UK Connect deliver innovative technology to get developers back to work

 As the remainder of the construction industry gets ready to ramp up construction all over the UK, one housebuilder in the south of England, isn’t rushing to re-open its sites. 

Andrew Brooks, Managing Director of Bewley Homes, explains why his company are delaying going back on site. 

“The construction industry is under huge pressure to re-open due to the financial implications of staying shut and delivering sold and affordable homes, so I can see why housebuilders need to re-open as soon as they can. However, we are taking a different approach.” 

Using technology to combat the new Health & Safety regulations

The Bewley construction team are working closely with One.site, a UK Connect product, to solve their Health and Safety issues before full site roll outs begin.  

Andrew continues: “There’s a huge logistical challenge to get 400 workers back on site at once and it needs methodical planning. It’s not just the logistical changes to get subcontractors to respect the 2m rule plot by plot and to navigate around the entire site, there are also new on-site safety measures to put in place and guides our subcontractors must follow. Putting the onus on our sub-contractors to meet the new health and safety requirements is not enough! We need to put measures in place for them to be easily implemented to ensure a productive and safe day’s work.” 

So, what is One.site?

One.site, a new health and safety site management platform, allows remote induction and contactless sign in technology allowing construction companies to deliver safe remote inductions and offers a solution to comply with social distancing. The application guarantee’s compliance with CLC guidelines with complete visibility of the workforce. 

He continued: “One of the many issues the industry needs to resolve is the critical health and safety induction. We are now being advised not to induct more than five people at a time. I’ve heard that some housebuilders are doing more than that but doing it outside. We don’t think this is viable long-term or an effective solution. Inductions should not be compromised in any way.” 

Digitalising the induction process

One.site is rolling out a system for all Bewley sites which includes new health and safety inductions for each site worker. This goes further than just reading some information from a sheet. Every subcontractor will have to undergo an induction in their own home and pass before gaining access to a Bewley Homes’ site. 

Andrew added: “This will involve 100 per cent focus which would not be possible if you did the induction on site. And most importantly, it makes sure they know everything to follow the new regulations. Contractors come to site ready and re-assured. The old way of inducting 10 people in a small room has long gone.  

Signing workers into your site has taken some working out and sharing a pen or fingerprint scans are no longer options. We are adopting digital sign–ins so we know who is on site using a tablet or smart phone. Workers’ mobiles will act like a digital passport. Once they have been inducted, they are able to work on any Bewley site and their credentials will always be accessible.” 

He continued: “We are excited to be launching One.site on all Bewley Homes’ developments. One.site technology not only streamlines the induction and sign in process through contactless technology but overall makes their sites safer and smarter. Bewley’s commitment to the welfare of staff and subcontractors is to be admired.  

“We’re proud that One.site technology is helping to play a part in supporting necessary social distancing in response to Covid-19. Equally as important, we’re helping in the essential task of getting the construction sector building at pre-pandemic staffing levels once more.”  

Andrew Brooks is impressed with what he’s seen so far and in a recent interview with BBC he said:  “I’m impressed by the way One.site has approached the issues and come up with realistic solutions that are helping us re-open our sites safely and effectively. We are working with the company on other methods to fight Covid-19 in order to roll out further safety measures in the near future.” 

To read the full press release visit: https://www.bewley.co.uk/news/no-rush-to-get-sites-open-again-says-managing-director-of-bewley-homes-as-the-housebuilder-turns-to-technology-in-the-fight-against-covid-19/

To find out more about our One.site solution please visit: www.ukconnect.com/onesite/