Safety summit: Working together to proactively minimise risk
Minimising risk and embedding a zero-harm culture is central to our everyday operations – on-site and in collaboration with our partners.
Our commitment to making sure safety remains a number one priority was reinforced earlier this month (September 11) when we hosted a one-day Safety Summit aimed at tackling near miss incidents.
Between July last year and June this year, we completed more than 60,000 jobs UK-wide, 60% of which were delivered with the help of our trusted third-party suppliers.
Proactive safety principles
Attended by our network of third-party contractors, customers and industry leaders, including Costain, Brookdale Transport, Scottish Power and the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI), the event provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice guidance and shine a collective light on the importance of proactive safety principles.
“Near miss incidents - especially those of a more serious nature - may not result in immediate harm, but they carry the potential to cause serious injury. It’s crucial that we, together with our partners, give these incidents our full attention,” explains Mike Shakeshaft, our HSE Director.
“They should never be seen as minor or benign, but as vital opportunities to prevent future tragedies, strengthen safety practices and build a safer, more resilient culture.
“We’re extremely proud of the relationships we’ve built and value our suppliers as some of the very best in the industry. Safety is everyone’s common goal - by bringing these industry leaders together, we’re collectively striving to achieve our vision of zero harm.”
Highly practical insight
A whole host of highly practical insight was shared throughout the day. This included the measures that can be taken to identify and avoid near miss incidents across four main risk areas – high voltage powerlines, unsecured items in transit, lift plan, controls and load security, and compliance/assurance.
Chris Whitehead, Operation Manager at Brookdale Transport, said: “Events like this are vital, they allow us to learn from one another and move forward together, working safely and collaboratively. We all operate side-by-side, so sharing feedback and best practice is essential to achieving zero harm.”
Ola Faleti, Logistics Manager at Costain, said: “I attended the Safety Summit to learn more about safe lifting operations from Algeco UK, a key partner on several of our contracts. Algeco UK is a safety leader in our industry and hosting events like this shows that protecting people is their top priority.”
Liane Bagley, H&S Consultant, SP Energy Networks said: “Site work is fast-paced and often involves heavy machinery, so it’s vital that teams identify electrical hazards before starting. Tragically 12 people died or suffered life changing injuries last year in the UK from accidental contact with power lines, planning ahead is crucial. Events like the Safety Summit help us share key safety messages, correct misconceptions, and reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.”
In November last year, we announced an outright ban on all mobile phone calls made by employees while driving for business reasons, even with a hands-free unit reinforcing its commitment to safety. Meanwhile, all staff must follow its ten life-saving rules and ‘stop the job’ if there is a risk to theirs or others’ safety.
Further information about our commitment to health and safety can be found at: https://www.algeco.co.uk/temporary/health-safety
