Why has the EU delayed its asbestos screening programme?
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fibre with known carcinogenic properties, continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Despite its ban in the UK and many other countries, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain prevalent in older buildings and exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health consequences – so why then has the EU […]
Access control and how it is changing construction
Biometric authentication, AI integration, cloud-based access systems and automation are shaping the construction industry by improving safety, streamlining processes and aligning with the increasing push for sustainability. These systems, which include fingerprint scanners, facial recognition and retina scans, are particularly transforming access control on construction sites, but unlike traditional keys or swipe cards that can […]
How construction noise affects worker efficiency and safety
Noise is an inevitable byproduct of construction and it can have a profound impact on worker efficiency, cognitive function and safety. A construction site is rarely quiet, with sounds that range from low-frequency hums to high-pitched screeches, often combining to create a virtual chaos of noise, but what exactly makes up this soundscape – and […]
Empowering women in construction to overcome microaggression
Despite massive progress in diversity and inclusion, a new study in Australia shows that it is still tough for women looking to make a career in construction. The findings reveal that many still experience persistent microaggressions and encounter significant hurdles in advancing their careers – situations that are so difficult – that some are even […]
Why the construction additives market is booming
One critical aspect shaping modern construction is the growing use of construction additives – chemical and mineral compounds that enhance the properties of materials like cement and mortar. These additives improve the strength, durability and performance of building materials, making them essential in the development of high-quality infrastructure. It’s a sector that continues to grow, […]
A boost for clean construction and sustainability in the U.S.
With growing awareness about climate change and the need to shift toward more sustainable practices, the U.S. government has taken bold steps to spearhead environmentally friendly construction efforts. Among these is the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, launched three years ago and recently updated by the White House. It is an initiative, which is part of […]
The growing challenge of substance abuse in construction
The construction industry continues to face the challenge of substance abuse. We have been talking about it since 2016 when the Considerate Constructors Scheme first highlighted the problem in a UK survey, stating that some 35% of workers had noticed colleagues under the influence of substances or alcohol. More recently the Substance Abuse and Mental […]
Understanding construction site monitoring systems
The construction industry is experiencing a digital revolution and at the heart of this transformation is the fast-expanding monitoring system market. In recent years, it has experienced significant growth, expanding from $1.82 billion in 2023 to $2.11 billion in 2024, delivering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.0%. This remarkable expansion reflects the increasing […]
The construction industry and indigenous communities
History has shown that the construction industry has had a significant impact on Indigenous communities, both positive and negative. When done responsibly, construction has helped preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions, however, when done poorly, it has damaged sacred sites, disrupted traditional ways of life and has contributed to environmental degradation. Indigenous communities have […]
The importance of regular flat roof maintenance
Regular maintenance has always been essential to ensure the longevity and performance of every flat roof installation and it seems that there is now a growing awareness of its importance. Building owners and property managers are becoming more proactive in scheduling regular inspections and maintenance – possibly because building regulations may require the need for […]
