In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Harris, co-founder of The Buddie System, an Australian innovation that’s redefining safety in crane and lifting operations. The Buddie System uses smart wearables and wireless communication to keep workers safe when radio contact fails. Whether it’s a dogman in Australia, a slinger in the UK, or a rigger in the US, this technology provides a lifeline when communication breaks down. With a simple tug on the lanyard, an instant alert can stop a crane in...

In this episode, I speak with Charity Rose, an Engineering Geologist at AtkinsRéalis and a key member of Bold as Brass, about a critical issue the construction industry has largely ignored. On-site menstrual safety and welfare facilities for women. Charity specialises in geotechnical engineering but has become a leading voice advocating for equality on construction sites. We discuss the reality of current site facilities, the health and safety risks women face when adequate provisions aren't ...

Vish is an electrician turned mental health advocate who's on a mission to reduce suicide in construction. He's the founder of Onward Shift, a mental health hub designed for the construction community. What We Cover: The shocking statistics: Why construction workers face suicide risks 3.7 times higher than the national average.Breaking the silence: How 59% of UK construction workers feel unable to speak about their mental health struggles.From tools to therapy: Vishal's personal journey from ...

From military to prison to rebuilding his life to rebuilding other veteran's lives In this episode, we sit down with Darren Wright, founder of Veterans Into Logistics - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping struggling military veterans transition into meaningful careers in logistics and construction. About Our Guest: Darren Wright is a former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner who founded Veterans Into Logistics in 2020 in memory of his army colleague Jamie Doyle, who tragical...

In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast, we sit down with Rob Hammond, founder of ARSS UK Ltd, a specialist adoptable roads and sewer services company. Rob shares his journey into the infrastructure sector and explains what it takes to run a business, covering everything from sewer connections and pumping stations to road building and deep drainage work. As a true family business, Rob works alongside his wife and son, and they often travel together to wherever the work takes th...

In this episode, we sit down with Jenna Hartwig, Business Development Manager at Foundation Personnel Ltd, to get an insider's perspective on the current construction job market and what it takes to land your next role in the industry. Jenna works directly with construction companies to secure contracts, while also connecting skilled candidates with the right opportunities. Her unique position gives her valuable insights into both sides of the hiring equation. Here are some of the areas we ...

My cousin Chris is a trainer and NPORS assessor at Marlborough Highways. The key talking points in this episode are: - Dyslexia - Overcoming imposter syndrome - How the awarding bodies should change - Investing in local communities - Marlborough Highways apprenticeships - People skills - Staff retention - Mickey Mouse qualifications - Being a mental health first aider - Struggling with office etiquette - Public respect of road workers - How he cooks eggy bread - Wearing a dress You can ...

Michael discusses the best ways to get into site management. He was also brave enough to talk about how he turned his life around after abusing drink and drugs. A journey that has made him a much better person. 🔎 Find Michael Harris here: ✅ TikTok: https:https://www.tiktok.com/@pheonixarise?_t=ZN-8v4F36oToN4&_r=1 ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfhelpharrisigsh=Y3k3Z281bW4xMmVq📢 https://www.youtube.com/@UCBm2Dfg5ff_BINLb9n4MIsA ▼ Connect with us ▼ 📌 Website: https://constru...

In this episode, we sit down with Deborah Madden, Executive Director of Engagement at CITB, to discuss the future of the construction industry, skills development, and CITB’s role in workforce training. Deb also debunks the myths and stigma attached to CITB by explaining what the organisation is and what it does. Key talking points: - Shortage of trades - Unemployment- Apprenticeships - Retaining employees - Women in construction - New Entrant Support Team (NEST) - Employer Networks - Levy pr...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Steve Kirby - a former demolition worker and now life coach - tells us about how a near fatal accident at work changed his life. For the worst at first, then for the better. Some key talking points are: - Life in demolition - Almost dying in a trench - Heavy alcohol consumption - Depression and PTSD - Suicidal thoughts - Non-reporting of incidents - Safety at work- Site politics - SKLifecoach UK Ltd - Talks and conferences - Mental health in construction...

Carl Harris tells his story of a horrible accident he had as a bricklayer, when a brick wall that was not braced sufficiently blew over, crushing him. After a terrible few months after the incident, Carl invented Brick Bud, an efficient brick wall bracing system. He then formed Harris Brick Safety Systems. 🔎Here's where you can find Carl Harris. YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarrisBrickSafetySystems?si=nnzrrBBGCctXeBvG Website: https://harrisbricksafetysystems.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linke...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Enjoy my chat with Connor Liddle aka Cranebrain, a mobile and crawler crane operator, crane supervisor, and content creator. Connor grew up in a Yorkshire family of crane people in a small village of crane people, so it's fair to say cranes are in his blood. This became more evident the more I spoke to him. And you'll see more evidence of his passion for cranes across his platforms and channels.You can find them here: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.co...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ After over 40 years of operating heavy plant on her family farm in Wales, Lana decided only a few years ago to get into construction. She's since flourished, operating various machines like backhoes, bulldozers, and 360° excavators (like her beloved Lady Lana). Lana documents her working days on social media. She's also an advocate for women in construction. Here's where you can find Lana: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-edwards-5a797497/ You...

Darren is a mental health campaigner in the construction industry. He is CEO of iTalk MH Ltd, an organisation that businesses can subscribe to, to provide their staff with mental health support, advice on financial worries, and much more. Darren's journey on this path was instigated by his mental breakdown and PTSD following a brutal knife attack that almost killed him on his own home, in a case of mistaken identity many years ago. If this episode resonates with anybody or if you're strugglin...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Kevin is a former Paratrooper, mobile crane operator, and Appointed Person. He is also a world champion in Taekwondo. Kevin now owns InspHigher, a company that gives a higher level of training in lifting operations. https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/?__pwa=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://ww...

This is a special one for me because I got to interview my brother. He moved to Australia in 2015. You'll learn about: how he got into the industry, Australian visas, Australian culture, salaries, piling rigs, certifications, and much more. If you'd like to watch the YouTube version, you can get it here: https://youtu.be/KhN6OtuJI7k Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/?__pwa=1 https:...

Episode 3 is Construction Cog's first visual episode, where I chat with Ania Bułecka, a crane supervisor and Appointed Person. Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/?__pwa=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Ian Mason, a good psychopath, former rocker, and Senior Project Manager for Lendlease. Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/?__pwa=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Wayne Scott, a crane appointed person (AP), who sometimes regrets being a Spurs fan. Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/?__pwa=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/ https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/