The Construction Cogs Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Pip Wright (Philippa Wright), a UK mobile crane operator, about what the job really involves on site.

Pip shares how she got into crane operating, the responsibility that comes with lifting operations, and why confidence, communication and mindset are essential in a role where safety is everything. We also discuss site culture, earning respect through competence, and being a woman in construction without.

A conversation for anyone working in construction, considering a trade career, or curious about roles in the crane industry.

Topics covered:

• How Pip got into mobile crane operating

• What a mobile crane operator actually does on site

• Responsibility, safety and pressure in lifting operations

• Communication between crane operators and slingers

• Confidence, mindset and learning on the job

• Being a woman in construction

• Advice for getting into crane operating and construction

Lifting Operations training:
https://lifttecacademy.co.uk/constructioncogs
Use code CCOGS100 for £100 off your course

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Lifting Operations training:

https://lifttecacademy.co.uk/constructioncogs

Use code CCOGS100 for £100 off your course

In this episode I sit down with Donny, a well-respected slinger and crane supervisor with solid experience in the lifting industry. We talk about his journey, the realities of site life and what it takes to work safely and professionally in lifting operations.

We cover:

• How Donny started in the lifting industry

• The difference between working as a slinger and as a crane supervisor

• How to handle pressure, stress and high risk lifts

• Site culture and dealing with strong personalities

• CPCS vs NPORS

• Common mistakes new slingers make

• What a supervisor wants from a crane operator

• Mental health challenges in construction

• Advice for future slingers and supervisors

• The level of support for new starters on site

• Career progression and thoughts on becoming an AP

• And our usual round of Nonsense Questions

Whether you are a crane operator, slinger, supervisor or someone looking to enter the industry, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has worked at a reliable and trusted level.

Remember to like, comment and subscribe for more content on cranes, lifting operations and construction careers.

Also, subscribe to my vlog channel, where you see my life as a tower crane operator.

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 motion, helping prevent accidents before they happen. 

Jade shares the story behind the invention, how it’s been tested on real sites, and what it’s been like seeing industry giants like Marr Contracting and Multiplex adopt the system. We also chat about expanding into the UK and US markets, future developments, and what’s next for wearable safety tech. And of course, we wrap up with my usual 'Nonsense Questions'. 

🎧 **Listen now to hear how digital safety is changing the construction landscape, one lift at a time.** 

🔗 Learn more about The Buddie System: 

https://www.thebuddiesystem.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-buddie-system-tbs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-harris-7068a2a6/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-panagiotidis-3263ba11a/

📍 Featuring: Jade Harris 

🎙️ Hosted by: Jimmy Webb 

Remember to subscribe to my YouTube vlog, where I show you my day-to-day action as a tower crane operator: https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 made, and practical solutions that every site manager and contractor can implement.

This conversation tackles an uncomfortable but essential topic - why basic dignity and safety for women workers matters, what menstrual safety actually looks like in practice, and how proper welfare facilities can help retain more women in our industry.

Topics covered: 

• Current state of welfare facilities on UK construction sites 
• Bold as Brass and how to get involved
• Bold as Brass's campaign for properly fitting PPE and facilities 
• Practical solutions for site managers and contractors 
• What Charity's perfect site facilities would look like
• Awareness around menopause
• HSE welfare requirements and where the gaps are 
• Breaking down stigma around menstrual health discussions
• And our usual round of 'Nonsense Questions'

🌐 Connect with Charity: 

📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-rose-b7b5ba167/ 

📌 Bold as Brass - Tribe - Women & Tribe Women Only: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12683758/ 

📌 Bold as Brass Allies and All Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12721909/

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 the electrical trade to mental health advocacy.
• Building Onward Shift: The business side of creating mental health services for construction
• Vish's own struggles: Vish's personal struggles with anxiety, ADHD, OCD.
• Maintaining his own wellbeing: How Vish maintains his own mental health while running Onward Shift, working full time, plus running his own electrician business.
• Real solutions: Practical steps site managers and companies can take.
• Podcast to podcast: Insights from Vishal's own podcast show featuring people's mental health journeys.

📊 Key UK Construction Mental Health Facts Discussed

• 91% of construction workers have felt overwhelmed
• 87% have experienced anxiety
• 1.5 million workers have worked in dangerous conditions due to poor mental health
• 36% prevented from speaking openly due to workplace stigma

🔗 Connect with Vish:

Onward Shift Website: https://onwardshift.com/ 

Onward Shift Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@onwardshift/videos 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/

⚠️ Mental Health Resources

- If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, use you support resources page: https://constructioncogs.com/mental-health/

- If you or someone you know is having financial difficulties, use this resources page for help: https://constructioncogs.com/financial/

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 tragically died less than a year after leaving the military. What started as HGV driver training has now expanded into promoting mobile crane operation, directly connecting to the construction industry. 

What We Discuss: 

✅ What inspired Darren to start this organisation

✅ The challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian employment 

✅ How Veterans Into Logistics provides training and job placement 

✅ Expanding from HGV driving into mobile crane operations 

✅ Lobbying for ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits) regulation changes 

✅ The shortage of skilled operators in construction and logistics 

✅ Industry partnerships and success stories 

✅ Plus our usual fun nonsense questions to wrap up!

Connect with Veterans Into Logistics: 

🌐 Website: https://veteransintologistics.org.uk/ 

📱 Follow them on social media to support their mission

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wright-7067ba1a4/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manconamission

Job board: https://veteransjobboard.uk/

About The Construction Cogs Podcast: We interview the people behind the construction industry - from groundbreaking entrepreneurs to skilled tradespeople making a difference. If you're in construction or interested in the industry, subscribe for monthly episodes!

Be a guest: 

To become a guest, WhatsApp me on 07984687570 or email [email protected]

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 them across the UK.

While many construction businesses have struggled with the current economic climate, Rob reveals how his company has managed to thrive and continue growing despite the challenges facing the wider industry.

Rob also sprung a surprise guest on me, which was very welcome and just the person the industry needs to listen to.

We dive deep into: 

✅ How to break into the adoptable infrastructure sector 

✅ What adoptable roads and sewer services actually involves 

✅ Managing a family business in construction 

✅ Speaking to the surprise guest

✅ Observations on the current construction retention rate

✅ Managing stress

✅ What he's found in the ground

✅ Team management 

✅ Drugs in construction

Plus, we wrap up with our signature "Nonsense Questions" segment for some lighter moments!

Whether you're looking to understand more about this essential but often overlooked part of construction, or you're interested in the realities of running a specialist infrastructure business, this episode has something for you.

WHERE TO FIND ROB:

🔗 ARSS UK Ltd: https://www.arss.uk/ 📧 Contact: 0800 949 4567

🔗 LinkedIn: Rob Hammond ARSS UK Ltd Adoptable Roads and Sewers Services | LinkedIn

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

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 cover:
- Jenna's career journey and role at Foundation Personnel
- The reality of today's construction climate and why work has slowed down
- The ongoing skilled trades shortage and what it means for job seekers
- Practical tips to make yourself stand out to employers
- Why Red Card lifting personnel are facing employment challenges right now
- Strategies for breaking into the construction industry
- The stigma attached to recruitment workers
- Ditching her blow-up boyfriend

Whether you're looking to start your construction career, switch roles, or understand the current market dynamics, this conversation offers real-world advice from someone who sees the industry from the ground up.

About the Guest: Jenna Hartwig is a Business Development Manager at Foundation Personnel Ltd, where she bridges the gap between construction companies seeking talent and skilled professionals looking for their next opportunity.

Want to break into construction? Subscribe for more industry insights, career advice, and conversations with professionals who can help guide your path into this essential industry.

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Construction Cogs Podcast! In this episode, our first visual podcast features Ania Bułecka, a seasoned slinger/signaller, crane supervisor, and Appointed Person. 

ANIA TALKS ABOUT:
Life in Poland
Her degree in teaching
How she got into construction
Moving from London to Liverpool
Insights into the heavy machinery industry
Tips for crane supervisors and general contractors
Her positive and negative experiences in construction
Success stories from the construction site

https://constructioncogs.com/

Listen to Ian discussing what's involved with running a multi-million pound project. As well as his early years as a rock star (almost).

You can see more episodes at https://constructioncogs.com/