Fatigue – A Topic Best Not Slept Upon

Let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate a good night’s sleep, and as we wake each day who of us wouldn’t benefit from a few extra minutes, or even hours beneath the duvet? However, in the workplace, on site or operating heavy plant, fatigue in the workplace is extremely serious, posing a real and present risk for health and safety.

The nebulous nature of fatigue makes quantifying risk extremely difficult, especially as its impact is not always obvious with its presence and manifestation being graduated according to individual needs. However, figures [HSE 2017] suggest fatigue is said to cost the UK around £115 – £240 million per year in terms of work accidents per year.

The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) recognises that many within its sector often work and travel long hours. Setting aside the long hours worked, all too often the travel time is excluded from what people consider their working day and together this can lead to fatigue, which is known to impact negatively on performance and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Against this backdrop, the FPS has commissioned a technical research project into the prevalence of fatigue and more importantly into its impact on the working capabilities of individuals. The research project will be undertaken in partnership with a company called Fatigue Science that specialises in providing predictive human performance data in heavy industry, elite sports, and military. Through projects like ours these sectors have acquired a far greater appreciation of the impact of sleep on performance and taken action accordingly. For instance, most Premier League football clubs now have sleep pods at their training grounds and Cristiano Ronaldo employs a personal sleep coach. Using its wristband to analyse state of fatigue, the study will aim to understand the impact of different working patterns on health, wellbeing and performance and even identifying when workers are at most risk and when they are most alert.

Once a significant volume of data has been collected, it should be possible to better understand the circumstances under which people are getting fatigued. It should also even identify individuals who are suffering from chronic fatigue and enable them and the company they work for to consider alternative working conditions and put in place measure to ensure greater recovery. As a trade organisation, the data should help identify trends in how fatigue is affected by particular techniques or travel patterns.

For the wider construction industry, it is hoped that the results can be used to affect change as whole for the better of all workers. Poor mental health is a huge concern within the sector and studies have linked a lack of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep to increased anxiety and a loss of cognitive functioning. Fortunately, there is already an increasing awareness of how a lack of deep sleep can impact on our memories and make us more susceptible to infections. Books like Matthew Walker’s excellent best seller “Why we sleep” and comedian David Baddiel’s 16 | Creative Build Magazine

podcast series “Sleeping” will assist. Fatigue monitoring should be as common as more traditional aspects of health and safety management.

Indeed it will form part of the next the next FPS audit. The use of wrist band technology as a tool to mitigate risk will be particularly beneficial for shift workers. These individuals can struggle to adjust their Circadian rhythms to the irregular time keeping. These are the daily physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a daily cycle and cause our body to release chemicals such as dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin which help us be alert or feel sleepy at the appropriate time of day.

Obviously, and without pre-empting results, which will be independent, any findings that suggest fatigue is a problem within the sector, it is hoped it will start a conversation about addressing the long hours culture that exists within the construction sector, and present motivators to change it. This in turn will help the construction sector, and the piling industry specifically, drive positive change in welfare, accommodation provision and working patterns, which would be beneficial in the FPS’s strive for conditions which aid recruitment, retention and diversity.

The study is already underway, with FPS member companies being recruited to take part, and if all goes to schedule it is hoped the results will be published late 2020. Fatigue is real, it does impact working and is a real pressure on the health, safety and wellbeing of those working in the construction sector.

Polypipe celebrates £25m Blackpool project

One of England’s most iconic venues is undergoing a huge £25m rebuild with help from Polypipe Building Services.

The Grade II Listed Blackpool Winter Gardens is set to open a new conference centre this year in what is the first major development at the site since the construction of the Opera House in 1939.

This was a challenging project – with both a refurbishment of the existing building and a new-build as part of the complex – so Polypipe Building Services, the commercial building specialists, was called in to offer expertise on a drainage solution.

Contractors McLaughlin and Harvey, and CMB Fylde Engineering needed an adaptable solution that would not reduce the available space in the two-storey, 3,890 square metre conference centre.

Polypipe Building Services provided on-site support and their high performance Terrain Fuze drainage system. The HDPE system was used in the large commercial spaces such as the halls and theatre space due to the homogenous weld giving it maximum joint integrity.

Johnathan Greenwood, Strategic Project Manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “As well as being a very prestigious project this was also a complex one. Refurbishing a Grade II Listed building has a lot of complications to overcome. “One of the key benefits to using Fuze at the Winter Gardens was the malleable nature of the product and the fact that it can be cut and welded into delicate positions and angles to create a bespoke system. “The malleability allows for extra security against loss of useable space. “Fuze gives specifiers and installers maximum flexibility in the design process with this system and, as it is light in weight, it can be installed quickly and efficiently.” Funded by the Blackpool Regeneration project, the conference centre will have an exhibition space on first floor and a conference space with a seating capacity of 2,000 on the second floor. It will also be possible to use the space in conjunction with the other venues throughout the Winter Gardens giving a capacity of 7,000. The venue will feature state of the art amenities necessary for hosting modern conferences and exhibitions, including the latest audio and visual

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technology. Creative Build Magazine | 17

Wolseley vows to support installers in getting back to work as lockdown restrictions ease

Specialist heating and plumbing merchant Wolseley says it will do “all it can” in supporting plumbing and heating installers get back to work as the UK’s lockdown restrictions are eased.

On 10th June, Wolseley’s trade counter doors began to reopen as the nation’s installers returned to carry out nonessential works alongside the emergency support they provided throughout the COVID-19 crisis.Wolseley has implemented a number of safety measures to protect customers and colleagues so that installers remain safe whilst visiting their local branch. These measures include hand sanitiser stations, screens at the counter, limiting the number of installers allowed at the trade counter at one time and also permanently removing the need for customers to sign on glass.

In addition to reopening trade counters, Wolseley has produced a number of helpful guides to help installers and business owners return to work as safely as possible and mitigate risks to their business. These guides cover everything from getting back to work to working safely in customers’ homes the latest guidance on managing legionella risks.

Richard Harvey, Commercial Director for Plumbing and Heating at Wolseley, said: “As lockdown restrictions are eased, we understand many customers are concerned about their safety, as well as the security of their businesses as the financial impacts of COVID-19 on our industry are realised. Whether customers have worked throughout the pandemic or whether they have only recently returned to trading, we will do all we can to support them on the road back to normality. With so many messages out there, we’ve funnelled this information to create a suite of business advice guides that combine the latest information from the government and trade bodies to make it easier in understanding the everchanging landscape and the support available to them, pointing out quickly and easily where they can find official guidance.”

All Wolseley branches will be open by 1st July. Customers can check whether their local branch has reopened by clicking here: https://www.wolseley.co.uk/branch/ All of Wolseley’s business advice guides are also available in a digital format from 1st July. Please ask your local branch for more information. Customers can manage their account, check stock availability and place future orders at www.wolseley.co.uk. Alternatively, they can contact Wolseley’s Customer Support Centre on 0344 891 0196.

The flush sash, with added panache.

Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U building products in the UK, is giving installers an even more stylish option to offer customers with a new, flush sash French door.

The new door design uses the stylish profile, attractive chamfered glazing rebate and patented gasket cover trim of Eurocell’s Aspect bi-fold door system, and offers a perfect complement to the seamless look of its Logik S Flush windows. hinges rather than the conspicuous The new door will be available double projects, through-grey means none of the white PVC core is visible, even along the edges of the door frame. The result is a door with all the looks and style of an aluminium design, without the premium price. Another new addition is Eurocell’s door restrictor, which can be used with the latest French door and with Aspect bi-fold access doors. This allows the door to be left open in any position up to 90°, preventing it blowing open and damaging the hardware, or blowing shut and trapping fingers.

The contemporary flush finish and Like all Eurocell products, the latest super slim sightlines are only part French door is designed for simple, of the story, though. With no bulky, fast and accurate fabrication. In floating dummy mullion, there’s a truly fact, fabricators who already make uninterrupted view to be enjoyed from the Aspect profile system will be inside the house. able to start right away with only a Meanwhile, the view from outside is to be bought. It can even be used to enhanced by the use of elegant butt fabricate single entrance doors too. exterior flag hinges dictated by a Following indicative testing to rebated door. This discreet, adjustable BS6375 and PAS24, the Aspect Flush pencil hinge design preserves the French door is fully compliant with smooth exterior lines of the frame Part Q requirements for security, and and sash in keeping with today’s in line with Eurocell’s commitment to design trends. Plus, it offers the sustainability that sees it recycle and option of inward or outward opening re-use more PVC-U than any other to increase design flexibility where manufacturer, it is made of at least space is limited. 50% post-consumer material – Made couple of additional items needing & Recycled in the UK. or triple glazed and in the full range Despite the growth in bi-fold door of 7 Aspect foil colours. Eurocell have installations in recent years, the confirmed an Anthracite Grey throughFrench door remains the most colour profile will also be offered as popular choice of ‘lifestyle door’ standard. A highly popular colour among homeowners, with over trend at the moment, especially in RMI 200,000 expected to be fitted this 20 | Creative Build Magazine

year alone. By introducing this new take on a design that has changed little in the last 30 years, Eurocell are hoping to galvanise sales still further and give their installer base another great product to take to their customers.

Ian Kernaghan, Eurocell Head of Product Design and Development, said the flush French door was one more example of Eurocell’s commitment to helping installers capitalise on emerging trends in the market:

“The new door design meets a need among homeowners for a flatter frames and less of the detailing that comes with more traditional profiles. It can also be installed with two threshold options – our standard frame, or a lower aluminium version for compliance with Part M regulations on building access.

“And of course, it offers complete peace of mind in the usual 10 year guarantee and 5 year hardware guarantee we provide with all our products.”

Find out more at Eurocell.co.uk/aspectflush

UK Bathrooms announces partnership with manufacturer Ideal Standards

UK Bathrooms, the UK’s leading online store for premium bathroom products, has announced its online partnership with renowned bathroom brand Ideal Standard. Having been a huge name in bathrooms for over 100 years Ideal Standard has a history of manufacturing excellence, is a brand which is trusted throughout the world and ensures the highest standards in quality, form and functionality. Design is at the heart of everything they do and attracts the talents of some of the world’s best designers.

“We are delighted to announce our online partnership with Ideal Standard and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship” said Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms.

Graeme continues “From initial design and raw materials, to testing and aftercare, Ideal Standard have built an enviable reputation, often setting standards and always seeking new levels of efficiency, convenience and hygiene.”

Some great examples of the Ideal Standard collections are already available from UK Bathrooms these include Concept Air, Tesi and Tempo. Concept Air designed by the award-winning Studio Levien is a sleek, minimalist collection from Ideal Standard and features an elegant free-standing bath, space-enhancing furniture and ceramic and AquaBlade technology for a cleaner, quieter and water-efficient flush. Radiating simplicity and purity, the concept collection combines beauty and performance with flexibility and affordability.

Also designed by Robert Levien, Tesi is a versatile and timeless collection and features a wide range of matching basins, toilets, taps, furniture, shower and bath. Tesi will transform any bathroom into a relaxing space, stylish shapes and cutting-edge technology make this collection the perfect choice for a modern bathroom. The Ideal Standard Tempo collection will make a sleek, contemporary addition to any home. Complete bathroom suites are available, designed and made with busy, family households in mind the collection offers a range of matching baths, taps, furniture and accessories for a coordinated look. For more info head over to ukbathrooms.com or idealstandard.co.uk

VitrA launches the Voyage collection by award-winning designer Arik Levy

Leading bathroom brand VitrA introduces the Voyage collection, a collaboration with the award-winning multi-disciplinary artist and designer Arik Levy.

Inspired by his time living and working in Japan, Arik Levy worked closely with VitrA’s in-house design team to create a bathroom collection that allows both mind and body to relax. He comments: “Taking time for ourselves in the bathroom each day can be extremely purifying. Our daily habits are deeprooted, but I hope that the Voyage collection will help us to indulge ourselves and make time to enjoy our daily rituals”.

With more than 130 products available in the range, Voyage is one of VitrA’s most extensive collections to date, offering endless possibilities for customisation. The vast number of furniture and sanitaryware pieces can be individually tailored using the extensive range of colour, material and size options, and by taking advantage of the variety of horizonal and vertical units and wall panels to create the ideal layout to suit any bathroom space or style. making it exceptionally versatile and ideal for small or awkward spaces. Both open and closed storage options are available – from hooks and open shelving, through to mirrored wallboxes and a variety of storage units – and each piece can be positioned anywhere in the room to suit individual needs. Coordinating accessories including a heated towel rail and a toilet roll and brush holder is also available to complete the look.

Voyage bathroom furniture is available in five different dual colour finishes, including flamed grey and natural oak, planked sand and stone grey, and flamed grey and forest green.

Cast from hygienic and easy-toclean ceramic, the Voyage collection includes a range of countertop and wall-hung washbasin units which offer a convenient combination of wet, dry and semi-wet areas, blurring the lines between a traditional bowl and a vanity unit. This collaboration is the latest in VitrA’s long-standing programme of working with world-renowned designers to create distinctive and modern bathroom collections. Arik Levy joins a group of designers such as Ross Lovegrove, Sebastian Conran, Terri Pecora, and most recently, Claudio Bellini, each of whom has worked closely with VitrA’s in-house team to create bathrooms that reflect their own vision and aesthetic style.

Levent Giray, Managing Director of VitrA UK, comments: “The Voyage collection highlights the importance of taking time to practice self-care on a daily basis and we are delighted to see it in production. Arik Levy worked closely with our in-house design team to ensure that his vision was expertly manufactured and engineered to be as versatile as possible, ensuring maximum convenience and choice for

our customers.” Creative Build Magazine | 23

Entries now open for Surface Design Awards 2021

Entries are now open for the prestigious Surface Design Awards which celebrate the most impressive and sustainable use of materials in, and on, architectural projects from around the globe.

The last edition had 107 entries spanning 13 different countries including India, Australia, China and the USA with the 2020 Supreme Winner being awarded to the Krushi Bhawan building in Bhubaneswar, India by Studio Lotus.Other winners included Sterling Prize winner Goldsmith Street by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley; Nobu Hotel in London by Ben Adams Architects; CF Toronto Eaton Centre Bridge by WilkinsonEyre and Zeidler Architecture and University of Sheffield Concourse by Arup Lighting. category of Workspaces as well as previous categories; Commercial Building (Interior and Exterior), Light & Surface (Interior and Exterior), Affordable Housing, Public Building (Interior and Exterior), Temporary Structure and Public Realm. For the first time, sustainability will be a criteria for every entry and applicants must produce a statement and calculation for the carbon footprint of the cladding/materials used.

The 2020 judging panel of industry experts is Co-Chaired by Steve Webb of Webb Yates Engineers and Basha-Franklin’s Creative Director, Nicola Osborn. The remaining judges are Sarah Castle from IF_DO; Joseph Henry of GLA’s Regeneration Team, Architecture Initiative’s Lee Mainwaring, Nic Fallows of BNF Capital; Simona Auteri and Sofia Steffenoni from Matter of Stuff and Kresse Wesling MBE from Elvis + Kresse. After entries close, the Judges will work in two teams selecting a shortlist and winner for each of the categories. They then join forces to pick the Supreme Winner, the best of the best.

The Awards Presentation ceremony will be on Thursday 11 February 2021 as part of the annual Surface Design

Show, the industry’s leading event for architects and designers taking place in London’s Business Design Centre from 9-11 February.

Projects can be submitted by the client, architect or designer, surface supplier or their representatives. Entries will be accepted through www.surfacedesignshow.com/surfacedesign-awards until Friday 25 September 2020.