Nearly 90% of local authorities experienced increase in demand for allotments (APSE) 38% of local authorities now have waiting lists of 1,000 people or more (APSE) National Allotments Week (9-14 August) to highlight benefits of growing your own produce As National Allotments Week 2022 approaches, the value of the 18
Interaction, the strategic workplace design and build company, has won a multi-million-pound contract to design international law firm Osborne Clarke’s new flagship office in Bristol. Interaction has been commissioned to fit-out the law firm’s interior workspaces at Halo, part of the Finzels Reach regeneration project, which is set to be
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Construction Industry Trade Body’s (CITB) latest report, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction. Daisie Rees-Evans, author of the Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment report and Policy Officer at CIOB, said: “CIOB are pleased that CITB have launched their
Grounded in the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development, the WorldGBC’s Health & Wellbeing Framework drives healthy and equitable buildings in harmony with nature After a multi-year global consultation, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launches the Health & Wellbeing Framework — a comprehensive educational tool for a healthy and
Construction company owners are required to prioritise health and safety at all times, but there is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of following guidelines. As more and more employees return to work, and projects get underway across the country, here are some key safety and
A new tailored health and wellbeing programme will be incorporated by Caddick Construction, benefiting a total of 140 employees. The firm agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider – hero, which will deliver the programme. “Our employees are our greatest asset and we want to ensure they feel valued
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Nearly 90% of local authorities experienced increase in demand for allotments (APSE) 38% of local authorities now have waiting lists of 1,000 people or more (APSE) National Allotments Week (9-14 August) to highlight benefits of growing your own produce As National Allotments Week 2022 approaches, the value of the 18 allotment planters at Quintain Living’s Canada Gardens in London’s Wembley Park during their first full growing season is becoming truly apparent. The allotment garden has become a hub for residents of all ages to get together and connect with nature, to socialise over shared growing tips and to enjoy producing fresh, seasonal food for the whole family. Taking place from 9 to 14 August, National Allotments Week 2022 is all about gardening with nature in mind, as well as raising awareness of the role of allotments in nurturing communities and supporting people to grow their own food, live healthier and more active lifestyles and connect with one another. Demand for allotments has soared since the pandemic. According to the State of the Market Report (Allotments) 2021 from the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE), nearly 90% of local authorities experienced increased demand for allotments as a result of Covid-19. “Gardening and growing your own food can do so much to boost health and wellbeing – both physical and mental. This is why Quintain Living provides allotment beds at Canada Gardens. Our residents can get outside, connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of gardening – it’s particularly rewarding for those growing their own produce to eat. It’s a great way for residents to enjoy home-grown fruit and vegetables, whilst reducing their carbon footprint as well as to teach children where their food comes from.”Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living Sadly, the availability of allotments lags far behind demand for them. According to APSE’s data, 51% of local authorities have between 100 and 400 people on their waiting list; 38% have waiting lists of over 1,000 people (up from 20% in 2020). Over 34% of local authorities report that people are waiting an average of over 18 months for an allotment plot to become available. In the London Borough of Brent, the Council reports that, “There are more than 20 sites run by us but due to high demand they currently all have a 1-2 year waiting list. Applications for new people to join a waiting list for an allotment site are currently closed.” The figures throw into stark relief just what a privilege it is for Canada Gardens residents to have allotments beds available to use at their leisure. “We are delighted that the allotments at Canada Gardens have proven to be such a valuable community feature. The entire development, with its acre of gardens, large roof terrace and on-site clubhouse is all about family and nature. The allotments are a core part of that.”Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living In addition to the 18 planters, Canada Gardens, which is managed by Quintain Living – the award-winning management company overseeing the rental of more than 3,250 apartments in Wembley Park – has a storage shed for residents’ tools, pots and seeds as well as a greenhouse for use. The shed also contains useful planting and growing information, while residents have recently set up a WhatsApp group to do the same. The green-fingered community members also come together in person, with the most recent event organised by Quintain Living generating an excellent turnout. Residents enjoyed sharing their growing tips and hearing from the professionals about how to care for their crops. As the weather warms up, the Canada Gardens allotment beds are flourishing. Residents are growing a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including beans, tomatoes, carrots, cabbages, strawberries and blackberries, while a small herb garden is also coming along nicely.For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927.
Interaction, the strategic workplace design and build company, has won a multi-million-pound contract to design international law firm Osborne Clarke’s new flagship office in Bristol. Interaction has been commissioned to fit-out the law firm’s interior workspaces at Halo, part of the Finzels Reach regeneration project, which is set to be one of the UK’s greenest office buildings. Interaction has designed a highly flexible workspace for over 800 employees that will promote agile working and staff health and wellbeing, while meeting strict sustainability criteria. Osborne Clarke is taking the top five floors of the landmark Halo building which will provide 74,000 sq ft of grade A office space in total. Interaction’s innovative design includes destination points on each level and an informal creative space to encourage movement between floors and greater collaboration. Key design features will include indoor gardens where people can work away from their desks, a yoga and spin studio, and a restaurant with a private rooftop terrace. The striking design also includes flexible meeting spaces with moveable walls and furniture that can be used for multiple different event settings. As part of the design brief, Interaction met tough sustainability standards and Osborne Clarke is aiming to achieve a WELL building standard certification for the fit-out of the internal space at Halo, which has a BREEAM outstanding accreditation for sustainability. Interaction has worked closely with suppliers and specialists to source sustainable materials that are designed to enhance wellbeing. The cutting-edge workplace design, which makes maximum use of natural materials and light, follows months of intensive consultation between Interaction’s design team and hundreds of employees across Osborne Clarke. Interaction has also won a contract to supply furniture for the new office. Rebecca Plummeridge, programme lead at Osborne Clarke, said: “The Interaction team has really worked with us to understand and guide how we will work in the future. The designs for the new office have gone down incredibly well with people from across our Bristol office and created lots of excitement – Interaction have understood our brief so well. “We’ve loved the experience and we’re looking forward to the next 12 months to see Interaction deliver the beautiful design they’ve created for us.” Interaction’s managing director, Dieter Wood, said “It’s a joy to work on projects where the client’s values and ambitions align so comfortably with ours. “Osborne Clarke highly values the wellbeing of its people and the sustainability of its new workspace. The firm is creating a best-in-class workplace to take them into the future. “Osborne Clarke was heavily engaged from the very beginning in both the process and the outcome, so we’ve ended up with a design that will deliver exactly what they’ve envisaged, in terms of aesthetics, usability and sustainability. “It’s a partner and project we’re incredibly proud of and we’re looking forward to delivering a flagship workspace in one of Bristol’s best buildings.”
HEALTH and safety has never been more important than it is right now. As we emerge from lockdown where both physical and mental health were at the forefront of our minds, it is no surprise that, in an industry where stringent safety measures have always been paramount, these considerations are still a key focus. Mental health in particular is absent from risk assessments and H&S forms. Chris Monk, managing director of The Input Group, considers how the industry can continue to work towards the highest standards of health and safety, in all senses. “From the pyramids to Boris Johnson’s commitment to ‘build, build, build’, construction has always been seen as a marker of progress, socially and economically. However, despite its obvious importance, working in construction runs the highest risk of any industry in the UK. A study by GoCompare Life found that construction accounts for 17% of workplace fatalities and separate research indicated that construction workers have some of the worst mental health in the country. “From a physical safety perfective, working with heavy machinery, potentially dangerous materials, and often at great heights will obviously come with risks – which is why we need stringent safety measures and a zero-tolerance approach to accidents and injuries. As an industry, we cannot accept anything less than watertight health and safety policies, with staff and public wellbeing woven through every decision. “While Network Rail’s LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) target sits at 0.0139 per 100,000 hours worked, we strongly believe in always striving for zero injuries, a zero LTIFR, and a zero AFR (Accident Frequency Rate). At The Input Group, we’ve developed our own CONCEPTZERO policy, which underpins everything we do and ensures we do all we can to avoid injuries and accidents. We’re passionate about paving the way for CONCEPTZERO to be the industry standard. “In turn, the reduction of physical health risks will help to alleviate the stress of working in a dangerous environment. This will inevitably improve employee wellbeing as mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand to increase all round job satisfaction. “Health and safety goes beyond risk assessments, high-vis jackets, and hard hats, but instead should be intrinsic to every project and process. Quality control must apply to everyone involved, from contractors to cleaners, and be integrated into the supply chain. From clear working areas and tidy walkways to meticulous signage and well-planned working sites, it’s crucial to reflect health and safety in everything you do to ensure zero accidents and injuries. “Through dedicated health and safety executives and the employment of management software like ProCore, a stricter approach to health and safety can and should be employed industry-wide to improve the wellbeing of everyone involved in a construction project. “Physical health and safety is, of course, only one side of the coin and mental health should always be a top priority for construction firms. The Chartered Institute of Building found that 70% of construction workers surveyed in 2019 had experienced feelings of depression and 87% had experienced anxiety. “The ideal situation would be to see dedicated mental health first aiders and comprehensive support systems as common practice in all companies. Nonetheless, positive steps towards improving mental health across the sector are already being made. “The Stop. Make a Change campaign combines a celebration of World Mental Health Day and the European Week for Safety and Health to focus on the health and wellbeing of construction professionals to build a healthier, safer industry. This year’s campaign focuses particularly on respiratory health, people / plant interface and workplace stress, as well as cancer, as key areas of concern for construction workers. “These kinds of initiatives are the type of proactive action we’re thrilled to see in the construction sector and no matter which area of the industry, we’re excited to see health and safety become an intrinsic focus.” To find out more about The Input Group, please visit www.inputgroup.co.uk or contact marketing@inputgroup.co.uk.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has responded to the Construction Industry Trade Body’s (CITB) latest report, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction. Daisie Rees-Evans, author of the Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment report and Policy Officer at CIOB, said: “CIOB are pleased that CITB have launched their new mental health report which has gathered examples of best practice across the sector to inspire companies to accelerate their activities in this area before we lose more lives. Our own research conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic investigated the state of mental health in the industry. It found that 26 per cent of workers had thought about taking their own life in 2019. We are glad to see that our research has been utilised to further develop the case for addressing mental health in construction, particularly at a time where the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on so many lives during the past 18 months. Tackling mental ill-health is a significant challenge that the industry, Government and professional bodies must work together as a collective to address the underlying issues and improve worker’s wellbeing.”
Grounded in the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development, the WorldGBC’s Health & Wellbeing Framework drives healthy and equitable buildings in harmony with nature After a multi-year global consultation, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launches the Health & Wellbeing Framework — a comprehensive educational tool for a healthy and equitable built environment. With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the link between the built environment and human health into focus, the Framework’s six principles span indoor air quality, human rights in the supply chain, climate change resilience and more. The Framework launches today in a global, online summit and regional launches take place through November: MENA — 5 November Asia Pacific — 10 November Africa launch — 17 November Americas — 24 November Europe — 26 November Convening expertise across the built environment, health and human rights, the Framework is published as an executive report and live digital tool. An innovation of this work is a cross-sectoral analysis across the entire building and construction lifestyle — redefining the scope of health for all people and their buildings, cities and communities. First look: BBC Storyworks Documentary Series — Building A Better Future The 4 November event is hosted by Simon Shelley, Global Director of Programmes Partnerships, BBC Global News. During the event, he will also presents teaser footage from the upcoming sustainable buildings documentary series, Building A Better Future, to be released on 11 November. Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) “Grounded in the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development, our bold, new Framework redefines the scope of health and wellbeing in the built environment. In the past, we only considered the health and wellbeing of the occupiers — or ‘end users’ — of buildings. But this is only part of the picture. We must consider the impacts across the entire value chain. Today, our network of Green Building Councils, businesses and collaborators come together to drive this change. Truly sustainable buildings work for everyone, everywhere.” Kellie Ballew, Vice President, Global Sustainability, Shaw Industries Group, Inc. “The spaces where people live, learn, heal, work, and create have a significant impact on wellbeing. That’s why we’re focused on designing products for people and the planet — to create a Smarter Impact. We are honoured to be part of the WorldGBC’s Health & Wellbeing Framework that underscores the growing global demand to put people at the heart of sustainable buildings and provides international guidelines for developing Better Places for People.” John Morrison, Chief Executive, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) “The buildings and shelters we develop exist at their fundamental level to provide protection, comfort, and consistency for us. Understanding how environments that offer protection can also impact our human health and wellbeing is something we don’t fully understand. UL is proud to have helped develop the WorldGBC Health & Wellbeing Framework, which can now be utilised as international guidelines for healthy, sustainable built environments for multiple sectors across the world.” Josh Jacobs, Director of Environmental Codes & Standards, UL “The buildings and shelters we develop exist at their fundamental level to provide protection, comfort, and consistency for us. Understanding how environments that offer protection can also impact our human health and wellbeing is something we don’t fully understand. UL is proud to have helped develop the WorldGBC Health & Wellbeing Framework, which can now be utilised as international guidelines for healthy, sustainable built environments for multiple sectors across the world.” Read the Framework on WorldGBC’s website.
Construction company owners are required to prioritise health and safety at all times, but there is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of following guidelines. As more and more employees return to work, and projects get underway across the country, here are some key safety and wellbeing concerns for bosses to be aware of. New safety regulations The Covid-19 crisis has prompted company owners across all industries to introduce new measures, which are designed to promote safety and reduce the risk of infection. The situation is changing all the time, and it’s critical for business owners to be aware of new policies and guidelines and to ensure that every site is compliant. In addition to enforcing new measures, it’s also crucial for bosses to communicate with customers and employees to make sure they are aware of new guidance. All employees should be familiar with any new ways of working that have been introduced to create safer workplaces. Providing training is beneficial, and it’s also wise to organise regular meetings to ensure that every individual is up to date. Employee mental health and wellbeing The last few months have been incredibly tough for many people, especially those who have experienced financial issues or lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic. As an employer, it’s beneficial to provide support for employees and to understand the potential risk factors and symptoms of mental health disorders and low morale. In addition to providing advice linked to seeking medical assistance and support, employers can help to bring teams together, reduce stress and create more harmonious workplaces by encouraging collaboration and socialisation, facilitating open communication and providing regular updates about how the business is adapting to the crisis. Virtual meetings are standard practice now, but you don’t have to limit your usage of online programmes and platforms to organising endless meetings and project debriefs. Make time for social events, celebrate milestones and hitting goals as a team and make use of safe ways to have fun at the end of a long week by planning a virtual party or a pub quiz or hiring a virtual photo booth. Simple things like catching up with colleagues you haven’t seen in a long time and checking in with employees who might be prone to stress can make a positive difference and boost morale. By asking questions about what you can do to help an employee, you might even discover you can improve your business through new healthcare software and similar tools – you wouldn’t have known about them unless you asked and your team told you what they needed. Preventing accidents and injuries Working in construction poses risks. At the moment, the headlines are dominated by Coronavirus news, but that doesn’t mean that other threats have disappeared. As a site manager or a company owner, you should ensure that all the standard health and safety procedures are in place to prevent accidents and injuries, as well as introducing new measures to create Covid-secure settings. Refresh training, provide high-quality, approved PPE and make sure every employee is familiar with the most recent health and safety guidelines. Construction company owners face challenges to promote safety at the best of times, but the pandemic poses unique problems. As an employer, it’s essential to ensure you are aware of key safety and wellbeing concerns to keep customers and employees safe.
A new tailored health and wellbeing programme will be incorporated by Caddick Construction, benefiting a total of 140 employees. The firm agreed a partnership with health and wellness provider – hero, which will deliver the programme. “Our employees are our greatest asset and we want to ensure they feel valued and supported. We are thrilled to be leading the way when it comes to mental resilience and wellbeing in the workplace – issues which should not and cannot be ignored. As employers we take our responsibility to our team members seriously and want to support them in as many ways possible to ensure they are both healthy and happy inside and outside of work,” said Caddick Construction Managing Director Andrew Murray. “The hero team impressed us with the depth and level of support they provide behind the scenes. I’m confident this project will deliver tangible results for our staff that will enhance and improve the health and wellbeing our employees, whether office based or on site,” Andrew added. The programme will cover both mental and physical health and includes one-to-one health checks and screenings, wellbeing training for all direct line managers, mental health first aid training and ongoing workshops throughout 2019. This comes as current statistics show one in six construction workers in the UK is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress. “It’s always rewarding to see businesses waking up to the fact they play a large and important part in the health and wellbeing of their team. It’s great to see Caddick Construction leading the way and championing wellness at work in such a bold and committed manner. The ‘Mindset’ programme of events have been purposely designed to offer comprehensive screenings and health checks that cover everything from blood pressure to cholesterol and blood tests too,” commented Joe Gaunt, CEO of hero. “We have been working with Caddick to understand the current ‘state of the workforce’ enabling us to create a bespoke programme, which will deliver results and have immediate and long-term effects. The hero Discovery Report demonstrated clear indicators of specific support around what the Caddick team wanted to see. And, as a result, we were able to design a bespoke and tailored programme perfect for Caddick employees,” Joe concluded.
