Morgan Sindall’s close relationship with the University of Hertfordshire
Morgan Sindall’s seven-phase project with an 18-month duration included constructing car parks, an extension to the hall with new reception, exterior works and construction of a new learning centre.
The extensive programme also included window replacements and general landscaping and work was undertaken while the remainder of the College Lane campus functioned as usual.
There were several challenges faced by the site team on this busy university project, including restricted site parking and deliveries.
An essential core element of good practice was building good relations, trust and communications with the university itself.
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Morgan Sindall:
- The team spearheaded a number of initiatives including its ‘Keep it Clean’ campaign for all PPE, with weekly inspections and dirty or damaged PPE cleaned or replaced.
- Path-finding signs were provided on the hoardings and tours of the site for staff and students were organised.
- Weekly logistics meetings were held to build trust with the University by providing information which helped them to better understand the work that was being undertaken and to effectively plan around potentially noisy and disruptive works.
- The site provided the University with updates on the project through the University’s website, setting up webcams to keep students and staff informed of each individual site’s progress, while the traffic manager made sure communications were progressing with University departments.
- In order to alleviate restricted site parking, close liaison with the University resulted in workers agreeing to use the University’s Park and Ride service to reduce congestion.
- The site undertook a number of community engagement activities including Movember charity cycle race, Supporting Mental Health, Just Giving with the University and supporting the Student Union for candidates as part of a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
- A lasting professional image of the construction industry was achieved by employing local labour from Hatfield and making them a part of the Morgan Sindall site team.
- Training schemes were developed at all levels and a number of apprenticeships and year-out students were employed.
- A work experience student was employed from the University to help clear wasteland and monthly litter picking was carried out on campus.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives were adopted including PASMA Training (tower and scaffolding training), a Big Switch-off day to save electricity and car sharing and bike riding schemes.
- Dust suppression systems were used on demolition works and the environmental policy was clearly displayed in cabins.
- A bug hotel was created and bird boxes and tables were provided around site.
- A site representative worked with the University of Hertfordshire’s biodiversity team to seek out ways to make the campus more eco-friendly.
- The site’s hoarding was fixed to movable concrete blocks, by using this hoarding system the site did not have to excavate holes in the ground and fill them with concrete, which could damage the trees and create waste.
- Chickens on site to boost operative morale.
- Disabled persons able to access ground floor cabin if necessary and arrangements made with the University to use their meeting room and toilets.
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