In 2024, building safety transformed by leaps and bounds, paving the way for a safer and more accountable industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced crucial changes in the construction space by establishing more robust building control standards and enforcing stricter management of higher-risk buildings. In this blog post, we explore the impact of these changes over the past year and how the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) plans to build on this progress in the year ahead.
What have been some key advancements in building safety during 2024?
- Fully Operational BSR: Following its May 2024 conference, the BSR became fully functional, marking a generational shift in the construction industry’s approach to safety.
- Industry Engagement and Compliance: The BSR’s post-conference survey revealed that 71% of the 1,300 delegates gained a deeper understanding of their responsibilities, with nearly half planning significant changes to their practices within the year.
- Proactive Challenge Management: In July, the BSR addressed an unexpected surge in building control applications by implementing contingency measures, including recruiting additional staff and securing industry support, to manage increased demand effectively.
- Cultural Shift towards Safety: The BSR places significant emphasis on competence. Professionals are being expected to continually assess their skills and ask questions like:
- Do my teams have the skills and attitudes needed to deliver safe outcomes?
- Am I staying within my expertise and improving my knowledge?
- What more can I do to embed safety into everything we do?
- Resident Empowerment: The BSR launched the ‘Your Home, Your Safety’ campaign to engage high-rise residents, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed, and thus fostering a sense of security and involvement.
What is the vision for building safety in 2025?
In 2025, we will see an increase in efforts to further improve competence across the industry. Moreover, stakeholders will work together to accelerate remediation works and deal with any defaulters or obstacles.
Navigate the Building Safety Act in our continuing professional development (CPD) seminar. Sign up here.
How does MyDek comply with the building safety requirements?
- Complying with New Regulations: MyDek’s decking solutions align with the latest safety standards set by the BSR, ensuring that products meet the required specifications for high-rise constructions. Our non-combustible decking range, including A1 fire-rated Luxura®, supports safer living.
- Committing to Safety: MyDek fosters a culture of safety by staying updated with industry requirements, sharing this knowledge via CPDs, and designing smart, safe, and sustainable solutions for clients and residents.
- Engaging with Resident Concerns: Our products address common safety concerns such as fire resistance and structural integrity, demonstrating a resident-centric approach. For example, our Luxura® decking is an A1 fire-rated mineral composite decking with a 30-year warranty and a 60-year design life, meeting durability and safety expectations.
Whether you’re an architect, a project manager, an installer, or a resident, the MyDek team is available to assist you with your deck requirements for balconies or terraces.
If you’re interested in discussing a project, get in touch with us.
To learn more about the latest industry changes and challenges, sign up for a face-to-face or virtual CPD with us. You can book a CPD session here.