Boston Dynamics Cyberdog

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Lucy Austin
CategoriesRisk assessments
Robotics Company Boston Dynamics has recently been trialling their Cyberdog on the construction site to monitor the progress and change of our Foster and Partners O-1 Building over a three month period. This is the first time this technology has been used in the construction industry. The Cyberdog follows a pre-determined route through the O-1 Building scanning each room that...

Anixter Insta-Reel

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Lucy Austin
CategoriesCircular economy
The INSTA-REEL (by Anixter) consists of a standard wooden reel that has oversized flanges attached to both sides and becomes a payout stand when chocked in place. The inner reel spins independently of the outer flanges, it is delivered pre-loaded with the cable of choice and delivered completely assembled, it is fixed into position with suitable wheel like chocks. The...

Wearable Epilepsy Management Watch

Published 17 February 2020 | No comments
Written by Mark Robson
CategoriesEmergency preparedness Risk assessments
This innovation stems from the policy to carry out an occupational health risk assessment on all personnel. As a result, an individual who suffers from epilepsy was identified as being at potential risk when carrying out their work. The company identified a watch made by a Empatica, which is able to recognise changes in a person that could result in...

Noise Mitigation Methods During Night Works

Published 9 December 2019 | No comments
Written by Ellie Callard
CategoriesNoise
Sir Robert McAlpine is currently working on a major project behind a retained façade on Grosvenor Place, London. During the demolition phase, a significant façade retention structure was constructed which posed some challenges when it came time for removal. One side of the project backs onto a TfL red route. Due to the pedestrian and vehicle traffic, TfL required the...

Machine Learning Platform

Published 16 September 2019 | No comments
Written by Olivia Hack
CategoriesCarbon reduction
Accurately capturing and recording data on construction sites can be a challenge. Human error, a lack of understanding or misjudgement means certain components are able to slip the net. Combining this with ensuring 100% of materials on site are certified and fully meet project requirements makes this a high-risk variable for any project. A Machine Learning Platform, (QFlow) has been...

Tower Crane Intruder Alarm

Published 19 August 2019 | No comments
Written by Ellie Callard
CategoriesControlled access Preventing unauthorised access
Large construction sites in London have recently seen an increased risk of members of the public seeking unauthorised access to site after hours. As well as the security risk, this presents a major health and safety risk for the public and anyone working at that time, such as site security staff. Located in busy Soho, Ilona Rose House recognised this...

Using Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil as Generator Fuel

Published 28 May 2019 | No comments
Written by Tom King
CategoriesBiofuels Carbon offsetting Carbon reduction
At 21 Moorfields, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise the disturbance to the local community who surround our central London site. Following this aim, we have decided to trial the use of a hydrogenated vegetable oil to fuel two generators on site whilst we transfer the mains power supply from low to high voltage. The ‘Green...

Voice Memo Language Translator

Published 16 April 2019 | No comments
Written by Richard Charlesworth
CategoriesEnglish not as first language support Literacy and numeracy support Near miss Workforce development plans
This app has been developed by the project to enhance the reporting of safety, health, quality and environmental observations as well as near misses, good practice and general suggestions etc. It allows designated persons to receive instant notifications of anything raised so that required actions can be taken. Critical data from the app is automatically loaded onto an online database...

Site Dust Hotspotting

Published 29 November 2018 | No comments
Written by Richard Charlesworth
CategoriesDust Education Workplace noise monitoring
After the One Body dust awareness campaign, the project identified that more quantified evidence was required to understand the dust levels that operatives were being exposed to. The evidence could then be used to help combat the health implications of exposure to dust. The project worked with the client’s on-site health provider, Park Health, to undertake personal noise and dust...

Circus Pieces held at Broadgate

Published 12 November 2018 | No comments
Written by Laura Regan
CategoriesCommunity engagement Schools and nurseries
During September, as part of London Design Festival and Open House, Sir Robert McAlpine organised a series of daring outdoor circus pieces were held at Broadgate. BUILD, performed by Hikapee, used aerial, acrobatic and physical performances to explore what it is to create a building. The aim of this was to produce something entertaining with a strong link to construction...

Primary School Partnership

Published 24 September 2018 | No comments
Written by Liz Waters
CategoriesCommunity engagement Schools and nurseries
The Broadgate Community Legacy looks to utilise the opportunity of a 10 year redevelopment framework (1FA sites within this) to have a long-lasting, positive social impact on local communities. Although introduced for construction, it has the ethos that ‘legacy starts at the beginning’ and sets out ways of ensuring that the community benefits it produces continue post-construction. Education is a...

‘Have Your Say’ Health and Safety App

Published 25 July 2018 | No comments
Written by Liz Waters
CategoriesNear miss Unsafe condition reporting
In April 2018, Sir Robert McAlpine launched the Broadgate ‘Have Your Say’ App. The App is intended to compliment the current card system by providing an additional and more modern method for operatives, and management teams, on site to report H&S observations as well as examples of good practice. All those attending induction are encouraged to download the App either...

Using Recycled Materials to Create Welfare Facilities

Published 11 June 2018 | No comments
Written by Liz Waters
CategoriesColleges and universities Recreational facilities Suitable/accessible separate facilities
At 1 Finsbury Avenue, part of the 10 year re-development framework for Broadgate, we invited students from the University of East London to prepare a competition design for our site welfare facility. From the competition, five students were chosen and given a paid placement to develop a welfare proposal for the project which encompassed wellbeing and sustainability. Part of the...

Hybrid Excavators

Published 24 May 2018 | No comments
Written by Richard Charlesworth
CategoriesConserve of energy Energy efficient plant and equipment
The Battersea Power Station Phase 3a project is using hybrid excavators to help complete the excavations on site with minimal impact on the local community. The excavators are being used in locations close to nearby sensitive receptors to help minimise the projects impact on the local community. The excavators have a traditional engine which is complemented by a lithium-ion battery....

BIM Walkthrough at Induction

Published 24 May 2018 | No comments
Written by Richard Charlesworth
CategoriesInduction and training
On the Battersea Power Station Phase 3a project a BIM Model H&S Induction Site Walkthrough video has been developed with the BIM Team and is now included as part of the Induction process. This has enhanced the delivery of the induction by giving a specific, current overview and familiarisation to those attending the induction and what they will expect to...

The Best Practice Hub is provided by the Considerate Constructors Scheme