The Construction Cogs Podcast

In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast, I speak with Anthony Hegarty from DSRM Risk & Crisis Management about Operation Crane and The Crane Report. Most people in construction have heard the statistic that around two construction workers a day die by suicide. But Anthony’s work asks a difficult question: do we properly understand what sits behind that number? We discuss why the usual...

In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast, I’m joined by Kirsty Budenbender, co-founder of DSK Environmental.   Kirsty shares how she built the business with her family, what asbestos removal really involves, and why she believes there still is not enough education around asbestos, especially for homeowners, schools, and people working in construction.   We also get into the practical side...

A ship can look rock solid and still be one bad weight shift away from trouble. We’re joined by Rene, a level 4 apprentice naval architect, to make vessel stability feel real, human, and surprisingly relatable, from heel and GM values to the unglamorous truth of tracking every kilo during a refit. If you’ve ever wondered what naval architecture actually involves, or how ships get safely repurposed...

Steve Leyton, Lifting Director at Keltbray, joins the Construction Cogs Podcast to talk about how lifting competence is built properly across major projects. We get into how Keltbray have centralised their lifting operations, how they assess and mentor slingers and supervisors, and why that approach is helping them retain people long term. Steve also shares his journey into lifting, his involvemen...

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Housman from Ally Safety, my first ever guest on this podcast from across the pond. We originally connected after I entered a safety video into a competition Rachel ran, and it led to a proper chat about what she does, why most training does not land, and how to make safety communication actually stick. We get into: What Ally Safety is, who it’s for, and what...

In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast , I sit down with Richard Stone , founder of Project Management Blueprint , to talk about what really happens when construction becomes a race to the bottom, and why chasing the cheapest price often creates the most expensive problems. Richard breaks down the thinking behind Project Management Blueprint and the structured, step-by-step approach he t...

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, an...

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...

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 commu...

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...

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...

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...

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 wo...

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 positio...

My cousin Chris is a trainer and NPORS assessor at Marlborough Highways. The key talking points in this episode are: - Dyslexia - Overcoming imposter syndrome - How the awarding bodies should change - Investing in local communities - Marlborough Highways apprenticeships - People skills - Staff retention  - Mickey Mouse qualifications - Being a mental health first aider - Struggling with office eti...

Michael discusses the best ways to get into site management. He was also brave enough to talk about how he turned his life around after abusing drink and drugs. A journey that has made him a much better person. 🔎 Find Michael Harris here: ✅ TikTok: https:https://www.tiktok.com/@pheonixarise?_t=ZN-8v4F36oToN4&_r=1 ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfhelpharrisigsh=Y3k3Z281bW4xMmVq📢 h...

In this episode, we sit down with Deborah Madden, Executive Director of Engagement at CITB, to discuss the future of the construction industry, skills development, and CITB’s role in workforce training. Deb also debunks the myths and stigma attached to CITB by explaining what the organisation is and what it does. Key talking points: - Shortage of trades - Unemployment- Apprenticeships - Retaining...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Steve Kirby - a former demolition worker and now life coach - tells us about how a near fatal accident at work changed his life. For the worst at first, then for the better. Some key talking points are: - Life in demolition - Almost dying in a trench - Heavy alcohol consumption - Depression and PTSD - Suicidal thoughts - Non-reporting of incidents - Safety at...

Carl Harris tells his story of a horrible accident he had as a bricklayer, when a brick wall that was not braced sufficiently blew over, crushing him. After a terrible few months after the incident, Carl invented Brick Bud, an efficient brick wall bracing system. He then formed Harris Brick Safety Systems. 🔎Here's where you can find Carl Harris. YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarrisBrickSafet...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Enjoy my chat with Connor Liddle aka Cranebrain, a mobile and crawler crane operator, crane supervisor, and content creator. Connor grew up in a Yorkshire family of crane people in a small village of crane people, so it's fair to say cranes are in his blood. This became more evident the more I spoke to him.  And you'll see more evidence of his passi...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ After over 40 years of operating heavy plant on her family farm in Wales, Lana decided only a few years ago to get into construction. She's since flourished, operating various machines like backhoes, bulldozers, and 360° excavators (like her beloved Lady Lana). Lana documents her working days on social media. She's also an advocate for women in cons...

Darren is a mental health campaigner in the construction industry. He is CEO of iTalk MH Ltd, an organisation that businesses can subscribe to, to provide their staff with mental health support, advice on financial worries, and much more. Darren's journey on this path was instigated by his mental breakdown and PTSD following a brutal knife attack that almost killed him on his own home, in a c...

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ Kevin is a former Paratrooper, mobile crane operator, and Appointed Person. He is also a world champion in Taekwondo. Kevin now owns InspHigher, a company that gives a higher level of training in lifting operations. https://constructioncogs.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/...

This is a special one for me because I got to interview my brother. He moved to Australia in 2015. You'll learn about: how he got into the industry, Australian visas, Australian culture, salaries, piling rigs, certifications, and much more. If you'd like to watch the YouTube version, you can get it here: https://youtu.be/KhN6OtuJI7k Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ https://construc...

Episode 3 is Construction Cog's first visual episode, where I chat with Ania Bułecka, a crane supervisor and Appointed Person. Website: https://constructioncogs.com/ 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/jimmywe...