Episode #044 | Steve's Solo Pod

Steve goes solo in this episode of the Construction Sport Podcast to break down shocking new data from the HSE - obtained via a Freedom of Information request.

Over the last 3 years, too many accidents, incidents, and fatalities have occurred on UK construction sites. In this episode, Steve exposes the statistics, asks why workers are still dying on site, and explores who is (or isn’t) taking responsibility. From that, he talks plans moving forwards and what needs to change in the industry.

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/57725JKRE1I

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/69tpyGOqEhNurN09PVGaEX?si=dkG5AMZNQA2PkSQXKgChGQ

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hse-stats-reveal-shocking-reality-of-site-fatalities/id1778487912?i=1000724728383

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro - Why is Steve doing a solo pod today?

01:50 Steve’s ‘Freedom of information’ Request to the HSE. Stats & Dates

05:12 Steve dives into the stats + Pie Chart Graphics: Fatalities on Site

10:29 What are we doing for those affected by what they have witnessed? + TRiM

17:55 Final Anecdotes & Moving Forward

21:46 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #043 | Joli Riley

This week we sit down with business coach, scuba instructor, and wellbeing advocate Joli Riley to explore the connection between mental health and performance.

We dive into Joli’s adventures scuba diving around the world, breathwork therapy, imposter syndrome and how nutrition & sports helps protect our mental wellbeing.

Whether you work in construction, business, or simply want to improve your mental health, this episode is packed with tools to help you live and work better.

Connect with Joli on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliriley/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/eJCRYGy0wZc

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dipSrAQZf83UQEYoDJNQ4?si=QjI1lMg_QtOQb5TbVhY-4g

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bettering-mental-health-breathwork-scuba-diving-beating/id1778487912?i=1000723711669

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Joli’s Career Background(s!)

06:04 Joli’s Scuba Diving Life Travelling the World + Exploring Cultures!

13:44 We hosted an Ice Bath Challenge, but why? + Breathwork & Therapy

21:50 Joli’s current role as a Business Coach, how she helps people.

31:44 Difference between Business & Executive Coaching + Imposter Syndrome

39:14 Being in Singapore when Covid struck… Will it ever happen again?

45:38 Coming together through breathwork, yoga, wellbeing sessions. + SOMA Breathwork

52:17 You are what you eat - Exploring good nutrition for positive mental health

57:25 Where is the BEST place to Scuba Dive in the World? + Diving Logistics

01:02:33 Why does playing/doing sports work so well for mental health?

01:05:07 Final Comments & Outro (Bungee Jumping with Anton Oliver..!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DISCLAIMER:

Viewers may find some topics and themes discussed in this podcast distressing.

This recording has been shared for informational and educational purposes only. We do not intend to cause any harm or offence.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by issues raised in this podcast, please reach out to the following for help & support:

Samaritans - Call 116 123 (24/7, free) or visit https://www.samaritans.org/

Thank you.

Episode #042 | John Houlihan

Health & Safety Manager John Houlihan worked for the main scaffolding contractor on Grenfell immediately after the disaster of June 2017.

In this impactful & poignant episode of the Construction Sport Podcast, he shares his first-hand perspective on the treatment of construction workers & mental health struggles, the immense logistics of the scaffold, and the politics of accountability.

This isn’t just a story about scaffolding. It's a rare insight into one of the most sensitive projects UK construction has ever faced, told by someone who was there day by day.

📝Citations/Reports:

- https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iWqn-oIoLI9uS77kOuap0OIjVgFqWR6/view?usp=sharing

- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wCfeVKzSFW82FJz5yivFH8vO_OuPm4WX/view?usp=sharing

- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YfJXjyLwP7orEov8_a7_AJjMlvgZY8Bv/view?usp=sharing

🔗Connect with John on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-houlihan-cmiosh-57149b19/

Watch On YouTube - https://youtu.be/TrcexNQZKqU

Listen On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JiUC4o0UejAyOPNrDhdBY?si=uV_8Q5fcTO6u58wMPDEvCA

Listen On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grenfell-tower-behind-the-scaffold-john-houlihan/id1778487912?i=1000722792601

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! John’s Irish Background, & SUPER TROWEL + Ice Skip Recap!

09:03 John’s Story of Heading up the Scaffold for Grenfell Tower.

21:42 Why working on Grenfell was unfair & worse for Scaffolders (Mental Health)

27:43 In-depth Logistics of how & why Scaffolding was Erected + Monitored

33:00 How Construction Workers were treated vs All other teams on Grenfell

39:45 More Post-Disaster Logistics & Scaffold Dismantling + Staff Turnover

43:25 Lack of Health Support for workers + Why John got Exiled from the job…

51:59 Scaffold Politics + How & When will Grenfell’s Scaffolding be taken down?

56:41 Accountability, Government, & HSE. Enforcing Legislation? + Health & Safety

01:02:13 How the Industry was affected + Grenfell Today & Scaffolder Stereotypes

01:09:47 John’s Invention: ScaffGap & His Consulting Work + Supporting Construction Sport

01:22:45 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #041 | Katy Glen

Newest Team Member Katy is now in the hot seat!

The pair discuss our very special Construction Sport Hundred Club & newly-released Impact Report which you can find more about in the links below!

On from that they delve right into personal wellbeing, cons of modern society & the politics of construction giving us reason to do what we do.

Hundred Club - https://constructionsport.com/hundred-club/

Impact Report - https://constructionsport.com/impact-report/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/5-Kam81Sx4I

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dO0SvUzEFx9HJeyUDn1iU?si=033318e4f45e42a5

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912?i=1000721797237

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Who is actually running construction? + Impact Report & Hundred Club

06:18 Wellbeing, Stress, Cons of Mobile Devices & iPad Kids + Meditation & Breathwork

14:12 Watching what you eat - Addiction to energy drinks

17:00 Our NEXT Members Meeting! & The next Rugby Match at Saracens’ Stadium!

19:42 Our 2025 Highlights so far! + The ‘Head of Social Value’ Job Role & Competitiveness

26:04 Politics in Construction… Productivity & Investing into your people

29:54 Katy’s opinion on Women in Construction + Networking via Golf Events

33:58 Final Comments & Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #040 | Steve Kerslake

With arguably the most special guest yet... Stephen Kerslake dives deep into the biggest challenges facing the UK construction industry today - from government inaction, scandals, HSE oversight to mental health, diversity, and the reality of working conditions on-site.

We therefore reveal our Theory of Change + introduce Construction Industry Alert and explain how Construction Sport is saving lives through proactive reform and community-led action.

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/FrE3dY8X84Q

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Riq2NTLFOVP35T9mEsoTi?si=IL0dG7R7SlWgwKjtiszyIQ

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-sport-what-were-doing-to-save-lives-in/id1778487912?i=1000720880925

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Why you should listen to our most recent Episodes

02:53 Our Theory of change, NEW Hundred Club Ambassador + Podcast REVIEW

19:01 What is our Peloton Challenge? + Inclusivity, Diversity & Youngsters in Construction

29:50 Scandals, Longer Hours + more Construction Politics (Grenfell)

34:02 What we’re doing about it - CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ALERT

52:56 Why aren’t the Government/HSE trying to change the construction industry..?

01:02:43 Final Comments - Our UPCOMING Construction Sport Events! Open to ALL!

01:07:56 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #039 | Alex Gotts & Craig Copeland

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Gotts of Sigmacore & Craig Copeland of WillU for an unfiltered, honest discussion on the behind the scenes of the construction industry.

From fraud & foul play, demographics, career pressures and how hierarchy affects workers on site, nothing is off the table. This episode speaks directly to anyone on the tools, in management, or anywhere in between.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gotts-b4a84711a/

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-copeland-a10908147/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/-tMrUAhUWm0

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7r4KPaAuO0zbsV4DVXXRwc?si=Ab37zKGCSse0Pz8DZRjePQ

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-uk-construction-fraud-insurances-cancel-culture/id1778487912?i=1000719780059

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! London Travel, Ben Banaghan, & Our London 10km Run!

05:24 Sigmacore X WillU, How Timpson’s Actually Operates? & UK vs US Podcasts

09:24 Giving construction workers a voice, cancel culture + Main Contractor fraud?

14:28 Craig talks WillU: What is it? + Insurances, Self-employment, Anxiety

28:07 Swapping Golf for Padel? + Bringing people together at work + Alex’s Business

40:58 Craig’s Motorsport Career! Importance of Sports X Work + Steve goes to Wimbledon!

51:57 Alex’s ridiculous luck winning raffles… Going Monaco Grand Prix for FREE!?

56:24 Miscommunication through hierarchy & benefits of transparency

01:02:26 Why Construction needs, & how to appeal to, Youngsters + Career Progression

01:11:00 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #038 | Richard Stewart & Remi Martinelli

What’s it really like running a scaffolding business in the UK?

We sat down with Rich & Remi from Rule One Scaffolding to talk about life on site, payment terms, accreditations, employment benefits, mental health in construction and some wild scaffold stories on the job.

🛠️ Real talk for scaffolders, tradespeople, and anyone working in construction.

🎧 Also featuring: site safety, whistleblowing laws, the London Marathon, tattoos, and more!

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-stewart-75a7b8218/

Connect with Remi on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/remi-martinelli-aatqb-37835a246/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/KV1QnzFvIjg

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/70LoOqCPfwSJuonaOLHTlG?si=fSzcgun3TcmVkSCau6IRdg

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grit-graft-guts-life-running-a-scaffolding-business/id1778487912?i=1000718667762

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! What it’s like running a Scaffold Business: Rule One Scaffolding

04:18 Rich’s Scaffolding Knowledge & History + Remi’s role with accounts & AAT Exams,

12:49 Rich talks Scaffolding Purpose, Law, Cladding & Working With Clients

23:14 Delving into construction fatality statistics + Alert System + Whistleblowing Laws

34:39 Why being Self-employed in Construction needs a total revamp

39:52 Rule One Scaffolding’s Experience with Payment Schedules/Terms

44:20 Steve’s anal ways on Covid Lockdown Motorway Job…

51:00 Rich & Remi’s Loyal Involvements in many Construction Sport Events!

01:00:08 Rich on what it’s like doing the London Marathon! + Upcoming ConSpo Events

01:05:45 Social Value, Inclusivity & Diversity + Youngsters in Construction

01:10:12 Remi’s Italian Background, Rich’s Scottish Background and… TATTOO Reveal!

01:19:57 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #037 | Phil Saunders

Mental health in construction is at a crisis point.

In this episode, Phil shares his personal struggles, the pressures of site life, and what needs to change in the industry.

From burnout and stress to the role of grassroots sports, AI, workplace culture & also cycling around the whole world – this is a raw and honest conversation every tradie needs to hear.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-saunders-mior-2332972b/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/RnZq83AamZU

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EI83HVXBhX4sqYXtzhfEv?si=XjwyYbDdR8ekYzFWwTkN3Q

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-in-construction-is-broken-heres-how-were/id1778487912?i=1000717510855

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! About Phil: University, Redundancy & Working in Construction

07:03 Phil Talks Roofing: Flat roofs, Water Wastage & Drainage

12:41 Industry Pressures, Cutting Corners + Grenfell Tower & Building Safety Act

19:50 How is AI going to take over the construction industry? + WhatsApp vs Emails

27:20 Benefits of playing Grassroots Sports + Robbed of winning Reading 7s

33:33 Drinking cultures: is there something wrong with you for being sober?

39:16 Dealing with stress & pressure + Super Trowel & Attracting Apprenticeships

47:07 All things Wales: Working/Living in + Language. & ConSpo Events!

52:46 Phil’s story of Cycling around the whole planet.

59:15 Stress, Trauma, Depression, Death. How we’re fixing Mental Health in Construction.

01:41:18 Final Comments & Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #036 | Jimmy Hendry

What’s REALLY going on in the UK plumbing & gas industry?

Today we sit down with experienced plumber Jimmy Hendry, who’s seen it all, to expose:

🔧 Why the industry is broken – and how to fix it

🔧 Hidden dangers & regulations everyone should know

🔧 Are we heading for another Grenfell-level disaster?

🔧 Tool theft, mental health, and what life on site is really like

🔧 The insane amount of water we waste daily in the UK

Whether you’re a plumber, gas engineer, or work anywhere in construction, this conversation will open your eyes and give you the real stats and stories that you need to hear.

Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-hendry-327799133/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/13Ejn4FdppE

Listen On Spotify! -https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oEI794bO0X1Guqu8AnOcm?si=yPf3KMqARrSJmWFv035jow

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-plumbing-gas-in-the-uk-exposing/id1778487912?i=1000716481439

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pre-Intro Waffle: What’s to come in this Ep!

01:09 Intro! How & When Jimmy & Steve first met!

04:30 About Jimmy: Teaching in Namibia, apprenticeships & accreditation tickets

16:53 Are plumbers allowed to also deal with gas? + Insurances & Regulations

30:32 Outrageous Politician Promises/Actions + Defibrillators, Prosecutions, Agendas

43:20 Is it going to take another Grenfell incident to be taken seriously? Gas Safe Register

54:59 UK Tool Theft: Steve’s van gets broken into. + Commending Construction Influencers

01:03:18 Construction Life: Fatalities, HSE incompetence, PTSD, Suicide, Legislative Change.

01:21:32 Mental Health Struggles + Why budgeting will make a big difference to your life

01:32:46 Jimmy talks working & living in Antarctica! Work/Life Balance…

01:49:03 Jimmy warns how we waste an insane amount of water every day

01:56:27 Final Comments & Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #035 | Paul Rosser

Today we dive deep into the REAL stories that builders and tradespeople face every day.

Paul bravely shares his honest journey through construction life from fighting through work stress, toxic site culture, & mental health struggles facilitated by drug & alcohol abuse.

If you work in construction—or care about the people who build the world around us—this conversation will hit home.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rosser-140896112/

Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/qF2DE2o5TmI

Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2930GRGdkDDhhjXGvDv1mn?si=oiv9tVHnTfyQWWgBD_IMlA

Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/drugs-debt-disrespect-the-reality-of-uk/id1778487912?i=1000715423433

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: Paul’s background - journey into, and life in construction (all different jobs)

07:24 “convid”, Work stress equalling Mental Health Slipping + Drug & Alcohol Abuse

15:06 Paul’s experience with Awful Payment Structures & Disrespectful Colleagues

24:46 Difference in clients during covid? + Not having the vaccine

28:09 Mental Health in construction: ‘unnecessary spending’? + Sexual Harassment Stats

36:04 Paul’s Open & Honest take on Mental Health + Stories from At Work

46:06 Tickets & Accreditation Cards Processes + Keir Starmer is a ******

48:39 Moving onto more upbeat stuff: Paul’s route into DJing + Breathwork

55:54 Final thoughts & Comments (Breathwork Therapy, Youngsters in Construction)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.