Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd
Posts By :

Stuart O'Brien

HEALTH & SAFETY MONTH: Embracing the digital revolution in FM
By:

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) has always been a cornerstone of facility management (FM) and estate management. However, the approaches and practices in this area have undergone considerable evolution, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a deeper understanding of workplace well-being. Let’s delve into these changes, examining how FM and estate management professionals have adapted to ensure safer and healthier work environments…

Historically, OH&S in FM and estate management was primarily reactive, focused on compliance with legal standards and responding to incidents. The emphasis was on physical safety, with measures centred around preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace. This included regular safety drills, installation of safety equipment, and adherence to building codes and regulations. While these practices were crucial, they often overlooked broader aspects of occupational health.

The digital revolution has transformed OH&S practices in several ways. Today, FM and estate management professionals leverage technology to monitor and improve workplace safety proactively. The use of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, for instance, has enabled real-time monitoring of environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and humidity, contributing to a healthier workplace environment. Advanced analytics and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are also being employed to predict and mitigate potential safety risks, moving the field from a reactive to a predictive stance.

Another significant shift is the holistic approach to OH&S, which now encompasses mental health alongside physical health. There is a growing recognition that employee well-being extends beyond physical safety to include psychological aspects. FM and estate professionals are increasingly focusing on creating environments that support mental health, such as spaces for relaxation and contemplation, and policies that promote work-life balance. This approach acknowledges that a safe and healthy workplace is one where both the physical and mental needs of employees are addressed.

Sustainability and environmental health have also become integral to OH&S strategies. There is an increasing emphasis on creating ‘green’ workspaces that not only minimise the ecological footprint but also promote a healthier working environment. This includes using eco-friendly materials, ensuring good indoor air quality, and providing natural lighting and green spaces. These practices demonstrate a shift towards a more environmentally conscious approach to OH&S, aligning workplace safety with sustainability goals.

Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a paradigm shift in OH&S. FM and estate management professionals have had to rapidly adapt to new challenges, such as implementing social distancing measures, enhancing cleaning protocols, and managing building operations to minimise the risk of virus transmission. This has accelerated the adoption of remote monitoring and management technologies, as well as prompted a re-evaluation of workspace design to prioritise health and safety in a post-pandemic world.

The evolution in OH&S among FM and estate management professionals reflects a more proactive, holistic, and technologically advanced approach to workplace safety and health. By embracing digital innovations, prioritising mental and environmental health, and adapting to emerging challenges like the pandemic, these professionals are ensuring that workplaces are not only safer but also more supportive and sustainable for all.

Are you searching for Health & Safety solutions for your organisation? The FM Forum can help!

Photo by sol on Unsplash

Do you require Environmental Services in 2024? The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory can help!
By:

On the hunt for Environmental services providers for your building, venue, school or company? The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is home to dozens of trusted partners ready to help make your project a reality!

Put simply, there’s something to suit every requirement.

Start Your Search Now

Are you an FM supplier? Get listed!

The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is the perfect platform to raise your organisation’s profile and extend your reach.

Promoted via the FM Briefing newsletter, website and our renowned meet-the-buyer facilities events – this digital FM directory offers a comprehensive list of industry solution leaders.

Click Here To Get Listed!

Or, for more information, please contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 or p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk

 

Do you specialise in Health & Safety solutions? We want to hear from you!
By:

Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in January we’ll be focussing on Health & Safety.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you specialise in Health & Safety and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Paige Aitken on p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Jan 24 – Health & Safety
Feb 24 – Building Maintenance & Refurbishment
March 24 – Cleaning
Apr 24 – Total FM
May 24 – Energy Management
Jun 24 – Physical Security
July 24 – Air Conditioning
Aug 24 – Waste Management
Sep 24 – Asset Management
Oct 24 – FM Software
Nov 24 – Intruder & Alarm Systems
Dec 24 – Fire & Safety Equipment

FIRE SAFETY MONTH: The shifting approaches to keeping employees safe
By:

Fire safety in the UK workplace has seen significant evolution over the last 10 years, influenced by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a heightened awareness of fire risks following high-profile incidents. This period has marked a shift from traditional, compliance-driven approaches to more holistic, proactive fire safety strategies. This article examines how workplace fire safety practices have transformed in the UK, underscoring the key developments and their implications and based on inout from attendees at the Facilities Management Forum…

1. Enhanced Regulatory Compliance

The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was a pivotal moment, leading to a rigorous re-examination of fire safety regulations in the UK. This incident spurred amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, placing more stringent obligations on businesses regarding fire risk assessments and safety measures. As a result, corporate entities have had to adopt more rigorous compliance protocols, ensuring their fire safety practices meet enhanced standards.

2. Shift to Risk-Based Approaches

There has been a noticeable shift towards risk-based approaches in fire safety. Rather than solely focusing on meeting minimum legal requirements, businesses now proactively identify and mitigate potential fire risks. This involves comprehensive risk assessments, regular reviews, and the implementation of tailored fire prevention strategies based on the specific risks associated with their operations and premises.

3. Integration of Advanced Technology

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in evolving fire safety measures. The use of intelligent fire detection and alarm systems, which provide early warning and precise location of fire outbreaks, has become more common. Additionally, the incorporation of smart building technologies, including automated fire suppression systems and emergency lighting, has enhanced the ability to respond effectively to fire incidents.

4. Emphasis on Training and Awareness

There is an increased emphasis on staff training and fire safety awareness. Corporations are investing more in comprehensive training programmes to ensure that employees are knowledgeable about fire risks and emergency procedures. Regular fire drills, fire safety workshops, and e-learning modules have become integral to corporate fire safety strategies.

5. Collaboration with Fire Safety Experts

Collaboration with fire safety professionals and consultants has become more prevalent. Businesses are seeking expert advice to ensure their fire safety practices are up to date and effective. This collaboration extends to working closely with local fire services to conduct audits and training sessions.

6. Focus on Building Design and Materials

The last decade has seen a greater focus on fire safety in the design phase of corporate buildings. This includes the use of fire-resistant materials, strategic design to prevent fire spread, and the incorporation of escape routes and fire safety equipment. These considerations are now integral to the planning and construction of corporate premises.

Conclusion

The approach to corporate fire safety in the UK has seen significant evolution over the past decade. Driven by a combination of regulatory changes, technological innovation, and a commitment to risk management, fire safety practices have become more comprehensive and proactive. As corporations continue to prioritise the safety of their employees and assets, these advancements in fire safety are likely to continue, shaping a more secure and resilient corporate environment.

Are you looking for Fire Safety solutions for your organisation? The Facilities Management Summit can help!

Photo by Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash

Join the likes of Airbus, Netflix and the NHS at next month’s Facilities Management Forum
By:

Join us next month at the FM Forum where you can network with peers, meet with leading suppliers & enjoy a series of seminar sessions!

As a FM professional, you can attend for FREE, but we only have a few places available – secure yours here.

Your place also includes all meals, overnight accommodation at the venue, and an invitation to our gala dinner with a showcase of entertainment.

Add your name to the guest list HERE, where you’ll be joining peers representing the likes of:

Airbus
Aldi UK
Alexander McQueen
Allianz Management Services Ltd
Alston Elliot – aegraphics.tv
Ashdown Phillips & Partners
Audley Villages
BAFTA
Boots UK
CBRE
Change Group International plc
Chatsworth Schools
Clermont Hotel Group Ltd
Communities Schools Trust
Cosmo Restaurants Group
Darktrace
Delph Group
Det Norske Veritas (UK)
Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT)
Eastlight Community Homes
Epson Europe B.V.
Exemplar Health Care
G D Allen Consultancy Ltd
Gail’s Bakery
Gill Jennings & Every LLP
Grice Collins Long
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Harris Federation
Helix (Powertrain Advantage)
INX International Ink Co.
ISS UK/ VMO2 UK
JLL
Knowles Care Home Ltd
L+R Hotels
London Borough Of Hackney
Manchester Airport Group (MAG)
Montcalm Hotels
Netflix
NHS
Opera North
Pepsi
Providence Row
PwC
Sciensus Pharma Services Ltd
Sherlodge Service Stations
Siddons Yeates Sharples Ltd
Southbank Centre Food Market
Sutton Council
Swansea City AFC
SWPltd
Tennyson Learning Community
The Caravan Club
The Chester Hotel
The Roundhouse Trust
The Sheiling Community
Thorpe Park
TLC Care

22nd & 23rd January 2024 – Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted Airport

Few places remain – If you are interested in attending, please click here to book, or contact us for more info.

ANTI-INTRUDER MONTH: How AI is assisting FMs to keep buildings secure
By:

The security of commercial properties is a paramount concern for many FMs. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there has been a paradigm shift in how security is managed and maintained in these spaces. AI is not only redefining current security protocols, but also paving the way for future advancements, as we explore here…

Current Applications of AI in Commercial Property Security

At present, one of the most significant applications of AI in commercial property security is in surveillance and monitoring. AI-powered CCTV systems are capable of real-time monitoring, providing facilities managers with instant alerts on unusual activities or security breaches. Unlike traditional surveillance systems that require constant human monitoring, AI systems can analyse vast amounts of video data, identify patterns, and detect anomalies with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Another area where AI is making a substantial impact is access control. Biometric systems, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, have become more sophisticated with the integration of AI. These systems offer a higher level of security than traditional keycard systems, as they are harder to falsify and provide detailed data on entry and exit times, enhancing the ability to track movements within the property.

Predictive Analytics and Threat Assessment

AI is also playing a crucial role in predictive analytics and threat assessment. By analysing historical data, AI algorithms can predict potential security threats and vulnerabilities, allowing facilities managers to take proactive measures to mitigate risks. This predictive capability is especially valuable in anticipating and preventing crimes like break-ins or vandalism.

Future of AI in Commercial Property Security

Looking to the future, the potential of AI in commercial property security is vast. One area of development is the integration of AI with the Internet of Things (IoT). As commercial properties become more connected, AI can manage and secure a network of IoT devices, from smart locks to heating systems, ensuring comprehensive security that extends beyond just physical surveillance.

Another futuristic application is the use of AI-powered security robots. These robots can patrol properties, provide surveillance, and even interact with employees and visitors, offering a new level of security presence that is both efficient and cost-effective.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI presents numerous opportunities for enhancing security, it also poses challenges. Privacy concerns, particularly in the use of surveillance technologies, are paramount. Facilities managers must ensure that the implementation of AI in security respects privacy laws and ethical standards. Additionally, there is the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological advancements and ensuring that security staff are adequately trained to work alongside AI systems.

AI is revolutionising the way facilities managers approach security in commercial properties. From advanced surveillance and access control to predictive analytics and the potential for IoT and security robots, AI is providing more efficient, accurate, and sophisticated security solutions. As this technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly integral role in the security strategies of commercial properties, offering enhanced protection, efficiency, and peace of mind for both facilities managers and property occupants.

Are you assessing Anti-Intruder and Security solutions for your organisation? The Facilities Management Forum can help!

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

MAP seeks optimal energy performance for commercial buildings with new Framework
By:

The Managing Agents Partnership (MAP) has launched a transformative Managing for Performance Framework to drive optimal in-use energy performance of commercial buildings.

The Framework recognises the pivotal role that the property management industry plays in championing energy performance and fostering collaboration among property owners, facilities managers, occupiers, and suppliers.

Focusing particularly on multi-let offices, the Managing for Performance Framework has been designed in three key stages, offering practical guidance on: (1) assessing a buildings current performance relative to industry benchmarks and its own specification, (2) enhancing the management and operational aspects of a building for optimal energy performance, and (3) maintaining and achieving peak in-use performance, with a focus on identifying areas for strategic focus and investment to enhance building efficiency.

Designed to increase professional understanding, the Framework links to other BBP guidance including the BBP Responsible Property Management Toolkit, which offers additional practical guidance on embedding sustainability within property management.

The Framework has been co-created by the industry, for the industry, via a working group made up of MAP, BBP Members and technical experts to drive optimal in-use performance and reduce associated emissions. The BBP invites commercial real estate professionals to explore this framework to unlock the in-use energy performance potential of buildings under their management.

Sarah Ratcliffe, CEO of the Better Buildings Partnership said: “One of our key aims at the BBP is to develop common approaches, stimulating the property industry to deliver buildings that perform better. We are therefore delighted to launch the Managing for Performance Framework to the industry. By providing a structured approach and actionable steps, we hope this Framework will empower property managers to narrow the divide between the expected and actual in-use energy performance of buildings they manage.”

Vicky Cotton, ESG Director at Workman, Chair of the BBP’s Managing Agents Partnership, and Co-Chair of the Managing for Performance Working Group said: “The launch of the Managing for Performance Framework marks a significant milestone for the Managing Agents Partnership. There has been a growing need for guidance that can credibly support property managers in closing the performance in-use gap, so we are thrilled to have launched a Framework designed to meet that demand.”

Carl Brooks, Global Head of ESG – Property Management at CBRE and Co-Chair of the Managing for Performance Working Group said: “Property owners are increasingly setting targets for the energy performance of their assets linked to wider ambitions toward net zero. We hope this Framework provides Property Managers with practical guidance on how to assess building performance today, and clarity around where investment is needed to drive energy reduction and efficiency aligned with those ambitions.”

Photo by Sean Pollock on Unsplash

COP 28 likely to be little more than a climate crisis ‘talking shop’ for big business
By:

This year’s Conference of the Parties (COP 28) may not match the positive momentum in the tech sector, a leader in fulfilling environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. In fact, it is anticipated to be more of a talking shop, according to analysts GlobalData.

COP 28 is being held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December, some 75,000 dignitaries, climate scientists, politicians, business leaders, and the world’s press will gather to discuss about addressing the growing climate crisis affecting the planet.

Since COP 27, the planet has grown hotter and climate-related disasters have become more prevalent around the globe, with countries across every continent suffering extreme floods, droughts, wildfires, and more. Recently, the UN stated that global warming is on track to increase by as much as 2.9C above pre-industrial levels.

While governments are tending to prevaricate and postpone, companies across the tech sector are accelerating the timing of their commitments to net zero.

Robert Pritchard, Principal Analyst at GlobalData, explained: “The tech sector has been a leader in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This has been driven by the power of customer, investor, and talent demand on the pull side. On the push side, great strides have been made from making equipment, services, and operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

In the broader market outside of tech, progress has been made with improvements in using renewable energy, as well as with advances in carbon capture. Recycling and a rise in the circular economy are also making great progress.

Pritchard concluded: “The tech sector is not only cleaning up its own act, but also actively contributing to resolving climate change. New ways of working facilitated by services like unified communications, multiple specific niche propositions such as optimizing water usage in agriculture with IoT and optimizing data center efficiency through hyperscaler economies of scale, mean that the tech sector can drive forward the digital economy while also making a substantial contribution to efforts to fight the climate crisis.”

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Do you specialise in Fire & Safety Equipment? We want to hear from you!
By:

Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in December we’ll be focussing on Fire & Safety Equipment.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you specialise in Fire & Safety Equipment and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Paige Aitken on p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment
Jan 24 – Health & Safety
Feb 24 – Building Maintenance & Refurbishment
March 24 – Cleaning
Apr 24 – Total FM
May 24 – Energy Management
Jun 24 – Physical Security
July 24 – Air Conditioning
Aug 24 – Waste Management
Sep 24 – Asset Management
Oct 24 – FM Software
Nov 24 – Intruder & Alarm Systems

IWFM signs Armed Forces Covenant to help former servicepeople find careers in FM
By:

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to active personnel, veterans and their families that they will be treated fairly.

For IWFM, it represents an opportunity to welcome current and former servicepeople into workplace and facilities management, advocate for their interests in the sector and offer the chance to upskill and reskill.

In addition to upholding the Covenant’s principles, IWFM commits to ‘‘upholding the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community” and to “recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country.”

Earlier this year, IWFM established the Veterans in FM network, which helps inform its approach to veterans and making FM a career of choice for current and former servicepeople. The network’s new committee is working on initiatives to engage with the veterans community, including outreach events, plus schemes yet to be revealed.

Welcoming the announcement, Chair of the Veterans in FM Network, Louisa Clarke, stated: “At IWFM, we recognise the massive contribution that active servicepeople and veterans have made to our country. We feel it’s vital to support the community, their families and always stand up for their interests. As a reflection of that, we are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and launch initiatives to truly live up to this commitment.

“We view active servicepeople and veterans as a rich pool of talent for workplace and facilities management; selfless, dedicated and detail-orientated are just some of the qualities we see on a day-to-day basis. At the same time, we’re keen to promote the profession as a career of choice for active and former servicepeople as they transition to civilian life.

“With a range of job roles available, many opportunities to upskill and reskill and the ability to draw on prior professional experience, we hope to benefit current and former servicepeople while enhancing the sector.”

CEO Linda Hausmanis said: “Today marks a special occasion for IWFM. After the nation paid tribute to the veterans community on Remembrance Day, we’re proud to demonstrate our commitment to current and active servicepeople, and their families, for the time to come. Having recently established the Veterans in FM network, we’re continually looking for new ways to empower the veterans community, primarily by creating career paths in workplace and facilities management. We want to ensure the sector is welcoming, supportive and makes best use of veterans’ talents and work ethic. Concurrently, we can show veterans the rich opportunities that are available in the sector and offer them the resources they need to prosper.”

If you would like to connect with other armed forces veterans in the workplace and facilities management profession and keep updated on our Network’s progress, please register your interest here.