Master Builder Magazine: Spring 2026

BUSINESS SUPPORT _ HEALTH & SAFETY

When members find asbestos on site, they want an urgent remedy, and the H&S helpline will provide guidance on what to do

Finding the right support Choosing a competent health and safety adviser is crucial, but cost and quality can vary. When members call for advice, we always ask: What level of support do you actually need? Is upskilling in-house staff a better option? Do you know how to find qualified advisers?

Help is here The FMB’s Health & Safety Helpline supports members with key issues, writes Peter Kinselley Associate Director, Health and Safety Consultancy at Cardinus

A key resource is the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register. Scan the QR code for

additional information.

The unexpected calls Not every query fits into a category, and that’s part of what makes the helpline so valuable. One memorable example involved an FMB member contacting the helpline after their work was abruptly halted by Transport for London (TfL). The team had been carrying out routine building work, unaware that the structure they were working on formed part of a bridge under TfL’s control and specific licensing requirements. The member had no prior knowledge that a licence was needed before any work could begin, and the sudden stoppage created immediate operational and financial pressure. With work suspended and no clear guidance on the next steps, they needed support. Thanks to previous experience with a similar case, we were able to: explain why a licence was required; identify the authority responsible for issuing it; provide clear instructions on how to apply; and outline the steps needed to bring the project back into compliance . Every call is different – yet every call ends with members feeling more supported, informed, and reassured.

N avigating health, safety and compliance can be challenging. Tricky CDM questions, unexpected asbestos discoveries – even the most experienced professionals need a trusted guide. Which is what the FMB Health & Safety Helpline – powered by Cardinus Risk Management – does. Five most common call types The questions we receive usually fall into five areas: CDM advice and compliance;

required documentation; and appropriate training courses.

We translate complicated issues into clear information that is simple to understand, and backed up with reliable references such as Health and Safety Executive (HSE). By signposting you to the correct resources, we keep you aligned with the law. Asbestos – when time matters A common theme with asbestos-related calls is members’ sense of urgency to resolve the issue. Many phone immediately after discovering the suspicious material on site, eager to understand what to do next to remain safe and compliant with the law. When you phone in, we’ll give guidance to keep you, your team and clients, the general public safe. SSIP applications made simpler Anyone who has completed an SSIP questionnaire knows it can be a challenge. Sometimes a single point of clarification can save hours of frustration. That’s why the helpline is so valuable as we offer tailored, impartial support so you can complete your applications with confidence.

asbestos-related queries; support completing SSIP questionnaires; finding competent health and

safety assistance; and other health, safety and operational issues.

While topics vary, our aim remains the same: to provide practical and reliable guidance to keep you safe and compliant. Untangling CDM confusion CDM enquiries are among the most common and most wide-ranging queries. Members ask about: roles and responsibilities;

MORE INFORMATION Call the FMB Health and Safety Helpline on 0116 243 7623 Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:00 for support, advice or clarification on health, safety and compliance issues.

38 Master Builder

www.fmb.org.uk

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online