HSE Changes Reporting of Injuries
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a consultation on amending the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), which will increase the amount of information that must be reported to the HSE. The proposed changes are designed to help tackle work‐related ill health and include:
- Expanding the list of Dangerous Occurrences to include those related to the excavation, boring or maintenance of any tunnel over 1.2 metres in diameter; the unintentional fall or dropping of any object from a building or structure under demolition or construction; and the overturning of construction plant.
- Increasing the number of occupational diseases from six to 19, including noise‐induced hearing loss, asbestosis, and pneumoconiosis (including silicosis), and permitting their diagnosis by other types of registered health practitioners, not just doctors.
- Clarifying definitions, such as ‘work‐related’, ‘injury’ and ‘routine work’, which have previously been identified as unclear or ambiguous.
The consultation also covers improvements to the online reporting system to tackle both under and over reporting, and the deadline to submit a response is Tuesday 30 June.
New Member Benefit: WorXflo
We’re pleased to introduce WorXflo, an all-in-one business management platform designed for the fencing industry—bringing CRM, HR, job management, projects, accounts and more into a single system.
It helps streamline operations, improve visibility across your business, and ensure compliance, all while supporting better project delivery and profitability.
Exclusive member offer:
- £250/month (usually £300)
- Up to 25 employees
- 12-month contract
- 30-day free trial
The trial includes data import, so you can explore the platform using your own business information before committing.
Interested? Get in touch to learn more or arrange your trial : Andrew.Murphy@WorXflo.com
Cost of Doing Business
A combination of new legislation, increases in taxes and levies, and war in the Middle East is leading to significant increases in the cost of delivering construction and infrastructure projects, and Build UK is working with the CBI to demonstrate to Government the impact of the increased cost of doing business across all sectors of the economy.
To support this work, we are asking members across the supply chain to take five minutes to complete this short survey by Friday 8 May. The data will be used ahead of the Autumn Budget to highlight the effects of rising costs on employment opportunities, investment and growth across construction, as well as the impact on the wider economy including the potential to reduce the funding available to deliver the public sector pipeline.
The CLC has also written to the Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald MP, calling for a delay in the introduction of new limits on tariff‐free steel imports. Although the new policy is designed to encourage the use of UK steel, it will result in price inflation – in some cases up to 40% – due to many steel products not being manufactured, or only available in limited quantities, in the UK.
With inflation impacting projects of all sizes, Build UK’s guidance on Managing Price Inflation, produced with Wedlake Bell LLP, sets out practical ways to manage the risks of cost escalation over the life of a project. Most forms of contract have standard provisions for sharing the risks associated with price volatility, which should be used appropriately and fairly and in a spirit of collaboration.
2026 UK Fencing Awards – Entries Now Open
Entries are now open for the 2026 UK Fencing Awards, taking place on 12th November 2026 at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, 10am-5pm.
This is your opportunity to showcase your work, recognise your team, and stand out across the industry.
With categories covering contractors, suppliers, projects and apprentices — plus NEW for 2026: Women in Fencing — there’s something for everyone.
👉 Enter now: www.afiorg.uk
We’re also inviting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award
📩 info@theafi.co.uk
You’ve got to be in it to win it — get your entry in today.
Construction Playbook
The Cabinet Office has begun the process of updating the Construction Playbook which was last published in 2022. The new version due for publication this summer will reflect the latest legislation, including the Procurement Act and the Building Safety Act. It will also provide updated guidance in areas such as prompt payment, AI and information management, and consultancy.