Site managers build a perfect safety record

Jan 30 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ONE of the region’s builders is proving that health and safety is a top priority after four of its sites in the region reported zero health and safety issues during 2008.

Figures from the National House Building Council (NHBC) show that Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East in Sunderland has achieved a health and safety score of just 1.5, compared to an industry average of over 5.

As part of the assessment process, the NHBC carries out monthly site inspections and further inspections are carried out by FHM’s health and safety team.

All site results are recorded on a league table throughout the year, and the lowest health and safety score is eligible for a Keith Wilkinson trophy, which is named after FHM’s late construction director.

Site managers Barry Metters, Jim Sawyer, James McCourt and Graeme Dougherty are now the proud recipients of the trophy after achieving zero scores.

Mr Metters said: “It’s fantastic news that myself and three other site managers have achieved such high health and safety scores, and the award proves that as a company we are performing well above the industry average.”

Darren Ellis, FHM’s health and safety manager, said: “As a company, we run the Keith Wilkinson trophy as it provides us with an accurate measure of our overall health and safety performance.

“We also find that it generates a high level of motivation and a strong sense of competition across site teams, which means health and safety standards remain high as our site managers all want to come out on top.”