Pune manufacturing plant scoops top fall-prevention accolade

Pune manufacturing plant scoops top fall-prevention accolade

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has crowned the winner of its Fall Prevention Trophy following a virtual event this week that saw three shortlisted companies go head-to-head for the industry accolade. L’Oréal Pune, based in India, were awarded the top trophy following a vote by event attendees, comprised of award winners from the RoSPA 2024 awards scheme. The other two shortlisted companies were support services company Compass Group Healthcare sector, and engineering firm Jacobs Field Services – who were both commended. RoSPA’s Fall Prevention Trophy seeks to draw on best practice and showcase innovation around fall prevention, both by selecting a high-performer as the overall trophy winner, and also sharing advice and learning on the subject with the wider awards community as part of the selection process. L’Oréal Pune’s three-step initiative saw a communication campaign that saw all its workforce take RoSPA’s Fall Fighter course, the formation of an exemplary risk assessment strategy and the successful implementation of L’Oréal’s Safe@Work-Safe@Home programme.  The programme, which seeks to take the lessons learned from occupational health and safety into homes and communities, was rolled out to over 2,500 people on the Pune area, including orphanages and assisted living centres. L’oreal Pune’s main objectives included site surveys of old age homes and identification of STF improvement opportunities, inspections by in-house tech experts and a steady commitment to the Fall Fighters programme. This holistic approach was especially for combatting the high rate of slips, trips and falls (STP) within the over 65 age bracket, whereby Pune factory workers pledged themselves “Fall Fighters” (a RoSPA-developed slips, trips and falls-prevention course). Mayur Raut, Head of EHS and Facilities at L’Oréal – Pune Factory, said: “We are incredibly proud to have won RoSPA’s Fall Prevention Trophy and commend the other shortlisted organisations. At L’Oréal, “people” are at the heart of everything we do, and by talking about safety at home and passing on effective solutions we learn at work to a wider community is a great way to reduce the chance of accidents. With fall prevention in particular, our initiatives have helped reach thousands of people and equip them with the necessary knowledge and awareness to live more safely – and we are grateful that our actions have been acknowledged internationally.” Faiza Patel, Assistant Manager (EHSF) at L’Oréal – Pune Factory, said: “I thank the leadership at L’Oréal for ensuring we grow stronger together, rallying towards one vision of making workplace and community safer and discovering innovative ways to do it while adhering to nonnegotiable health and safety standards. We are always determined to challenge the status quo and demonstrate that “CARE” can be done differently. This recognition by RoSPA is a testament to our approach in ensuring everyone feels safe and valued as employees, families, partners and stakeholders.” Barry Oliver, Group Executive for Health & Safety at Berkeley Group Holdings Plc, said: “At Berkeley Group we are committed to providing the best possible health and safety for our staff, supply chain and customers, so we are delighted to see this dedication to care echoed within L’oreal’s Pune plant, and beyond its factory’s walls. We were particularly impressed to see the high level of inspiring collaboration and teamwork, where teams of Fall Fighters responsibly showcased health and safety procedures among their friends, families and other societal groups, creating a great ripple effect among the surrounding community.” Matt Cryer, Head of Awards, said: “This year, the shortlisting for the 2024 RoSPA Fall Prevention Trophy saw a wide range of exceptional approaches, initiatives and innovations being delivered by RoSPA Award entrants and this variety was reflected in our shortlisted candidates.   “Congratulations to our overall 2024 winner L’Oréal Pune for their outstanding presentation and to those who took part in the webinar and contributed to the voting process and to Compass Group Healthcare Sector and engineering firm, Jacobs Field Services Limited, who also showed exceptional dedication to fall prevention.” Also present at the virtual event was Jules Robinson, RoSPA’s Fall Prevention Lead and former winner of the trophy in her previous role at housing provider, Trent & Dove. Jules said: “L’Oreal Pune have done a fantastic job of showcasing the impact that fall prevention training has inside and outside of the workplace. Using Fall Fighter training, staff learned how to protect family, friends and their wider community from the serious consequences of falls, the second leading cause of accidental death globally. “By sharing their lived experience and the impact of falls on their loved ones, employees were better able to relate to the risks and motivated take action with their new knowledge to help those most vulnerable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Doka boosts construction site safety with Xsafe Catch Fan

Doka boosts construction site safety with Xsafe Catch Fan

With its new Xsafe Catch Fan, Doka is redefining benchmarks for construction site safety. The impressive system adds an innovative safety solution and improves efficiency minimising the workforce necessary for assembly and application. Falling material, tools, or debris are a considerable risk on construction sites. Doka provides a safe, high-quality catch fan system, which can be deployed and re-positioned quickly in just a few simple steps. Maximum flexibility Two particularly clever mechanisms are at the heart of Doka’s development. In combination with the innovative suspension of nets, the easy-lock system enables efficient installation via a snap mechanism of the floor shoe: A safety lever secures the vertical tube of the Xsafe Catch Fan in place; without the need to use fastening couplers. With the quick-folding mechanism, the net is folded from the upper slab by pulling on a rope. This new solution does not require multiple workers working simultaneously on two levels but enables the net to be folded by just one user, minimising manpower and crane time during re-positioning and cleaning. All-round winner The vertical extensions of the Xsafe Catch Fan are specifically designed to meet the customer’s needs: Square tubes do not require hole alignment when securing with bolts. Once assembled on the ground, the Xsafe Catch Fan can easily be lifted and quickly re-positioned from floor to floor without adjustment to the vertical extensions. “With the development of the Xsafe Catch Fan, we identified the potential to provide additional safety on construction sites. Customers benefit from efficient and simple workflows, allowing them to focus fully on the essentials of day-to-day construction site operations,” says Thomas Lattacher, Product Manager, Xsafe Catch Fan. Continued innovation Since the beginning of 2024, the Xsafe Catch Fan also features a unique solution for areas sometimes difficult to cover. With it’s innovative, foldable and EN 1263 compliant corner solution, Doka sets new standards in protection against falling objects. With few additional parts, customers can create corner units from their existing stock or get full packages straight from their local Doka partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
uvex to show visitors how to select #PPEthatfits at The Health & Safety Event 2024

uvex to show visitors how to select #PPEthatfits at The Health & Safety Event 2024

uvex will be demonstrating how to ensure an optimal PPE fit at The Health & Safety Event (30 April-2 May 2024, NEC Birmingham) to promote the theme of WEARability. With growing awareness around the importance of #PPEthatfits, uvex (stand 4/F20) will show visitors how to identify the specifications they need when selecting products such as footwear, gloves, hearing protection and eyewear.  Finding PPE that fits properly is essential to help avoid accidents, reduce discomfort, increase productivity and give wearers confidence. It must be selected based on factors including the individual’s size, shape and gender as well as compatibility with other items and workplace requirements.  Achieving true WEARability requires a balance of proper fit and three other factors. The PPE must deliver all-day comfort and work with the body, which means it should be free of pressure points, lightweight and breathable. It should not cause any secondary issues or aggravate any underlying conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Product performance is also key, with design, quality of materials, and technologies all influencing the user experience. Finally, stylish design is important to help increase compliance. uvex’s Marketing Manager Clair Weston comments: “The #PPEthatfits campaign is attracting more and more attention – and for very good reason. We know that the best PPE is the one that gets worn throughout the day. One size does not fit all when it comes to personal protective equipment and having the right products is vital to avoid putting workers at risk.” Comfort across categories Visitors to the uvex stand will be able to gain expert insights into how to find PPE that fits across different product categories.  Properly fitting safety footwear can make a significant difference to comfort, concentration levels and fatigue. uvex offers insoles that allow wearers to achieve a customised wearing experience.  In addition, its range includes styles produced using a ladies’ last to mimic the contours of a female foot. uvex personnel will be conducting footwear fit clinics on their stand so that visitors can find their perfect pair of safety footwear.  uvex also provides education allowing wearers to strike the perfect balance between reliable protection, functionality, grip, comfortable and correct sizing. The company will be showcasing its latest uvex phynomic cut glove range manufactured in Germany using 3D hand ‘formas’ to perfectly mimic the contours of the hand. uvex Bamboo TwinFlex safety gloves, meanwhile, have been designed to mould precisely to the wearer’s hand contours within minutes to achieve a customised, comfortable fit. Both gloves have passed the independent OKEO-TEX ® 100 Standard, which checks for chemicals that could cause skin irritations and have been independently dermatologically tested and approved, by the proDERM Institute for Applied Dermatological Research giving wearers confidence that the gloves are hypoallergenic and suitable for the entire workforce including allergy sufferers or those with sensitive skin. Protective eyewear needs to be selected based on the wearer’s head and facial shape and should deliver a low-pressure, lightweight fit with even weight distribution. uvex offers a wide range of styles and designs and has devised a seven-point safety eyewear fit guide which it will be demonstrating at the show, to help visitors identify the ideal spectacle or goggle.  The World Health Organisation states “Noise induced hearing loss is the most common, permanent and irreversible injury in the world and tinnitus is the third most serious non-fatal medical condition”. To support wearers of hearing protection, the team at uvex will be showcasing it’s latest innovation the uvex xact-fit test system. The device verifies that hearing protection is fitted correctly for maximum protection and provides documented evidence of adequate protection. As part of its educational programme, the uvex xact-fit test system supports discussions with wearers regarding differences in ear canal shape and size and the selection of the most effective protection for their workplace. If you would like to see first-hand how the test kit works, visit the team on the stand.  Clair Weston adds: “With proper fit comes comfort and compliance. We’re excited to show Health & Safety Event attendees how our innovative range of PPE and fitting solutions can ensure true WEARability – helping workers stay safe, comfortable and focus on the task at hand.” Glasses giveaway Visitors to the stand will also get the chance to win a pair of sports glasses worn by the uvex-sponsored Circus-Wanty Tour De France team. uvex is inviting guests to answer five questions as part of a gameshow-style quiz on safety. The format was created to highlight the work of the uvex academy, which offers distribution partners and end-users qualified education and training relating to PPE and occupational safety. For more information, please visit Stand: 4/F20 at The Health & Safety Event or visit uvex-safety.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Mental health: The hidden cost of construction

Mental health: The hidden cost of construction

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

Read More »
Wates Awarded Stage 1 Certificate in Building a Safer Future's Champion Assessment

Wates Awarded Stage 1 Certificate in Building a Safer Future’s Champion Assessment

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

Read More »
Arco Returns to Health & Safety Event for 140th Anniversary

Arco Returns to Health & Safety Event for 140th Anniversary

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

Read More »