Today is World Brain Day! The importance of safety on site is brought to the fore today as we take a look at some of the psychological factors that determine a well-functioning and safe construction force in the country’s most dangerous industry. According to JELF, 32% of workplace deaths occurred on a construction site in 2013/2014; with such a huge percentage, we think about how the mind can be conditioned to take precautions on site.

Leadership

Traditionally, every establishment and company employ a hierarchical system that anchors certain levels of empowerment, with the leader, of course, being at the top. Psychologists Spreitzer and Quinn explain that psychologically empowered individuals ‘see themselves as having freedom…as having a personal connection to the organization, confident about their abilities and as able to make a difference’. Logistically speaking then, a psychologically empowered individual breeds a psychologically empowered team (phew!).

When a team trusts in its leader, a structured strategy is adhered to which ultimately results in higher levels of safety.

Communication

As any psychologist and construction professional would agree, communication is key on a construction site; any miscommunication between the leader and their subordinates could potentially result in an accident.

Psychology today explains the key components of excellent communication include:

• Being aware
• Choosing words wisely
• And checking in

Habit Making

Bad habits on site can have a detrimental effect on safety. Taking shortcuts is often adopted as a means to achieve a task quickly – but this is not necessarily safe. Psychologists have determined that learning new habits and disbanding of old is achievable after three weeks of consistent action. Retraining construction workers to follow proper safety methods means repeating properly executed procedures on a daily basis – et voila! New habits are formed.

The mind is a powerful thing, so use it to be safe on site, and (don’t) break a leg – Happy World Brain Day!

Author: Kayley Loveridge

Sources      

• Human Safety and Risk Management; A Psychological Perspective. – Ian Glendon / Sharon G Clark
• http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2014/insurance/construction-dangerous-industry-uk/
• www.Psychologytoday.com
•  http://www.academia.edu/243308/Impact_of_leadership_style_and_team_context_on_psychological_empowerment_in_construction_project_teams
• www.buildingsolutions.com/industry-insights/psychology-and-construction

MOVING TO MUSCAT, OMAN?

Those working in construction are lucky to be in an industry that allows for fluid movement in their specialist fields all over the globe, with countries like Oman boasting huge opportunities for experienced expats.

Deciding to up-sticks for a new job can be a huge step to take – especially if you decide to move to somewhere as culturally different as the Middle East. Learning about new cultures and economical differences will go a long way in helping the adapting process and will contribute to your overall enjoyment of this new experience.

With the construction market being continually abundant in Muscat, Oman's capital, we compile a list of important pros and cons to help you make that all important decision.

FINANCES

One of the most attractive things about working in the Middle East, and indeed Muscat, is the excellent tax free salaries attached to the role (hoorah!). With over 600,000 foreigners, and growing, working in the Construction sector in Oman (according to Times of Oman), the promise of a tax free salary has proved successful in pulling in workers who contribute to the country’s overall economy.

Having said this, it’s vital to remember that the Omani Rial is pegged to the US dollar, so salaries can fluctuate.

Driving in Oman is cheap while western familiarities, like buying alcohol, is expensive. You’ll need an alcohol license to buy alcohol in Muscat which can be quite difficult to obtain.

HOUSING

Before deciding on taking a new role in Muscat, you will have discussed an expat package with your new employer which usually includes accommodation. On some occasions, you may be given staff accommodation on a compound, and in other circumstances, your prospective employer will give you cash allowance to spend on rent, allowing you to choose property yourself.

Buying property in Muscat, on the other hand, is a little more difficult. Developments in the city (at present time) are not close to being finished yet, meaning you’d have to wait a fairly long time before your property could become available to you.

SCHOOLING

If you’re taking a family to Muscat, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a large expat community there, and so education here is widely accessible for international children, with the curriculum being appropriate to that in the West. Research the schools available before flying to ensure that you will be sending your child to a reputable school.

When negotiating an expat package with your future employer, however, be sure to discuss schooling as an integrated component as education fees can be rather expensive.

LIFE IN MUSCAT, OMAN

The weather in Muscat is consistently beautiful – perfect for those who prefer the exotic climate (who doesn’t love the sun?!). But remember that temperatures do reach super high levels which can be a bit of a shock when first starting out here.

While Oman is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, it is still a Muslim country that expects a level of respect from its visitors and Westerners should look to dress appropriately – cover the shoulders and wear knee length clothing at the least. It is not permitted to shake the hand of an Omani woman either, for example, so take note of cultural norms in Oman before arriving.

Muscat’s lifestyle is generally easy going with extremely low levels of crime which makes for an attractive city to bring up a family in. Because Muscat is popular with Westerners, it is well developed with shopping malls, restaurants and bars, so it’s easy to maintain a lifestyle you’re used to having back home.

If you’re thinking about furthering your career in Oman, or the Middle East, then give our international department a call. Our consultants will be happy to discuss opportunities and give you any further advice to help you with your big move!

Author: Kayley Loveridge 

The referendum taking place on the 23^rd June is looming ever close and will see Britain make the decision whether to remain in the European Union.  Businesses across the country are prepping for the possibility of either decision, with politicians making cases for both; but how exactly does BREXIT affect the Construction industry?

The impact of the decision to leave the European Union could be detrimental to the continuing success of the Construction Industry. Naturally, the idea that the UK may no longer be a part of the European Union is causing concern among Industry leaders. A survey taken recently by Smith and Williamson found that 85% of construction executives favoured the ‘remain’ campaign – a huge margin compared to the remaining 15% who felt that Brexit will have little negative effects.

Concerns

Fears have been raised that investment into the UK’s industry from external sources will slow down and potentially decrease. A spokesperson from Industry leader, Rider Levitt Bucknall, suggested that many of the major regeneration schemes in the UK may not have happened without external funding from the EU. According to CBI, ‘the annual turnover within the construction industry constitutes of £47 billion’; with the threat of reduced funding opportunities, could this have a significant impact on the future of the construction industry’s success?

The Home Builders Federation has expressed its concerns that skilled labour forces from outside the UK would drastically slow down as a result of Brexit. Research shows that 10% of the construction industry workforce is drawn from outside the UK, particularly from Eastern Europe. Brexit could have a profound effect on this; despite the current heavy focus on training of UK nationals within the industry, the shortage of skilled workers would still be significantly low in relation to what’s needed for the expected building output. Any renegotiation of treaties between European countries could take years, by which time the damage may well have been done.

'Scare mongering'?

However, Persimmon Homes takes a neutral stance on this matter, saying that their work force is predominantly UK based and so this apparent implication of Brexit would have little effect on their company.

Keeping this in mind, CBI states that the UK construction industry is ‘the second most domestically focused major UK sector’ behind the government. CBI explains that even materials produced and manufacturing for the purpose of building are done so domestically. With business matters being dealt with largely in the UK, Lord Bamford, the chairman of JCB, believes that the ‘remain’ campaign is in fact ‘scare mongering’. According to the Building Specifier, Lord Bamford believes that the UK isn’t likely to put up trade barriers, regardless of the decision.

While there have been many pros and cons published in recent literature across all industries and unions within the UK, it seems that the majority of the UK’s construction industry leans towards remaining in the EU.

The referendum will have a staple position in Britain’s history regardless of the decision we make; but whichever you decide, ensure an informed decision on all accounts.

Written By Kayley Loveridge

Sources:

http://www.buildingspecifier.com/how-will-brexit-affect-the-construction-industry-two-views/

https://www.globalcounsel.co.uk/sites/default/files/specialreports/downloads/Global%20Counsel_Impact_of_Brexit.pdf

https://www.news.cbi.org.uk/business-issues

Concerns for the Environment and the Earth’s conservation are becoming increasingly significant in the successful progression of global corporate industries - especially in construction.

With a huge percentage of pollution that can be attributed to building on a global scale reaching 50% in Land fill waste; Ozone depletion and climate change gases, it is pivotal that the building industries move forward in implementing preventative measures to decrease catastrophic effects, not only on an environmental level, but also on a more human level.

Particular stand out area’s for concern and in urgent need of addressing include the profound impact that the building industry has had on:

The over production of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

The manufacturing of materials specifically for the purpose of building and building interiors can carry huge upstream CO2 emissions from roofing; building shells; service systems (including plumbing, conveying and electrical installations) and interiors and finishes. This CO2, on smaller scales coming from furnishing and finishes internally, can harm the working organic systems in humans - think: the respiratory system. On its larger counterpart, it attacks the Ozone layer and therefore the Earth’s natural ecological system.

The hydrological system

The close relationship between commercial and residential expansion and agricultural intensity has, in fact, exceeded the limit of the land to absorb and intake rainfall. Simultaneously, the damaging effects of CO2 and other toxins on climate change has significantly increased rainfall on a whole, resulting in: severe flooding on a global scale and its subsequent effects on the quality of human life.

Waste and Pollution

The built environment introduces harmful and toxic pollutants (particularly, and worryingly, mainly from non-renewable energy sources) to workers from: material manufacturing and handling and sewage production. Little consideration towards excessive waste from inappropriate material and use has contributed to global warming; contributed to by non-thoroughly considered estimations and procurement at pre-development stages.

BREEAM, or, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is the longest standing method of assessing the sustainability of buildings. It is the governmental legislation put in place for Building design and construction which ultimately tries to stabilise excessive pollution and increasingly forces large construction companies to be considerate of the environment.  It adheres to a scoring system which must be achieved by construction companies before a development can progress, judging on:

•          Energy
•          Pollution
•          Land-use and Ecology
•         Water
•         Health and Wellbeing
•         Transport
•         Materials
•       Waste Management

More and more developers and contractors are now taking precautions and measures in the predevelopment stages of construction in order to achieve the desirable BREEAM status, and to reduce the effects during and after building.

The planning phase is crucial to the successful sustainability of the buildings in question. Developers and contractors consider the protection of biodiversity (trees/ponds etc.) to improve and sustain the Earth’s natural ecosystem, and thus improving the health of the atmosphere.

Carefully designed structures are also a huge contributing factor to the building’s sustainable qualities. By minimising the waste of materials as normally acquired through incorrect estimates and indulgent purchasing, the risk of pollutants is also greatly reduced. There is also a lot to be said about companies who are able to optimise passive energy use during construction, particularly in reducing electrically fuelled lighting and heating by using solar panels to generate such, organically.

Written by Kayley Loveridge

Sources

• http://www.cmpbs.org/sites/default/files/ad5-life_cycle_balance.pdf
• www.designbuidlings.co.uk
• The Impacts of Costruction and the Built Environment –Briefing Note produced for Willmott Dixon by WD Re-thinking  Ltd
• http://www.breeam.com/