A new report from the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and Asthma UK says that about six million people aged over 65 in England are at high risk of health issues such as lung damage and asthma attacks. The culprit? Toxic air. The report finds that older people, those with lung disease, and the most vulnerable to the effects of pollution are often the most exposed to toxic air. Air quality is an area that we’re particularly passionate here at Vindico. It’s also the reason why we created our Think Air initiative. Led by our Head of R&D, Paul Lewis, Think Air is helping to provide a more accurate picture of  background air pollution levels. This, in turn, helps make local air pollution-reducing initiatives more achievable. “This latest report on toxic air is further evidence of the impacts of particulates on the health of more vulnerable people in society,” says Paul Lewis. “It reinforces the need to revise PM2.5 limit values and targets as soon as possible. It’s alarming when you see the figures for care homes, GP practices, and hospitals. The potential exposure of the elderly and patients to PM2.5 levels above the limits recommended by the WHO is also alarming. “I echo Professor Alistair Lewis’ comments. The PM2.5 that we breathe might often come from many miles away. This is one reason why we can’t rely solely on modelled data. There needs to be widespread monitoring of this pollutant to get a full understanding of where it comes from and the harm it causes.” And that’s exactly what we’re hoping to achieve with Think Air. It’s already on track to being the largest live Air Quality sensor network in Wales. We’ve also started to expand to counties across the border in England, too. Think Air is changing the way we measure, monitor, raise awareness of air quality. It’s also driving positive change, which, in the wake of this new report exposing the impact of toxic air on our health, it’s more essential than ever.   You can find out more about Think Air and our commitment to better

The Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets join the Welsh Rugby Union by using our SWAPP Lite app for their upcoming home games. This follows the WRU’s successful rollout of SWAPP Lite. It’s been used at the Autumn Internationals at Parc Y Scarlets, and at this year’s Six Nations home games. You can find out how the WRU are using SWAPP Lite this Six Nations here. But back to the story. Even with Welsh sport being played behind closed doors, there’s still lots of people to keep safe – from the teams and staff to medics, contractors and the media. And SWAPP Lite will be helping the Cardiff Blues and Scarlets do just that. The safety app is a bespoke version of the original SWAPP app we created for Transport for Wales. It features a handy QR code scanner, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features. It also has the ability to monitor standards and accreditations. This lets organisations make sure that all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet current required guidelines. As our MD Jo puts it: “When we were developing SWAPP Lite with Welsh rugby in mind, it was important for us to not just focus on the new problems the pandemic has brought us. We also wanted to fix some old problems, too. “We’re actively using these new challenges as a catalyst for positive change. We’re delivering something that will continue to add value, even once restrictions are lifted.” In true #ThinkPurple fashion, we’re always thinking ahead. Additional features and enhancements are already being added to SWAPP Lite. “We’ve recently added a fire register and have replaced the sign in/out book,” says Jo. “This provides the venue with simple contact management for staff and contractors, all while ensuring a safer working environment that’s fit for today’s challenges. “It creates a fantastic platform for further development, integration and utility. It’s also making the most of the changing state that we’ve all been forced to adopt. “When life gives us lemons, we make some pretty cool lemonade!” Want to turn lemons into lemonade? Or – in this instance – help your organisation adapt and navigate these changing times? Drop us a line to find out how SWAPP Lit can help you and your workplace operate smoothly and safely both during and after

Following a successful rollout at the Autumn Internationals, the Welsh Rugby Union are using our SWAPP Lite app to keep their teams and staff safe during this year’s Six Nations. SWAPP Lite (which stands for Safe Workplace APPlication) is a unique app. It’s been developed to meet the strict COVID-19 safety guidelines of both the WRU and the Welsh Government. How? Well, SWAPP Lite allows the WRU to track and trace at home games. The app also has an added permit module that allows teams, staff, broadcasters, and contractors to register in advance. This lets them confirm that they’re safe to attend each event. This is the second time the WRU will be using SWAPP Lite. It follows a successful performance during the Autumn Internationals at Parc Y scarlets. Read more about the initial rollout here. “With people travelling from all over the country to make the Six Nations happen, the Welsh Rugby Union’s focus is to deliver the best possible event with the safest possible working environment. And that’s why they came to us,”  says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “It’s brilliant to continue our work with the WRU and build on what we delivered for the Autumn Internationals at Parc y Scarlets. “Even with games being played behind closed doors, there is still a huge responsibility to keep teams, staff, contractors, and broadcasters safe. “Bringing SWAPP Lite to the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park means we yet again get to help sport take place safely in Wales. “There is definitely more to come from our SWAPP Lite app in the coming months. We have created a really simple tool with huge scope that can just as easily be used to help our kids get back to school – something I know my Wife would like very much!” And the WRU aren’t the only sports organisation rolling out the SWAPP Lite app. Following the recent success of the app, both the Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues will adopt the SWAPP Lite app for their home games at Parc Y Scarlets and the Arms Park. But how did it come about? Good question. Swapp Lite is a bespoke version of our SWAPP app, which was originally created for Transport For Wales. The app is tailored to each unique scenario to provide a safe way to control access to venues and workplaces. Aside from a handy QR code scanner, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features, the app also monitors standards and accreditations. This, in turn, makes sure that all members of staff are up-to-date and meet current required guidelines. Could your team, organisation or workplace benefit from SWAPP Lite? To find out more about SWAPP – and how it can help your business or event meet the latest Government or industry safety criteria – drop us a