For social housing providers, the revised Decent Homes Standard (DHS) - alongside linked reforms such as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Awaab’s Law - signal a fundamental shift in expectations.
Exploring the tensions between an organisation’s desire to reduce workplace accidents, versus actively encouraging more near miss and non-conformance reporting.
Awaab Ishaak was just aged two when he tragically died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition as a result of direct prolonged exposure to mould in his home.
Sprinklers in schools can save lives, equipment, education, and community infrastructure. They are mandatory in Scotland and Wales, and Zurich continues to lobby government on this essential fire protection in England.
Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common workplace injuries. Adopting a scientific approach to floor safety can reduce the risk of incidents and demonstrate due diligence in the event of personal injury claims.
It remains to be seen if the reforms go far enough but what is clear is that building safety is an area that requires constant review to ultimately ensure that a disaster such as the fire at Grenfell Tower is never repeated.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a popular building material used mainly in roofs, but also in walls and floors. It forms part of many public buildings, including schools.