AUDIO NEWS: Unqualified electricians pose safety threat and FMB promotes Stress Awareness Day

Unqualified electricians pose significant safety threat claims head of Select, FMB urges firms to look after the mental health of employees and ex-offender rebuilds life in the trades

Unqualified electricians pose a significant threat to public safety, warned the head of Select earlier this week.

Speaking on the Hard Hat Talks podcast, Alan Wilson, managing director of the trade organisation, claimed that 13% of domestic fires could be traced back to poor electrical work.

Select has a long-running campaign to grant the title of electrician professional status, similar to doctors or lawyers.

Currently anybody can claim to be an electrician regardless of their qualifications.

---

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has been urging firms to look after the mental health of their employees as part of Stress Awareness Day.

Studies indicate that 73% of construction workers have been affected by mental illness, and nearly a third experience daily anxiety.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB said the industry needs to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and “create environments where workers feel comfortable talking about it.”

---

A former younger offender is now building her career as a bricklayer.

Maria Sara was in HMP Peterborough when she signed up for a bricklaying course and impressed the team from Construction Pathways. The team then helped her secure work on site.

Steve Coleby from Construction Pathways said: “Maria is a great example of someone using their time inside as an opportunity to grow.”

---

To listen to the construction news please click below