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Build & Thrive
Build & Thrive is the podcast transforming occupational health and wellbeing in the construction industry. Hosted by Jennie Armstrong, founder of Construction Health & Wellbeing, each episode features inspiring conversations with experts and change-makers dedicated to creating a healthier, happier workforce.
Hear interviews with inspirational individuals and experts who are leading the way in tackling the industry’s toughest challenges, from staggering health statistics to skills shortages and talent retention. Did you know construction workers are nearly 4 times more likely to take their own lives through suicide than workers in other industries? Or that they’re 100 times more likely to die from work-related health issues than safety incidents?
It’s clear we need to do more. Built to Thrive is here to spark change, celebrate innovation, and inspire action for a brighter future in construction.
Join us for real stories, practical advice, and the latest in health and wellbeing strategies for the construction sector. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube to stay updated. Together, we can make construction a place where everyone can thrive.
Build & Thrive
Noise: The Safety Risk That’s Louder Than You Think
Guest: Clare Forshaw: Professional Head of Health & Wellbeing RSSB. Founder & Director at UK Hearing Conservation Association. Board Member British Occupational Hygiene Society
In this powerful and insightful episode of Build & Thrive, host Jenny Armstrong is joined by Clare Forshaw - respected occupational health expert and director of the UK Hearing Conservation Association - for a candid conversation on one of construction’s oldest and most underestimated health risks: noise.
With decades of experience, including her time at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Clare shares why noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains the most commonly claimed industrial injury in the UK and why current approaches to noise risk are failing the workforce. From inadequate hearing protection to the risks of long-term cognitive decline and dementia, Clare makes a compelling case for urgent culture change.
They discuss:
🔹 Why hearing loss is more than a minor inconvenience
🔹 How cognitive health, dementia, and isolation link to NIHL
🔹 What’s wrong with our current "tick-box" approach to noise management
🔹 Why younger generations may be arriving on site with existing hearing damage
🔹 What organisations can do - even on a budget - to reduce risk and improve outcomes
🔹 The vital role of leadership, planning and principal contractors in reducing exposure
Clare also explains how the UK Hearing Conservation Association is driving innovation, offering best practice resources, and helping employers rethink their responsibilities when it comes to protecting hearing in the workplace.
If you work in construction, rail, or any noisy sector - this is a must-listen. And if you’re a leader wondering where noise risk fits into your wider wellbeing strategy, Clare will give you both the motivation and practical ideas to get started.
🎧 Also available as a podcast and video – if you enjoy the blog or episode summary, be sure to check out the full conversation for even more insight.
🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431164 (or search your podcast app)
📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEoibJLDuFnnT3qSQw37LKPG6xlyvCj7B
🔹 Thank you to our sponsor, GKR Scaffolding, for supporting this series and helping us share our mission of improving health and wellbeing in construction.
Episode Links:
Jennie Armstrong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniearmstrong/
Construction Health & Wellbeing: https://constructionhealth.co.uk/
Clare Forshaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-forshaw-7351564a/
UK Hearing Conservation Association: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-hearing-conservation-association/
GKR Scaffolding (sponsor): https://gkrscaffolding.co.uk/
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