by visiting the Building a Safer Future website at www.buildingasaferfuture.org.uk and completing the application form*, or alternatively they can email alexander.caller@buildingasaferfuture.org.uk Building a Safer Future Champion Stage 1 completers so far include the following organisations: Organisations that have completed the full Champion process and been awarded BSF Champion status so far include: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research by NBS finds half of industry professionals still unclear on duty holder responsibilities for higher-risk buildings As the six-month transition period for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) comes to a close, new research from NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, shows the industry is still struggling to achieve a consensus on the scope and requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. The report reveals half of industry professionals remain unclear on the responsibilities of duty holders for the gateways defined for higher-risk buildings. What’s more, only 20 percent of respondents feel confident they are ‘very clear’ on the differences in responsibilities, if the project is defined as a higher-risk building. This is a deeply concerning figure. What the research makes clear, is a greater effort is urgently required to ensure a universal understanding of the BSA’s role; particularly, clarifying the lines of responsibility and duties, whilst improving the consistency and quality of documentation and record keeping on construction projects. Commenting on the findings, Russell Haworth, Chief Executive Officer UKI at Byggfakta Group, NBS’ parent company, said “At our Construction Leaders’ Summit last October, Dame Judith Hackitt told the audience, in no uncertain terms, that regulatory change is coming, and it’s unstoppable, so the construction industry needs to be fully prepared. Fast-forward to April 2024, and our research shows many specifiers are struggling to get to grips with the requirements, and this needs to be resolved. All designers must have the correct approach to specifications if the industry is to raise the bar on building safety. This includes getting to grips with the ‘nitty gritty’ of the BSA if they want to operate in the new regulatory landscape.” Worrying still are attitudes towards the Golden Thread and the critical role it plays for HRBs. For example, just under half of those surveyed (45%) are clear as to how they will manage building information to realise the Golden Thread and just one in ten have a solid plan in place. Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, said “The level of understanding around the golden thread of information is worrying. As well as providing a continuous flow of information throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, it is necessary to ensure all relevant safety-related information is readily accessible and up to date.” He stressed the need for robust specifications that will act as a point of reference to demonstrate that designs meet the Building Regulations as part of the submitted plans at the gateways. “However, the Building Safety Act presents a great opportunity for the industry to take back control of both the design process and through proper change control processes ensure that sub-standard construction does not happen. Safety starts with the specification and a well-managed approach to spec writing must form part of the standard design process.” David Bain, Research Manager at NBS, said “Consistency is the backbone of progress and the stakes have never been higher when it comes to HRBs. These studies serve to highlight ‘trouble spots’ and importantly, offer an understanding of how to take the industry forward as a whole.” The full report, which provides insight into industry views on the Building Safety Act and its implementation, launches in April 2024. To find out more about NBS, its services, and expertise, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140th anniversary. Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise. Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions. “We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renowned life safety leader, Hochiki Europe, is gearing up to display its comprehensive fire safety solutions at the Fire Safety Event 2024, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from the 30th April to the 2nd May 2024. The event brings together industry professionals dedicated to raising the bar on fire safety, and visitors to Hall 5, stand E35 will experience firsthand Hochiki Europe’s commitment to innovative technology and unparalleled life safety systems and devices. “The Fire Safety Event is an invaluable platform for us to connect with industry leaders and demonstrate our unwavering dedication to life safety,” said Nathan Hudson, Sales and Marketing Director, at Hochiki Europe. “We’re thrilled to showcase our most advanced fire safety solutions yet at The Fire Safety Event 2024. These comprehensive offerings will equip businesses and organisations with next-level fire protection.” Interactive Demonstrations and Expert Guidance: At the Hochiki Europe stand, attendees can engage with interactive demonstrations showcasing the company’s industry-leading product portfolio. The expert team will be readily available to answer questions and provide in-depth insights regarding: Latitude Life Safety Platform: Using a modular approach to life safety control and indication equipment, this innovative solution enables complete flexibility when it comes to panel and network capacity and functionality, for enhanced safety management. Ekho Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection: Witness the future of wireless technology with the Ekho hybrid range. This second-generation system offers superior flexibility, exceptional reliability, and effortless installation, perfect for a wide variety of building types. FIREscape Nepto: Step into the future of emergency lighting with FIREscape Nepto. This intelligent, self-testing, and self-monitoring system ensures optimal performance and reliability and compliance in critical moments. ESP Intelligent Range: Explore the established ESP platform, renowned for its reliability and comprehensive fire detection solutions. This versatile system seamlessly integrates with other Hochiki Europe offerings for a unified life safety approach. CDX Conventional Detection: Discover cost-effective fire protection with the CDX conventional detection range. Ideal for straightforward applications, CDX delivers dependable performance without compromising on safety. Specialist Detection: Explore Hochiki Europe’s portfolio of specialist detectors, designed to address unique fire hazards in challenging environments. Beyond product demonstrations, Hochiki Europe welcomes visitors to the stand to exchange knowledge and to collaborate on critical themes effecting the fire safety industry. Topics such as the latest fire safety regulations and best practices, how installers can optimise fire safety solutions for different building types and the power of integrated life safety platforms. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The demolition industry has stepped-up its efforts to combat work-related stress and promote good mental health by joining Great Britain’s workplace regulator campaign. The Working Minds campaign, set up by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), welcomes a new partner in the demolition industry to help reach trades and offer free support. The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is the latest organisation to join Working Minds. Earlier this month, the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) all committed to the campaign. Working Minds helps employers prevent stress and support good mental health, providing free online learning to show how to make it part of routine working life and culture. The new bitesize tool typically takes no more than an hour to complete and covers what the law requires of employers and what’s needed to do to be compliant. Users will walk through Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment. They are to Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks you’ve identified, Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken, and make it Routine. It needs to become the norm to talk about stress and how people are feeling and coping on site. Duncan Rudall, CEO of the NFDC, said: “Mental Health is of paramount importance and is as impactful on an individual’s life as safety is on site. We applaud the HSE for recognising the need to bring mental health standards in line with physical safety and are proud to be partnering with them on the Working Minds campaign to ensure we raise the bar for everyone.” Liz Goodwill, head of work-related stress and mental health policy at HSE, said: “We know that running a business in construction can be stressful with long hours, juggling intense workloads. “We are delighted the Working Minds campaign is welcoming even more partners and they will no doubt help us in our efforts to raise awareness of ways employers across Britain’s construction trades can help prevent and reduce work-related stress. “The law requires all employers – whether you’re a demolition firm or scaffolding business – to carry out a stress risk assessment and act upon the findings. The online learning shares all the tools you need to get started in one place, and you can come back as many times as you like.” According to Deloitte , the total annual cost of poor mental health has increased by 25% since 2019, costing UK employers up to £56 billion a year. Help is available If you or someone you know needs help or support, reach out and ask how they are feeling and coping. The Working Minds campaign sign-posts employers to a wide range of tools and sources of support that can help on its construction sector webpage. Employers wishing to know more and complete the Working Minds online learning should register and get started today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
