Latest Industry News | CMT Knowledgebase

Working at height remains one of the most significant risks in construction, with falls being a leading cause of serious injury and fatalities. As a result, stringent safety measures and the correct use of fall protection equipment are crucial. Two key systems used to protect workers are fall restraint and fall arrest systems. While they may seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences ensures that the right equipment is used for the right application, keeping workers safe and compliant with health and safety regulations.

Suspension trauma is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Understanding its causes and dangers is essential for anyone working at heights.

Suspension trauma, also known as ‘orthostatic shock while suspended’ or ‘harness hang syndrome’, is a serious condition that is particularly relevant to those working at heights, such as construction workers, climbers, and rescue personnel. Let’s talk about what suspension trauma is, how it is caused, the dangers it presents and how it can be prevented.

Silica is found in many construction materials, from stone to sand and from concrete to clay. Inhaling silica dust can have serious health consequences. 

Large construction projects in the UK, from sprawling commercial developments to extensive infrastructure initiatives, have a substantial environmental footprint. As these projects often involve significant resource consumption and waste generation, it's crucial to implement sustainable practices to mitigate their impact on the environment. Here are three effective strategies tailored to help reduce the environmental impact on larger construction projects.

Did you know that just over 50% of construction workers are exposed to hazardous noise, 25% of noise-tested construction workers have a hearing impairment and 7% have tinnitus?

In the realm of workplace safety, high-visibility clothing (hi-vis) plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of employees who work in conditions where visibility can be a concern. Whether it's construction sites, roadwork, or any environment where low-light or adverse weather conditions are factors, hi-vis clothing is designed to enhance the wearer's visibility to others.

Construction sites are often synonymous with heavy machinery, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. But have you ever considered the critical role that lighting plays in the industry? We explore them in this article.

In the fast-paced world of construction, safety is paramount. Every day, workers are exposed to a variety of hazards that can result in accidents and injuries. To mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being of everyone on the site, construction companies are increasingly turning to RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) boards.

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the United Kingdom government has taken a bold step by announcing a ban on single-use plastics which goes into effect on October 1st 2023.

Most diamond blades are designed for cutting specific materials; some are best for cutting hard concrete or granite, while others are formulated to withstand the higher abrasion of substrates such as asphalt.

Diamond blades are widely used for cutting concrete, asphalt and other similar hard materials. Often a cut may be made through more than one material – for example, when cutting through asphalt into concrete or commonly when cutting asphalt on one job, and concrete on the next – and in those instances, a multi-purpose diamond blade may be preferable.

Diamond blades are excellent for cutting asphalt as they leave an accurate, straight edge that can be easily sealed when the asphalt is repaired and won’t easily break down. But asphalt is a very abrasive material that will quickly wear down the wrong sort of blade.