Has the Industry Been Too Quick to Criticise the Building Safety Regulator?
Perhaps We’re Asking the Wrong Question About the Building Safety Regulator For the last two years, discussions around the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) have largely centred on delays, frustrations and whether the system is “working”. While these concerns are understandable, perhaps we’re asking the wrong question. Instead of focusing solely on current challenges, it may […]
Has Health and Safety Gone Too Far… Or Have We Forgotten How Far We’ve Come?
It’s a question that gets asked regularly across the construction industry: “Has health and safety gone too far?” Having worked in construction for over two decades, I’d argue the better question is: Have we forgotten how far we’ve come? There was a time when health and safety was often seen as little more than paperwork. […]
It’s Just a Heatwave… Until Someone Gets Hurt
Every winter, construction teams prepare for adverse weather. Frozen ground, icy surfaces, high winds and poor visibility are all recognised hazards that demand planning and control measures. Yet when temperatures rise, the response is often far simpler: “Just make sure everyone drinks plenty of water.”While hydration is undoubtedly important, managing heat on a construction site […]
The Benefits of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
Introduction In today’s competitive business landscape, organisations are under increasing pressure to demonstrate quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Achieving internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 is a proven way to build credibility, improve performance, and unlock new business opportunities. What Is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001? ISO 9001 – Quality Management […]
The Principal Designer Compliance Declaration: What Are You Really Taking On?
The industry is getting used to seeing Principal Designers appointed under the new Building Regulations duty holder regime. But here’s the truth: Most projects still aren’t using the Principal Designer role to its full advantage. And many people signing the compliance declaration still aren’t clear on what “good” actually looks like — or what they’re […]
Designing for Maintenance: The Safety Risk Hidden in Plain Sight
Construction Safety Doesn’t End at Handover Construction projects often focus heavily on building safely. Risk assessments, method statements, inductions and site inspections dominate attention during the construction phase. But here is the uncomfortable truth: Most safety risks are designed into buildings long before construction begins. And many of those risks only appear after the project is finished. […]
Are We Using the Principal Designer Role to Its Full Potential?
Most projects now appoint a Principal Designer — but far fewer use the role in the way it was intended. The title is there, yet the leadership behind it is often missing. Over time, the role has evolved. Teams recognise its importance, but there’s still uncertainty about what “good” looks like in practice. This isn’t […]
Competence: The Foundation of Construction Safety Culture
By Chesney Smith Tech IOSH, Health and Safety Advisor at The Safety Department Ltd. Most construction failures do not occur because people were not trained—they occur because competence was assumed. Although competence is referenced throughout UK health and safety law, from the Health and Safety at Work Act to the CDM Regulations, it remains one […]
Should All Buildings Meet Current Building Regulations? It’s Not That Simple.
We’re working on a project involving a building originally constructed between 1910 and 1915, last refurbished in the 1990s. It’s now being prepared for a new tenant — but, as with many heritage buildings, the path to compliance is far from straightforward. During strip-out works, the contractor removed a raised access floor and revealed the […]
Health and Safety in 2026: What’s Actually Changing – And What Might
2026 is not a “new Health and Safety at Work Act” moment but…. It is a year where: Some big changes finally go live. HSE reviews key regulations that have been around for decades. Mental health and building safety move from campaigns and headlines into day-to-day enforcement. If you run a business, manage property, or […]
