In the construction industry forklift trucks are often used to move heavy loads from place to place especially if the load needs to be lifted a relatively short height. There are different types of power units that drive forklift trucks namely electric which is battery powered, propane gas or diesel. The choice of forklift will be dependent upon the working environment for example an indoor environment would necessitate an electrically powered truck for safety reasons as the other two types produce noxious exhaust gases.

It is vitally important that when choosing the forklift truck that you are going to use, you are mindful of the weight of the load you intend to lift and allow extra capacity for unexpected contingences such as a load that is heavier than anticipated resulting in the need to manually remove some of the load.

Another factor is the physical size of the truck which is only an issue if you are working in a confined space. Some forklift trucks are capable of shifting loads sideways as well as vertically and these are particularly useful in smaller spaces.

Operating a forklift truck requires the driver to have a valid license for that type of truck to ensure that it is operated safely and correctly.

For some people, the possibility of moving to a new house is not on the cards perhaps because of financial reasons or that the location of their home is where they want to live. This is fine perhaps until your family outgrows your house then you are faced with a dilemma but an easy way to achieve more space in your home is to add a conservatory to your house or bungalow thus providing additional space on the ground floor which can be used as a dining room, extra living room or an office space.

Recently planning rules have become less stringent and it is easier than ever to install a conservatory, however, do check with the local planning authority to make sure your plans conform to any building regulations that are in force.

The type of conservatories that are available are wide ranging and differ not only in shape and size but also whether to have a totally glass one or one that has a dwarf wall around the base. In some cases, the latter is a better choice as it allows fixtures such as electrical sockets and radiators or other heating appliances to be attached to the dwarf wall.

A ceiling fan is a must in any conservatory as the temperature can rise considerably on a sunny day. Ceiling and window blinds can also help to keep the conservatory cool in the summer months and warm in the winter and can be either manual or remote controlled.

As health and safety is a main concern for many employers and employees it is important to understand what qualifications or courses you need to have completed to be able to work on a construction site. Regardless of your skill level, all construction workers need to have a CSCS card. Which one you apply for will depend on the work that you will be undertaking, for example a labourer will usually apply for a different card to an experienced builder.

CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.

Before you can apply for the CSCS card you need to have completed the Healthy, Safety and Environment test and passed the course. There are three different levels that you can apply for. First is the operative level which is a basic course aimed at labourers and apprentices etc. The next level is manager and professional which will be needed if you want to apply for the Black Managers card and the last level is Specialist which will be a lot more in depth and is often needed if you are going to be supervising others.

The regulations concerning manual handling have been well-established for years, and yet many workplaces are still not adhering to and implementing the correct manual handling techniques. The health and safety of employees when working with large or heavy loads is vitally important as failure to follow the regulations can lead to serious injury or death and can result in legal ramifications for the company involved.

The regulations set by the Health and Safety Executive are that an employer must avoid the need for hazardous manual handling so far as is reasonably practicable, carry out a risk assessment for any handling that is unavoidable and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling as much as is reasonably practicable.

Employees are required to participate in the risk assessment process, attend any relevant manual handling training and implement good manual handling techniques whenever they are carrying out such tasks such as good posture and lifting techniques.

Simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury include planning the lift, reducing the distance of the lift, ensuring you have a good grip of the item to be lifted and wearing appropriate clothing. More detailed guidance is available by visiting the HSE website.