National Safety Month: Why Lighting Remains a Critical Element of Workplace Safety
Dialight, the world leader in industrial LED lighting innovation, is marking the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month by highlighting how high-performing, industrial-grade LED lighting can help reduce risks, support compliance, and improve overall operational efficiency, particularly in harsh industrial worksites and conditions. National Safety Month, established by the National Safety Council, is a nationwide initiative focused on reducing preventable injuries, one of the leading causes of workplace and community fatalities. In industrial facilities, where employees operate around heavy machinery, hazardous materials, elevated workspaces and around-the-clock production schedules, visibility plays a critical role in reducing the risk of injury or even death. In these intense environments, lighting must do far more than simply illuminate a space. Lighting must perform reliably in challenging conditions, maintaining consistent light levels and supporting workers in making safe and accurate decisions throughout their shift. This year’s campaign continues to focus on practical, action-led safety improvements across workplaces, roads, and communities. Poorly lit environments are a key contributor to slips, trips, falls and contact with equipment, while inadequate illumination can make it more difficult for workers to identify hazards, navigate safely and perform tasks accurately. High-pressure sodium lights, in comparison to LED, can cause difficulty in distinguishing colors, putting workers at risk of misinterpreting color cues from warning placards, signs, or electrical wiring. Research has shown that clear visibility of workplace hazards can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries by as much as 60%. LED lighting delivers appropriate levels of illumination for alertness, color perception, and reducing fatigue. Alongside the performance of lighting, reliability is equally important. Maintenance activities, such as frequently changing light bulbs, pose safety concerns for workers as many take place at heights with risks of electrocution and falls from elevation. Unlike traditional lighting technologies that often require frequent maintenance or experience lengthy restart times following a power interruption, industrial-grade LED systems are designed for long operating life and instant illumination. Reliability is particularly important in harsh and hazardous industries where environmental conditions can place significant demands on lighting infrastructure. Exposure to vibration, extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, corrosion and unstable power conditions can all affect lighting performance and, if not properly addressed, create additional operational and safety risks. In addition, HPS lighting emits high levels of unsafe UV radiation. Potent neurotoxin Mercury can be released by accidental breakage during use or disposal, particularly during maintenance. LED lighting fixtures are a safer alternative, containing zero hazardous materials. Modern industrial LED lighting has transformed the way facilities approach these maintenance challenges. High-performance LED solutions provide bright, uniform illumination that improves visibility across work areas, walkways, stairwells and operational zones. Enhanced color rendering and near-daylight lighting conditions can help workers identify potential hazards more quickly and perform detailed tasks with greater accuracy. Beyond accident prevention, lighting also contributes to wider operational performance by supporting productivity, improving employee comfort and wellbeing, and helping organizations maintain compliance with industry safety standards and regulations. As businesses continue to modernize their operations, lighting increasingly forms part of broader initiatives focused on operational excellence, workforce welfare and sustainability. Dialight is proud to contribute to the performance of workplaces by providing industry-leading lighting solutions. Dialight offers a 10-year warranty and long LED fixture lifespan, which helps to significantly reduce the dangerous task of maintaining industrial lighting at elevated heights, while clear illumination helps to identify risks and prevent costly mistakes or accidents. For Dialight, National Safety Month provides an opportunity to highlight the important role that lighting plays in creating safer, more productive workplaces. Each week in June highlights a different safety priority, including slips, trips and falls, reinforcing the importance of visibility and hazard prevention in industrial environments. Diener Arellanes, the Head of Operations and Plant Manager – Ensenada, at Dialightsaid: “As National Safety Month encourages organizations to strengthen their commitment to safety, lighting remains one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help create workplaces where employees can work safely, confidently and effectively. We believe that lighting is a critical component of any comprehensive workplace safety strategy, and a key consideration when implementing infrastructure. In harsh and hazardous applications, dependable lighting is an absolute necessity. By investing in the right environment, including reliable, high-quality lighting, organizations can protect their workforce while supporting compliance, improving operational efficiency and contributing to employee wellbeing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Portable power investment delivers flexibility boost to Finning service offer
Investment in the latest mobile power technology is giving field service engineers at Finning UK & Ireland the tools to deliver a more versatile and sustainable maintenance and repair offer to customers. Portable battery power stations will give teams carrying out essential work on remote sites access to a power socket no matter where they are on site. The units can power heavy-duty tools and instruments in all weather conditions, giving engineers greater capability to respond to the changing requirements of a call-out. Unlike traditional fuel generators, the battery power stations are emission-free for a low-carbon energy solution and, as they are classed to be ‘whisper quiet’, operating at under 30 decibels, the power-on-the-go solutions also lower the environmental impact of field services. Finning has invested in 29 Instagrid GO (110v) units. Lisa Craddock, Service Operations Area Manager for Finning UK & Ireland, said: “The new equipment takes our service offer to another level, helping us to overcome barriers around power supplies so we can maintain high-quality customer support systems. “The battery systems are smaller and lighter than an inverter and provide a grid-like performance with an outlet for electrical equipment using a standard three-pin (110v) plug. “Our maintenance and repair service is designed to support customers by reducing downtime and maximising the performance of their machines. We’ve listened to feedback from our engineers working out in the field and believe this solution offers more flexibility to adapt effectively to the sites we visit and the complexities of the issues we deal with. “Whether it is at a construction site, a quarry or on agricultural land, the power packs can be easily carried to the site of repair, minimising trailing cables and eliminating noise pollution and local emissions. Our teams work incredibly hard to keep unexpected delays to a minimum for our customers. This investment supports that commitment while addressing sustainability issues around emissions linked to mobile power supplies.” The Instagrid GO (110v) equipment offers fast in-vehicle recharging, meaning teams can rely on a consistent remote power supply. As it provides an alternating current (AC) outlet, the same as a standard domestic electricity supply, there is no need to convert power from direct current (DC) sources, like a vehicle battery. This cuts out exhaust emissions connected with inverter use for a more sustainable source of power. Lisa added: “We operate 515 vans across the UK and Ireland, with 86 percent of those vehicles delivering field service support. “With smarter, more compact power supplies onboard, we are matching the extensive technical skills and knowledge of our engineers with equipment that offers improved efficiency and reliability and meets our zero local emissions targets.” Neil Fitzgerald, Business Development Manager for Instagrid UK, said: “This equipment is cleaner, quieter and more efficient than traditional power sources, removing site limitations while also supporting sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact. “The innovative design of the Instagrid GO, connecting a bank of batteries to multiple micro-level inverters, reflects significant advances in mobile power technology to match the enhanced customer service offer from Finning. “Our customers are key drivers of change. We understand the challenges of delivering a reliable, client-focused service out on site and are proud to be working with Finning to help it maintain its high-quality support offer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skanska Set to Deliver Landmark City Office Development at 55 Old Broad Street
Construction is set to commence this October on one of the City of London’s most significant commercial developments, as Skanska prepares to begin work on the £282m redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street. The scheme will deliver approximately 270,000 sq ft of premium office accommodation across 23 storeys, alongside new retail space and enhanced public realm, reinforcing the continued demand for high-quality, sustainable workplaces within London’s financial district. Originally promoted by Landsec, the development is now being taken forward by private equity real estate investor AshbyCapital, with Landsec continuing to play a key role as development manager. Completion is scheduled for 2029, with the project aiming to create a future-ready commercial destination just moments from Liverpool Street Station, one of the capital’s busiest transport hubs. Skanska’s appointment extends well beyond the core construction works. Alongside delivering the main building structure, the contractor will install the full mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, together with the Cat A office fit-out, providing occupiers with modern, flexible workspace designed to meet evolving business requirements. The project also includes the sensitive refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Bishopsgate Victorian Bath House, preserving an important piece of London’s architectural heritage, as well as the refurbishment of the neighbouring five-storey building at 65 Old Broad Street. Together, these elements demonstrate a balanced approach that combines contemporary commercial development with the restoration of historic assets. As occupier expectations continue to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating workplaces that deliver strong environmental performance, high-quality amenities and attractive public spaces. The redevelopment of 55 Old Broad Street reflects these changing priorities, with sustainability, connectivity and employee wellbeing all forming key components of the overall vision. Lee Marks, Executive Vice President at Skanska, described the project as an opportunity to create high-quality, future-ready workspace in one of London’s best-connected commercial locations. He added that the company was proud to bring its specialist expertise to a development of such scale and significance. Tom Smithers, Property Director at AshbyCapital, said securing Skanska represented an important milestone for the project. He noted that the shared ambition is to deliver a best-in-class workplace that combines outstanding design, strong environmental performance and enhanced public realm while meeting the changing needs of modern occupiers. With demand for sustainable, high-specification office space continuing to drive investment across the City, 55 Old Broad Street is set to become another flagship commercial development contributing to London’s evolving business landscape while supporting the ongoing regeneration of one of its most prominent financial districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction completes final phase of landmark iQ Longwood Place student scheme for Topland Vintage Group and McLaren Property
McLaren Construction Midlands & North has completed the second and final phase of iQ Longwood Place, a landmark purpose-built student accommodation development close to the University of Warwick, delivering a transformational new student community. Developed by Topland Vintage Group and McLaren Property on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation (iQ), the completed scheme now provides 1,209 high-quality rooms across a vibrant campus environment designed to support student wellbeing, connectivity and community living. Its completion marks the culmination of a major regeneration project which has revitalised a previously underused business park, helping to strengthen the University of Warwick’s student accommodation offering. The first phase of the development, comprising 572 beds, completed in 2025 and the second phase involved delivering 637 beds. Replacing outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, the scheme involved the demolition of Avon House, Swift House and associated structures to make way for nine new residential blocks across the two phases. Located a 15-minute walk from the University of Warwick and a short journey from Coventry city centre, iQ Longwood Place features extensive amenity and social spaces including lounges, study areas, a gym, karaoke room, arcade and landscaped outdoor spaces. Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating, sustainability and environmental stewardship were central to the delivery of the project. McLaren Construction worked closely with ecologists, Coventry City Council and local stakeholders throughout the build to protect and enhance the surrounding natural environment, including the protection of mature trees and installation of bird boxes. During the project, materials from the original buildings including bricks, stone and concrete were crushed and reused on site, significantly reducing construction waste and supporting the project’s sustainability objectives. Alongside its environmental achievements, the project delivered significant social value outcomes for the local community. Working in partnership with Coventry City Council, more than £19.5m was generated in social return on investment through local supply chain spend, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and education engagement initiatives across Coventry and Warwickshire. Completing iQ Longwood Place brings the total number of beds delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands & North to 2,870. This includes all phases of iQ Longwood Place, alongside schemes in Nottingham and Manchester. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “The completion of iQ Longwood Place is a hugely significant milestone for McLaren Construction, Coventry and the wider University of Warwick community. This development has transformed a former business park into a vibrant new student village and played an important role in re-energising the area. “From the outset, this project has been about far more than delivering high-quality accommodation. We’ve worked closely with the council and the local community, local supply chain partners and iQ throughout the scheme, while remaining committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment around the site. “Completing the second phase required exceptional collaboration across the entire project team. The finished development will leave a lasting legacy for students and the city of Coventry for years to come.” William Davies, Director of Asset Management at Topland Vintage, said, “The delivery of Topland Vintage’s development for iQ at Longwood Place marks the very successful completion of our long-term project to transform a redundant office scheme into a market leading student campus. All should be very proud of what has been created, and it has been a pleasure to work with such an expert team.” George Basrawy, Head of Development for iQ, said, “We are delighted to add iQ Longwood Place to our portfolio, offering students a high-quality, campus-style living experience close to two leading universities. With phase two completing ahead of schedule, we can accommodate even more students in a location where demand continues to be strong. The number of students choosing to return for a second year in 2026/27 is a clear indication that the scheme is resonating with residents. It was great to work with McLaren Construction, Topland Vintage and the wider Project team.” Claire Baxter, Senior Development Manager, McLaren Property, said: “We are extremely proud to mark the successful completion of this 1,209-bed student accommodation scheme, which represents a significant milestone for both our team and the wider community. From the outset, our ambition was to deliver a high-quality, sustainable and future-focused living environment that responds to the evolving needs of today’s students. Achieving completion at this scale is a testament to the collaborative effort of our partners, consultants, and contractors, whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental throughout the project. We are confident this scheme will make a lasting positive impact, enhancing the local area and providing students with an exceptional place to live, learn and thrive.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Camelot Theme Park Set for New Beginning as 350-Home Community Wins Approval
The long-vacant former Camelot Theme Park in Lancashire is set to be transformed into a vibrant new residential community after Story Homes secured outline planning permission for a major redevelopment that will deliver up to 350 new homes alongside community facilities and significant environmental improvements. Located in Charnock Richard, near Chorley, the brownfield site has remained largely unused since the closure of the popular theme park more than a decade ago. The approval, granted following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, marks an important milestone in bringing one of the region’s most recognisable redevelopment opportunities back into productive use. The masterplan has been designed to create a sustainable, well-connected neighbourhood offering a mix of homes suitable for first-time buyers, families and downsizers. Half of all homes will be delivered as affordable housing, making a significant contribution towards meeting local housing demand and supporting the delivery of much-needed homes across the borough. Alongside the residential development, Story Homes will create a dedicated community hub providing flexible space for co-working, meetings, events and activities for local organisations, helping to establish a focal point for both new and existing residents. Environmental enhancement forms a central part of the proposals. The scheme will achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain through the creation and improvement of wildlife habitats, while a section of Syd Brook will be de-culverted to restore its natural watercourse, improving local ecosystems and supporting biodiversity across the site. The development will also deliver substantial investment into local infrastructure through approximately £3 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, alongside a further £1.85 million secured through Section 106 agreements. These contributions will support improvements to playing pitches, public rights of way, public transport services and the long-term maintenance of green spaces, helping to ensure the surrounding community benefits from the wider regeneration. Construction is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, supporting an estimated 240 jobs through local contractors, subcontractors and supply chain partners over the lifetime of the development. The project reflects the growing emphasis on regenerating previously developed land to create sustainable new communities while reducing pressure on greenfield sites. By bringing a prominent derelict site back into use, the redevelopment will not only provide high-quality homes but also deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for the wider Chorley area. With planning now secured, the former Camelot Theme Park is poised to enter an exciting new chapter, transforming a once-iconic leisure destination into a thriving residential neighbourhood that supports long-term growth, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
87 letting agent brands sign-up for Section 8 support in eight weeks as landlords adapt to life after Section 21
The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that landlord possession claims, widely used as a proxy for Section 8 activity, are on course to increase by 6.1% this year as landlords adapt to life after the abolition of Section 21., resulting in 87 letting agent brands signing up for Section 8 support in the eight weeks since the RRA came into force. LegalforLandlords analysed the latest possession claim data covering private landlord possession* claims in England. The analysis compares quarterly and annual trends, with private landlord possession claims used as a proxy for Section 8 activity, although some cases may fall outside the Section 8 framework.* A Section 8 notice allows a landlord to seek possession of a property where specific legal grounds exist, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, damage to the property, or other breaches of the tenancy agreement. Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May 2026 and removed the Section 21 no-fault eviction route, Section 8 has become the primary mechanism through which landlords can regain possession of their properties where a tenancy issue arises. The latest figures show that Section 8 possession claims from private landlords reached 7,629 in Q1 2026, marking a quarterly increase of 11.1% compared to Q4 2025 and an annual rise of 4%. Based on historic trends up to and including Q1 2026, LegalforLandlords forecasts that private landlord possession claims could reach approximately 30,516 across 2026, representing an annual increase of 6.1%. Agents seek Section 8 expertise The growing importance of Section 8 comes as landlords continue to face lengthy possession timelines. The latest available court data shows that the median time from claim to repossession now stands at 26.4 weeks. As such, in the eight weeks since the RRA came into force, LegalforLandlords has signed partnership agreements with 87 letting agent brands, all of whom are looking explicitly for Section 8 support. Sim Sekhon, Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, commented: “Section 21 has gone and Section 8 is now front and centre of the possession process. What we’re seeing is the market rapidly adapting to that reality. In the eight weeks since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, we’ve welcomed 87 letting agent brands into Section 8 support and professional services partnerships. We don’t believe that’s a short-term spike. It’s a reflection of how quickly agents and landlords are recognising that the rules of the game have changed. This isn’t simply a compliance issue. It’s a landlord protection issue and, increasingly, a landlord retention issue for letting agents. When a tenancy breaks down, landlords don’t want uncertainty. They want clear guidance, the right evidence, the correct process and the confidence that everything has been handled properly. Getting a Section 8 claim wrong can be costly, particularly when possession cases can already take months to progress through the courts. The opportunity for agents is significant. The most successful agents in this new environment won’t simply be those who find tenants. They will be the agents who can protect landlords when problems arise, through better advice, stronger partnerships and a clear understanding of the possession process. Section 8 is no longer just a notice. It has become a core part of landlord protection, and agents are putting the right support in place because they know the old market has gone.” Vital things for landlords to know about Section 8 notices Ultimately, Section 8 remains a powerful possession tool, but one that requires careful preparation, robust evidence and strict compliance with the legal process. Data tables and sources Full data tables can be viewed online here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals