Jane Middleton and Charity Rose join the UK Construction Podcast to discuss the realities of inclusive PPE in construction, from oversized clothing and unsuitable footwear to pregnancy PPE, menopause, neurodiversity, and the wider issue of “standard” PPE not fitting the workforce it’s designed to protect.

Recommended Inclusive PPE Products & Resources:

• Inclusive Hard Hats (smaller head sizes & braided hair compatibility)
  MSA Safety V-Gard range
• Women’s Safety Boots
  Amblers Safety Women’s Footwear Collection
• Women’s Safety Wellington Boots
  Muck Boot Company – Women’s Muck Grit S5 Tall Boots
• Safety Footwear for Challenging Site Conditions
  Rock Fall – Hurricane Safety Boots
• Smaller Gloves & Safety Glasses
  uvex Women’s PPE Range
• Hijab-Compatible & Maternity PPE Accessories
  Leo Workwear Accessories & Jacket Expanders
• Women’s Stretch Cargo Trousers
  Leo EcoViz Stretch Cargo Trousers
• Stretch Jogger-Style PPE Trousers
  Hawkridge Class 1 EcoViz Jog Trousers
• Women’s Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
  Leo Rosemoor Women’s Orange Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
• Inclusive PPE Supplier Directory
  PPE That Fits – Supplier Directory
• Further Reading / Industry Initiative
  AtkinsRéalis Inclusive PPE Release

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Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Mental health on-site is often acknowledged, but rarely understood in practice.

This episode looks beyond policies to explore what is actually happening across construction sites, and why many of the warning signs go unnoticed. From long hours and pressure to conversations that rarely go beyond football, work, or a quick “you alright, mate?”, the discussion examines how many men in construction avoid speaking openly about what they’re really struggling with. It highlights how humour, banter, and carrying on as normal can often mask deeper issues, allowing addiction and mental health struggles to develop unnoticed over time.

Craig Paton, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director, MHFA specialist, and founder of Paton Safety Solutions Ltd, brings over 20 years of experience in construction. Having started as a labourer and later moving into health and safety following a fatal accident involving a close friend, Craig also speaks openly about his own experiences with addiction, recovery, and mental health. His perspective comes from both years spent in the industry and lived experience outside of it.

Our conversation explores why many individuals struggle to speak up, how issues can develop unnoticed on site, and the role leadership plays in creating safer, more supportive environments.

Craig also shares insight from his work delivering mental health training and keynote talks across the UK and Europe, highlighting practical ways to improve communication, recognise early signs, and better support people across all levels of the workforce.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast is a relevant watch for anyone working in construction, particularly those responsible for teams, safety, and site culture.

Connect with Craig Paton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaton1982/
Podcast: https://youtube.com/@constructivecomedypresents?si=IDNtscDd_CZoxVg9

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Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Construction doesn’t fail because of process alone — it fails when the people behind it are overlooked. This episode looks at how a People First approach to leadership is reshaping the way projects are delivered and teams are managed on site.

Jonathan Cinelli brings decades of experience from within the construction industry, having worked as an electrician, led teams, and managed large-scale electrical projects. That experience now informs his approach to People First Leadership, a system built specifically for construction environments where performance, safety, and culture are closely linked.

His discussion with host Jimmy Webb explores how leadership decisions on site influence trust, communication, and team dynamics, and why many of the challenges seen across projects can be traced back to how people are managed. It also looks at the impact of generational differences, the pressures placed on site leaders, and the role leadership plays in addressing mental health and retention across the workforce.

Rather than relying on theory, the ideas shared are grounded in real site experience, with a focus on practical changes that can be applied across different levels of responsibility, from foremen and supervisors through to senior leadership.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast also touches on how structured support, coaching, and leadership development can help create more resilient teams, reduce unnecessary friction, and improve overall project outcomes without adding complexity to already demanding roles.

Connect with Jonathan Cinelli:
People First Leadership website: https://www.peoplefirstleadership.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanacinelli/

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🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

____________________________________________

Follow us for other industry updates, thought leadership, house building/DIY tips and the occasional crossword puzzle!

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