Newsletter January 2012

Happy New Year 2012

As the New Year starts the team at Ai Solutions would like to wish all our customers and readers the very best for 2012.

With all to look forward to, and the lessons learned from last year, let us hope that 2012 will be 'heading on an upward trend'. It would be easy to be glum in these difficult times, but with a New Year ahead of us we can surely look forward to better things!

For those avid followers of our website and newsletter we have some good news for 2012; we will be holding our prestigious 'Annual Conference' in April this year, as well as running our Application Development Forum (formerly MARM) in early June. Along with this we intend to run ToolKit™ Workshops in March and September so do please keep a look out for dates so you can reserve your place early!

HSE Updates: Asbestos

At a meeting in early December it was announced that the HSE has been given government clearance to recommence the Health and Safety Executive's award-winning 'Hidden Killer' asbestos campaign which was put on hold due to a freeze on government-funded campaigns.

This is good news for 2012; we believe this particular campaign was excellent, warning construction workers, particularly those involved in maintenance and refurbishment work, of the dangers of asbestos.

For more on the HSE and other updates go to Asbestos - The Hidden Killer.

Quality & Safety Pays Through Expert Supplier Assessment

Our partner Altius has helped one of their clients save more than £100,000 per year and improve quality & safety standards through outsourcing its supplier assessment. The system, Altius Vendor Assessment ensures contractors are fully assured, minimising risk and liability for both SGP and its clients.

"While these cost and time savings are very welcome, the major benefit of using professional vendor assessment services is the peace of mind and protection it offers both us and our clients," said Peter Hall, Director of Risk Management for SGP and Deputy Chairman of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management. "We are confident that every contractor we deal with has been through a transparent and robust assessment process, pertinent to the activities they may undertake, and that they are well equipped to provide the stringent, professional standards we require."

For the full article, see Quality and Safety pays through expert supplier assessment

HSE Plan of Work 2012

On the HSE web site we found an interesting document which outlines their plan of work from 2011 through 2012. In particular we noted their target sectors include:-

• Asbestos
• Small Sites/Projects
• Refurbishment
• Major clients/projects

We think that covers most of our readers! it will be interesting to see how they will achive this.

If you are interested in reading more about the HSE's plan go to HSE Work Plan 2011-12.

Social Media

As part of your new year's resolutions, why not "Like" our Facebook page or "Follow us" on Linked In or Twitter.

Latest from our Blog

The following are a selection of the latest articles from the Ai Solutions Blog. Each linked article allows comments, so please add your thoughts using the boxes provided.

• London Bridge Revamp
  The London Bridge station re-vamp work has finally been approved by Southwark Council. Osborne will start initial non-disruptive preparatory work in 2012 under a £10m-plus contract.
• Milton Keynes: Retail Development (MK1)
  We are glad to hear that yet more construction work is about to happen at Stadium MK (the home of the MK Dons football team).
• Get Britain Building Programme - Get Involved!
  The Homes and Communities Agency has issued detailed guidance for developers seeking a slice of the £420m Get Britain Building programme.
• New Water and Environment Management Frameworks
  The Environment Agency has started the search for a new line up of contractors and consultants for its next generation supplier arrangements.

More Information

We regularly receive updates from our customers and contacts about changes to legislation, the latest rumours and so on. We try to be selective with what we pass on and acknowledge our sources as appropriate. If you have information of general interest in the Health & Safety, and particularly, CDM and Asbestos Management arena, then please let us know by e-mail if possible.