On a hot, dry summer’s day, it doesn’t take much for dust to become part of the job. A passing dumper, a quick cut through concrete or a few minutes of sweeping can send fine particles into the air. While it may seem little more than a nuisance, construction dust can pose serious risks to workers’ health and to those living and working nearby.
The good news is that dust doesn’t have to be such a problem. By understanding the risks and adopting the right control measures, contractors can protect their workforce, minimise disruption to neighbouring communities and maintain cleaner, safer sites throughout the summer months. Keep reading to discover why dust control matters and the practical steps every construction site can take.
There are moments in sport that remind us what great teamwork really looks like. Spain’s performance in Sunday’s World Cup final was one of them. They didn’t win through technical ability alone, but through the way they stayed true to their identity and held themselves together when it mattered most.
In many ways, their approach reflects what the strongest workplace teams do every day. They remain consistent, have clarity about their roles, work together as a connected team and stay composed under pressure. Read on as we explore four lessons every team can take from Spain’s World Cup triumph.
With speculation continuing around Andy Burnham potentially becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister, attention is beginning to turn to what a Burnham-led government could mean for different sectors of the economy – including construction.
Much remains uncertain and any policy proposals would, of course, need to progress through Parliament before becoming reality. However, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has recently published its analysis of the possible implications for the built environment. Drawing on this, today’s blog explores five areas that construction businesses may wish to keep an eye on.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of the construction industry, with businesses under growing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, deliver social value and demonstrate responsible business practices.
While we already have a strong set of policies and procedures in place at Sheriff Construction, there is always more to learn and opportunities to improve. That is why we became a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. We have already achieved Bronze level membership and are currently working towards Silver. Read on to find out more about the School and how it is helping us strengthen our approach to sustainability across the business.
Construction can be a highly rewarding industry to work in, but it can also be demanding. Tight deadlines, long hours, financial pressures and the responsibility of delivering projects safely and efficiently can all take their toll on people’s wellbeing.
While there has been growing awareness of mental health in recent years, many within the industry believe more needs to be done to address the factors that contribute to poor mental health in the first place. That is the thinking behind a newly published Mental Health Joint Code of Practice so read on to find out more about this initiative and what it could mean for the future of mental health in construction.
Although water availability is often taken for granted in the UK, it is in fact a finite resource and global pressures linked to climate change, population growth, pollution and increasing demand on infrastructure are placing greater strain on water resources worldwide.
Construction activity can also contribute to unnecessary water consumption and environmental harm if not managed responsibly. In the approach to World Environment Day on 5th June, why not read our blog to learn more about why this issue matters to our industry and some practical measures you can take to better manage your water use.
Late payment has long been a major issue across the construction industry – particularly for small and medium-sized businesses and subcontractors – often creating significant pressure on cash flow and overall financial stability.
That is why the government’s proposed Small Business Protections Bill is attracting significant attention across the sector. The Bill, which entered Parliament today (19th May), is being described as the biggest crackdown on late payments in more than 25 years. Keep reading this week’s blog to find out more about what the proposed changes involve and what this means for construction and the wider economy.
Deaf Awareness Week (4 – 10 May) is an important opportunity to recognise the experiences of people who are deaf or have hearing loss, and to reflect on how we can create more inclusive environments in everyday life and at work.
Last year, we marked this week by sharing a blog on communication challenges in construction and how simple changes can make a big difference. That piece led to something far more meaningful than we could have anticipated – it connected us with a local college and Rehan, a student looking for an opportunity in the industry. Read on to learn more about Deaf Awareness Week, Rehan’s story and how we can all communicate more effectively.
The Future Homes Standard has been widely discussed across the construction and housing sectors in recent months, as government sets out plans to improve the energy performance of new homes.
While much of the focus has been on timelines and policy changes, the core message is clear. The way new homes are designed and built is evolving, with a stronger focus on energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions and long-term affordability for homeowners.
Take a look at this week’s blog to understand what the Future Homes Standard involves and what it could mean for the future of housebuilding.
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, remains one of the most visible and recognisable elements of construction site safety. Hard hats, high-visibility clothing, safety glasses and protective footwear are all part of everyday working life on site.
But while PPE may feel routine, it should never be taken for granted. It is often described as the last line of defence – the final protective layer when other control measures cannot fully eliminate safety risks. Used correctly, PPE helps prevent serious injury; using it incorrectly or while damaged can give a false sense of security.
In this week’s Focus on Safety feature, we look at why PPE is so important, when it is required, and how to ensure it is properly fitted, maintained and inspected.