Still Our Responsibility: Embedding CLOCS and Safer Logistics Into Major Projects

Major Projects Association

In this special edition of the Major Projects Association podcast, we’re turning our attention to an issue that sits at the core of every major project yet is too often overlooked beyond the site gates: the risk management of our construction logistics operations on public roads.

As today’s guest, Kate Cairns, starkly reminds us, “We’re killing four times as many people off site every year as we are on site — what are we doing about this?” It’s a powerful challenge to an industry that has made huge strides in on-site safety, yet still treats off-site risk as something separate, accidental, or unavoidable.

Kate is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, and the instigator of the CLOCS standard. Her work has reshaped how the sector understands responsibility, accountability, and the need to manage risk systematically throughout the entire logistics chain. Her advocacy, rooted in profound personal tragedy, has driven a decade of change in how construction vehicles, planning processes, and project teams interact with the communities around them. She is now a CLOCS Advisor, Ambassador and Trainer.
In this episode, host Myrna Rickards, Website Content and Communications Manager at the Major Projects Association, speaks with Kate about why off-site risk must be managed with the same rigour, data, and culture we apply on site. They explore the evolution of the CLOCS standard, why language like “accident” undermines real risk recognition, and how early decisions in planning, procurement, and design can eliminate or reduce hazards long before a vehicle turns a wheel.

Links

CLOCS

CLOCS Standard

An Introduction to CLPs

Guidance for Planners

ICE Guidance for Designers

Planning for Construction Safety report
Kate Cairns BEng (Hons) MSc DIC CEng CEnv FICE
CLOCS Speaker, Trainer, Ambassador

Kate is a multi-award-winning agent of change, Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Following a personal tragedy Kate campaigned for over a decade to inspire and collaborate with an enormous range of (sometimes reluctant) stakeholders resulting in change to legislation, policy and standards at local, national and European level to make our streets safer for active travelers.

She has led the instigation and evolution of a ‘world-first’ industry standard (CLOCS), to reduce the risk of construction vehicles, the biggest deterrent to cyclists. Kate has embedded CLOCS into Local Authority policy both as a Councillor and now through delivery of the CLOCS Training.

Kate has led strategy and standards with the Institution of Civil Engineers creating a world-first standard in sustainability for infrastructure; chairing the Fairness Inclusion & Respect Committee producing a range of best practice; serving on the nomination committee and Council. As a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at Durham University she lectured on Embedding Sustainability and Inclusion into Engineering.

As well as CLOCS Ambassador and Trainer, Kate is a professional speaker, advisor and consultant helping clients realise the business synergies of sustainability, safety and inclusivity. She advises on major projects across the UK and Europe.

Kate has featured on national TV, radio, broadsheets, and in trade press and podcasts.

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn.

Myrna Rickards
Website, Content & Communications Manager, Major Projects Association

Myrna is responsible for maintaining and developing the Major Projects Association’s website, managing the member newsletters, commissioning, editing and publishing blogs and podcasts, and overseeing the knowledge repository. Her work ensures that insights, learning and resources are well-curated, accessible and valuable across the major projects community.

She also serves as Secretary to the Studies & Knowledge Committee, which helps shape the Association’s research and knowledge programme. The Committee brings together perspectives from across sectors to examine themes that influence the initiation and delivery of major projects, ensuring the work reflects the breadth and diversity of our membership.

Myrna joined the Association in June 2023 and brings over 20 years of combined experience in digital marketing, content development and website management across publishing, education and small business. She has founded and run two successful businesses, built and managed multiple websites, and mentored small business owners on digital strategy and growth. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Connect with Myrna on LinkedIn.