Using a 3D Printer to Produce Adjustable Straps for Face Masks

Published 2 November 2020 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesPPE
A 3D printer was used to produce 600 adjustable straps to permit the wearing of normal ear strap face masks to be worn by NHS staff, without the need to wear behind ears so removing the potential irritation and soreness. Positive in two ways firstly it allows existing PPE to be worn rather than be disposed of, and secondly it...

Using Audible Signage to Share Site Safety Information

Published 7 September 2020 | No comments
Written by Bradley Lowes
CategoriesToolbox talks and daily briefings
Willmott Dixon have engaged with a local SME within 100m of the project to introduce static audible signage which, when activated by PIR sensor alert passers by of the site entrance, and the potential for moving vehicles within this zone. The alert is strategically placed before the entrance to ensure there is enough time for vulnerable road users and pedestrians...

NFC Tags Used For Sharing Careers and Community information

Published 7 September 2020 | No comments
Written by Bradley Lowes
CategoriesCommunity engagement Promoting construction as a career choice
The project team have recently adopted the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) ‘smart’ tags to share further information with the community in regards to works on site and career opportunities. NFC is a wireless technology which allows for the transfer of data such as text or numbers between two NFC enabled devices. NFC tags, (in this instance) are stickers...

Bucket Dust Extractor Attachment

Published 12 May 2020 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesDust
The site has trialled and is now using a bucket dust extractor attachment. This enables tradesmen to mix mortar, grouts, etc., in buckets safely and conveniently and has the following benefits: Eliminates dust from mixing mortar and grout in buckets Engineered from nylon, making it virtually indestructible Does not allow dust to escape the top of the bucket The device...

Thermal Temperature Scanning Camera

Published 12 May 2020 | No comments
Written by Jack Hall
CategoriesHealth risk assessments and monitoring Inspection and assurance Unsafe condition reporting
We have closely worked with our supply chain partner, VIS Systems, who have developed and installed thermal imaging cameras on the back of the unprecedented situation Coronavirus has presented which accurately monitors’ peoples’ health as they enter the site. Previously the site has been using a handheld temperature scanner controlled by the gateman however with current social distancing restrictions in...

Reinforced Velcro Ties used to Secure Heras Fencing 1 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 5

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
CategoriesReduced use of single use plastics
The project team carried out an investigation into what items produced the highest amount of single-use plastic. Through this investigation it was identified that plastic cable ties used to hold scaffold guards and Heras fencing were one of the biggest issues. These have been replaced with reinforced and reusable fabric Velcro ties.

Inspired Choices Programme

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Anne Edwards
CategoriesColleges and universities Community engagement Disadvantaged and minority groups support Plan to positively promote construction Promoting construction as a career choice Schools and nurseries Support for careers advice
Inspired Choices is a collaborative programme from the Police, Fire and probation services, local authorities, health providers, private organisations, charities and community leaders who are working together to support vulnerable young people. A £10,000 sponsorship programme for 2019/2020 was provided, which includes mentoring and volunteering time from Willmott Dixon employees including colleagues at the Christ Church School Academy project. Site...

Improved Gulley Guards

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
CategoriesEngage with community facilities Spill prevention
Willmott Dixon Construction have been looking for a better environmental solution to prevent silt and sediment entering drainage systems. Common issues with the ‘Witches Hat’ type gulley sock are that they are held in place by nipping the fabric at four points at the grate, however on hinged grates only two securing points can be achieved which allows sediment to...

Girl Dreamer Academy

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Anne Edwards
CategoriesColleges and universities Community engagement Promoting construction as a career choice Schools and nurseries Support for careers advice
The Girl Dreamer Academy programme is an empowerment platform for women and girls of colour. Through leadership development programmes, adventure sport and digital content they aim to build confidence and unleash the potential of girls everywhere. Girl Dreamer likes to push the boundaries, test the waters and go full throttle at everything they do. From setting up the UK’s first...

Audio Signs to Communicate Safety Messages to the Workforce and the Community

Published 8 April 2020 | No comments
Written by Clair Dolan
CategoriesSafety signage
The project team have been in discussions with a local SME, Audio Signs where the Director introduced them to the concept of ‘Talking signs’. The project team immediately saw the benefit and wanted to introduce this into the site to improve efficiencies where possible. Audio signs are interactive ‘talking’ signs which use visual information and sound to deliver key messages...

Diverting Stationery Kits to Children

Published 27 March 2020 | No comments
Written by Anne Edwards
CategoriesColleges and universities Community engagement Schools and nurseries
Over 800 stationery kits bound for a trade fair have been re-assigned to help vulnerable pupils in the Midlands whose schools are closing from Monday 23 March. A team based at the company’s Coleshill office decided to move quickly when they heard the Government announce school closures earlier in the week by diverting the kits full of pens, notepads and...

Providing Evidence of Compliance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act.

Published 17 February 2020 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
CategoriesCommunity engagement
The site team collated all of their site’s information regarding community benefits which comply with the requirements for The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The Act requires public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and...

Fire Brigade Real Life Rescue

Published 27 January 2020 | No comments
Written by James Carvalho
CategoriesCommunity engagement Emergency preparedness
An element of the works included within the Tatling End Housing Project development was the demolition of existing dwellings and Gerrards Cross Police Station. Following Willmott Dixon taking possession of the site, an opportunity to help the local fire brigade arose. Prior to the demolition of existing dwellings, the fire brigade were offered the opportunity to carry out ‘real life...

Singleton Hospital Maternity Ward Hi-Viz Vests

Published 25 February 2019 | No comments
Written by Ben Stephens
CategoriesPPE Workforce dress code
In ensuring a safe and secure environment within the maternity ward, each operative requiring access to the site via the ward must sign in at the site compound to receive a specific baby blue, numbered hi-viz vest with the Singleton Ward 21 Logo. This assures the hospital staff of their legitimacy on site. Access is enabled to the Ward via...

Wind Alert Board

Published 10 January 2019 | No comments
Written by Kurt Williams
CategoriesHazard boards Risk assessments Safety signage
Many of our activities are affected by the weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, therefore we have developed a wind alert board which gives clear instructions under each wind status. It works on a traffic light system advising on the current average wind speeds and anticipated gust speed. Once the wind status has been established the board will give activity...

The Best Practice Hub is provided by the Considerate Constructors Scheme