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
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses
Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the
Ahead of a UK General Election expected this year, British Safety Council has published a manifesto containing policies to support better productivity and growth as well as ensure a healthier, safer and happier workforce. The UK lost an estimated 32.5 million days to work-related ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries in
Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas
The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be
The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some
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
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses from nearly 50,000 new build homebuyers. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the questions, including how satisfied buyers are with their new properties, the service received during the sales process and if they would recommend the builder to a friend. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend. Dandara, established in 1988, is committed to creating homes which combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality, whilst also putting customers first. With its customer and quality focus, this is what delivers consistently high recommendation scores. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home of Federation commented: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service. “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder. “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.” The 5-star rating comes on top of Dandara being awarded several Quality Recognition Awards for its regions, demonstrating the companies persistent aim to build quality homes for its customers. Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “To achieve five stars again this year is a fantastic success for Dandara, and testament to our customer experience, build product and quality of homes across the country. After our continued growth as a company, it is great to see that our customers are recognising our hard work and love for creating new homes, and there’s nothing better than hearing so many of our customers would recommend their home to a friend. We have big plans for the year ahead and we look forward to building and selling five-star quality homes across the UK.” Dandara is continuing to grow throughout the UK, with regional offices in Isle of Man, East Scotland, Aberdeen, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton and Wales, which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations. To find out more about Dandara, please visit https://www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the Birmingham NEC on Friday 26 th April – which is entering its seventh year. Jewson Live On Tour will then head to Kent Exhibition Centre, Maidstone, on Thursday 16 th May; SEC, Glasgow, on Thursday 6 th June, and Westpoint, Exeter, on Thursday 13 th June. Each of the four events will feature a full programme, running from 8am to 2pm, covering three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing Zone. In each zone, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis. There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150 Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and giveaways. Darts legend Phil Taylor and darts commentator Emma Paton will host the show at the NEC, with several other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance. The NEC show will also be used to officially launch Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s vision for the future. Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is changing to meet the future needs of the trades. In addition, the winners of Jewson’s inaugural Making Better Homes Awards – celebrating the UK’s tradespeople dedicated to building sustainable homes – will be announced. Businesses will take home the winning prizes for each of the competition’s three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Sustainable Project of the Year. John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – part of STARK Group, which acquired a collection of businesses including Jewson from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can look forward to and get a lot out of. “We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional events to give our hardworking customers and industry friends a great day out. Ourbranches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every day.“Jewson Live On Tour is something we’ve been thinking about for a long time, and we’re proud to say what was once just an idea is now coming to life. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and prospective customers can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson Live much closer to home. “Each event promises to be informative, productive and invaluable for tradespeople who want to grow their business; and as well as that, it’ll be exciting and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”Register here for any of the Jewson Live On Tour shows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ahead of a UK General Election expected this year, British Safety Council has published a manifesto containing policies to support better productivity and growth as well as ensure a healthier, safer and happier workforce. The UK lost an estimated 32.5 million days to work-related ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022/2023, and sickness and illness are at a 10-year high, costing businesses and the economy up to £77.5 billion a year. Poor mental health is also estimated to cost UK taxpayers around £45 billion each year. 50 years on from the landmark Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), British Safety Council, calls on all political parties and representatives to “commit to making the next 50 years the safest in our nation’s history”. Its ‘Manifesto on Health, Safety and Wellbeing’ sets out seven key calls across four policy areas: regulation; wellbeing; technology and the future of work; and skills. British Safety Council’s calls on a future UK Government include: Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said: “This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UK’s groundbreaking Health and Safety at Work Act, which put our country at the forefront of ensuring safer workplaces and helped us become a world leader in workplace health and safety. Ahead of the next General Election, we are calling on all political parties, party leaders, and those seeking election to commit to making the next 50 years the safest in our nation’s history. “This is about putting health, safety, and wellbeing at the heart of economic growth, to ensure the UK remains economically competitive the future. That will require everyone – from policymakers and political leaders to employers and staff – to commit to a future where economic growth and worker wellbeing actively support each other.” Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said: “As part of our Manifesto, we are calling on the next Government to take a truly joined-up approach to health, safety, and wellbeing. That’s why we want to see a new Ministerial Portfolio with responsible for wellbeing and a new National Wellbeing Strategy. We believe this would improve and support better health at work, unlock lost productivity, and grow the economy. “The world of work is changing, and we want companies that invest in new and developing technologies – like AR, VR, and AI – for the purposes of improving workplace health, safety and wellbeing to be incentivised, as well as health and safety skills and training required by law supported by a tax credit. “We also want to see adequate resources allocated to those responsible for regulating health, safety and wellbeing at work, especially the Health and Safety Executive, which despite the progress that’s been made in reducing fatalities and injuries at work has seen nearly 20 per cent of its funding cut since 2010.” For full details of British Safety Council’s policy calls, and to download a copy of the full Manifesto, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Introduction to Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are an indispensable product within the railway industry, facilitating the machining and shaping of metals by providing lubrication and cooling properties. Often referred to as suds, coolants, slurry, or soap, these fluids find their application primarily in machine shops or maintenance areas where intricate tools such as lathes, CNCs, or drills are utilised to shape metal components essential for railway operations. Understanding the Concerns Surrounding MWFs While MWFs offer significant utility in metalworking processes, they also present notable health concerns for railway workers. Prolonged exposure to these fluids can lead to various adverse health effects, including skin irritation, dermatitis, and significant respiratory ailments such as occupational asthma and bronchitis. The potential for debilitating and long-term health impacts on railway personnel underscores the critical importance of addressing MWF-related hazards effectively. Routes of Exposure to MWFs Workers in the railway sector face exposure to MWFs through multiple routes, depending on their roles and the nature of their activities. Inhalation of mist generated during machining processes, direct skin contact with unprotected areas, and ingestion due to inadequate hygiene practices represent primary routes of exposure that necessitate careful consideration. Implementing Effective Controls for MWF Exposure Mitigation To mitigate the risks associated with MWF exposure, the adoption of robust control measures is imperative: Additional Considerations and Resources Beyond direct exposure during machining activities, attention must also be directed towards associated processes such as storage, dilution, cleaning, and disposal of MWFs. Comprehensive management strategies should encompass these areas to ensure adequate risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. A wealth of resources, including guidance materials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and industry associations such as the United Kingdom Lubricants Association, offer invaluable insights into best practices for MWF safety and compliance. Moreover, our team stands ready to provide expert assistance and support in navigating the complexities of MWF management within the railway sector. How can we help? Our team specialises in occupational hygiene and offers tailored support to enhance Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) safety in the railway sector. Our expertise ensures comprehensive coverage of hazards, proactive measures, and worker awareness, fostering a safer work environment. With our assistance, railway companies can prioritise safety while maintaining operational efficiency. For more information or assistance with customised MWF safety measures, get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be capable of operating for as little as one to two hours, are needed to meet demand on days when renewables such as solar and wind cannot deliver. “These plans underscore the looming energy shortages facing the UK’s power network as the energy mix rightly shifts towards renewable sources, which are inherently vulnerable to unfavourable weather conditions,” said Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko Energy Services. “This issue is most acute for high energy users such as manufacturing facilities and data centres, which must maintain resilience while achieving tough voluntary and statutory decarbonisation targets. “Coupled with well-documented challenges relating to grid capacity and connection delays, it is unsustainable for high energy users to wait for centralised solutions from government. These will take many years to come to fruition, following site selection, design, planning permission and construction, and may not be ready when needed by energy intensive industries. As a result, a move towards decentralised generation is crucial.” The short-term decentralised options offered by Aggreko include battery energy storage solutions (BESS) combined with low emission, high performance Stage V generators, supporting or working independently of existing grid supply, with the option to scale to meet increased demand resulting from future expansion. Beyond this, Aggreko is also offering long term renewable solutions on a permanent basis. Chris added: “Adopting decentralised solutions gives control back to high energy users, assuring them of their ability to maintain uptime despite increasing challenges for the security of supply from the grid, while offering the ability to scale up or down depending on grid performance and operational needs.” Aggreko’s support for the energy transition is reflected in its recently launched sustainability framework, Energising Change. The framework allows Aggreko and the organisations it works with to embed low-carbon power technologies in their operations. At the heart of Energising Change are investments that give high energy users access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleets of small, mid and large-size BESS, which builds on $140m earmarked over the last two years to expand Aggreko’s Greener UpgradesTM fleet, including new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers. To find out more, visit: www.aggreko.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Fire Protection Association will once again be attending the Fire Safety Event taking place in Birmingham this spring to assist fire safety professionals with achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety management. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (5/A131), where will be showcasing some of the FPA’s most recent developments including our newly launched E-learning training courses, the new fire test and assessment method for external cladding systems (RISC 501), and the updated LPC Sprinkler Rules and related Technical Bulletins which are now available via a subscription. We are also pleased to confirm that global testing leader, UL Solutions will be co-located next to the FPA stand to support you with any enquiries you may have for our fire resistance testing collaboration. Hear from the FPA’s Deputy Managing Director, Howard Passey Arson: what can your business do about deliberate fire raising?Wednesday 1 May 12:30 – 13:00Fire Safety Leaders Summit All businesses are potential targets for deliberate fire raising. This talk aims to raise awareness of the issue and present a range of measures that may be considered to assist business and property owners to reduce their arson risk. The measures outlined will be generic in nature and may be adapted for application in a wide spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial occupied premises. Howard will also explore the relation of arson to your fire strategy and fire risk assessment. Many practical actions and measures can be taken to deter fire raising at little cost to a business so if you would like to learn more about this serious threat then, join this CPD-accredited talk. Attendees will be able to access a complimentary digital copy of the FPA’s RC48 Risk Control Guide: Arson prevention – the protection of premises from deliberate fire raising. We look forward to seeing you there. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
