NEW - Spotlight on… women in construction

Safety is of utmost importance during construction work, particularly for specialist activities with complex regulations and training needs. Construction companies should be seeking new and engaging ways of ensuring safety standards are met. See the examples below for how one company addressed this: Developed a comprehensive interactive software package, within the specialised area of lifting, which is implemented across all sites….

The site team has a board to score sub-contractor performance onsite. We decided to score these sub-contractors against the 5 points of the CCS Code of Considerate Practice and had a board specially made for this purpose. A 10 score is the top on each subject adding up to a possible 50, much in the same way as we are…

We have created simple safety stickers for van drivers to stick on the back of their vans to warn cyclists about passing vans on the left. This has been received very well by the drivers. Plus as they are fitting the warning notice/stickers, it has made then more aware and vigilant of other road users. We have noticed some older…

During a commissioning meeting with our specialist pool trade contractor to discuss water management, a water recycling system was devised and staggered leak test programme. Due to the proximity and similar size of townhouse swimming pools, it was decided that for the initial leak test, water would be pumped from one pool to the next to save water. As a…

It is important that the construction workforce have a sound understanding of environmental issues. Communicating this information in an engaging and enjoyable way will ensure the knowledge is retained. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: The site purchased a set of six interactive games covering areas such as personal carbon footprint, water saving and minimising waste….

Mace’s Chelsea Barracks team have had a long and close relationship with Royal Hospital Chelsea (home of the Chelsea Pensioners) since the project started. The most recent initiative that Mace have partnered with the hospital for is the “Tree of Friendship” scheme. Mace have purchased 20 Boscobel Oak tree saplings to symbolise the Chelsea Hospital’s relationship with the former Chelsea…

We have added water coolers to the products we already ethically purchase, installed in our temporary welfare facilities from a company called Angel who work in partnership with the ‘Make a Wish foundation’. By purchasing replacement water bottles and hiring the cooler from Angel we are directly making a donation to the foundation. Since its inception in 1986 this worthwhile…

Communicating project information to the community is essential to fostering a positive relationship with the public and keeping them updated on progress. However, on some sites – such as highway schemes – it can be hard to get this information across. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: The site used traditional communication channels such as Facebook,…

Construction work can entail disruption to traffic, which sites should seek to minimise in order to show respect to the local community. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: The Pike Traffic Control System is a way of connecting by wireless to existing traffic lights. The key advantage in its design is the ability to integrate temporary…

In multi-storey framed construction, it is now common practice to use light steel infill walls to create a rapid dry envelope to support the external cladding. The same form of construction may be used as separating or compartment walls between different parts of the building. The use of light steel infill walls may be applied to steel or concrete framed…

Two solar powered signs, size 660mm x 1030mm with reflective background, have been installed on site along the public road as part of one of the measures taken to slow the site traffic as part of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). As signs are solar powered, the solar panels are located on the top of the poles which are facing…

Canary Wharf Contractor’s New District project is surrounded by the historic docklands and as such is home to a wide variety of wildlife. A number of physical protections measures have been put in place to minimise the disruption and potential harm to surrounding ecosystems, however it was also deemed necessary to educate those working on the project about the breadth…