Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

The Hultafors Group which owns Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Safety Footwear and Hultafors Tools has acquired Hellberg Safety. Hellberg Safety is a specialised supplier of PPE Equipment which includes highly advanced hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions for personal protection. David Clark, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK says, “We are delighted with this acquisition given that …

Warmer weather brings with it a need for tradespeople to be cool and dry – to maintain well being and working efficiency. That’s why Snickers’ new working clothes for the summer uses 37.5 fabric technology which is really good at ‘wicking’ moisture away from the body and keeping you dry. In the Snickers Workwear FLEXIWork, LITEWork and RUFFWork product families, there’s NEW …

A Manchester-based property developer has been sentenced after the roof and part of the rear wall collapsed at one of his properties during demolition works. Manchester Crown Court heard how Riaz Ahmad appointed a group of workers, who had no experience in construction, to carry out demolition work at a property in Oldham. On 11 August 2017, after receiving a …

A contractor, client and director have been convicted after conditions at a building site were found to be dangerous. Southwark Crown Court heard that inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited the construction site on Gladesmore Road, London on numerous occasions in 2015 while building work was taking place at the property. Inspectors found poor health and safety conditions …

Simon Thomerson has been sentenced to 8 months in custody after pleading guilty to a health and safety breach that resulted in the death of two brothers. Luton Crown Court heard how Mr Thomerson, the sole owner and director of Clearview Design and Construction Ltd, had been contracted by the owners of an industrial park in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire to refurbish …

The Health and Safety Executive has released figures for work-related fatal injuries, showing an increase in injuries occurring in the construction industry.

Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which form the basis …

Contractor Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions has been sentenced after exposing workers to a debilitating health condition over a nine-year period. Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd was fined £500,000 after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that workers at the company were exposed to hand-arm vibration between 2002 and 2011 which put them at risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome …

The country’s leading roofing apprentices are gearing up for the two-day final that will reward the best in each of the two roofing disciplines: pitched and flat roofing. BMI, the UK manufacturer and supplier of flat and pitch roofing systems, is offering the two awards backed by its market-leading brands. The Redland Apprentice of the Year will recognise the best-pitched …

Ventilation manufacturer Nuaire, based in Caerphilly, Wales, hopes to prevent thousands of deaths caused by air pollution with what they consider to be a revolutionary technology for existing homes. To coincide with national Clean Air Day on 21st June, the company is launching the Noxmaster whole-house ventilation system for the retrofit market.  The Noxmaster combines a powerful carbon filter with …

In 2017 Makita launched the in-demand DSP600 Twin 18v Brushless Plunge Saw.  Now, the same model, but featuring a 36v motor and the Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) has landed. AWS technology allows the new DSP601ZJU plunge saw to automatically connect to the compatible Makita dust extractor saving the effort of manually switching it on. A unique chip is supplied …

The Beast from the East, rising costs and Brexit are to blame for the drop in construction output, the FMB responds to ONS construction output figures.

Snickers’ new versatile and adjustable Tool Vest features a wide range of hard-wearing pockets for a variety of tools fixings and accessories. It’s lightweight, hard-wearing, comfortable and easy to keep clean. The Tool Vest’s ergonomic comfort also looks after your back by providing for comfortable heavy tool carrying through the specially designed wide shoulders, elasticated back and an integral waist …

Snickers Workwear says the new range of cool and functional Snickers Hi-Vis summer clothing is streets ahead of anything else. With an extensive range of Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces from Snickers’ LITEWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUNDWORK families, there’s a host of different garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection …

Combining a lightweight athletic look with maximum breathability and safety features, the new Solid Gear VENT safety shoe is said to be ideal for workers who are constantly on the move. The Solid Gear VENT’s upper is made from lightweight mesh combined with Cordura and a TPU reinforcement to ensure cool comfort, maximum breathability and enhanced durability. While the shoe’s …