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The worst impacted regions in the UK for construction noise
This study was conducted by Herts Tools, plant hire specialists. If you’d like to use graphics or data from the study, please link to this page as the original source. With recent reports suggesting that noise pollution, including noise from construction work, is the second-largest…
Expanding cities: Areas most at risk of green belt building expansion
This study was conducted by Herts Tools, cherry picker specialists. If you’d like to use graphics or data from the study, please get in touch. With green belt land taking up just 13% of England, and as the housing crisis continues – it’s highly important…
Tool Theft: London 2022 Hotspots Revealed
In over 86% of cases, the suspect is never identified. This study was conducted by Herts Tools, specialist providers of plant and telehandler hire in London and the home counties. If you’d like to use the graphics or data from the study, please get in…
Construction in the winter: how to prepare and care for your machinery
Colder temperatures are on the way to the UK, posing operational and safety challenges for the construction industry. Winter maintenance plans – and extra vigilance – are needed to make sure equipment and people are protected as cold snaps hit. Here we outline which machinery…
What can a self-employed builder claim for?
What can a self-employed builder claim for? As a self employed builder, whether you are paid through PAYE or work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you may not be aware of the expenses you can claim back. The Construction Industry Scheme is used by…
What is a risk assessment in construction?
Risk assessment in construction The construction industry differs from other workplace industries in that they have a unique set of risks that other industries might not have to consider. Although it is impossible to eliminate the risk of injury or death in any industry or…
What PPE should be worn on a building site?
What PPE should be worn on a building site? The construction industry has significantly high numbers of accidents each year. However, construction workers could avoid many of these accidents with proper PPE. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to all the equipment, uniform, accessories and devices…
What are the advantages of building on a brownfield site?
What are the advantages of building on a brownfield site? Many towns and cities across the UK have abandoned warehouses, developments and sites. These are called brownfield sites. There are many advantages of brownfield sites, including sustainability to local economic and social regeneration, as well…
What are the advantages of building on a greenfield site?
What are the advantages of building on a greenfield site? There are many advantages of greenfield sites including creative freedom with design and layout to community benefits such as population growth, space for education and community spaces and more space for living. In addition, developers…
What is professional indemnity insurance in construction?
What is Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance? Professional indemnity in construction is an insurance policy designed to protect contractors and subcontractors from allegations related to errors in their work or professional negligence that results in a financial loss for the client. PI insurance protects you and…
Fraud in the Construction Industry
This study was conducted by Herts Tools, specialists providers of plant hire in London. If you’d like to use graphics or data from the study, please get in touch. The construction industry plays a central role in the UK’s ‘levelling up’ plans, making new…
LOLER Inspections & Certificates Explained
Those working in construction face a variety of risks, on a daily basis. Lifting equipment, like any other equipment, can deteriorate or malfunction, potentially becoming dangerous for operators and those in the immediate vicinity. LOLER inspections and certificates ensure that it doesn’t reach this stage…
6 Lifting Equipment Safety Precautions To Follow
Whether you work with forklift trucks, cranes or hoists, using lifting equipment is an everyday task in the construction industry. If you’re not using it safely though, the consequences can be severe. Why is it important to take safety precautions when using lifting equipment?…
5 Common Types of Construction Contracts & How to Win Them
Construction contracts are the lifeblood of any construction company. But they’re not all created equal – here we outline the main types of construction contracts in the UK. What is a construction contract? In its most basic form, a construction contract is a legally…
How often should scaffolding be inspected?
Health and safety is fundamental in construction and scaffolding erectors are responsible for providing a safe place for their employees to work. We explain how scaffolding should be inspected and who should be in charge of these inspections to ensure that it meets all safety…
How to get a forklift licence
If you’re looking for a career as a forklift driver, getting a forklift licence is a good way of improving your job prospects as it will immediately attract potential employers. It also ensures you’re able to operate the machinery safely and efficiently. For any future…
How to become a scaffolder in the UK
Whether a project is working on a house extension, fixing a damaged roof or setting up a stand at a sporting event, the job is guaranteed to require the service of a specialist scaffolder. If you’re interested in entering the construction industry, here’s everything you…
What is piling in construction?
What is piling? Piling is the process of inserting structural piles into the ground with the purpose of giving buildings foundational support. They’re used to transfer the load from heavy structures onto hard rock or soils that have higher bearing capacity. They’re particularly useful on…
What qualifications do you need to work in construction?
What does a construction worker do? Construction workers carry out various manual labour tasks on construction sites, from loading and unloading materials to installing drainage systems. The role involves a mix of responsibilities and working on several projects at once, meaning every day entails something…
What does MEP mean in construction?
MEP, or mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, are the three disciplines involved in making sure buildings are suitable and welcoming for human occupancy. There’s lots of interaction between MEP installations, so they’re often addressed together to avoid any conflicts in location of equipment, which can…
What size excavator do I need?
There are some jobs that just can’t be done without an excavator. They provide digging power, mobility and the ability to dig out and lift large amounts of earth and waste away almost effortlessly. Building construction, road construction and demolitions are just a few tasks…
How to become a telehandler driver
Telescopic handlers or telehandlers are widely used in the construction, logistics and agriculture industries, primarily because of just how versatile they are. Their booms can be fitted with attachments such as buckets, winches and pallet forks, lifting heavy loads onto elevated platforms. To become a…
Accidents in the Construction Industry: Report
Fatal accidents up almost 10% since 2016/17, with 50% of fatalities due to falling from height, according to latest HSE data This study was conducted by Herts Tools, specialists providers of plant hire in London. If you’d like to use graphics or data from the…
What is Plant Hire?
Plant hire involves the rental of construction equipment and machinery, from forklift trucks to telehandlers. It provides those working in the construction industry with an alternative to purchasing their own equipment. How does plant hire work? Plant hire is a service which allows those involved…
