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Due to the complex nature of manoeuvring heavy, pre-cast soffit slabs in a site with many logistical constraints and challenges, the project engineers researched into what they could use to facilitate the movement of the slabs, whilst also reducing the associated health and safety risks. The slabs are required to be moved between different levels and different columns which, is…

On this project in the site office they are using desks that are adjustable by height. This has allowed staff more flexibility in their working environment, whereby staff can choose to work standing or sitting, and can change throughout the day. These desks have been received really well by the team, especially for those with chronic back pain who feel…

This contractor have devised a staff wellbeing measure to ensure all staff have the access and opportunity to help them manage their day-to-day wellbeing. Research has highlighted that many people find practising mindfulness helps them become more aware of the present moment and can help them enjoy the world around them more and understand themselves better. The way people think…

As an employer, the contractor has a duty of care to ensure that health, safety and wellbeing, and that of others, is not affected whilst at work. They also has a legal duty to manage the risks from fatigue, irrespective of a person’s willingness to work extra hours or preference for certain shift patterns or social reasons. They have implemented…

Major transport infrastructure projects often require periods of working around the clock during planned closures (e.g. on the rail network, motorways). This contractor recently executed a 9 day period of 24 hour working during a ‘blockade’ closure of the Network Rail East Coast Mainline. Various blockade specific controls were introduced around fatigue to protect workforce safety and wellbeing, including the…

To install windows on this project they have been using Winlet glazing robots to minimise the manual handling involved by the operatives. The robots provide remote controlled lifting and weigh just 1800kgs with full counterweights, and can be used to operate across low load bearing floors. The machines use powerful vacuum lifters to hold glass and other loads safely. The…

The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has had a marked effect on people’s mental health. The Lack of social life and continued work had some impact on construction workers. Being at work most of the times, the contractor identified the need for creating support from colleagues and managers. They decided to introduce mood meter. Arriving onsite, workers are encouraged to take…

In September 2019, the Scheme launched ‘Spotlight on… worker fatigue’ to raise awareness of this significant health and safety issue facing the industry. How can fatigue affect health and safety? Fatigue can slow reaction times, create lapses in judgement, reduce concentration and coordination, diminish cognitive ability and cause individuals to underestimate risk. In the construction industry, individuals can often endure…

The MasterMover is an electric tugging machine. The device was procured from the market and its attachment has been specifically designed and tested to fit the frame of the Portable Utility Cupboards (PUC’s). Familiarisation training has been delivered by supply chain to all PME operatives handling these units. The attachment was made specifically to move the portable utility cupboard on…

During construction projects that require lifting heavy loads, the project team have noticed that despite the workforce following the correct guidelines regarding lifting heavy loads their knees were under increased pressure that could inevitably over time lead to knee injuries. After some research, they came across knee boosters and joint supports that gives the extra support for knees when lifting…

To engage better with the workforce and improve feedback, the EARPS team purchased a set of voting pads to use during extended SOS presentations and Stand-Downs. These voting pads allowed questions to be asked of the workforce and provide feedback on initiatives, site arrangement, and fatigue management. They are also used to keep our quarterly stand downs interactive by using…

As a company, Mark James Complete Building Services have been supporting the recent ‘Spotlight on… worker fatigue’ learning toolkit. We also recognise that mental health issues and fatigue can sometimes come hand-in-hand, and this is something we are focused to support our employees with. They launched their campaign with an online survey, which was sent via email to all our…

At CR Civil Engineering, we know how important it is to minimise workers exposure to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVs) and how difficult it can be to calculate exposure if multiple tools are used in one shift. To help, we have developed a smartphone app which Site Managers and Foremen can use to make the calculation as simple as possible….

Bam Nuttall have implemented rebar mechanical tying guns to increase efficiency and significantly reduce repetitive strain injuries. The tying gun provides a solution to the physically demanding, monotonous and time-consuming work of manual tying. Tying rebar involves handling heavy materials, working in awkward positions, and repeating the same hand twisting motions over and over. All of this can lead to…

Morgan Sindall and its subcontractors all have strong beliefs regarding the wellbeing of the workforce and staff. As a result, during a sit down with our subcontractors, we all decided as a team to stop all work on Wednesdays between 9 and 10 am, and in this hour, only using phones for social purposes rather than taking work calls and getting…