Willmott Dixon
Citizen Science – Thames Waterblitz
This year the contractor is taking part in the EarthWatch Thames Water Blitz. This is a citizen science campaign to collect as many water measurements as possible, over a short period of time, across the River Thames catchment area. Earthwatch Europe has been running bi-annual WaterBlitzes for seven years, including in Sweden, Italy, France, Ireland and Luxembourg. Volunteers collect hundreds...
Interactive Hoarding – QR Codes
Working closely with Dale Studios, the contractor have developed a way to spread the word of their Now or Never strategy. Members of the public are invited to scan a QR code found on the hoarding, which takes them through to a survey and shares with them the headline video introducing the new sustainability strategy. By watching the introduction to...
Singleton Hospital Maternity Ward Hi-Viz Vests
In ensuring a safe and secure environment within the maternity ward, each operative requiring access to the site via the ward must sign in at the site compound to receive a specific baby blue, numbered hi-viz vest with the Singleton Ward 21 Logo. This assures the hospital staff of their legitimacy on site. Access is enabled to the Ward via...
Using Makaton to Engage with Pupils
Willmott Dixon have recently completed works to expand St Nicholas School, that is located in Croydon and caters for pupils with a wide range of special educational needs. Throughout the project, the site team and supply chain partners worked closely with the staff and pupils at the school to ensure disruptive works were kept to an absolute minimum, in order...
Wind Alert Board
Many of our activities are affected by the weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, therefore we have developed a wind alert board which gives clear instructions under each wind status. It works on a traffic light system advising on the current average wind speeds and anticipated gust speed. Once the wind status has been established the board will give activity...
Using a 3D Printer to Produce Adjustable Straps for Face Masks
A 3D printer was used to produce 600 adjustable straps to permit the wearing of normal ear strap face masks to be worn by NHS staff, without the need to wear behind ears so removing the potential irritation and soreness. Positive in two ways firstly it allows existing PPE to be worn rather than be disposed of, and secondly it...
Using Audible Signage to Share Site Safety Information
Willmott Dixon have engaged with a local SME within 100m of the project to introduce static audible signage which, when activated by PIR sensor alert passers by of the site entrance, and the potential for moving vehicles within this zone. The alert is strategically placed before the entrance to ensure there is enough time for vulnerable road users and pedestrians...
NFC Tags Used For Sharing Careers and Community information
The project team have recently adopted the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) ‘smart’ tags to share further information with the community in regards to works on site and career opportunities. NFC is a wireless technology which allows for the transfer of data such as text or numbers between two NFC enabled devices. NFC tags, (in this instance) are stickers...
Bucket Dust Extractor Attachment
The site has trialled and is now using a bucket dust extractor attachment. This enables tradesmen to mix mortar, grouts, etc., in buckets safely and conveniently and has the following benefits: Eliminates dust from mixing mortar and grout in buckets Engineered from nylon, making it virtually indestructible Does not allow dust to escape the top of the bucket The device...
Thermal Temperature Scanning Camera
We have closely worked with our supply chain partner, VIS Systems, who have developed and installed thermal imaging cameras on the back of the unprecedented situation Coronavirus has presented which accurately monitors’ peoples’ health as they enter the site. Previously the site has been using a handheld temperature scanner controlled by the gateman however with current social distancing restrictions in...
Reinforced Velcro Ties used to Secure Heras Fencing 
The project team carried out an investigation into what items produced the highest amount of single-use plastic. Through this investigation it was identified that plastic cable ties used to hold scaffold guards and Heras fencing were one of the biggest issues. These have been replaced with reinforced and reusable fabric Velcro ties.
Inspired Choices Programme
Inspired Choices is a collaborative programme from the Police, Fire and probation services, local authorities, health providers, private organisations, charities and community leaders who are working together to support vulnerable young people. A £10,000 sponsorship programme for 2019/2020 was provided, which includes mentoring and volunteering time from Willmott Dixon employees including colleagues at the Christ Church School Academy project. Site...
Improved Gulley Guards
Willmott Dixon Construction have been looking for a better environmental solution to prevent silt and sediment entering drainage systems. Common issues with the ‘Witches Hat’ type gulley sock are that they are held in place by nipping the fabric at four points at the grate, however on hinged grates only two securing points can be achieved which allows sediment to...
Girl Dreamer Academy
The Girl Dreamer Academy programme is an empowerment platform for women and girls of colour. Through leadership development programmes, adventure sport and digital content they aim to build confidence and unleash the potential of girls everywhere. Girl Dreamer likes to push the boundaries, test the waters and go full throttle at everything they do. From setting up the UK’s first...
Audio Signs to Communicate Safety Messages to the Workforce and the Community
The project team have been in discussions with a local SME, Audio Signs where the Director introduced them to the concept of ‘Talking signs’. The project team immediately saw the benefit and wanted to introduce this into the site to improve efficiencies where possible. Audio signs are interactive ‘talking’ signs which use visual information and sound to deliver key messages...
