21 March highlights the vital role forests play in supporting our climate, biodiversity and everyday lives. From storing carbon to supplying materials used across many industries, forests are essential to both environmental and economic wellbeing. International Day of Forests 21.

For businesses, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how responsible sourcing, reducing waste and supporting sustainable supply chains can help protect forests for the future.

No Smoking Day highlights the importance of healthier lifestyles, especially in industries like construction where physical health and safety are vital. By encouraging workers to quit smoking and promoting access to support, employers can help create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.

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Food Waste Action Week highlights the significant environmental and economic impact of wasted food and encourages organisations to take practical steps to reduce it. By improving planning, storage and waste management practices, businesses can cut costs, reduce environmental impact and make better use of resources. Small operational changes can make a meaningful difference when applied across teams and supply chains.

Women in Construction Week (1–7 March) celebrates the contributions women make across the industry, from driving innovation to improving safety standards. It also highlights the importance of encouraging more women into construction and supporting inclusive workplaces.

At Combined Safety Solutions, we are proud of the women within our team who help support safer and more responsible working environments.

Recent CITB funding changes will significantly reshape how construction businesses plan and pay for training. With reduced short course grants and a shift toward Employer Networks, companies will need stronger workforce planning, clearer budgeting and a more strategic approach to skills development. Those who prepare early and prioritise apprenticeships are likely to adapt most successfully.

Digital waste tracking will soon become the standard across the UK construction sector. Subcontractors will need accurate waste data, compliant partners and stronger digital processes to stay on the right side of regulation. Preparing early will reduce disruption, strengthen compliance, and support smoother project delivery as oversight increases.

Adverse weather is a predictable risk on construction sites. When it’s properly planned for and managed, it reduces incidents, protects workers, and ensures safety standards remain strong, no matter the conditions

ISO 14001 is being revised, with the updated standard due in April 2026. Understanding the changes now can help organisations prepare early, reduce risk, and strengthen their environmental management systems ahead of transition.

Bite-sized, practical Lunch and Learn sessions tailored to your team, helping build confidence in health & safety and sustainability without disrupting the working day.

Near misses are early warning signs of serious accidents. When they’re reported and acted on properly, they help identify risks early, strengthen safety culture, and prevent harm before it happens.

The final stages of a project can be the most risky. Discover why maintaining health and safety right up to handover is essential for a successful finish.

SMSTS certificate due to expire? Our 2-day remote refresher course on 16th - 17th March helps you stay qualified, compliant, and confident on site.

This week marked International Day of Clean Energy, a reminder that cleaner energy isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. From energy audits to renewables and efficiency upgrades, small actions can lead to big savings and a lower carbon footprint.

PPE is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on site, but only if it’s worn correctly and consistently. This blog is a reminder of why PPE matters, the responsibilities of both employers and workers, and how small habits can make a big difference to safety, compliance, and site culture.

Keeping training records up to date doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful. Our new Training Matrix Management service takes care of tracking expiry dates, managing records, and supporting compliance — helping businesses reduce admin time and stay compliant with confidence.

Small actions can make a big difference for biodiversity. Simple, low-cost steps on site can support local wildlife, boost staff wellbeing, and show clients and partners that your business is committed to a more sustainable future.

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a lovely and safe Christmas break. This blog highlights the key steps construction sites should take to ensure a safe and controlled return to work after Christmas and New Year, helping to manage changed site conditions, winter risks, and workforce wellbeing.

As the construction industry moves towards a low-carbon future, green skills are becoming essential across the supply chain. This blog explores the importance of environmental competence, the role of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and how Environmental Awareness training can help prepare subcontractors for future requirements such as carbon reporting and circular economy practices.

Environmental toolbox talks are a simple and effective way to raise awareness and improve environmental performance on site. This blog explains why brief, practical sessions matter and highlights key topics such as waste management, spill response, biodiversity protection, anti-idling, noise control, and good housekeeping.