Category: Company News

What does it mean to boost your mental health? These are the discussions we have been having at O’Brien’s, creating more awareness around talking, ways of coping and how we can, as a business, be more open to our workforce and what they might need.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 9-15th May, we sat down and had a chat with Anthony Watson, our Pre-Construction Manager, who kindly offer to talk about how he manages his mental health, what works for him and simple advice that might help others.

1. Tell us about you…

I have worked in the construction industry now for over thirty-five years. After leaving school, I started working on building sites for a Regional Construction Company before deciding to get a Degree in Building Surveying. I have worked for a number of businesses from SME’s to Blue Chip organisations and irrespective of the size of business, or your position within them, your own Mental Health and Wellbeing is one thing we all need to be better at protecting.

2. What is your approach to mental health?

Getting that work life balance right is so hard to achieve, and when you think you have it mastered, something changes that tip the balance… and usually, not in your favour! Everyone is different, but I find that being open with people about my mental health, both at work and at home, really helps. I’m not afraid to talk about how I feel and what might be troubling me.

3. Can you offer any tips and advice that might help someone who is struggling?

Just remember, you are not alone, and speaking to someone isn’t a sign of weakness. If you don’t have anyone who you feel comfortable talking to, take advantage of the Construction Industry Helpline App which O’Brien Contractors make available for free. Any conversation you have via this App is confidential… and the people on the other end could really help you address the issues that are causing you to struggle with mental health.

4. If you could choose something to add that would help the construction industry boost Mental Health Awareness, what would it be?

Now, this is a tough one!! We might see mental health issues as being a weakness and we don’t like exposing our weaknesses to work colleagues, family or friends. However, a big boost to Mental Health Awareness within the construction industry would come if we all spoke out about it more! There is great traction already, especially with Days like today, but I feel we could do more.

5. How is O’Brien’s actively supporting mental health?

O’Brien Contractors show real empathy when it comes to our mental health and wellbeing. We are committed to the Building Mental Health Framework which underpins the values of our business and supports people in our industry, every day, and throughout their working lives. We are signatories to the Building Mental Health Charter and offer support through awareness campaigns and training. We also have champions from across our workforce to support keeping people safe. We also support the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity which is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. We also encourage and promote an active lifestyle to help improve mental health and wellbeing. This year, a team from across our workforce, will be cycling up to 100 miles to raise money for the O’Brien Charitable Trust.

Our approach to Mental Health & Wellbeing at Work…
Listed here are some of the areas we have worked on in the last couple of years to increase our support with O’Brien Contractors:

We offer access to the “Construction Industry Helpline App” The app is the ultimate self-help tool and is aimed at those who would like more information about how they can help themselves or if necessary, take the next step in seeking professional help. 

Here at O’Brien’s, we have a number of Mental Health First Aiders, our “Mental Health Champions,” who are specifically trained in helping anyone who may need support, ensuring that out workforce always have a trained representative to offer advice and listen when it is needed.

“Building Mental Health Framework” is an initiative we have adopted, with our teams committing to the principles of the building mental health charter, which include areas such as reducing stigma and discrimination and encouraging open conversations while at work.

We ensure that our workforce communications always include a recommendation or links to helpful information should it be needed. Our dedicated page “Help Under the Hard Hat” is there specifically to offer this. Our Toolbox talks are specifically focused around these areas.

One of our chosen charities who helps us with our communication is a charity we support through O’Brien Charitable Trust is “Lighthouse Club.” They offer a helpline and are committed to helping the construction industry tackle its mental health. This is charity receives no public funding and relies on the generosity of those within in the industry to help to continue its vital work. 

Additional Links to Information & Help:

See here how you can boost your mental health in Spring… click here.

See link to the Construction Industry Helpline App and how to find it: click here.

See the Lighthouse Club here: click here.

At O’Brien Contractors we have an abundance of pet lovers who are keen to help bring awareness to those animals that are in homes & shelters by celebrating National Pet Day (NPD).

We wanted to share a selection of our teams beloved pets. We hope by raising awareness of NPD, this will help to decrease the figures seen across animal shelters.

Many of our team are advocates for caring for pets and how it can improve mental health in many ways, including: companionship, adding structure to your day, encouraging exercise, and helping to reducing anxiety. All areas that can help to manage the highs and lows of life.

National Pet Day celebrates the joy that pets bring into people’s lives and encourages people to help reduce the number of animals in shelters. Bringing humans and animals together helps make the world a better place. Find out more about NPD: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pet-day/

If you would like to help and donate to our local shelter: Dog’s Trust Kenilworth – click here.

Our Commitment to Protect and Enhance Biodiversity of the Site

We were committed to ensuring that the original biodiversity of this important site would be protected during our works and enhanced on completion. Additional landscaping, ponds, and other necessary works ensured that lost biodiversity units from the works were replaced during the extension of the cemetery.

As part of our commitment to the environment and our commitment to social value in the areas that we work, we gifted bird boxes, bat boxes and insect houses to our client for use in the new cemetery grounds.  The items were purchased from the National Trust, where timber products are made from FSC certified materials, and where money from every purchase goes back into looking after other important sites.

The new cemetery is located in an area that forms part of a ‘Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC)’.  A site which was part of an important and well used and popular public open space, much loved and important to the local community.  Prior to and during our works we completely understood the importance of this stunning area for habitats in the form of plants, trees and wildlife and our part in the protection of it.

O’Brien have carried out numerous projects where the importance of protecting and improving the biodiversity of the project site has been a critical element of the works.  This gave our client Sandwell Council the confidence to award the contract for this very important and sensitive site in Rowley Regis, for the ‘New Canalside Cemetery’.

During the works O’Brien complied with all relevant legislation including:

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1991
• Protection of Badgers Act 1992
• Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994
• Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996

To see details of our project at Rowley Regis, click this link! https://obriencontractors.co.uk/projects/rowley-regis-new-canalside-cemetery/

We are delighted to announce work is due to start to improve an existing access road and create a new route into the £800 million Fairham neighbourhood in Nottinghamshire.

The 606-acre site is in the process of becoming a whole new neighbourhood for Nottingham with 3,000 new homes, one million sq ft of employment space and 200 acres of open green space. The works are all part of £100 million of infrastructure improvements scheduled for Fairham.

Day and night-time works will start to increase from Monday 5th September 2022 with a completion in April 2023 in order to create a new access road and controlled junction for Fairham, along with improved access to the existing Park & Ride site.

Access to and from the Clifton South Park & Ride will be maintained at all times to keep traffic flowing while works to create new earthworks, carriageway and signalisation takes place. Construction traffic will be rerouted away from civilian traffic during the works.

We will be carrying out the work on behalf of Clowes Developments, the company behind the Fairham masterplan. Fairham is being brought forward in partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator.

https://fairhamlife.co.uk/access-works-for-800-million-fairham-neighbourhood-underway-this-autumn/

Connecting People to Places, Public Realm Works

O’Brien take our client’s vision, from design to reality!  We are experienced in creating public places for communities that are sustainable, environmentally and ecologically friendly, that also respect and acknowledge the surrounding area and the communities in which we work, for people to live, work, interact and enjoy.

With over 50 years of successfully delivering civil engineering and landscape solutions, O’Brien continues to work collaboratively with our clients to achieve high quality public realm spaces which are innovative and bespoke across a diverse range of sites, including universities, town centres, cemeteries, new town developments and public parks.

Turnkey Solution

By offering a complete turnkey solution, O’Brien can add value and deliver cost, quality, and program certainty to clients across work packages which include, hard and soft landscaping, roads, paving, drainage requirements, utilities installation and diversions, lighting, fencing and bulk earthworks.

Collaboration

We work across all sectors of the built environment with a broad range of stakeholders from clients, consultants, planners, local authorities, architects, highways departments, utility providers, and ecology, environmental and archaeological specialists. Working collaboratively is central to the successful delivery of our schemes.

Public Interface

Our projects require the need for us to interface with members of the public, sometimes in very sensitive environments. We establish clear lines of communication and liaise with all stakeholders before and during the delivery of our projects to keep them fully informed of planned activities and on going operations. This is done via letter drops or using Social Media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Early Contractor Involvement Benefits

 Early contractor involvement enables O’Brien Contractors to add value through increased input on design and construction decisions. Working collaboratively with the client and the design team throughout all stages of a project allows us to provide clients with early access to project information and helps forge a trusted relationship. Not only will early engagement save time, but it also allows for the mitigation of risk, improves project performance, ensures cost effectiveness, and enables delivery which is right first time.

Recent public realm projects include (please see links to projects below):

• Wixam’s Bedford Wixams, Greenway and Town Park, Public Realm Works, Bedford
• Port Loop, Birmingham – Urban Splash Port Loop Development, Birmingham, Phase 3b
• New Canalside Cemetery, Rowley Regis – New Canalside Cemetery, Rowley Regis
• Shire Lodge Cemetery Extension, Corby – Shire Lodge Cemetery Extension
• University of Birmingham – New Library External Works and Route to the Vale – https://obriencontractors.co.uk/projects/university-of-birmingham/

 

Highways and Infrastructure Works

From construction of new roads and road junctions, traffic roundabouts, realignment of highways Section 278 and 38 works, utilities work, new signage, lighting, drainage and temporary traffic management, O’Brien have the expertise and experience to carry out all elements of highways and infrastructure works. We deliver a full spectrum of civil engineering and groundworks across a range of different sized infrastructure and highways projects, from smaller developments to major highways works.

O’Brien are experts at carrying out infrastructure works on sites being prepared for further development, including industrial and commercial, housing developments and manufacturing sites.  We carry out all bulk earthworks, road construction, car parks, footpath, cycleways, highways bridges and roundabout construction, Section 278 and 38 works.  We undertake all drainage works including Section 104 works and utility installation works.

Public Interface

Where our projects involve interface with members of the public, including in very sensitive environments, we liaise and notify members of the public and residents prior to and during our projects.  We provide information to keep them fully informed of activities, with open lines of communication at all times

Collaboration:

We work collaboratively with consultants, local authorities, highways agencies, planners, architects, and utility providers, as well as ecology, environmental and archaeological specialists, to achieve the contract objectives and goals of the client and other stakeholders.

Technology: 

As a company, we have been at the forefront of Machine Control since its early adoption in the UK in the 90’s and have assisted the major manufacturers Trimble and Topcon with developing their systems for market and continue to do so to this day. Realising the potential and investing into such systems early has left us at the leading edge of this technology here in the UK.

We are currently rolling out Easy BOP Construction Management Software across the business for efficient, timely and paperless information for our head office, site, and transport department.

Early Contractor Involvement Benefits

 The most effective way for O’Brien Contractors to work with our clients, to deliver as much value as possible is through Early Contractor Involvement. By being a part of the initial design, specification, and programming process, we ensure that projects are scoped, de-risked and costed effectively and by using our senior management team as consultants where necessary, we can provide operational and commercial advice on feasibility studies.  Our extensive knowledge and experience mean that we can solve problems that arise and propose alternatives that can make jobs safer, quicker and more cost effective without affecting the quality of the end product.

Recent projects include:

• Bicester Road, Oxfordshire: Oxford Road, Bicester – Section 278 Works
• West Longbridge: West Longbridge Development, Regeneration Scheme
• Wykham Park Farm Development: Wykham Park Farm – Highways Infrastructure Works

One of O’Brien’s new Hybrid Machines, the Volvo EC300EL was on show in June at Hillhead event, with SMT GB showcasing the machine on their stand.

O’Brien Contractors Limited continues to invest in the latest plant and technology to help improve operational efficiencies and reduce Green House Gas emissions. Coupling the investment in new plant with state-of-the-art technologies, such as telemetry, O’Brien’s continue to lead the way in Modern Methods of Construction for groundworks and civil engineering. Furthermore, not only is the plant becoming more environmentally friendly, but works are also becoming safer and delivered right first time.

The New EC300E Hybrid Fuel Efficiency / Reduced CO2 Emissions

The result is up to 17% increase in fuel efficiency on standard EC330E, but also the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E.

That allows the EC300E Hybrid to reduces its CO₂ emissions by up to 15%* making it a more environmentally respectful choice, especially when working in built-up areas.

O’Brien win a place on PAGABO Civils and Infrastructure Framework

Following the award of a place on the ‘National Framework for Demolition and Land Remediation’ on the 10 May, the company is delighted to be awarded a place on a second PAGABO framework.  After a rigorous tender exercise we have now won a place on the  ‘PAGABO National Framework for Civils and Infrastructure’.

The PAGABO framework place will provide O’Brien’s clients with the confidence that we have proven high standards of health and safety, commitments to social value, and net zero targets, proven expertise, and financial stability as well as a proven track record of completed projects.

The framework will allow our clients who utilise the PAGABO frameworks to appoint us to carry out works through direct award or invite us for further competition for their projects.

Director Tom O’Brien commented “we are delighted to have secured a place on a second PAGABO framework. We are now able to offer a straightforward procurement route for our clients, whilst giving them the confidence to place orders with us as an approved contractor with a proven track record. We look forward to working in collaboration with clients to deliver schemes through the frameworks.”

Better Procurement

The PAGABO frameworks makes procurement quicker, easier, and more effective. They help public sector organisations across the UK, by providing EU compliant framework agreements, – delivered and backed up by a team of MCIPS qualified procurement professionals with a vast range of experience who support clients throughout the procurement of projects and beyond.

Simpler Procurement

The PAGABO system provides a simplification of the procurement process, which is less onerous, less costly and time consuming, whilst making the processes more transparent, simpler, and faster.

Embedded Social Value

Pagabo aims to embed Social Impact and Social Value through every procurement and guide suppliers of how to deliver more Social Value through their contracts, as well as provide Social Value guidance to suppliers.

https://www.pagabo.co.uk/news/pagabo-reveals-winners-for-l1-56bn-civils-and-infrastructure-framework

https://obriencontractors.co.uk/obrien-win-a-place-on-pagabo-demolition-and-land-preparation-framework/

O’Brien Contractors are delighted to be working with St Modwen, Wakemans, and Rodgers Leask on one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK, at their exciting West Longbridge mixed use development site, next to the River Rea. Longbridge is a long-term £1 billion initiative to breathe new life into one of Britain’s most famous industrial areas. As home to ‘The Austin’, Longbridge was once Europe’s largest car factory and gave birth to visionary automobiles including the iconic Mini. Today, a new identity is being forged for an thriving mixed-use hub of workplaces, homes, shops, cafes, event spaces and parkland, where residents, businesses, students and visitors can live, work, study and play.

Our works include S38, S104 which consist of earthworks, full carriage/cycleway, utility services, storm/foul water drainage, and landscaping works to form green areas for public use. These works unlock building plots to allow future development to commence which will bring additional employment to the local area.

For more information on the development at Longbridge

https://longbridgebirmingham.co.uk/work/work-space/

Using the latest machine technology on site.

https://obriencontractors.co.uk/the-latest-technology-on-board-our-two-brand-new-ec220-volvos-in-action-in-the-midlands-this-week/

 

Bedford Town Park Project Vision Continues to Shape Up Nicely!

O’Brien started on site late 2021 to carry out works, including earthworks, multiple bridge constructions and hard and soft landscaping to create a brand new and very impressive town centre park and a greenway recreational area.

The scheme is really starting to take shape on this project site with the works on The Town Park and The Greenway showing massive progress on site.  The Town Park and The Greenway will connect the 4 new village communities together on this wonderful development when completed!

Our Project Manager said “The project is progressing well and we are beginning to see signs of the finished product. We have recently installed a new playground and the bulk of the planting works have been completed site-wide, the site team continues to work hard towards our completion.”

We have had some great weather in recent weeks, which has been of great importance for progressing the works on site.

It will certainly be very exciting to see the finished project completed in the next few months!